But is Eric really representative of most bicyclists? I don't assume that there is this huge group of potential BFW members out there that won't join simply because the BFW at present supports Smart Growth. I don't know. Maybe there are fewer bikers and BFW members because: (A) bicycling groups in the other parts of the state don't know about the BFW (one beef I have with some groups in Madison is their Madison-centric organizing) or (B) The land use patterns communities in Wisconsin (and elsewhere for that matter) have adopted since WWII have made bicycling a non-option for serious transportation.
When I lived in Madison, I often biked around the Isthmus (which is also where I happened to live), but rarely went to the far west side by bike or to the east town or west town malls by bike because I perceived it as too far to travel for my needs and in some cases (like riding on Lien, East Town Blvd and Zeier roads) too dangerous. Eric seems to believe that the environment we live in has no impact on what we choose to do. That suburban style large lot commercial with few roads dedicated to high-speed traffic is perfectly fine and doesn't impact bicycling behavior at all. I'm trying to take a middle approach - I agree with his statement that there should be a focus on increasing grassroots support, but we also have a responsibility - as a statewide advocacy agency - to be another organizational voice that highlights the connection between land use patterns and transportation choices (as well as bicycle paths, lanes, safe routes to school, etc). Maybe what we need more of is discussion on "bikies" and in community meetings (outside of just Milwaukee and Madison) about how or whether land use affects transportation options. I think most experience bicyclists who take a look around when they ride will find that yes, there is a connection. I would be wary about drastically changing BFW policy based off of the opinion of just one person - be them libertarian (ie conservative) or liberal. -Kirk On 11/4/07, Richard Schwinn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Actually, he's a perfect example of why we need to stick to bicycles. If > we have room for him we have room for ditto heads, dot heads and every other > kind of cheese head. > > Richard > > Kirk Rappe wrote: > > No problem! I didn't know if you were serious or not. Personally I don't > agree with much of what Eric is saying, although his point that encouraging > people to understand the benefits of bicycling to their neighborhood and > themselves and that will spur change does ring true. > -Kirk > > > > On 11/3/07, Richard Schwinn < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > Kirk, > > > > Sorry for getting too cute about your comments. I really appreciate > > what you were saying. > > > > Richard > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Bikies mailing list > > [email protected] > > http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies > > > > > > -- > Kirk Rappe > > Masters of Urban Planning > College of Architecture and Urban Planning > University of Washington > > | 608 | 215-4590 > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > -- Kirk Rappe Masters of Urban Planning College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Washington | 608 | 215-4590 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
_______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
