What makes it possible for you to be out there riding your bike? Besides the fact that, yes we are legally entitled to be on the road as a motor vehicle? For those of us who ride road or commute; who is working for the betterment of cyclists rights right here?
Recently there has been an increase in dialog regarding the role of bicycle commuters and their rights to our roadways. Here, as in other areas of the country, the discussion has gotten vigorous and occasionally emotional. There is in our community a small contingent of individuals who appear to be taking a face-to-face, challenging and occasionally adversarial position with those with whom we share the road, as evidenced by a recent Herald Journal article relating obscenities exchanged between a motorist and a cyclist. A 'critical mass' style event ala San Francisco and New York City has even been formed. My first response to this is that we (fortunately) don't live in either of those places.
I've witnessed first-hand a truck swerve to avoid hitting the cyclists in this group, honk, yell, and then offer the obligatory universal sign involving the middle digit. The frustration of the motorist was reciprocated with several 'salutes' from those in the 'critical mass' group.
Hmmm. I've lived here for a long time. I've seen and been a part of all sorts of interactions with other motorists while riding my bike. I've been driving a car and observed those on bicycle commit illegal acts. I've also seen the quality of cyclists image with the Valley residents wax and wane. I wonder how effective an attempt to force this issue will be with motorists in the long term? Will that frustration experienced by a motorist now be released toward me when I am on a ride this summer? Will it be directed at someone I care about?
Fortunately, there is another group working to advocate cycling and bicycle use to improve our cities infrastructure and traffic patterns. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been working relentlessly to the benefit of anyone who rides a bicycle in Cache Valley. They are dedicated and hard-working, organized, connected, and willing to go through the proper channels to help protect and promote cycling interests in Cache Valley. They meet monthly and have an open vision of what the Valley can be like long-term. I won't name these individuals but I should. They should be thanked and recognized. They are school counselors, business owners, and other professionals and they are doing something great.
So while we are out riding our bikes, we can do so because of the courtesy extended by people on the roadways and the letter of the law which protects our rights and so on. But really, we can be out there thanks to those whose work is driving the interests of bicyclists in a way that is tremendous, attainable, and durable. Can our bicycle culture ever approach that of Boulder, Colorado. Probably not, but it sure is cool to think about.
Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. -- H.G. Wells
