i just rec'd a copy of a (& thought i'd make you aware) (tho many
probably already are) of a draft ordinance from the city establishing a
bicycle advisory commission of 5 to 9 members.
looks good to me... but i do have one concern
i'd like to see a balance on such a commission. i am a "sometimes bicycle
commuter... (not hard core), and i think that the desires of the "hardcore"
commuters sometimes run roughshod over the needs of the community in
general.
i am speaking specifically of the desire by the "professional commuters"
to put all bike lanes at traffic level, on the street, separated from traffic
only by a painted white line.
such "applied" bike lanes are great for retrofit situations... putting
dedicated lanes in where none currently exist. but i object to such
"retrofit" design solutions in new construction (ie highway 8 project and
the proposed mountain view project)
where one is starting from scratch and has the opportunity to separate
bikes from autos (and pedestrians) it make just too much sense to do so.
why ask for a retrofit compromise, when a permanent solution can be
constructed? (again, it makes just too much sense)
so... i hope the commission memebership has a balance of views....
...ray