Long time coming

A friend recently emailed a link to a LTE from an anti-cyclist NIMBY. The letter, as usual, has ignited a flurry of criticisms on what cyclists should be doing, and narratives on how people just don't understand, blah, blah. I do not give the NIMBY enough credibility to address her wildly skewed views.

Instead, my response to those who consider themselves part of the 'cycling community' (It's a little verbose, apologies in advance):

The laws state cyclist may ride two-abreast, regardless of who is following, passing, or lane-type. 20 cyclists riding single file stretches for over 50 yards while riding two-abreast only takes up 25 yards of lane (three-abreast is only about 10 yards, though some may be uncomfortable riding that close). The roads around AB are not wide enough for a car and cyclist to split a lane (giving 3-feet) without the car crossing the yellow line. Cars who come upon the riders in the DOW group (or other training roadies who are already traveling at speeds in excess of the speed limit) are coming dangerously close to a reckless driving threshold when going fast enough to pass.

I am the first to hold cyclists and motorists equally accountable for following the rules of the road. This woman and many others around the Alligator bayou and river road area are frustrated because they are inconvenienced by our presence. We are adding to the marginalization of cyclists by complacently segregating ourselves to these distant rural areas, content with driving further and further (for most of us Simon, Roberto) from civilization to areas that are 'safe'.

The author of the letter to the editor is wrong on many counts though she will find support with the majority of readers. Until we stand up for our rights THROUGH OUR CYCLING ACTIONS we will continue to be treated as oddities. Legislation has given us many rights but if we want to be ACCEPTED as valid road users we must act like valid road users

Of course this means we follow the rules of the road, that is the simple part -- stopping at stop signs, signalling turns, etc. We also need to realize that, as a minority, our emotional actions speak volumes. Always wave to passing vehicles no matter what the situation. If you feel threatened, get a plate number and report it, and still wave as they pass. Coming across to the public as kind helps everyone on a bike be treated more courteously.

The most important part of standing up for our rights through our cycling actions is the most difficult. The number one thing we can do as cyclists to end the marginalization of the bicycle as a toy is to ride IN TOWN. Studies show the more bicycles are present in traffic, the safer cycling is in the area, period. Sure, group rides are more scenic in the country, and there are fewer cars, but many of Baton Rouge's roads are great places to ride too. I know there are traffic lights, multiple lanes, drivers are crazy, roads have potholes, yada, yada, yada, bleeeh!!! There are plenty of excuses for NOT riding around town but if you're not going to do it then don't whine when you have to drive 45 minutes more to ride without people harassing you.

The surrounding areas are becoming more and more developed whether with the impending Casino on river road or the Audubon bridge in St. Francisville. You're naive if you think things are going to stay like they are and there's always going to be some secluded place to ride. What happens when AB gets sold to someone who is not bike friendly, or starts some kind or commercial enterprise??

Keep driving further and further away and see how that works for you in 10 years, or take a stand today through your riding habits and lay the groundwork for a larger and stronger cycling community in the decades to come.