Lane Envy
By now I’m sorta tired of reading about how great bike infrastructure is in a place like the Netherlands.
But slowly the U.S. is getting a little better at building those ordinary bike paths. Reading about new things happening in each city gets me wondering if the bike lanes are greener on the other side.
And as I follow for every bit of news about improving infrastructure it’s frustrating to learn about ridiculous places that are way ahead of my own locale.
Sometimes it seems to make more sense to move rather than wait for slow incremental change around me.
My city council has just voted to rip up three bike lanes. They need to consult for better alternatives. Sigh.
Where do you live that is going backwards?
probably Sydney?
Might not be the same place Vanessa lives, but Edmonton Alberta just voted to rip up two major bike lanes, only about two years after they were installed. Between installation and removal costs, those two bike lanes for two years cost us $5 million.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d voted to rip out another one somewhere I hadn’t heard of.
Yes other places have better cycling pedestrian infrastructure. If you want better you, the cyclists writ large, need to start getting active. Find and support your local advocacy group. Help them push. Show up at commission, boards, council meetings and make your voice heard.
Say why the infrastructure is needed. Push safety for all road user which includes children. Have data supporting your cause and how business improves where proper infrastructure exists.
Don’t leave it for the other guy. I spent 8 years on a bike commission and we averaged 1, one, member of the public per monthly meeting unless there was a proposal to reduce on street parking or anot unneeded traffic lane.
If you don’t help, who will…….?
Google: “Tucson”. What a great bike city! And it never snows! : )
Just back from 2 weeks in Ireland. Bikes lanes and bikers and traffic calming everywhere especially Dublin & suburbs. Now that Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (an Irish American) has been blessed by the Pope with the infallibility of the scientific doctrine of dangerous anthropogenic climate change there is hope that real and pervasive pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure will arrive in Boston. Have faith Bikeyface!
Louisville has both a significant art museum (the Speed) and parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Why, you’d practically still be in Boston.
The Speed is currently closed for renovation (3 years total) and I wouldn’t compare it to any major art museum in quality, but I do love the Olmsted Parks. Lots of festivals here too! Our bike infra is not great though, despite our “silver status”. Poorly planned and not maintained, plus a lot of animosity from motorists.