Why is it that in some in cities, bicycles are regarded as a form of transportation that is just as important as subways or personal automobiles? What makes a community cyclist friendly? How can cities with lower cycling rates promote the individual health of their citizens and the overall health of their infrastructure by turning their roads into cycle-paths? Are cycle paths really side-lanes of dreams—if you build them, do the bikes come?
Since urban planning for environmentally friendly townships has become increasingly important in North American cities, many planners have begun to ask themselves how to retro-fit roads that have seen nothing but motorized forms of transport since they were built. In many cases, an overhaul of narrow, steep, roads is costly, time-consuming and viewed as unfavourable with the majority of the voting public—many of whom are close to or past the retirement age, and unlikely it is often argued, to ever take advantage of the smooth shoulders or separate cycling trails that are being proposed. Luckily, as city councils and municipal offices begin to take risks and build routes for cycle commuters, the pre-conception of retired baby boomers shouting down the paths can clearly be shown to be a misconception.
Encouraging active lifestyles in communities is seen as a plus by a people across the demographics—young families, retirees, and urban professionals have all decided to move to areas like Victoria, BC. The widely known Galloping Goose trail links the small township of Sooke with Victoria and allows both cycle commuters and bicycle recreationists the opportunity to ride away from the emissions and traffic dangers of more motorized thoroughfares.
The city’s downtown core also boosts wider roads with clearly defined cycle paths, turning lanes and signage. By creating the infrastructure for cyclists to ride safely, city officials have encouraged bike riders to learn the rules of the road and obey them—just as they would if they were driving a car or a truck. Regular police patrols (on bikes) ensure that riders wear their helmets, behave responsibly and ride safely. The safety and civility with which cyclists are treated in Victoria has encouraged numerous citizens to park their cars, put on reflective stripes and cycle through the streets. Since Victoria is an ocean city, the boom in commuter cycling has also increased sales of raingear throughout the city.
So what lesson can be learned from Victoria’s examples for other cities looking to upgrade their cycle paths and non-motorized corridors.
The Solutions?First, ensure that paths are offered for all kinds of cyclists—from the cautious recreationist to the hard-cord down-hill rider to the steadfast commuter. This means that trails must exist for their own sake for the recreationists—not just to get from point a to point b—and trails or paths that do link specific destinations (i.e. downtown to the university) should have clearly marked, wide, trails for commuters.
Second, all trails should be properly monitored to ensure riders are safe. Cyclists should be reprimanded for failing to wear proper equipment or keep their bikes in working order—and motorized vehicle drivers should be fined for failing to drive safely around cyclists.
Third, all trails and cycle paths must be kept in good condition to ensure cyclists can ride with no fear of tire-flattening potholes. The better the ride, the more people will do it.
Cycle paths and trails are crucial to a healthy community. Imagine a city with no motorized roads in the downtown core—no parking tickets, no smog and no blaring horns. Until then, there’s always the Galloping Goose trail.
