This piece struck me, all the car culture has to do is scream "inappropriate" and they kill a project. I've seen this kind of thing in the DC suburbs. Crap like "a bike path through our neighborhood is inappropriate because it will attract criminals." They brought that excuse up to try to kill the Cap Crescent trail and they did kill the extension of the W&OD trail to Potomac Yards. A common thing around here is a neighborhood with homes adjacent to public property will gradually extend their yards into the public space. Then they'll scream bloody murder at any plan to allow the public to use the space. Criminals, trash and get this one from Alexandria- "Bikers on the trail will make too much noise and disturb the wildlife." Inappropriate.

For an example of what Platy is talking about check out the Eastern Townships in Quebec. They sent all kinds of maps and stuff when I was planning an unsupported independent tour. Then out on the roads and in the towns the locals were very accommodating. We did the bed and breakfast thing, they let us put our bikes in locking garages, gave discounts for bike tourists etc. One bed and breakfast operator told us that the reason he loved bike tourists is they arrive late, shower, eat, sleep, get up early and get out of his hair. He said golf tourists were the worst because they liked to linger over a long breakfast. He saw the bike tourists as easier money than the golf tourists who made him work harder.

When we got up early at another B&B to get an early start, the owner heard us and got up and insisted on making us a quick breakfast hours before the regular time so we wouldn't start out hungry. I guess what I'm trying to reinforce is that if the community isn't into it, it won't happen.