Because bicycles are treated the same as cars and other gas-powered vehicles under the state motor vehicle code, pedalers are expected to share the road with Mack trucks and Loop buses. But this is often unsafe, as impatient drivers routinely slam on the gas to pass bicyclists, increasing the risk of an accident. It's illegal to ride on sidewalks at all in the business district. Calder Way is attractive to bicyclists because it has less traffic than College and Beaver avenues. However, Calder, which is a two-way street from Atherton to Fraser streets, becomes one way at Fraser.
Bicyclists heading east suddenly find themselves riding headfirst into oncoming traffic.
Because bicyclists are forced to ride on sidewalks and Calder Way, everyone's safety is compromised. Pedestrians have to deal with riders invading their walking paths, cars must brake to avoid bicyclists cruising on Calder, and bicyclists put themselves in peril when navigating through the downtown. There are obstacles to overcome. Considering the state of downtown bicycle transportation, any effort to improve the situation would be worth the cost. If the borough makes it easier for bicyclists to get around downtown, we all benefit.