When someone discounts your critical observations about bikeways ...

[Jim Baross]

I am offended by claims that our CABO experience and recommendations aren't relevant when some advocates propose barricading us into so-called "protected bicycle lanes!" 

We have become Smart Cyclists/Bicycle Drivers (not "a minority of professional racing cyclists") who are skilled, willing, and able to use a bike for everyday, almost anywhere, any destination riding, uncowed but cautious mixing with motor vehicle traffic. Nearly anyone can learn to do so, too. 

Seeking to accommodate and encourage beginner and "interested but concerned" people - the so-called 8 to 80 population - with Separated Bikeways can be a worthy effort, but it must be done carefully. And, note that:

1. Many/Most Separated Bikeways (Class IV) - even well-designed facilities - too often limit the efficiency and effectiveness of a bicycle trip by requiring a slower speed for relatively safe travel and therefore longer trip times, and 

2. Beginner riders can soon acquire experience, knowledge, strength/fitness (electric bikes short-circuit this), and skill enough to desire to break out of reliance and limitations of a separated bikeway. They will often, as we do, seek to use the public roadway lanes that offer, in many cases, more direct, arguably safer, and practical travel routes to all destinations. 

I acknowledge that I and CABO supporters/we, the "anywhere, anytime" cyclists, all probably started our bicycling experiences as intimidated curb-huggers seeking to ride as though we were invisible to others, unworthy on the road, thinking we were uninvited impediments to motor vehicle user movements, seeking routes separated from motor vehicles. We have learned otherwise: Bikes Belong!

It is worthy for many reasons to be advocating/fighting to protect the right for people to choose where and when to use a bicycle on public roadways while also seeking to offer more "comfortable" bikeway type choices - CHOICES, NOT REQUIREMENTS!

Support CABObike.org

Jim Baross

CABO President