FLCC> Commuting and Climate Change

[Andrejs Ozolins]

I love the idea of a crit in Ithaca. I've loved the idea ever since I 
first heard it proposed nearly twenty years ago. As great as it would 
be, it has proved beyond the practical reach or determination of anybody 
so far. My guess is that it would take a huge effort over a long time to 
bring it off.

But, then, as much as I'd like to see that crit, I don't think the 
"visibility of the local cycling community" should be sought through a 
race anyway. Indeed, one of the unfortunate perceptions of the general 
public is that cyclists are a bunch of anarchic racers. I would be 
interested in pursuing a much more achievable means of bringing 
favorable visibility to Ithaca cycling in the opportunity that is almost 
at hand: can we work up a serious program for Bike to Work Month, Bike 
to Work Week, and Bike to Work Day. The thought crossed my mind this 
past winter -- and of course I didn't follow it up -- that it would be 
really neat to invite Carolyn Peterson to join a bunch of us on a ride 
to her work and the work of other city officials. This would bring 
attention to cycling in the context of actual local politics, where 
decisions need to be made to make cycling more accepted and comfortable 
in the city. I don't want to drone on with more ideas -- but I'd love to 
get together with others and plan something like this. Again, I love to 
see bike racing, but in the ideal scheme of things, bike racing would be 
a very small part of the cycling world, just as car racing is a small 
part of national motoring activity.

What about it?

Andrejs

Todd Roswech wrote:
> To follow up on some comments from Wayne and others, I agree that 
> visibility of the local cycling community is very important (so, get 
> out and ride).  Additionally, though, relationships between cycling 
> groups and the city and town are also important.  Getting to know 
> planning officers and local gov't reps is important. These are the 
> people that we are looking to to make changes on our behalf.  One way 
> to start to "work together" might be to organize an event.  If there 
> is support from the city, a downtown circuit race (just one example 
> chosen from numerous possibilities) might be a good way to raise 
> visibility and work together to identify and address some issues as 
> part of planning for the logistics of the race (ie road conditions and 
> hazards, traffic).  The one-on-one time with city and town planners 
> and others in organizing an event may help when you are going to the 
> city or town looking for changes in traffic patterns, road 
> improvements, etc.  Race day also provides a forum to present cycling 
> issues to a non-cycling crowd.
>
> Todd