Should cities remove car lanes and parking to build protected cycling infrastructure?
This is very regional specific because it depends on the geography, topography, existing transportation infrastructure, culture, and more.
The existing predominant transportation mode in America being single occupant vehicles is the main barrier, coupled with existing land use practices. It is rare to find communities in america that are truly high-density and multi-use. Suburban sprawl, plazas, strip malls, and commercial centers for lease are inefficient and costly in terms of transportation.
If existing cities or towns were to remove car lanes in favor for bike lanes, the underlying problems would still exist. If bike infrastructure is installed and not used, or is unpleasant to use, then it would all be for naught. For example, a bike path that parallels a highway might be easiest to build, but very uncomfortable if not unhealthy to bike on.
Bike infrastructure has to somehow be integrated within existing site conditions and local municipalities and governments should continue to strive to find these solutions, and be open to them when they present themselves.
It sounds like “cycling” is being used to imply a certain type of bicycle riding, perhaps as a concerted hobby. I’ll rephrase the question: How long have you been riding a bike, and to what degree?
I started riding a bike as all children do growing up in a suburb. My parents did not know much about bikes and did what many parents do when they want a bike for their child, they visit a local bike shop and see what’s available and what fits their price range. My first bikes were steel mountain bikes and I had a bmx in middle school. However, everything changed when I was about ten years old. When attempting to jump over my brothers bike by using the driveway curb edge as a ramp, I rode down the sidewalk, hit my brother’s bike with my rear wheel, and went feet over head over handlebar over bike, all while not wearing a helmet. I was concussed to say the least and didn’t ride a bike much after that.
Only during college did I hear about a ‘road bike’, the ones with skinny tires and ‘curved’ handlebars. It was a bike I didn’t know much about but knew there was something cool about them. I spent some time searching craigslist and found an steel 27″ wheel gray bianchi. An old man was selling it and let me take it for a test ride. I had never ridden such a bike before. After a few pedal strokes down the street, my hands in the ‘bottom’ part of the curved handlebars, I was facing the front wheel and in an unusual a new position for me, and it was exhilarating. I felt like i was going fast, so purchased the bike for $100.
Once i made some friends in the mechanical engineering department who were also getting into bikes, curiosity exploded. We repaired, modified, and rode our bikes all throughout Sacramento. We even worked at the local bike kitchen one day a week. I learned about road bikes and joined the collegiate cycling team. Since then, i’ve continued to ride and race road bikes. I also enjoy repairing, building, and playing with all things bike.
What got you into cycling?
See above. Basically, it seemed to be cool. And having been involved in sports my whole life, it came natural, along with an exhilaration for speed, making my body work, improve, and compete.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Now, I have a commuter bike, which is a road bike with gravel tires, front basket, and flat bars. The road bike is an all road bike with aero wheels, modern group set, and my favorite: custom frame bag, More recently, i have a cargo bike that i use to take Teo out on rides. There are also other bikes and bike projects going on in the background.
How often do you ride?
If a ride around the block counts, I am riding a bike at least 7 days a week usually, weather, health, and mood-pending.
What’s your favorite place to ride?
If I have the time, fitness, and motivation, I would choose to ride to Marin or Mt. Diablo.
Do you ride for fitness, fun, commuting, or racing?
All of the above. Even if out on a casual ride, it usually feels good to push the legs and body a bit. Riding to train and improve fitness requires a lot of time which i do not have.
How many miles/kilometers do you ride each week?
No idea, i measure my rides in destinations. For ex. I ride to and from work, casual rides, social rides, etc.
What’s the longest ride you’ve ever done?
I rode from Busan to Seoul in South Korea over two days which was a total of about 530km.
Do you prefer road biking, mountain biking, gravel, or BMX?
I prefer to ride on pavement and some light gravel. I know how to get into a flow in these conditions.
What’s the best beginner bike?
A beginner bike is one that is easy and stable to ride, is mechanically sound and reliable, and is also lusted after for whatever reason.
Zacksunsang 