Editor’s Statement
Welcome to the new normal—you have been part of making it happen, and may not have even noticed. We are no longer edgy rebels, the days of recognizing everyone on a bike in town is over. While it has its growing pains and the allure of being part of a certain in-the-know underground wanes, this is a positive thing all around. Good for you, good for your friends and good for your city.
Before the big pay day of separated bike lanes and sensible traffic enforcement we unfortunately have to experience a certain level of vitriol from a small percentage of other road users as the bicycle numbers continue to swell. It only takes one to ruin your day or worse, but it is important to remember that even in the face of increasing numbers of bike/car collisions the overwhelming majority of drivers are reasonable, law abiding people. It’s the outliers that cause the problems, and anecdotally at least the past year seems to have brought forth a new level of frustration amongst hot head motorists. Locally I’ve heard the term “extinction burst” applied to the phenomenon—that as bicycle use increases and reaches the proverbial critical mass there is a certain motoring element so resistant to the change that they are acting out with increasing aggression. The “reward” of scaring people off of the road isn’t occurring, and eventually the behavior should cease and we can all travel the roads together in peace.
In the name of self preservation and the safety of your friends, there is no better time than right now to lend a hand to local bike advocacy efforts. Volunteer, donate, create your own organization to help others navigate safely. Every bit counts, every dollar helps. We are winning.
Out for lunch with Bike Pittsburgh Executive Director Scott Bricker and Advocacy Director Erok Boerer, planning for the next big win in local cycling. Photo by Brad Quartuccio