Solo Drivers should be appreciative of buses, bicyclists, pedestrians and carpoolers -not resentful

[Gormy Cuss]

71. Build paved paths and maintain them and cyclists will use them

Last edited Wed May 15, 2013, 05:31 PM - Edit history (1)

Paving is important - graded or gravel paths won't do. They're just inferior surfaces--slower, dirtier, and hard to travel unless the bike has knobby tires (think mountain bikes.)

Bike paths are great alternatives to playing in traffic if they're designed properly. There needs to be side paths for direct access to major destinations (business parks, commercial areas, schools,) sensors and stop lights at crossings, and lateral paths to connect one bike path to another.

I live in an area with about 100 miles of paved bike paths. I know what works. There are bike loops in the pavement at some major crossings. They work the same as loops embedded in the road -- when a bicycle stops on the loop, the traffic lights adjust and add a stop cycle to allow for crossing. There are warning signs for drivers at EVERY trail crossing, alerting them to the potential for bike traffic. There are side paths to most destinations, especially schools.


Bike paths won't cover all itineraries though. Cyclists will still need to use the roads.