Comments on: “Bicycling Is Healthy” — So How Do We Encourage It? http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/13/bicycling-is-healthy-so-how-do-we-encourage-it/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:07:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Andy B from Jersey http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/13/bicycling-is-healthy-so-how-do-we-encourage-it/comment-page-1/#comment-133891 Andy B from Jersey Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:12:04 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=68031#comment-133891 Agreed Moses but most other countries (all that I'm aware) that have high rates of cycling do not require bicycle licenses since operating a bicycle rarely poses a direct hazard to others. Killing or maiming dozens of people can be quite easy behind the wheel of a car so that's why a license is require to drive one. Education of cyclists is the key. Many other countries start in grade school. However, a bicycle license is sure to prove be another barrier to cycling just like helmet laws do in Australia. Some proper enforcement of all offending parties by well educated law enforcement would go a long way too. As much as NYCDoT is ahead of the game in creating bicycle facilities, it is that much if not further behind most other US cities on this front. Agreed Moses but most other countries (all that I’m aware) that have high rates of cycling do not require bicycle licenses since operating a bicycle rarely poses a direct hazard to others. Killing or maiming dozens of people can be quite easy behind the wheel of a car so that’s why a license is require to drive one.

Education of cyclists is the key. Many other countries start in grade school. However, a bicycle license is sure to prove be another barrier to cycling just like helmet laws do in Australia.

Some proper enforcement of all offending parties by well educated law enforcement would go a long way too. As much as NYCDoT is ahead of the game in creating bicycle facilities, it is that much if not further behind most other US cities on this front.

]]> By: Moses Horwitz http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/13/bicycling-is-healthy-so-how-do-we-encourage-it/comment-page-1/#comment-133241 Moses Horwitz Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:27:10 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=68031#comment-133241 "...they are most effective as part of a more comprehensive effort. Substantial increases in bicycling require an integrated package...." The integrated package also needs to include education, and some would even say licensure. As ridership has increased in New York, I have noticed a corresponding increase in poor operation of bicycles. Vehicle drivers are required to pass a written test, get a learners permit and then supervised practice, some times with a professional teacher, before obtaining a license. It's not a panacea, but it is something. Bike riding? All you got to do is get a bike and a lock, maybe a helmet and lights, and then hit the road. Wrong way in the bike lane? Riding on the sidewalk? Blowing through crowded crosswalks against the light? It's all good until someone gets hurt. “…they are most effective as part of a more comprehensive effort. Substantial increases in bicycling require an integrated package….”

The integrated package also needs to include education, and some would even say licensure. As ridership has increased in New York, I have noticed a corresponding increase in poor operation of bicycles. Vehicle drivers are required to pass a written test, get a learners permit and then supervised practice, some times with a professional teacher, before obtaining a license. It’s not a panacea, but it is something.

Bike riding? All you got to do is get a bike and a lock, maybe a helmet and lights, and then hit the road. Wrong way in the bike lane? Riding on the sidewalk? Blowing through crowded crosswalks against the light? It’s all good until someone gets hurt.

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