"You are right that one's bicycling skills play a tremendous role; however, if municipalities, business owners, schools and other areas all make their neighborhoods more bicycle friendly, it can only help."
Is this true?
Seattle is painting bike lanes onto the street that violate the rules of the road while telling bicyclists that riding with traffic us unpleasant and dangerous. They ignore the advice of Bicycle Drivers to follow the rules of the road and then call their bike facilities "safe and convenient" creating a powerful myth about bicycling and safety. This discourages bicyclists from taking responsibility to follow the rules and learn how to get along with other drivers. Actually, with the striping it makes it impossible without the bicyclist practicing social disobedience. Can this "only help"?
Which bicyclists do better? Those who take responsibility for their behavior, or those who demand special treatment that absolves them of the responsibility of following the rules? If we know which is better, then we will know where to start and how to prioritize.
Should we help bicyclists challenge popular bicycling myths and replace them with healthy thoughts that help bicyclists become responsible competent drivers able to share the road?
If I am persistent, I must say that I enjoy challenging popular myths - especially when the alternatives are so powerful and rewarding.
david of WA1:42PM May 22, 2010
Sarah has a good point. As Rogers says most Americans are not out of work at a given point of time but most Americans feel precarious given the severe economic crisis we have been experiencing in recent years. I agree with Sarah that unless we come up with a rational economic system, which provides some degree of certainty and stability to the lives of the working people, we will not be able solve the environmental crisis we are facing today.
First, we need to understand how the economic system we have now, works. It may be a rational choice to ride a bicycle, which is a less costly alternative to driving a car,given the present economic difficulties. This may be a rational choice at individual level and also good for society and the environment. However, when people switch to bicycle from cars, then auto companies can not realize profit, investiment shrinks, unemployment ensues.
avniof MD11:59AM May 22, 2010
Sarah:
Don't overreact. Though and unfortunately, many Americans are out of work, it is ridiculous to say that most are. Additionally, with the economy in this state of disarray, now is a more than perfect time to promote other, less-expensive forms of getting around. Car ownership is one of the most expensive items in a personal budget for many people in the United States.
David:
You are right that one's bicycling skills play a tremendous role; however, if municipalities, business owners, schools and other areas all make their neighborhoods more bicycle friendly, it can only help.
Rogerof FL4:42AM May 22, 2010
Sounds like China to me.
fvfof WI10:54PM May 21, 2010
How utterly pointless to promote a health-conscious, environmentally-friendly 'month' while most Americans are either out of work or terrified they'll be canned the next time they take a personal day.
Sarahof NJ10:44PM May 21, 2010
"How easy your commute will be by bike largely depends on where you live"
Is this true?
I thought it depended on how well you ride your bike.
I thought that bicyclists who learn to handle their bikes much better with simple bike handling skills have an easier time.
And how about bicyclists that take personal responsibility to learn the rules of the road so they actually WORK for them? Don't they have a MUCH easier time?
I know its popular to excuse bicyclists of responsibility and give them special treatment. But, have you even considered comparing the ease of commuting between the two populations of bicyclists (those who learn to drive their bikes with traffic versus those who want special treatment) BEFORE announcing the results and completely ignoring responsible bicycle drivers?
David Smithof WA10:15PM May 21, 2010
Why, are the Obama's forcing us to ride our bikes now??? If not, it won't be long!!
releggnehof IN9:49PM May 21, 2010
I bike 19.87 miles, round-trip to/from work every day. I average 21 MPH with favorable winds. I'm in Florida (central west coast). Shoulders along my route are plenty wide enough, and vehicular traffic (for the most part) is accommodating.
I've found the riding in rush-hour traffic is the easiest. Everyone seems very civil. Riding mid-afternoon, or on the weekends is a different story. That's when a**holes honk or scream at me. I figure the working class are respectful and courteous. Those that don't have a job (during the weekday) and younger kids skipping school are the ones who think it's funny to intimidate cyclists.
I've gotten very good at snagging license plates from cars whizzing by at 60-70 MPH. If they honk, I take note. Family law enforcement has it's benefits, and the owner of the car gets a visit.
fedupof FL8:07PM May 21, 2010
"How easy your commute will be by bike largely depends on where you live"
Is this true?
I thought it depended on how well you ride your bike.
I thought that bicyclists who learn to handle their bikes much better with simple bike handling skills have an easier time.
And how about bicyclists that take personal responsibility to learn the rules of the road so they actually WORK for them? Don't they have a MUCH easier time?
I know its popular to excuse bicyclists of responsibility and give them special treatment. But, have you even considered comparing the ease of commuting between the two populations of bicyclists (those who learn to drive their bikes with traffic versus those who want special treatment) BEFORE announcing the results and completely ignoring responsible bicycle drivers?
David Smithof WA6:08PM May 21, 2010
It was a good day to WALK to work in San Francisco today.
You don't need a machine to get where you want to go. Think outside the bike.
Reader Comments
Back to article
david of WA 1:42PM May 22, 2010
avni of MD 11:59AM May 22, 2010
Roger of FL 4:42AM May 22, 2010
fvf of WI 10:54PM May 21, 2010
Sarah of NJ 10:44PM May 21, 2010
David Smith of WA 10:15PM May 21, 2010
releggneh of IN 9:49PM May 21, 2010
fedup of FL 8:07PM May 21, 2010
David Smith of WA 6:08PM May 21, 2010
Avery St. Clair of CA 5:29PM May 21, 2010