Can we talk?

Bicyclists and Motorists

         Most of our "downtown" roads have bike lanes added in. That means in some areas, merchants had to give up parking spaces for their customers. But the county roads are another story. Many roads are winding, on hilly terrain, and have overgrown vegetation on the sides. The lack of a decent shoulder makes it difficult for pedestrians, who can jump into the grass or ditch without a wreck.

         These county roads were not designed for bicyclists. The road from my subdivision is a good example. When there is a biker on the road, traffic must slow and follow for miles, because the curves in the road are too frequent to allow visibility of oncoming traffic. No one observes the speed limit which varies from 35 to 55, so a biker could be seriously injured. At the end closest to the main highway, there are turning lanes, a middle lane, and sidewalks around the apartments that allow more room.

         There is currently a petition to ban bike riding from certain busy roads, unless there is a tournament with adequate warning, road blockage, and security monitors. Outrage breaks out over everything, so there is much grumbling about this. Bicyclists claim that if it's public everyone should have free unlimited use of it. Others say only people buying gas pay for the roads.

         I say safety is the most important factor. Why don't bicyclists want to be safe? Build more bike lanes. Use the myriad mountain bike trails around this city. Bike in the rural subdivisions (they are full of hills and curves, but less traffic). If the bike is your primary transportation, then take a bus or drive to the commuter lots and switch to a bike where you will be safer.

         Whatever conclusion we reach, bikers need to be more considerate of drivers. Nobody wants to kill or maim you.