August 2007

We need bike paths

During the first two weeks of June, I had the pleasure of bicycle touring along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers north of Frankfurt, Germany with my daughter and two friends. We all brought folding touring bikes that fit in regular-sized suitcases, so I knew that part of our adventure would be convenient. What I didn't know was how incredibly easy it would be to travel by bike in Germany.

To call Germany "bicycle friendly" would be a gross understatement. The country has a complete infrastructure that provides for bicycle travel as an expected means of transportation. Of the 225 miles that we cycled, at least 200 was on bicycle paths that were completely separate from roads. It was delightful to see so many people on bikes, especially those in their 70s and 80s. We did see lots of spandex and helmets (tourists), but the Germans were dressed in street clothes. Of course, they were on bikes that looked like they couldn't go more than 10 mph downhill with a tailwind assist!

Now I ask you, doesn't it seem that if Germany can provide bike paths all over their country, we ought to be able to do the same? Not only were the bike paths well maintained, ubiquitous, and heavily used, every other aspect of bike travel was convenient. Most of the trains allow you to just walk right on with your bike. Many of the hotels have signs and/or flags advertising that they cater to cycling tourists. Even the dogs in Germany are bicycle friendly. Not one of them barked at us!

To paraphrase an old quote, "If we build [bike paths, cyclists] will come." Actually, we are already here. We just need safe, plentiful bike paths to use.

—Lilly Ann Popken
Santa Cruz

Let's Marathon

I am inviting all the people who did the 24-mile marathon hike and anyone else daring enough to join me for the Big Sur Marathon power walk in April. We could go as a Sierra Club group. Sign ups start as early as September. The sooner you sign up, the cheaper it is. Call me if you are interested: 678-1968.

—Esperanza Hernandez
Soledad

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