Volstead Lounge
Cycling Limits
RECEIVED Thu., April 21, 2005
Dear Ms. Babich,
I like to cycle, and am always trying to get myself on the road more. In college, though I had a car, 90% or more of my road time was on bicycle, and I'd love to commute by bicycle.
Reorienting the roads themselves to accommodate thousands of bicyclists will mean kicking cars off, unless someone can convince a huge number of sedentary people to adapt to regular, strenuous biking – thus replacing cars with bikes.
Count on many more cycling injuries than there are automotive injuries. Include heart attacks with the strains, sprains, abrasions, and fractures.
And yes, we do fear drivers [“Postmarks,” April 22], with good reason, because many Austin drivers are badly trained if at all trained. Did you know that kids can now be licensed on the strength of a note from home?
The main point is, though, that altering the roads is relatively easy, but altering Austin is not. The distances involved in getting around the city and into it from the "suburbs" are too great. There isn't time enough in the day for many to ride, and few places of business have enough shower facilities for sweaty cycling employees.
I like to cycle, and am always trying to get myself on the road more. In college, though I had a car, 90% or more of my road time was on bicycle, and I'd love to commute by bicycle.
Reorienting the roads themselves to accommodate thousands of bicyclists will mean kicking cars off, unless someone can convince a huge number of sedentary people to adapt to regular, strenuous biking – thus replacing cars with bikes.
Count on many more cycling injuries than there are automotive injuries. Include heart attacks with the strains, sprains, abrasions, and fractures.
And yes, we do fear drivers [“Postmarks,” April 22], with good reason, because many Austin drivers are badly trained if at all trained. Did you know that kids can now be licensed on the strength of a note from home?
The main point is, though, that altering the roads is relatively easy, but altering Austin is not. The distances involved in getting around the city and into it from the "suburbs" are too great. There isn't time enough in the day for many to ride, and few places of business have enough shower facilities for sweaty cycling employees.
Duane Keith
