Can Michiana Become a Bicycle-Friendly Community?
Posted by Henry Scott on July 22, 2008
Given Pat’s tragic death, the answer to this question is less clear to me than it was just a week ago. Obviously, our first priority is to grieve and support Nancy and her family. When ready, however, let’s honor Nancy’s request and attempt to make something positive come of this.
- What can we do to get drivers to better respect and be more aware of cyclists on the road?
- With huge budget cuts looming, how can the city improve its infrastructure to better accommodate cyclists?
- Although Pat was following prudent safe-cycling procedures, many cyclists don’t. How can we better educate cyclists to ride in a safe and predictable manner?
I don’t think there are any easy answers to these questions, but we need to brainstorm and get active. Please submit VOP letters to help raise awareness about this tragedy.
There are several advocacy groups already active in Michiana: The Paint the Town Coalition (promoting bicycle lanes and routes), The Bicycle-Friendly Community group, Bike to Work Week and the currently forming Michiana Bicycle Coalition. There will be a Bike Summit to organize community efforts on August 7th. Get involved!
wanderingsage said
speaking of budget cuts why is mitch daniels putting new curbs in on linconlway instead of fixing the horrid road?????
the way the goverment decides what to spend on is apauling
wanderingsage said
how bout a end of summer media blitz followed up by a michiana bike summit at iusb or some where similar… (perhaps on a sat or sun so i can attend)
Slawomir Fryska said
Educating drivers and bicyclists are half measures, there will not be lasting effect of that. And danger will remain. I tried biking to work, but decided the risk was too much, no matter how careful I was.
The only real solution is to separate cars from bicycles. This is not a pipe dream, half of Europe is already enjoying this. And I’m not talking about sidewalks for dual bicycle/pedestrian use or road shoulders painted with bike symbols. I’m talking about dedicated bike paths with its own street signs and traffic lights taking people shopping, to work, to parks, movies, restaurants, etc.
This is smaller investment than Mitch’s Major Moves money waster. And it would not benefit just the bikers. Taking cars off the road decreases congestion and lowers pollution. The community wins, the place becomes more livable, people-oriented rather than car-oriented. The economics of this is well documented and available for everybody who cares to read. If people in Germany, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Portland, many places in Colorado have that vision and are able to make it happen, what’s wrong with Michiana?