From: rfriedel@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Ronald J Friedel)
Subject: Re: traffic rules (was: Hints on commuting by bike?)
Organization: Computing Services Division, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 16:44:05 GMT

In article <1992Sep1.142442.25412@cbfsb.cb.att.com> weird@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (john.t.erhardt) writes:
>Why do some drivers think that if there are bike paths thats where the bikes
>should be and not on the road.  We still have every right to be on the road.
......................
>Behind me was a car that wouldn't pass.  She slowed down to my speed and
>stayed behind me.  There was pleny of room to move over if she wanted
>to.  So she honks.  I look back.  She pointing and screaming at me to use
>the bike path.  I guestured for her to go around me.  I think she was
>trying to turn right into a side street.  So at least she didn't try
>to squeeze past me then turn in front of me.
.............
>Now I've looked at the rules of the road.  It says that unless there a sign
>that specifically says bike can use the path only, they can use either.
>The path I'm speaking about it basically a side walk only smoother, asphalt
>I guess.  The result is you get Grandma and Grandpa padaling along enjoying
>the nice day.  Mommy pushing her baby in a stroller.  And Mr. and Ms. Yuppie
>trying to exercise.  This is all fine.  I like to enjoy nature too.
>We each do it in different ways.  I'm out there training for races.
>If I tried to ride on the bike path I'd run into people left and right.
>
>It really is true, the bike paths weren't made to give cyclists a safe
>place to ride (they don't) they're to get bikes off the road.  
>
>John

This discussion about bike paths and adjoining roads is of great interest
to me.  I am concerned that there will be an attempt to force us back on
paths, if they are provided.

This last Sunday a number of cycling activists from around the State of
Wisconsin got together for a meeting sponsored by the Bike Federation of
Wisconsin.  The featured speakers were Andy Clarke, Bike Fed. of America,
and Peter Langerway, Bike/Ped Coordinator for the city of Seattle.  They
were in Madison, WI to meet with DOT engineers and planners to talk
about better integration of bike/ped facilities in the future road plans.
They mostly talked about "Ice Tea," (the ISTEA, new federal transportation
legislation), and ways to get facilities built.

Peter showed a video promoting Seattle's extensive series of bike paths
and bike lanes on streets.  I asked him if there is lots of pressure to
get bikes to use the paths and not the streets.  He said that many of 
the path users were the new, casual rider and the politicians got lots
of letters from those users complaining about the fast, high speed
cyclists using the paths for race training.  So he said they have put
up signs directing fast riders unto the streets.  Apparently the auto
driver doesn't complain enough to write letters.

I am still unconvinced.  I am not very much in favor of bike paths.
I would much prefer traffic calming attempts on the car traffic.

Here is an interesting experiment.  I ride daily to work, about 19
miles round trip.  Normally I take only a few routes.  I have gotten
used to the traffic, and they might be used to me, and it is no big
deal.  Yesterday I went downtown during rush hour and it felt like a
whole different world.  Cars coming at me from all directions, 
making unpredictible stops and lane changes.  Had to readjust my
thought process; can't handle that situation on autopilot like I
mostly do on my normal routes.  Basically I am saying that it can
be very scary out there for the new rider.  Those of us that have
been riding for many years need to, at times, put ourselves in 
their shoes.

Ron Friedel

-- 
Ron Friedel
GeoSciences  UW-Milwaukee
rfriedel@csd4.csd.uwm.edu