Whenever a new concept is introduced, there is bound to be backlash. When it comes to cycling, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions that cloud the movement. Here we provided the answers to the most common ones.
Bike paths creates traffic!
False. This picture clearly demonstrates how much space there would be if drivers opted for cycling. See more details here: https://engineeringandarchitecture.com/here-are-200-people-in-177-cars-vs-without-cars-vs-on-buses-vs-on-bikes/
Fix the roads and sidewalks first!
We can all agree that there are problems with the streets and sidewalks, unfortunately the fact is that there areat least 10,000 miles of usable paved surfaces that vehicles and pedestrians can safely use. Cyclists hardly have one.
“There are a lot of places cyclists can ride their bikes”
False. Not a single cyclist feels safe cycling here. There are virtually no bike paths that follow the design guides from the Federal Highway Administration. The designated “bike paths” in Corpus Christi are generally not safe or pleasant. You can see the design guides here –> https://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2-4_FHWA-Separated-Bike-Lane-Guide-ch-5_2014.pdf
If you don’t like it, move!
It’s silly to suggest people move, quit their jobs, change careers, cut family ties and reestablish themselves elsewhere for just bike paths. A city is supposed to accommodate for their communities. We have dog parks for dogs, disc parks for disc golf players and skateparks for skateboarders.
Cyclists do not pay taxes for the roads!
False. Roads are funded by taxes from income and sales.The official funding information can be easily found with a quick Google search. https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/fiscal-notes/2016/may/road-finance.php?fbclid=IwAR1XuZ-tO_Y45YUaYOfJiy5V0Iq1dTIIODGdoF6q-f6Vhur1EMprj7Ed6lM
You could also say that people who are more active are generally more productive members of the economy with higher earnings and less hospital costs. In fact, it has been proven that having bike paths improve the local economy.
Cyclists are not held responsible for traffic violations.
False. There is nothing written in the law that says cyclists are exempt from the law. Nothing.
I just don’t like them.
You are using your personal bias and not the facts for the public good. It is estimated that 1 in 3 Americans own a bike. That would be 108,593 citizens of Corpus Christi. A city is supposed to accommodate for their communities, especially cycling because it is proven to be beneficial for the local economy, improve health, improve car congestion and the environment.