Community Improvement

I am an avid bike rider. Most of my transportation is by bike. In the community I live in the bike lanes are few and far between. Although they do exist, it appears as if they were just thrown out on the busiest streets as a concession to quiet voices within the community. These are not lanes dedicated to cyclists to ensure safety. They are lanes that are painted at the edge of roads that are often too narrow and unimproved. I will admit that there are areas that have safe, workable bike lanes, but they are usually in residential areas, away from those areas that people need to get to. As the following statistics show, improvements need to be made. Bicycle Injuries, 1991 to 2006 Nonfatal Hospitalized Injuries San Bernardino County Residents <1 1-4 5-12 13-15 16-20 21-44 45-64 65+ Total 1991 0 9 85 26 10 38 18 6 192 1992 0 11 76 21 16 44 10 7 185 1993 0 7 83 37 18 68 13 6 232 1994 0 7 70 31 17 60 15 7 207 1995 1 5 56 21 16 68 15 2 184 1996 0 9 45 29 13 54 25 8 183 1997 0 11 79 35 20 58 17 5 225 1998 0 5 77 27 15 58 31 9 222 1999 0 6 75 36 23 68 20 13 241 2000 0 8 56 34 29 58 26 9 220 2001 0 9 64 31 15 66 40 10 235 2002 0 5 56 23 30 48 36 6 204 2003 0 8 46 23 21 57 23 6 184 2004 0 3 60 23 19 52 39 3 199 2005 0 6 43 23 16 44 34 3 169 2006 0 6 24 14 12 38 30 8 132 Total 1 115 995 434 290 879 392 108 3,214 Prepared by California Department of Public Health, EPIC Branch Source: California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Patient Discharge Data May 17, 2012 What is sadly apparent is that the highest number of injuries has happened to children between the ages of 5 and 12. I find this appalling. Our infrastructure can accommodate the cyclist’s safety and enjoyment. Another report I looked at noted 20 fatalities over a 7 year period in San Bernardino County. With a little effort and thought, these travesties can be reduced or thwarted all together. Another benefit would be to the economy. According to the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, over 65% of merchants support such endeavors. (I actually found this number repeated in another article). Some of the benefits of bike lanes include more spending by bicyclists. Some of the money they save on gas and transportation will be spent at stores. The turn-around business also increases because it is easier and quicker for this traffic to get in and out. Not only would these lanes bring in more foot traffic, they can also bring in new business projects. These could be small businesses from within the community to large established businesses becoming attracted to available properties. There is a marked increase in value for those properties with bike lanes adjacent to said properties. The long term savings in healthcare due to the healthier aspect of biking would also benefit the community. This quote was garnered from a personal injury lawyer website: “It is understandable for many people to suggest reallocation of funds from amenities to basic governmental services. However, amenities like the bike path are what help improve our community's image. And that's important when attracting new business so necessary for future growth.” The possibilities are far reaching. Still another positive outcome of more and better bike lanes is an improved environment. We live in a valley that collects smog, haze, and soot. Once improved, dedicated bike lanes are built; more people will begin to use them. As the saying goes, “Build it and they will come.” As the economic conditions continue, more people will be looking for alternative means of transportation. This change in mode of transportation will cut down on the amount of pollution released into the environment. While such an idea is not a trend setter, it is following a rapidly growing trend. Cities and communities the world over are going to great lengths to improve the quality and safety of the local environment via dedicated bike paths and routes. Some places of note are Montreal, Toronto, Copenhagen, and several communities throughout California and the nation. The world we live in is changing rapidly. We need to be willing to change with it.