Originally Posted by
dahut
I WISH our planners would do more than make bike lanes a recreational destination, as you put it..
The very few that exist here are just that - of little use but to toddle along and look at the scenery.
This is fine for those so inclined, but it does little for those who actually want to get somewhere - like to work, to stores, etc.
Personally I would happily ride through industrial areas, warehouse districts and other marginal areas like highways... since I must traverse such areas to get to work and more than a few other places I might want to go.
Ive been wondering about this all day, actually, i.e. :
Where lies the difference in thinking between bicycles as mere toys/recreation and as serious
transportation.
What does it take to have planners provide for them as the latter (if that is even possible)?
I understand completely what your saying but I also understand why they are putting the MUPS in the most scenic places they can and not the most functional. First of all the expense of the MUPs in our area are very expensive and to get buy in from the donors you have to put the MUP's in the most scenic places first so that the most people can enjoy them.
Also being in the south presents another challenge in trying to get public to see us bike commuters as less of a nuisance and more of an alternative transportation. I guess what I am trying to say is that unfortunately its just going to take take time before we see the changes in our roads and drivers attitudes that are more friendly toward bike commuters that we crave right now. Although I think my area has come a long way in a short time, I only see better things ahead in terms of improvements in MUP's and bike lanes in SC
