One of the challenges facing the cycling community is not just the uphill battle in a world of cars, but also the failure of cyclists as a group to develop a consistent message that make converts to cycling.

We see this with with some on the more extreme side of cycling who engage in protest such as Critical Mass. Lately, we've seen assaults, some from cyclists directed at car drivers. All stick, no carrot.

On the other hand, in some communities, even mention of attempts to make biking a priority over driving is met with fear of retaliation This side seems to think we can convert best if there is only carrot, no stick.

How will the cycling community come together to deliver a consistent message?

Shall we emulate Malcolm X or Martin Luther King or find a middle ground? How?

from JiminEugene at 2008-08-01 21:48:10

I think it will be a slow process, in either case. In the end, I don't think people can be forced to bike or walk, there has to be an incentive. We know that there are lots of good reasons, but driving has been ingrained into us.

At least in North America a large part of the problem, I think, is that most cities have been built without a single thought to bikes or pedestrians. I've lived in new suburban areas that didn't have any sidewalks at all, making something as simple as walking to the store seem very sketchy.

Where I live now (Ontario) seems to be making gradual progress, which I think will snowball. Most areas here are now built with bike lanes and I notice many more people biking than years ago.

from NeilT at 2008-08-02 03:28:29

I would love to see more bike paths built and an emphasis placed on biking over driving but its not always practical to bike. i.e Picking up kids from daycare, grocery shopping etc... I think it will have to be some sort of middle ground.

from Nova5555 at 2008-08-08 16:00:16

I saw some really amazing bike lanes (far off and away from the main road traffic) in Vienna and a clear committment to keeping the bikers and pedestrians safe from motorists.

That being said, I also noticed the bikers obeying traffic laws and behaving as though they are in a vehicle. Here in Austin, we have a LOT of bike lanes and sidewalks but many our cyclists run red lights, pull out in front of cars and generally ignore the rules of driving I assume, implying that those rules don't apply to them.

I guess my point is, I would love this country to be cycle friendly but I would like to see a concession on the part of the cyclists that they will commit to working as a group to keep the road safe as well...

from Sarahtg at 2008-08-27 11:34:15