Here in what is historically a fairly rural location, it would seem that people would be more interested in seeing this kind of option. But (good-natured kidding from my co-workers and friends aside) there is some real reluctance to move over. Last Friday in particular was just awful. I usually ride with the traffic, but I had to run an errand on the opposite side of the street and rode down the "wrong" side of the road. People were right on me before they moved over, if they did at all. Now, you need to keep in mind that there are no paved shoulders. I do ride a mountain bike, with big knobby tires. But it's still easier to ride on the pavement. There are no sidewalks, no walking/biking trails, no alternative. Just a 4" strip on which to ride. It was scary to see the looks on people's faces as they drove by me - and didn't give me any space...
Legally, bicycles are considered vehicles. Cyclists should be given appropriate right of way, which includes a 4' buffer. If it is impossible to pass safely, then do not pass. Just wait - you'll still get there... Maybe 15 seconds later... And regardless, you wouldn't want to cause an accident - that would really slow you up, increase insurance, and generally ruin your day.
I am hoping that with increasing gas costs, people will make more trips on their bicycles and walking. As we do so, more pressure may be brought to bear on policy makers to create bike-and pedestrian-friendly transit options.
1 comment :
Like your blog. I too hope people (I guess that includes us planners) see the need for creating space for bicycles and other modes of transportation. If people are given comfortable, safe, reasonable options to cars I'm sure more people would consider them. It should be easy and fun to bike 2.5 miles to work. It's done in plenty of places. I recently read that about 30% of Copenhagen's (sp?) population bikes (they have a neat blog out there - can't find the link to it now).
It's not too much to ask for.
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