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More bikes, healthier planet: but how to get there?

Rex

Bicycle use is experiencing a resurgence in much of the world, even the French are riding! In the USA, bicycling is on the cusp of even greater growth, rating the attacks of House Republicans who eliminated funding in the latest transportation bill. Yet, most cities still are hostile to experienced riders much less the average person.

In South America over 150 cities host weekly Ciclovias with attendees numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Despite the immense popularity of “open streets,” on Monday morning, the streets close to human transport. Even in overly lauded Portland, Oregon, most major streets are still frightening to cycle, with narrow or non-existent cycleways, high speed traffic and a culture that elevates speed above safety. If cycling is to increase, do we need Mayor Bloombergs everywhere? What do you find that works to give this affordable, convenient, healthy transportation option a leg up?

3 Comments so far
  • Dougpaz

    It seems like such a simple thing but a local government, Mount Juliet, TN recently put up the three feet minimum distance signs to give to bikers and it’s amazing how much it makes you think as you see them. They are a nice size and impossible to miss and they’ve placed quite a number of them on the roads all over the area.

    • http://twitter.com/Gettingto2100 Getting To 2100

      Hmmm. Interesting idea. I see bike lanes as very similar–a reminder to “be polite” and give cyclists a little room.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=688493819 Stefan Doering

      Cool idea. What if there were t-shirts for bikers to wear. We could really use that here in NYC!

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