I've often wondered if there is any sort of governing board that determines what makes a community bicycle friendly. Every time I see the signs - "Welcome to Carmel - A Bicycle Friendly Community" - I have to wonder: What qualifies a bicycle friendly community?
Most likely, it seems that a town planner would just have to sink a few hundred bucks to place signs at the town limits. But really, that isn't fair. For example, Brownsburg is absolutely not friendly to cyclists, and slapping a few signs up isn't going to change that.
A bicycle friendly community should have shoulders on its roads that are relatively free of debris. It should contain a number of bike paths and marked trails. It should absolutely not have signs pointing out bike paths that lead only down scarred, potholed country roads. Its retailers should not be stingy with water.* It should contain at least one bike shop.
*I stopped a Dairy Queen on my way back from Warsaw on Tuesday. It was hot, I was thirsty, and I just needed my bottles filled. The young woman behind the counter informed me that she was not allowed to provide water to anyone who did not order more than $2 worth of food. Trouble is, the place is a Dairy Queen. A hot dog is 99 cents. An ice cream cone is a-buck-fifty. I was going to have to order two of something or order the pail-sized portion of chocolate malt. Or hit the sink in the bathroom. I chose the sink in the bathroom. Elwood, Indiana? Not a bicycle friendly community.
I mention all of this, because when I was in South Bend, a man was shot off of his bicycle* by men who wanted to steal the bike. (He's okay, now, I think.) This is the type of behavior that has no place in a bicycle friendly community. In fact, if South Bend has these signs, I think they need to be taken down immediately. This is also the kind of behavior that makes my mom a little nervous.
*I wondered what I would do if a man came after me with a gun and wanted to steal my bike. I'd let him have it, I think. He, not having the necessary shoes to pedal the thing, would have a significant amount of trouble getting away. I, wearing the shoes, which are in no way designed for running, would give a ridiculous pursuit. Eventually the police would show up, right? Or, I would say something like: "That's a pretty nice gun. I'll trade you the bike for the gun, straight up." It's worth a shot (pun), and let's be honest, you've heard of dumber criminal stories.
The roads and shoulders in South Bend aren't the best either, but there are a few trails, some mountain biking, and a number of cycling retailers. Still, there's the matter of that dude getting shot. South Bend, Indiana is welcome to reapply after a full calendar year of not shooting their cyclists.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Remind me to tell you about my Elwood Indiana story...you and Michelle would love to hear it!!!!
I loved your scenario about if someone tried to steal your bike. Totally cracked me up.
PS: South Bend might not be the most bicycle friendly communities out there...but... at least there are some nice "bicycle-assisting" people there ;)
Post a Comment