I am an avid bike rider. Most of my transportation is by
bike. In the community I live in the bike lanes are few and far between.
Although they do exist, it appears as if they were just thrown out on the
busiest streets as a concession to quiet voices within the community. These are
not lanes dedicated to cyclists to ensure safety. They are lanes that are
painted at the edge of roads that are often too narrow and unimproved. I will
admit that there are areas that have safe, workable bike lanes, but they are
usually in residential areas, away from those areas that people need to get to.
As the following statistics show, improvements need to be made.

                What is
sadly apparent is that the highest number of injuries has happened to children
between the ages of 5 and 12. I find this appalling. Our infrastructure can
accommodate the cyclist’s safety and enjoyment. Another report I looked at
noted 20 fatalities over a 7 year period in San Bernardino County. With a
little effort and thought, these travesties can be reduced or thwarted all
together.

                Another
benefit would be to the economy. According to the West Windsor Bicycle and
Pedestrian Alliance, over 65% of merchants support such endeavors. (I actually
found this number repeated in another article). Some of the benefits of bike
lanes include more spending by bicyclists. Some of the money they save on gas
and transportation will be spent at stores. The turn-around business also increases
because it is easier and quicker for this traffic to get in and out.  

Not only would these lanes bring in
more foot traffic, they can also bring in new business projects. These could be
small businesses from within the community to large established businesses becoming
attracted to available properties. There is a marked increase in value for
those properties with bike lanes adjacent to said properties. The long term
savings in healthcare due to the healthier aspect of biking would also benefit
the community. This quote was garnered from a personal injury lawyer website: “It is understandable for many people to
suggest reallocation of funds from amenities to basic governmental services.
However, amenities like the bike path are what help improve our community's
image. And that's important when attracting new business so necessary for
future growth.” The possibilities are far
reaching.

Still another positive outcome of
more and better bike lanes is an improved environment. We live in a valley that
collects smog, haze, and soot. Once improved, dedicated bike lanes are built;
more people will begin to use them. As the saying goes, “Build it and they will
come.” As the economic conditions continue, more people will be looking for
alternative means of transportation. This change in mode of transportation will
cut down on the amount of pollution released into the environment.

                While
such an idea is not a trend setter, it is following a rapidly growing trend.
Cities and communities the world over are going to great lengths to improve the
quality and safety of the local environment via dedicated bike paths and routes.
Some places of note are Montreal, Toronto, Copenhagen, and several communities
throughout California and the nation. The world we live in is changing rapidly.
We need to be willing to change with it.