We asked bicyclists and motorists in advance to comment on their hopes for, frustrations and experiences with bicycling in Atlanta. Here, from a recent Atlanta Forward blog, is a sampling of the responses published under each participant’s chosen screen name.
Markd: It takes me an hour to go 12 miles in the Ashford/Peachtree Dunwoody area during rush hour. This area would be ideal for bike lanes. ... I could ride my bike and be one less car contributing to that nightmare of a commute. As others have said, riding a bicycle in the metro area is nothing short of suicide. Why our political “leaders” can’t understand the benefits of building an infrastructure that is conducive to alternate means of transportation is beyond me.
Logical Dude: I cycle with a group of people, but I do not travel two abreast if at all possible. I would cycle to work, but I value my life. ... Last summer to fall, it seemed like I heard about a new cycling fatality or serious accident almost every week. Yes, bike lanes would help immensely. No, I don’t expect any state or local governments to do anything about it because they are the drivers that we all have to look out for.
Maurice: A little common sense goes a long way — behind the wheel or in the saddle. We should respect all fellow users of the roads ... Don’t impede when not necessary. Don’t put your swift travel above the safety of another human being. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Too little time: I am held up more every day ... by idiots on telephones than I am by cyclists. I am held up more by mistimed lights and inefficient intersections. ... In the scheme of things that impede traffic, cyclists are way down the list. ... The “two-abreast” issue is way overblown and doesn’t come close to the number of motorists doing stupid things on the road.
Ken: I took a course in effective cycling through Atlanta Bicycle Coalition years ago to learn how to ride in urban traffic. It was a revelation to learn that it is indeed safe and practical to bicycle in the city, mixed in with cars, trucks, motorcycles and pedestrians. In my daily commute from Grant Park to Midtown, I rarely get honked at or harassed by motorists because I practice safe cycling, and I know the basics of lane positioning, hand signals, staying visible and being predictable on my bike at all times. When I have failed to do so, this is when I have been honked at.
Mike: I have yet to see any cyclist riding two abreast to get hit where I live. I know of four riding single file, including myself, that have been hit. Riding the white line or single file opens the door for a car or truck to attempt to slide between the middle line and you.
Phil: Atlanta needs improvements in all transportation — mass transit, bicycles and roads! The streets are not safe for cyclists, and you can’t get there from here.
Not Blind: The streets are not safe for bicycles. I rode bikes a lot back in the ’80s. Today, it’s just plain dumb. More congestion plus all the dumb jerks talking on the phone or texting.
Daniel: One area ripe for education are the drivers of public vehicles. I have repeatedly had DeKalb police blow by me within 3 feet. On two occasions, I have had large Dekalb public works trucks ... blast their horns at me and eventually just blow past me within 3 feet. The second time, I really thought I was dead.
BicycleBill: I’m a cyclist and a motorist. Probably 99 percent of cyclists also own cars and pay road-use taxes and state income taxes. I feel I have an equal privilege to use the road as any car. Any time I’m on my bike I am “one less car.” I’m not an obstacle to traffic; I am part of the traffic.
Jeremy: Ask your friends if they are even aware of the 3-foot law. What about riding on sidewalks? Can a cyclist roll on red in this state?... I have lived in a city where there are more bicycles sharing the road and the drivers are more courteous. The difference is that they are better educated and know what to do when they approach a cyclist. We cannot blame the general driving public for their ignorance. Education for all is key.
