🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <dooshD1qvC4.5D4@netcom.com>, doosh@netcom.com (Tom Holub) writes:
> In article <D1qqv8.HrH@cruzio.com>,  <cycleam@cruzio.com> wrote:
> )*********************** 
> )I am curious to hear what those on the Net could add to this conversation. 
> 
We are not talking about the merits of this needed bike way here in Santa Cruz.
But I will address the points you make for the purpose of education.

> 1: The claim that 20% of drivers would abandon their cars if given bikeways
> is ludicrous.  Bikeways have no impact on transportational cycling because
> they are nearly universally unsuited for transportational cycling.
> 
The quote to which you refer:
A 10/90 survey conducted by Louis Harris and Associates concluded that if 
bicycling routes are made available for people to use, 20% of America would 
abandon their cars in favor of them.
says 'bicycling routes', no mention is made of bikeways which I think you are
assuming to read bike paths.

> 2: Bikeways do nothing to promote safety, in fact are often more dangerous than
> roads, and claims to the contrary are false and unsubstantiated.

I disagree. Where can new bike riders or those who have been away 
from the activity go to sharpen their skills, to develop the 
confidence they will need to mix it up with cars and truck and 
buses? As an example, where did you go the first time you drove a 
car? For most of us it was an empty parking lot.
> 
> 3: Cycling monies are much better spent on secure parking and intelligent
> education than facilities designed for ignorant non-cyclists.

That's fine for those bike riders who have made it into the inner 
circle, the road warriors amongst us. But there are many who are 
just terrified of what they think cars will *do* to them because 
they do not have the confidence they need. And where can they 
develop that so that the facilities to which you refer can ever be 
fully utilized? 

That's right on a bikeway/bikepath...

* Can we keep this thread on topic? I'm asking Santa 
Cruzans what they think about a Frederick St Park to the upper smalll 
craft harbor conection. 


Martin Kreig
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