VIRGINIA BEACH
The City Council unanimously supported a resolution to help make roads safer for cyclists Tuesday.
The resolution, backed by Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson, encourages city staff to consider cyclists when they design road repavement or maintenance projects, if there is enough money in the budget.
More than 50 cyclists attended the meeting to show their support for the resolution, which they said was a first step in making it easier for bikers and drivers to share the road.
The resolution reopened the debate over biking in Pungo, where roads are curvy and narrow.
Pungo has become popular with cyclists, but some residents complain that the bikers block traffic.
Cyclists and residents need to acknowledge that there is a problem and try to work out a safe way to share the road, Councilwoman Barbara Henley said.
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Arrogant Motorists...
I see that this discussion is following the USUAL path of most discussions these days - rude, smug and IGNORANT.
To whoever said "use bike trails my tax dollars pay for them" please WAKE UP. WHAT 'bike trails' ? This isn't someplace like Denver, CO we're talking about. In Denver, REAL bike trails criss-cross the entire city, and you can reach nice parks, the downtown area, and THREE MAJOR MALLS without ever riding on highways designed for cars.
But that's certainly not the case here in Tidewater. So I ask again, WHAT bike trails ? There are NONE that I know of that will allow a cyclist to commute from point A to point B without using the road. And using the regular roads means trying to SHARE with rude, ARROGANT motorists who seem to think that THEY are the ONLY ONES PAYING TAXES in this community ! *lol*
Until such time as MORE OPTIONS are provided for cyclists, I suggest that bikers do what I do: Use the HRT BUS bicycle racks in busy traffic areas where it's unsafe for bicycles... and be CAREFUL, epspecially on busy roads like Little Creek Rd and Va Beach Blvd during rush hour. Motorists are in a FOUL MOOD at these times anyway, traffic is VERY congested, and they so
Require cyclists to use bike paths
My tax dollars paid for them, use them, not the roads!
Wider roads for cyclists
Well, I guess real estate taxes will go up to pay for Rosemary's wider roads. $80,000 a mile. It must be a great feeling to to be generous with other peoples money.
Bicycle riders need to think.
When the spandex goes on the brain must shut off, otherwise why would someone that is presumably riding a bike for exercise be willing to risk their health and well being by riding a 25lb, 25mph tops bicycle on narrow roads where there are no shoulders and cars and trucks speed by at the POSTED speed limit. Face it! You are NOT Lance Armstrong. I'm sure if you hit a top speed of 25mph it will only be for a few seconds before your spandex squeezed lungs will let you know you shouldn't have eaten that other donut. Find a nice residential neighborhood to ride your little bicycle on. Route 17, Shoulders Hill Rd, Bennetts Pasture Rd and Nansemond Pkwy is not the place to do it. I get the feeling that the roads in Pungo aren't either. Demonstrate to the driving public that you do have some common sense, it could save your life and prevent you from meeting the driver of a two ton SUV. Please guys, look in the mirror before going out in spandex, it's an ugly site!
Cyclists don't block traffic...
Cyclists ARE traffic. And until local politicians get that through their heads, this resolution to do the right thing as long as it doesn't cost any extra money, is meaningless.
Multi-Modal Resolution
I attended last night's council meeting. Cyclists were not deluded into thinking that this would be a quick fix for roads in Pungo. The roads in Pungo cannot be widen on the budget that the rural roads have. It is impossible.
Last night's resolution was an effort to change the way the city repaves existing roadway. In particular, as councilwoman Wilson stated, it was due to the gravel shoulder on newly paved Mill Landing Rd. Where possible, the monies would be used to pave these shoulders while already working on a road. It is not for Pungo. It may help along Shore Drive; but, could not possibly begin to assist in VA Beach's more rural areas. It was a small win for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.
Local Politicians!
Congrats go out to Rosemary, she is the bikers advocate! I wonder if she is related to Hillary Clinton. Promises, promises, promises! Come on folks, read the whole article; "if there is enough money in the budget", I am sure they can find the funds in the declining real estate taxes or they could use some of the new tolls from 264, after all, it is only money and the city is a form of government!
or
I don't believe the drivers are at fault. The bikers need to slow down, obey basic traffic rules and respect those of us that don't have the desire to have a big fancy bike.
jmo
Bikers in Pungo
I ride my bike as my only form of transportation at the Oceanfront. I don't believe the bikers are at fault. The public needs to slow down, obey basic traffic rules and respect those of us that don't have the priveledge to have a big fancy truck.