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Show Bike Lanes, Are They The Right Fit For Pleasant Grove? .-""V K ! I by Geri Taylor Whether one walks, drives a car or motorcycle, or rides a bicycle, safety should be a priority in getting from point A to point B. Sadly, the reality of our busy, distracted lives suggests that the destination is more important than the journey and safety is a concept more than a practice. From the time we take Driver's Ed, it is ingrained in our minds to be aware of who or what is on the road and to look both ways when pulling or backing onto a road. What are we looking for? If not otherwise preoccupied, we see cars, trucks and sometimes motorcycles, but bicycles and pedestrians are too often blocked from our radar screen because of their size. What does this have to do with the proposed bike lanes in Pleasant Grove? Actually, quite a bit when we factor in safety from different points of view. While researching the pros and cons of bike lanes, it was apparent there are many elements that should be taken into consideration before making a bike lane decision. The arguments on either side can be seen as conclusive evidence and so the most important question is whether or not our community needs justify the expense of striping andor widening roads for bike lanes. A general consensus from national studies, indicate that marked bike lanes contribute to the safety of bicyclists and motorists. Findings such as this would appear to seal the argument for striped lanes, but again, there are a number of realities to consider. Without a comprehensive and expensive study of our unique community, it would be impossible to determine not only who would benefit from marking lanes, but who actually would use these lanes. Most importantly, how would it be ascertained if the safety of bicyclists could be assured. Seeking unbiased opinions, I interviewed Pleasant Grove and Cedar Hills bicyclists on how designated lanes would impact their riding experience. The results were surprising. Lee Nitchman has been bicycling for more than 20 years and is considered an expert in his field of competitive cycling. Having been hit from behind while riding to work on Geneva Road, I expected him to be an ardent supporter of bike lanes. In general he is, but for PG, he and other serious cyclists have a different wish list. While striping may indicate n designated hike lane, it doesn't ensure safety for the cyclists. In fact it signals potential hazards such as pot holes and road debris that could puncture tires or cause an accident. He feels money proposed for striping could be put to better use by maintaining I.ee Nitrhman hiked the 300 Warrior Race which went from Park City to Snowbird. the shoulders by sweeping andor adding a couple of feet where reasonable. Nitchman also advocates making 2000 West the main connector road for bikers. Another avid cyclist is Cindy Carson who did five Century races in one year. Her concerns included her own "Bikes" continued on Page 6 "Bikes" continued from Page 1 biking safety as well as her children's and states that while bicycles have the same rights as cars, it is more important to be safe than "dead right". Biking with her two young boys has given her an even stronger conviction of taking complete responsibility for hers and her children's safety. Her apprehension with a bike lane is the false security it may foster. She notes that "any level of intelligence suggests a strip of white paint does not protect a biker." She takes the offensive when cycling, and rides as though cars can't see her, always aware and watching for any hazards. If the family has a destination such as the library, they will take the back roads and avoid high traffic areas. She says that would be her route even if there were bike lanes. Education is an important theme among the more serious cyclists. "Share the Road" signs have made a difference in the past five or six years, and the new three feet law seems to have helped also, but the greatest burden lies with the drivers and riders who each have a right to be on the road. Attitude is a major theme when speaking of how bikers and motorists are dealing with each other. Unfortunately, there is a push and shove mentality and the cyclist is always going to be on the short end if the two tangle. A mutual respect is vital to make significant changes in how these two forms of transportation share a strip of pavement. One Cedar Hills resident, Greg Holbrook, has used his cycling not only to lower fuel costs by biking to work, but also to improve his health. While he advocates bike lanes, especially along busy traffic-ways, he feels there needs to be greater respect and courtesy from both sides. He made a poignant observation that should apply to all areas of life, "Whoever is bigger has the greatest responsibility." Whether it's because motorists don't think bicyclists "pay their fair share" or whether they get annoyed because they have to go around them, it is obvious that motorists need to take an upper hand in dealing with the inevitable. Bicycles are here to stay. Treating them as a nuisance can only end in tragedy. It is widely felt by bicyclists that they have a responsibility to obey traffic laws, avoid being arrogant and show respect for motorists by staying alert and aware. When speaking of road hazards, all those interviewed noted that gutter debris along our city roads presents a great problem. While cars act as a road cleaner, the loose gravel is flung to the shoulder where it can cause a two inches wide tire to skid. This is also where many nails and other sharp objects fall, causing blowouts and other accidents. The solution to bike safety may or may not lie in providing designated bike lanes in Pleasant Grove, but it is certain that education on safety rules, for both bicyclists and motorists, is a crucial element of keeping our citizens safe. |