While Melbourne cyclist await the construction of the first "Copenhagen-style" bike lanes (on Swanston St between Victoria St and the University of Melbourne), it's frankly appalling to learn that in Chicago cyclists are considered "non-intended users of Illinois roads". What the …?
Tired old argument
Basically, it's just the tired old "Why don't cyclists pay road registration?" argument. Bicycle Victoria provides a very good short answer to this:
- We all pay taxes
- Motor vehicle taxes don't cover the full cost of motor vehicle use anyway
- We can't afford not to provide more places to ride (for health reasons)
- It's the law: Bicycles are legal road users
Well, it sounds like that last one doesn't apply in Illinois anymore!
Positive ideas
Meanwhile in Oregon instead of telling cyclist to get of "their" roads, an official from the state Department of Transportation is looking for ways to improve the roads and highways for cycling access in that State.
"We have to totally change our thinking" about accommodating bicycles, he said. "When you build a street, you have to build it for everybody."
Wow. Even if this guy doesn't get his ideas to work, I reckon I'd rather go riding in Oregon than Illinois!