W
Walter
Guest
> >I try and avoid going near traffic whenever possible. I've driven automobiles for over 25 years
> >in some of the worst traffic, in some of the worst cities in the world. I can honestly say, that
> >with the
> For someone who claims to have driven all over the world, it appears you have failed to notice how
> *well* bikes and cars get along in countries with a broader cycling culture than the U.S.
>
> Cycling is more visible in the U.S. now that any time I can remember (IMHO). If the present trend
> can be maintained, car/cyclist relations will only improve.
>
Here is what one of those enlightened socialist countries thinks of bikes and traffic.
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/asiapcf/9810/28/china.bicycle.ban/index.html
Beijing authorities ban cyclists on busy street BEIJING (CNN) -- Thousands of bicyclists have
suffered a defeat at the hand of the capital's burgeoning number of car drivers. Not long ago,
bicycles were kings of the road, but now they are banned from a busy street during the day.
Just over a week ago, municipal authorities outlawed cycling on Xisidong-dajie street from 7
a.m. to 8 p.m.
Authorities said the 300-meter-long road, which runs through a bustling shopping district, would be
reserved for cars and pedestrians. Cyclists are allowed through if they push their bikes.
The ban became necessary because the thousands of bicycles frequently created traffic jams, said
public security and transport officials.
Motorists welcomed the ban. "I really loathe those bikes. I hate it when they block my way," a
motorist told CNN.
But for the vast majority of Beijing citizens who cannot afford a car, the decision was annoying.
"It's really inconvenient for me," a cyclist complained, saying the trip home after work now
takes longer.
Shop owners along the street also were unhappy. The drop in cyclists passing through means
less business.
Policemen now stand at the mouth of the street, shooing confused bikers away, or making them walk.
The success of the ban remains to be seen, but for now, in some parts of Beijing, it signals that
four wheels are more powerful than two.
> >in some of the worst traffic, in some of the worst cities in the world. I can honestly say, that
> >with the
> For someone who claims to have driven all over the world, it appears you have failed to notice how
> *well* bikes and cars get along in countries with a broader cycling culture than the U.S.
>
> Cycling is more visible in the U.S. now that any time I can remember (IMHO). If the present trend
> can be maintained, car/cyclist relations will only improve.
>
Here is what one of those enlightened socialist countries thinks of bikes and traffic.
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/asiapcf/9810/28/china.bicycle.ban/index.html
Beijing authorities ban cyclists on busy street BEIJING (CNN) -- Thousands of bicyclists have
suffered a defeat at the hand of the capital's burgeoning number of car drivers. Not long ago,
bicycles were kings of the road, but now they are banned from a busy street during the day.
Just over a week ago, municipal authorities outlawed cycling on Xisidong-dajie street from 7
a.m. to 8 p.m.
Authorities said the 300-meter-long road, which runs through a bustling shopping district, would be
reserved for cars and pedestrians. Cyclists are allowed through if they push their bikes.
The ban became necessary because the thousands of bicycles frequently created traffic jams, said
public security and transport officials.
Motorists welcomed the ban. "I really loathe those bikes. I hate it when they block my way," a
motorist told CNN.
But for the vast majority of Beijing citizens who cannot afford a car, the decision was annoying.
"It's really inconvenient for me," a cyclist complained, saying the trip home after work now
takes longer.
Shop owners along the street also were unhappy. The drop in cyclists passing through means
less business.
Policemen now stand at the mouth of the street, shooing confused bikers away, or making them walk.
The success of the ban remains to be seen, but for now, in some parts of Beijing, it signals that
four wheels are more powerful than two.
