Response to Bike Article in TU

Thanks for your bicycle-focused article in the recent TU.  It was forwarded to me by a friend.  I read it and have been thinking about it, and wanted to write just to share my thoughts.  Part of me thinks that I should write a letter to the editor - perhaps you can advise.  The letter would not necessarily be a critique - more of a response and intent to expand.

I think it is of the utmost importance that you are shedding light on the plans for trails systems that will really make this area a more appealing place as we transition slowly out of car culture, and into a more sustainable, more local future.  But, as you may well know, there are a lot of people whose primary daily transportation IS a bike - without the trails system in place.

I consider myself included in this pool... and my immediate response to your article was a bit confounded. I was happy to be reading a bike-related article, but thought to myself, "greenways? that would be swell, but how 'bout some bikelanes!!"

Maybe a champion is what we need... but I think we also need more basic and general awareness that people are out there, commuting by bike - now, without greenways.  In addition to talking about the greenways, we need to be encouraging people to pick up bicycles (with or without saddle-bags) and start riding to school, to work, to the store, etc.

In the past few months, I have seen more people pick up bikes. There are weekly Tuesday night rides in Troy that are growing.  I have had numerous people say to me "Is it me, or are there more people biking?"
There are more people biking.

Sincerely,

Andrew Lynn
founder & coordinator - Troy Bike Rescue
http://www.troybikerescue.org

ps. if you'd like to donate your two-wheeled garage clutter, consider Troy Bike Rescue!