Rolling in the right direction

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Rolling in the right direction
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By B. Marquis, Alexandria

I was surprised but pleased to read the October 9 article in the Alexandria Times entitled “On the road to civility on two wheels or four.” It was encouraging to see that some cycling advocacy groups have heard the outcry from area residents about this problem and are finally taking action.

I applaud the efforts of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to promote responsible and law abiding cycling. I was pleased to read that both groups went out and personally observed what they themselves deemed as reckless behavior on Old Town’s streets.

As more independent accounts of cyclists ignoring the laws are documented, it will be harder for this issue to be discounted. I also was impressed that the group’s volunteers took the time to go to the street to be bike ambassadors and encourage cyclists to obey the law.

I certainly support these groups’ efforts dealing with what I and so many other people have known for a long time is a serious problem. As was noted, however, it is yet to be seen whether these initial grassroots efforts to educate cyclists will make a difference, but it is good to know they at least are trying.

I hope it works, but I would encourage these advocacy and intervention efforts to extend beyond the end of October as I think it will take more time to change the engrained attitudes of some cyclists, thus turning this problem around.

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