In the aftermath of the death of two cyclists in Portland, Oregon, a recent (Portland State) Vanguard article analyzes the growing tensions between cyclists and drivers. Portland, dubbed “Bike Town U.S.A.” for its system of bike paths, lanes, and cycling-friendly legislation, has seen a steady increase in the number of cyclists. According to Vanguard, “As the number of cyclists in Portland continues to shoot up, tensions with drivers are obviously at a dangerous point. It is clear that action needs to be taken for everyone’s safety, and something has to be done to lower the vitriol spewed between cyclists and drivers.”
Portland officials are hoping to defuse the situation. City Commissioner Sam Adams held an emergency meeting to address bike safety. Bikeportland.org’s Jonathan Maus characterized the meeting as a “solid first step.”
Being more bike-friendly than Albuquerque is one thing. Being on par with Amsterdam is another.
Indeed, an analysis shows our city’s bike infrastructure has been built in fits and starts, with serious concessions made to the car-centric status quo.
Former city bike planner Mia Birk likens bike programs to affirmative action. The cars already get the best of everything, sort of like rich white guys. Bike programs would be minorities in her analogy, getting increased and overdue access to common resources. “You have to step back and say, this isn’t just about bicyclists,” she says. “It’s great that it benefits bicyclists, but it really improves safety for all of us.”
Decreasing car usage needs to be a multi-pronged attack. Upping the number of cyclists is part of that plan, but a supporting legislation (which Portland seems to have), well-planned roads, an educated law enforcement, and cyclists and drivers aware of road rules and rights are each crucial for successful, safe transportation.
Photo via Flickr by T a k
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