Improving Bicycling Conditions in Your Community
Bicyclists face several common challenges in their communities. These often include:
- lack of bicycle routes
- hazardous intersections and driveways
- inadequate or ineffective street light detectors
- streets with narrow traffic lanes
- inadequate snow removal from streets and bicycle facilities
To improve cycling conditions, you'll need to work with your community's public officials. Here are some suggestions for improving bicycling conditions in your community:
- Get to know your local government. Typically, you'll need to work with more than one area of government. In our community for instance, we've had to work with the Public Works Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, the City Manager, and the City Council.
- Meet with the appropriate public officials. Invite them as featured guests to bike club meetings. Organize meetings between city staff and cyclists to address specific issues. Attend City Council meetings where bicycling issues arise.
- Be courteous but persistent when making requests. Avoid developing an antagonistic relationship with city officials. It isn't productive.
- Be understanding of city officials. They have budgetary contstraints and other constituents to please too.
- Ride often. City officials generally respond to public needs. They will see more of a need for improving cycling accommodations if they see more cyclists.
