Cycling columnist Kay Cahill was looking for input on specific problems with our cycling infrastructure. But they all stem from the hostile attitude toward cyclists from our motoring public. Our politicians, bureaucrats and engineers could have most of the problems solved within months if it wasn't for the pushback from irate motorists. Kay herself is one of them, a motorist disguised as a cyclist. To her, and especially your other cycling column contributors, a bike is still a toy. Kay makes this abundantly clear with her stated pet peeve.
A bike is for fun after you've finished driving. Do not commute by bike. Do not go to school or social functions by bike. But especially, under no circumstances, ever shop by bike. You are not welcome to ride your bike on our shopping streets because every single one of them is a major thoroughfare. And according to Kay, cyclists are blocking traffic (we are traffic) rather than banishing themselves to the bike routes.
One doesn't always know exactly where a specific shop is and where to exit the bike route to find it. A motorist may spew environmental toxins in blocks-long searches for a shop... or parking. Cyclists. Nyet!
Your cycling columnists deter cyclists from participating in the community and in the economy-unless it's buying some over-priced racing gear or scaring the hell out of potential timid cyclists with super-macho stories. We have inadequate bike parking and a lack of safe cycling facilities on our shopping streets and merchants who spew venom when we add cycling capacity (that is... capacity!) to their storefront street. They whine about losing a few parking spots and ignore the hundreds of new potential customers on their bikes.
It's no wonder that cyclists avoid certain businesses. But they've never been invited to any of them. To the contrary, even "cycling advocates" say, "get away from here!".
Ditch your car, Kay. Become a cyclist. Then you'll see.
Ron van der Eerden, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
