If you’ve read my “Issues” page you already know that transportation is something that I feel is important to Greensboro’s future. One of the many items that falls under this issue is bike lanes to make it safer for folks that either ride their bike for recreation or as their means of transportation. It is understood that not every road in Greensboro is equipped for a bike lane, but for the ones that are we should make a conscious effort to create a safer place for people to ride their bikes. I didn’t plan on bringing this up today, but I just received the following email, and as an avid cyclist I couldn’t help but picture myself in this situation.
“We had a fellow rider get hit this morning while doing what should be normal ride. A car drifted into his lane to make a very lingering left turn and hit him head on. He has many broken bones in his face including jaw and brow, also 3 vertebrae that are fractured. Lot’s of surgery and a long road to recovery. Please be careful out there, the motorists do not pay attention to cyclists. Ride safe and always question a motorist’s intent …”
That is simply tragic.
Now, by no means will bike lanes stop all cycling related incidents, but at a minimum, they will help create a safer environment for those who use cycling for recreation or transportation.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 1 comment }
I’m not a Guilford County resident yet, but my wife and I are in the process of getting our house in Alamance County on the market, with the intent to move to Guilford County. One of the deciding factors in our move was the direction Guilford County is heading toward a more bike friendly community, and the mountain bike trail system that continues to grow. I’ve been a member of the Greensboro Velo Club for years, and I ride my road and mountain bikes in the Greensboro area a few times a week. Because of my bike riding in Greensboro, I also do a lot of my shopping, and dining in Greensboro. Three of my five bikes (I buy top of the line bikes) have been purchased in Greensboro, as well as most of my riding equipment. I like the direction Greensboro is going regarding cycling, and with the right support and marketing could be a real attractor for new residents, travel and recreation. With the economy in a slump, less people are traveling. No better time than now to keep their vacation dollars at home, and while we’re at it, bring in some from nearby areas. With IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association – IMBA.com) focusing on the Uwharrie National Forest as one of three mountain bike parks they have in their near future plans. If the Greensboro cycling community continues in the right direction, my 10 year plan for semi-retirement in the Greensboro area involves opening a Bed & Breakfast/Cycling Guild/Shuttle to trails in the Greensboro area and day trips to the Uwharrie MTB Park. At this point, my only apprehension in moving to Guilford County is the lack of water supply. I have heard of discussions concerning this, but haven’t kept up with the progress. Please add water supply and safety to your to do list.
Thanks,
Mark Hutchens
Comments on this entry are closed.