Submitted by: Michael Leccese. In the past 50+ years, Michael figures he’s biked to the moon and beyond (250,000+ miles). He’s crashed a few times of his own accord. Thanks to Michael, and feel free to submit your own cycling opinion. You could be featured next!
Vision Zero—the idea that walking and cycling becomes the completely safe, favored transit mode in our car/truck dominated world—is a laudable idea I support.
Yet in my view a key element is missing: the role that cyclists need to play to create that welcoming “low stress” environment we all desire.
As a veteran of 31 years of cycling everywhere in Boulder—commuting, road rides, errands, Boulder Food Rescue deliveries—I conclude that the Boulder cyclists can up their game when it comes to safe, considerate cycling practices. The current environment discourages rather than supports the idea that more people will use their bikes daily instead of cars.
Yes, drivers have their problems and to some Boulder is biking Nirvana. Maybe true.
My experience riding in northern Europe tells me we should strive to be less like Amsterdam and more like Copenhagen. Everyone bikes in Amsterdam but it’s a jumble. Bikers plow their way with little concern for anyone else, which is not so pleasant for the pedestrian or fellow cyclist.
Copenhagen’s world-class system of separated bikeways has made cycling the top transit mode in this capital city. While they are still toddlers, kids receive special training on safe riding in specially designed bike parks. Everyone (drivers included) follows rules creating the ultimate no-stress cycling and walking environment.
Similarly, Boulder’s “Vision Zero” goal must include a comfortable and encouraging environment for pedestrians, which is really everyone once they leave the car, bike, bus, or scooter. Cyclists play a big role in both pedestrian safety and safe everyday cycling.
Which begs the question: Is cycling safe in Boulder?
Unfortunately there are no statistics available from City of Boulder or the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG, which supports the Regional Vision Zero program) to document what I call “bike on bike” accidents or “bike/ped” close calls.
Does it feel safe? Anyone cycling around Boulder for long will notice we’re far from a “no-stress” alt-mode environment.
When I bike in Crested Butte, Trinidad or the Western Slope, I notice much higher levels of politeness on trails and roads. Compared to Boulder, drivers and cyclists are more courteous. This promotes a low-stress culture of safety.
Here are typical Boulder behaviors I experience in 5,000+ miles of regional cycling a year:
- Lack of notice when passing. Riding on bike paths, paved and gravel roads, I count the few number of times I get a call or signal when being passed (I’m almost 70 and kind of slow, so that’s often). I’d say it’s less than 10 percent.
The guiltiest are the arrogant “Jef the Cyclist” types (as in the comic strip Pearls Before Swine) who think you’re part of their peloton and pass without notice within a few millimeters of your handlebars.
Quick solution: Please call “on your left” or, horrors, spend $10 and add two ounces by affixing a bell to your handlebars.
- Dull clothing/no lights. Thank you, Rapha, for hawking brown, grey, and black jerseys and black shorts and jackets. When I do drive, I find many riders to be virtually invisible.
Solution: Bring back crazy yellow/pink deer-hunting and crossing-guard colors!
- Kids on electric motorbikes. This is a relatively new phenomena. Four 10-year olds on a “Class 2” (no pedaling required) e-bike scooting along at 20 miles per hour on sidewalks or going the wrong way down a bike lane.
Not sure of a solution here. In a way they should be congratulated for cutting down on “Mom’s Taxi” car trips. We can’t call out parents for caving into teen pressure. Or can we?
(Note from Community Cycles: Boulder County recently added an “E-bike Safety for Teens” section to their Youth Transportation page and are working on a publicity campaign.)
- A profusion of modes. It’s becoming a free-for-all. We’ve now got folks out on “acoustic” bikes, e-bikes, electric scooters, B-Cycles, Limes, skateboards, one-wheel electric skateboards and who knows what else. Add in elephants and Tuk-Tuks and we could be living in Mumbai. (Ok, I’ve never been there, but the internet tells me it’s chaotic and dangerous.)
Solution: Courtesy among all modes.
- Poor signs. The rules posted on most greenways are often reprints of bureaucratic rules and regs in small print that no one reads. Again I congratulate OSMP for their recent addition of large, simple “call when passing” signs on some of our gravel trails.
If our goal is to get people out of their cars for more trips, cyclists should step up to promote safe cycling and walking through their own responsible behavior. It’s not just about crash statistics, but creating a vibe where you want to leave your car behind.
Call to action!
Cyclists need to do our part for Vision Zero. How about a “biker responsibility and safety awareness” public education program sponsored by a coalition including Community Cycles, BCycle, Lime, Boulder Cycling Club, Coalition 4 Cyclists, the Vision Zero program, and local bike shops?
Your ideas? I’m off now, the Soapbox is open for next month!
Ray’s Soapbox welcomes submissions from Community Cycles members and supporters. Timely cycling-related topics of local interest are given first preference. Our guidelines: Maximum length is 350 words. No name-calling or ad hominem attacks. Keep it positive, please. All submissions are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish submissions. Photos or other graphics are encouraged. (soapbox photo credit: Peggy Price)
Submit your idea here. We’ll help you kick your text and photo into shape.