Robert Wisdom
Thu, 18 Jul 2002 21:01:16 -0700
I have commuted by bike off and on since 1981. I have taken the first
Effective Cycling course and thought most, but not all, of it made sense. I
use bike lanes when they are available and will go a couple blocks out of
the way to use them. Even if I believed they were more dangerous (and I
haven't made up my mind on the issue), I would continue to push for them
and use them myself for these reasons:
* They are a visible sign that officialdom that bikes are to be taken
seriously.
* I *feel* safer. This *may* be an illusion, but it is important to me.
Even more important to me than my actual safety.
* It gives me a chance to engage drivers in spirited discussion. I have
markings I can point to.
* It gives me a chance to engage other cyclists in spirited discussion.
Especially about riding with, not against, traffic.
I wrote this post off the top of my head, I'm sure what I say is true,
but there may be points I'm missing.
Robert Wisdom
> The unfortunate thing in this discussion is that niether side is
> representative of typical bicyclists or people who might choose to bike.
[snip]
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