Bicyclists Should Fund More Routes

* Are bicycle routes inadequate, as Don Harvey states in his April 19 letter? He states that 20% of those polled would like to commute to work by bike, but only 1% do. He then blames the lack of bike routes for this.

One major problem in street and road maintenance these days is the lack of funds, which come from vehicle license fees and gasoline taxes. Perhaps if these bicycles were licensed, the fees would at least help the overburdened motorist.

And why not require the bicyclist to be licensed? This would provide more fees and help the police in case of bicycle theft.

In addition, the biker should also be required to pass a test on the traffic laws. Some riders I have observed don’t realize that a red traffic light means stop.

In actuality, the vast majority of bicycling is for fun, on Saturday and Sunday, provided it is a warm, sunny day. On the normal day-to-day commute, especially if it is cold, dark or rainy, the bike lanes (except for the occasional macho fanatic) are as empty as an O.J. rally for family harmony.

At these peak traffic hours, the last thing the overcrowded highways need are empty and unused bike lanes!

J. SMITH

Lake Forest

* Don Harvey, the executive director of the Orange County Bicycle Coalition, should start furnishing funds for the demands that he continues to make on others.

How much of the “route, lane and path” improvements have the cyclists paid for?

CHRIS E. EMA

Santa Ana