I know we have a tendancy to get somewhat self-righteous and all 'bikey-correct' (ugh...I dunno what else to call it) on these enthusiast forums but if that critical mass that folks seem to hope will happen with regard the larger population incorporating cycling into their every day life ever occurs..(have to admit that I'm a sceptic!) we will also inherit the swath of personalities also.
Much of the utility/city/commuting/recreation/lifestyle scenes I observe, images and vignettes I see often displays much of this selfish and insular behavior. Many of the bikes that are being promoted as ideal for city living (cargo bikes, dutch-style, city-utility) often have folk in your every day garb (as it rightfully should...'cept those "beautiful godzillas in stilettos"...they scare the hell outta me), starbucks coffee in hand, unprotected head floiwng in the breeze, riding abreast along with cycling companion(s) engaged in joyful conversation. Designer hand bags slung over shoulders and long tailed coats and other loose and fashionable attire fluttering in the breeze. This is what is encouraged to lend encouragement to potentials to join the fold.
This is a tricky country to get these things right with I think. I wont suggest the obvious national example of urban/suburban cycle living but without structure and readily available 'rules' (not necessarily punitive laws if you get me) having folks consider some of the idiocy they engage in and the harm some thoughtlessly impose on others they come across as well as themselves it'll be a long and hard road to hoe to get everyone behaving...hell after all this time getting people to behave and lend courtesy to other auto drivers continues to be a challenge.
The roadway infrastructure will need large resources and dedicated planning to get a system in place that perhaps gives cyclists protected cycle lanes not only extra paint in a roadway to inticate a cycle lane. Lots are still (and often rightfully so) quite afraid of riding on the road with the cars, trucks and buses thus often ride on sidewalks threatening pedestrians and their well being. Some of these utility/dutch bikes with their easy pace and wide handlebars dont seem to me to encourage the timid to get out there with the traffice.
There are enough folk with sway and influence that see little to no value in something as 'silly' as a cycling infrastructure and can seriously hamper the development and maturity of such things. For many, the idea of cyclists sharing the road with them is a huge pusher of the 'anger button'...as if cyclists truly should not be "allowed", not to mention the barrier of what the current economic climate gives us.
I've seen some folk do some of the most mindless and
[email protected]$$ed things when on their bicycles and they have the nerve to look either utterly oblivious to the carnage they almost cause or incensed that something dared to give them bother while they were about their daily affairs. I'm amazed quite often.
