I've followed this thread with mixed feelings of sadness, frustration and anger. Marsha reached out to this group as representing local bicyclists for thoughtful assistance on a real problem. We've all seen it. Bicyclists acting like jerks. They ride oblivious to any semblance of courtesy or respect for others. I'll spare you my stories - I'm sure you have your own. Fortunately, they represent only a small portion of bicyclists, just like the really problematic drivers only represent a small portion of motorists.
I don't have an answer for Marsha, and I'm not sure there is one. I appreciate her at least coming to us, most of our opponents aren't going to bother. I do believe (and have stated on this forum) that every time there is an incident we lose another supporter for initiatives aimed at improving bicycle infrastructure, complete streets, vulnerable user, etc. We've apparently lost the battle at the State level. While there is still support at the County and City level for bicycling, we lose a bit each time voters are subjected to thoughtless behavior from cyclists. We all know there isn't some bicycle czar that can enforce decent behavior, but as a group we should expect that those adversely impacted are going to seek solutions that limit or even remove bicycle access they find problematic. Richard Schifreen [email protected] Message: 1 Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2015 01:46:06 +0000 From: Patrick Lenon <[email protected]> To: "Rummel, Marsha" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Bikies] [MarqNA] Bicycling on the sidewalk in Orton Park Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Ok, then, here's my input: Let's not apply permanent solutions to temporary problems. If this were a chronic problem, I'd be all for some kind of structural solution. Barriers, enforcement, whatever. But just like I have kids who buzz down my sidewalk on the way to school, the people (I'm assuming young people) who have been buzzing Orton will calm down or grow up. I don't mean to diminish the concerns of the folks who got buzzed, it's inexcusable. But as the philosopher said, this too shall pass. Although it wouldn't hurt it to give an "On your left" as it passes... -------------Patrick Lenon From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2015 01:15:52 +0000 CC: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [Bikies] [MarqNA] Bicycling on the sidewalk in Orton Park ?I asked for input. Asking for input should not be seen as rattling cages. I am aware of at least two people have been nicked/clipped/hit by bikes, please imagine if that was you. I am not proposing changes at this time but seeking feedback and ideas. Thank you. Marsha _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
