During Cleveland Bicycle Week in May, organizers gathered information from area cyclists, learning what works, what doesn't and what people like about cycling in Northeast Ohio.

Here are some of their thoughts:

Fix the Roads!!: Cyclists care about good roads. No surprise there. Cyclists have historically cared about transportation, starting the "good roads" movement before there were cars. As we proceed through the 21st century, remember that in the 19th century, cyclists initiated the call for quality roads to serve the economy and population of a growing nation. So let's fix the potholes, clear the debris and glass that plague motorists and cyclists alike.

Who Rides?: Cyclists have a variety of goals, but the most frequent riders are commuters and those riding for recreation, health and fitness. The next largest groups were those on social visits and errands. People ride for their individual goals, but also, ride as a social activity. Cycling helps individuals and families have fun and enjoy the area's beautiful parks.

We Don't Fret About Motorists: Yes, many motorists don't seem to be aware of traffic laws that establish a cyclist right to use the roads, but it's a diversion to cite barriers between cyclists and motorists, at least from the cyclists point of view. Cyclists report they would ride more with safer bike lanes (82%), areas free from glass, debris and car doors, about 45% more than those who criticized motorists. Weather and poor road quality were cited by more than half of respondents, far more than those citing unsafe motorists.

Riding More: Cyclists are a pretty determined group, with 57% of riders saying they do not stop just because of cold weather. However, they also said they would ride more if it was safer and more convenient. The most common impediments: better maintained streets; under-educated/violent motorists ignoring the rights of cyclists to use the roadway; education with more "SHARE THE ROAD" signs; lack of safe cross-town routes; and lack of bike lanes in many suburbs. Cycling commuters focused on the basics of transportation -- being safer on the road and being ready for work, citing access to showers and secure bike parking at work or elsewhere, like a bicycle station, and the greater ability to find riding partners, through programs like NOACA's ride share website.

Not Anti-Car, But Pro-Bike: Riders urge government to support the riding environment (safe lanes, paths, better roads and law enforcement) and riding individuals (offering and promoting bicycle education). Fewer riders supported disincentives for motorists, but as employers and government encourage driving (like parking subsidies and gas tax breaks), most cyclists urged fairness and equitable treatment by offering incentives for cyclists well. This past tax season, I couldn't deduct the miles I ride while at work or for nonprofit activity, unlike every motorist.

It's summer, gas prices exceed $4.00/gallon and oil company profits are too large to contemplate. As government, employers and individuals consider what to do; I hope all of them consider ways to increase bike riding. It's cheap, healthy, fun, social, won't add to the gas bill, no matter how high prices get, and only requires a free additive – water. Ride a bike for health, ride for commuting and transportation, ride with friends for fun ... but just ride! Consider it your zero gallons per mile response to the energy crisis.

Kevin Cronin
ClevelandBikes : When ClevelandBikes, Cleveland Benefits!
www.ClevelandBikes.org