LittleBigMan

My vision of bicycle commuting is simple: one should be able to get from anywhere to anywhere by bicycle. This is now possible, but not always practical.

Planners have bent over backwards to provide good roads for motorists. But they have left cyclists out of the picture. The fact that they have tried to build us sidewalks disguised as "bike facilities" proves that we are an afterthought to them.

They should think a little harder.

We cyclists can (and do) use the same roads as motorists. But cycling would be much easier, faster, safer and enjoyable if planners would give the same amount of thought to our needs as they do motorists' needs.

It's really not that hard! Instead of planning cyclists off the roads, plan them onto the roads!

:thumbup:

Chris L

The best bike path in existence is the road.

ljbike

Pete, the only way to accomplish this is through Politics.
Here in Maine, we have a very active group that lobbies the politicos and was able to get a Bicycle advocate appointed to the DMV. He has gotten legislation passed that requires all new roads to have extra wide shoulders for bicycle useage. Our group also makes contacts with the many newspapers in the state to get stories prejudicial in favor of biking published.
Just ranting won't get the job done. If GA has such a group, as ours, it would be in your best interest to support them with money or time or both. (This is applicable to every state.)
The politicians won't spend the money unless it makes them appear as Heros trying to benefit their constituency, and the engineers won't design the roads to accomodate bikers unless they are told to by the politicians.

It's kind of a catch 22, but it's one that can be overcome with diligent effort.

JonR

You said it, Chris.

LittleBigMan

All effective political movements start with a good rant.

JonR

...and/or dumping tea in Boston Harbor.

Matadon

Do we have to get naked and paint ourselves as Indians?

LittleBigMan

Mat,

You're thinking of the party afterwards.

SD Fixed

Well,

Look at the "Critical Mass" movement that happens in San Francisco. It appears to do little good, but the issue is that there is little to no room for improvement in that city. I felt in danger on the side walk at times. (Poll: what's more scary, City Bus, or Taxi).

But in places where this is room for planning (i.e. Otay Mesa in Socal) I think our voices are easier to hear.

What do I do for this?

The Navy Pays me for mass transit so I don't drive.

chewa

Unfortunately, I feel that the big push to get people on cycles will not come as a result of any political free will, but because we are slowly choking the Earth to death and using all it's resources. It will be a last gasp effort and I'm sure too little too late.

Just this week Uk news confirmed the "best ever" sales figures for new cars ,2.3 million in the last year
Our population is about 60 mill.

Where are they all going to go?

Ellie

Why, the M25 of course!

(M25 being the big road around London. Always, always queues. Although I've heard that 3am on a Sunday is pretty clear...)

Ellie

LittleBigMan

I envision this crawling "parking lot" suddenly running out of petrol, all at once.

How far will people have to walk home?

"Hey buddy, give ya $100 bucks for your bike."

"$100 bucks? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"