We've been bombarded with media coverage of folks digging out their bikes, buying new bikes, learning to ride for the first time, and so forth. Should we who have held the torch of bike commuting believe that now is our time? Has the pressure of expensive gasoline caused others to see the light--OUR light? Or are these just the brush strokes of media reporters looking to sensationalize the "crisis"? Is there really a new, swelling wave of our numbers?
Part of me wants to trust that this is true. I have seen others on their bikes--riders with racks, bags, backpacks, and counted them among the revolutionaries. I've also noted the articles reporting increased bike/car accidents and even fatalities.
I've also seen the growing number of scooters holding up parades of motorists who wish to travel faster. Funny, that I've heard zero complaints about this obstruction that is the scooter set--maybe because scooter riders are actually "motorists" they are tangent to the usual angst that bicyclists get if they are perceived as obstructions.
The revolution that is the progression of bicyclists might not be the growth in our numbers, but the expansion of respect for us on the road from motorists. Possibly, these are related. Alternatively our growth in numbers could de-evolve our progress and status. Newer riders don't always follow the rules and consequently upset motorists and cause complaints. Now is the time for education--for ALL who use the road. Pontiacs passing Treks at fewer than three feet clearance is as much an offense as Schwinns pedalling against traffic, or running a red light. These practices don't depict respect from either "side" of the issue.
Is now the revolution? It's up to us and "us" is growing--that's revolution, but not yet resolution.
