Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities

There's an article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer about Jeff Mapes' book "Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities" (via RPUS). The article doesn't go too much into the actual "how" but some examples are:

In Amsterdam, 40 percent of non-walking trips are by bike. He quotes, approvingly, Jack Wolters, the city's top traffic-safety officer: "The target of the police is not to control cyclists and pedestrians. It is to control the most dangerous part, motorcar drivers."

Mapes cites a marvelous example, which I've lately seen exiting the University of Washington down toward University Village. The road crosses the popular Burke-Gilman Trail. A majority of motorists slow, almost to a complete stop, watching for bikes.

Apparently the book has high praise for George W. Bush and even quotes him and his father

Former President Bush, an avid mountain biker, gets accolades. Despite right-wing grumbles, W. signed a transportation bill that contained a $100 million model program, providing $25 million apiece for four communities to see if they could increase the percentage of trips taken by bicycle.

Asked by Bicycling magazine if his riding enthusiasm was a factor in approving the bill, Bush replied: "Absolutely. The more accessible (streets and paths) are for bikes, the more likely it is that people will use them. But it's got to start at the local level."

Along the lines of quotable quotes, try this one on for size: "The more I think about U.S. domestic transportation problems... the more I see an increased role for the bicycle in American life." George H.W. Bush, U.S. ambassador to China, 1975

And there's a local mention

Suffragette Belva Ann Lockwood (she twice ran for president in the late 1800s) was often spotted pedaling around Washington D.C. on her largish tricycle. As she said, "A tricycle means independence for women, and it also means health."

Which brings up the question of why Kriston Capps is against independence for women?

Comments

[Paul]

I'd argue the flipside: cycling takes off in certain area because local culture accomodates it. Seattle is a prime example. Cyclists havent changed the city; rather, the mindset and environment are conducive to cycling. This draws people to the sport, and popular support snowballs from there.

I grew up in that area, and can vouch for the cultural differences. Try crossing against the signals in Seattle, and gauge the response from every other pedestrian standing obediently by the curb. Also, note how many people drive at posted speed limits out there (vice DC, where 55mph really means 75 mph).

[Eric_W.]

55mph in DC? ;-)

Of course, we can all agree that the general 55mph limit is ridiculous.

[ibc]

Of course, we can all agree that the general 55mph limit is ridiculous.

Sure, I think Paul used a bad example. Instead, let's say 50 in a 35 mph zone. Or 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. (Both of which are universal, and make walking/riding less safe and pleasant).

I'll be happy when autos--within the urban area--have the same rights as those little "courtesy shuttles" that shuttle the lame and elderly to and from their gates in major airports.

They should be limited to about 15mph, and assumed to yield to every other mode in the public space.

[Eric_W.]

Of course my smarty-pants comment was tongue-in-cheek.

I don't disagree with the 40mph in a 25mph zone making walking/ bicycling less safe.