Originally Posted by
John Forester
That depends entirely on what meaning is applied to "cycling in America". You yourself, genec, admit to cycling in the manner that I recommend, because that is obviously best for yourself, and, by extension, for any individual cyclist.
However, if one considers the future of cycling in America, that covers a multitude of sins. I am thoroughly opposed to the official governmental program of stupid, unskilled, and therefore dangerous, bicycle use. That certainly is popular, but I consider it to be unethical, even immoral. Therefore, I say that a better policy would be one of properly accommodating lawful, competent cyclists; not that I ever expect that to be adopted. The question, today, is how lawful, competent cyclists can continue to operate in the governmental and social environment that exists and will probably continue.
So you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. What you have stated is that you doubt "properly accommodating cyclists" will ever be adopted, and at the same time you refuse to consider "the government program that enables the unskilled." So essentially you support nothing. Neither "a dead end program," nor "a no skills" program. So by your refusals, you are now a non-supporter of cycling in America. OK, we now know where you stand... would you please step down so someone else that has declared themselves an "expert" can get in there and if nothing else at least tell the government where to spend the monies they feel inclined to spend.
Folks like John Pucher, and Roger Geller, and Annie Melton, Mia Birk and of course Earl Blumenauer at least have visions of how to move cycling forward... you seem to be wedged into some little nook of self protectionism that offers no forward hope to cycling in America. You've had your moment. Time to sit down now.
Yes, I have used vehicular cycling to move about the country... and to commute... and I have used well designed cycling facilities. I've also seen and used far superior systems that accommodate all cyclists, not just the strong, brave young men that tend to be the core of the less than 2% of the cyclists that make up the modal share in America.
It is indeed time for cycling in America to be for everyone. It should be as easy to ride a bike in America as it is to drive a car!