I'm already seeing more and more people riding bikes (many, I'm sure, are commuters) around here. An increase of 25%? Heck, an increase of 5% would signal a major change in attitudes around here. Most people around here wouldn't walk three blocks to mail a letter, much less ride a bike. Most of the people (although not all, mind you) I see riding bikes tend to be lower income and, sadly, probably less educated. I will give props to the Mormons I see riding around here. They tend to obey the rules of the road better than any other group (including some of the "elite" cyclists *gasp*), wear helmets, and have front and rear lights on their bikes.

Having said that, the county is updating their master development plans, and included in the plans are ways to facilitate alternative transportation. They're talking about putting in a wide (somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 to 16 foot-wide) pedestrian-bike "boardwalk" along the beach. The "boardwalk" would be made of concrete rather than wood, as an improvement post-Katrina, and would eventually run the 26 miles from Henderson Point in the west to Point Cadet in the east (basically bridge-to-bridge). I know a number of bicyclists are looking forward to it, although I'm concerned about the interactions between bicyclists and pedestrians (not to mention rollerbladers, skateboarders, etc.). In the mornings, it would mean I'd pretty much have a private (or semi-private) bike path (I don't expect to see too many pedestrians at six in the morning ) There is also talk of other possible improvements (signage, bike lanes, Bike/Walk Days, etc.). I truly believe that given the flat terrain and beautiful weather, that the Gulf Coast could easily be the South's answer to Portland and Seattle. I'm willing to voluteer to assist them in any way I can to help bring about these changes. And I think that is the key thing to do, if we want to improve and increase bicycling in any area. Don't just say you'd want something done, go out and do something about it.