Commuting by Bicycle

Referring to the article about Dennis Crowley’s bikeway from Pasadena to L.A. (Aug. 29) and your follow-up editorial (Sept. 4), I fully endorse the concept. I commuted for two years along the Potomac River from Alexandria, Va., to Washington, D.C., with thousands of others. If such a path could be such a smashing success in spite of Washington’s miserable weather and the bike path’s poor maintenance, then I can only envision the Pasadena bikeway succeeding beyond all forecasts. Certainly anything that we do to reduce cars on freeways and improve good health should be encouraged.

Unfortunately I don’t live in Pasadena. I live in Playa del Rey and work in Brea. I thought the creation of the Green Line would be my salvation, believing that I could take my bike on the streetcar. In fact, after obtaining a “bike permit,” one may take his bike on the streetcar--just not during commute hours!

Los Angeles is making progress, but it still has a long way to go to break the automobile-only mentality.

JOHN M. MULHOLLAND

Playa del Rey

* In California and maybe all of the United States, the car is king. At least from a big corporate standpoint and its corresponding fuel, namely oil. But what if we had one-tenth or whatever percentage you like put back into human power. Then the bicycle would be the way for up to 25% of all Americans. If Davis can do it right, why cannot other cities? Why can’t Los Angeles transportation folks hire the experts in this field? What experts am I speaking of? The transportation planners and engineers who know how to mix bikes, pedestrians, public transit and the almighty car. It can be done. It should be done. But politics get in the way!

Why not bicycle to work? Most often said, “It’s just not safe.” To remedy this is three-pronged. Educate motorists, educate bicyclists and finally slow down traffic. I don’t mean stop traffic but I do mean do everything to calm traffic. There are recreational clubs here ready to teach you the basics on how to ride in traffic and also have a great time socializing on the weekends. There are bicycle paths the clubs also utilize. Ask any big bike shop how to contact a club in your part of town. There is a county bike map to show you what facilities are built. Just call L.A. (213) 244-6539, Orange (714) 834-3111, Riverside/San Bernardino (909) 352-7222, San Diego (619) 231-BIKE or Ventura (805) 642-1591. There are myriad phone numbers on these maps to help you get started on the trip of your dreams.

RUTH BARNES, Past President

California Assn. of Bicycling Organizations

Los Angeles Wheelmen

Rancho Dominguez