Bikes easing pressure on streets of Victoria
Bikes easing pressure on streets of Victoria.
Increased bicycle traffic helps both with easing traffic congestion and increased spending in the Victoria area. In turn increased cycling related services popup which returns again financially to the local economy.
“…as cycling’s presence is increasingly felt in the region, it follows that entrepreneurs will tap into this market segment to build a value-added, cycling-based economy…”
In a community somewhat dependant on tourism it seems an increased in cycling infrastructure is a no-brainer as well, “cycling is making its way into Greater Victoria’s $1-billion annual tourism industry.”
The more cyclist who visit the islands also helps in other areas including environmental and health benefits,
It’s a perfect storm when a number of factors come together in Greater Victoria’s cycling-friendly climate:
n the public’s desire for a greener planet and less reliance on fossil fuels;
n reluctance to ride the ups and downs of gasoline prices;
n grass-roots pressure for government policies and practices to support cyclists;
n bicycle designs to make riding easier for various riders;
n employers offering bike storage and showers; and
n an awareness of the health benefits of exercise.
So why is the San Juans not focusing on a bicycle infrastructure when we are a bicycle tourist destination? We know they want to come here. So are we taking it for granted that cyclist will always want to come to the island or do we see ourselves as a destination and a place to spend money? Or do we still see ourselves as a rural farming community only and it just so happens that some tourist like to come here.
This isn’t just about tourist either. More and more year around locals are enjoying the benifits of cycling as well and many of us shake our heads at the fact that the roads are very bicycle unfriendly. A couple of weeks ago one of my customers came in after spending a couple of hours on one of our rental bikes. He had ridden out to North Beach and on his way back, a motorist pulled up next to him and yeald at him to “get on the bike path….” The bike path? What bike path? Did he think the almost non-existant shoulder was a bike path? It shows that cyclist have to stake their claim in the road and as more and more cyclist ride the roads here, there are going to be more and more confrontations. So it is in our best interest to work on a bicycle infrastructure in the San Juans but especially here on Orcas Island. It would be good for the local economy, good for our health, good for the local environment, good tourist and locals, and good for traffic. It’s a no-brainer