Does the US Government do enough to promote bicycle riding?

Question

I argue that the U.S., federal, state and local governments have committed almost nothing to encouraging bike use - either recreational or as a means of transportation. According to Jim Sayer, Director of the Adventure Cycling Association (http://www.adventurecycling.org), "In the U.S., half of all trips taken are three miles and less. If just half of those trips were done by bicycle, we would save 24 billion gallons of gas each year." Yet, when riding bikes on American roads, you put your life at risk. I argue that we need more dedicated bike paths.

Answer 1

I agree wholeheartedly! I also think they need to make more walking paths as well. I mean here, if you are at the mall, and want to cross the street to go to a book store, it is standard to get in your car, get in a long line of traffic, wait for the light, and inch your way along to cross the road and park your car across the street. It is ludacris. If you try to walk, there are no sidewalks, you end up walking in the mud or on the shoulder of the road. Then when you cross there are no crosswalks, and motorists try to run you over like they've never seen anyone walking before. So everyone gets in their car to go across the street. That's just insane.

If they made more walking and bike paths, they would solve some of their traffic and pollution problems and promote the health and well being of people getting exercise. Why don't they do it?

Answer 2

The reason that government on the federal level hasn't promoted bike riding is that they also haven't done enough to promote fuel economy, energy conservation or environmental concerns in general. As for state and local level, it depends on where you live -- there are a number of local municipalities that have encouraged bike riding a lot more, and some employers even reward workers with incentives to commute via bike rather than by car. There definitely should be more bike paths, but that is on the local level of government -- as far as civic projects and urban renewal, the budget comes from the city coffers. The only thing that state or federal government could do to help in that regard is to offer economic incentives to cities that construct so many miles of trails for alternative commuting.

Answer 3

I easily have an ex that used to journey a motorbike rather ofchronic a automobile, and to be straightforward it became once slightly bit a turn off as he bluntly refused to earnings tochronic even with having the money... in case you canchronic yet basically pick to journey a motorbike even with the undeniable fact that to save funds, i might want to assert it truly is very cool, except it really is no longer as romantic being picked up for a date along with your motorbike atow because it would want to being picked up through a automobile!

Answer 4

Enough? You mean that they've done anything?

It's a shame, as Bush is so busy taking arrows about his unilateral foreign policies, that he can't concentrate on something that he himself supports. He's probably our most fit president. He takes plenty of vacation time, and time every day to exercise. I'm always amazed that in my busy life I can't find enough time to exercise, yet the POTUS does? But- good for him.

Shame he's not using some of his tremendous oratory skills to promote fitness, walking, cycling, conservation.

Answer 5

You are wrong...

I have seen many photos/media coverage in news with President Bush on a bike.

That is the government promoting bicycle riding...

Answer 6

If you can buy enough Lobbist and votes the bike path will be there. Sorry to burst your dreams

Answer 7

Nice take. I agree with you and with Jim Sayer.