Bicycles, Our Transport Infrastructure, City Roads and How Do We Make Biking Safer

The recent accident in Austin, made me think more about the various issues and aspects of how we all (drivers and bicyclists) are sharing the roads.  The reality is very strange — no matter that bicycles are one of the most efficient and wide used mode of transportation around the world, in most countries including the US, the road infrastructure and city infrastructures are not very bicycle friendly (to put it mildly).  Bicycles are becoming capable of reaching greater speeds, they are more comfortable, allow for a very good transportation / commute alternative to cars and motorcycles, yet, we probably spend the least amount of effort to ensure the safety and proper infrastructure and ensure even more people adopting them for heavy use.

The reality is that many of the bicyclists today are very much affraid to make frequent or long journeys even just inside the city….Why?  Because of the dangers our roads present….

That perception and attitude by the general population will continue until the cities around the US start implementing more infrastructure that is purposefully built for the biking community.  I remember how impressed I was to see bicycle lanes along the roads in the city in 1996 during my first visit to Phoenix (on a job interview).  Soon after that I moved to Phoenix, started a new job and started commuting by bicycle to work!  Why I did that?  Well I got the necessary help at work — my employer had safe parking spots for the bikes, showers (in the gym) to get in good shape before you walk into the office, etc. 

Since then I do not think the cities (whether Phoenix, or Austin, or San Jose/Bay Area just as a few examples) have done much more to further enhance their infrastructure.  Just recently I also heard about an initiative in Pittsburg — Pittsburgh Airport Now Accessible By Bicycle which made me wonder — airport accessible by bike?  Huh?  Is the idea that you can fly in and hop on your bike and go into the city or the near by parks via your bicycle?   That is a bit strange of an idea in my opinion…! 

Here is a brief audio commentary about it….Pittsburg Airport Link via Bicycle (from NPR)

While this may be a tad strange of a project (at least in my understanding) the good thing about it is that such developments stress the importance of bicycles as real mode of transport and increase infrastructure anyway.  

Happy biking! 

2 thoughts on “Bicycles, Our Transport Infrastructure, City Roads and How Do We Make Biking Safer

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