http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439 I want to ride my bike to work but am afraid to do so. You see the death/injury toll in Victoria to pedestrians and bicyclist is way to high to attempt such a task. I was wondering how I can suggest that Victoria look into putting bicycle lanes. I lived in a community that had those lanes and the fear of riding a bike was less. I want to change Victoria for the better. By doing this Victoria can do its part with conservation of gas, reduction of pollution, and this can lead to a healthier community. What do you think? I want to ride my bike to work but am afraid to do so. You see the death/injury toll in Victoria to pedestrians and bicyclist is way to high to attempt such a task. I was wondering how I can suggest that Victoria look into putting bicycle lanes. I lived in a community that had those lanes and the fear of riding a bike was less. I want to change Victoria for the better. By doing this Victoria can do its part with conservation of gas, reduction of pollution, and this can lead to a healthier community. What do you think? en-us Victoria is small enough that you can get just about anywhere in the City in 30 minutes or less. I regularly did from Downtown to the Mall in 20-25 minutes. I think Victoria, because of it's size is uniquly suited to benefit from Bike paths along major streets. And for the most part you can avoid the major streets for much of the trip. Riding residential streets is no trouble (just watch some intersections). the trouble is that there are certain areas that you must take major streets or go far out of your way, on these, a bike path would be excellent. A Bicycle MUST be rode in the street, NOT on the Sidewalk. That being said, during my several years of Biking for transportation (as oposed to fun and exercise) when I was force by safety vs crazed drivers, I chose the sidewalk.  I have never been given a ticket for doing so though I have passed many an officer doing so. (And no, its not because my brother is a cop, back then most officers did not know me, even today most the officer that know me are my Brothers Platoon and a few others) I'd like to think the reason I never got one was because even officers realize that at those point I rode the sidewalk, was due to safety concerns, not flagrant violation of law. Upper Navarro is one area that needs a bike path, from Salem to points north. South of Navarro you can travel just a block or two off Navarro on residential streets just fine. streets like Lilac, Windsor, N. Cameron, etc... Though watch that intersection at Lilac and Sam Houston, It is a real killer. especially for a Cyclist.   http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49118 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49118 Victoria is small enough that you can get just about anywhere in the City in 30 minutes or less. I regularly did from Downtown to the Mall in 20-25 minutes. I think Victoria, because of it's size is uniquly suited to benefit from Bike paths along major streets. And for the most part you can avoid the major streets for much of the trip. Riding residential streets is no trouble (just watch some intersections). the trouble is that there are certain areas that you must take major streets or go far out of your way, on these, a bike path would be excellent. A Bicycle MUST be rode in the street, NOT on the Sidewalk. That being said, during my several years of Biking for transportation (as oposed to fun and exercise) when I was force by safety vs crazed drivers, I chose the sidewalk.  I have never been given a ticket for doing so though I have passed many an officer doing so. (And no, its not because my brother is a cop, back then most officers did not know me, even today most the officer that know me are my Brothers Platoon and a few others) I'd like to think the reason I never got one was because even officers realize that at those point I rode the sidewalk, was due to safety concerns, not flagrant violation of law. Upper Navarro is one area that needs a bike path, from Salem to points north. South of Navarro you can travel just a block or two off Navarro on residential streets just fine. streets like Lilac, Windsor, N. Cameron, etc... Though watch that intersection at Lilac and Sam Houston, It is a real killer. especially for a Cyclist.   Well the way I have to travel to work is up Lone tree to Delmar/Sam Houston past Memorial High school to Mocking Bird. That route is plain suicide for a Bicyclist. All the residential streets in this area do not follow that path. Whats scary is this goes through three school zones and I see kids riding bikes amid the wild traffic. I fear that one day I will see a fatality. This really a legit request. Thanks for your comment cg23sailor I am glad I am not the only person that sees this as a benefit. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49121 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49121 Well the way I have to travel to work is up Lone tree to Delmar/Sam Houston past Memorial High school to Mocking Bird. That route is plain suicide for a Bicyclist. All the residential streets in this area do not follow that path. Whats scary is this goes through three school zones and I see kids riding bikes amid the wild traffic. I fear that one day I will see a fatality. This really a legit request. Thanks for your comment cg23sailor I am glad I am not the only person that sees this as a benefit. High gas prices, flat terrain, and warm weather (ok, hot) should make Victoria a great city for bicycles.  I'd love to see the city give some thought to how it can make things easier for bicyclists to get around.   I think the more people out there on bikes, the more likely this is to happen.  I have ridden a good bit on Sam Houston, and it can be intimidating, but I seem to do OK if I'll go ahead and just take my lane.  I don't think drivers here are so bad compared to other places.  What I see a lot that I think is dangerous is bikes going against traffic like salmon swimming upstream.  They say (and I think it makes sense) that oncoming cars are NOT looking for you there, you are better off to show them your behind and make them go around you. BTW, that intersection of Lilac and Sam Houston is awful. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49167 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49167 High gas prices, flat terrain, and warm weather (ok, hot) should make Victoria a great city for bicycles.  I'd love to see the city give some thought to how it can make things easier for bicyclists to get around.   I think the more people out there on bikes, the more likely this is to happen.  I have ridden a good bit on Sam Houston, and it can be intimidating, but I seem to do OK if I'll go ahead and just take my lane.  I don't think drivers here are so bad compared to other places.  What I see a lot that I think is dangerous is bikes going against traffic like salmon swimming upstream.  They say (and I think it makes sense) that oncoming cars are NOT looking for you there, you are better off to show them your behind and make them go around you. BTW, that intersection of Lilac and Sam Houston is awful. I have seen bicyclists in New York, Chicago ,and Austin navigate through traffic, but they're young and have years of practice. I would not even try that Sam Houston to  Mockingbird because this busy thoroughfare leaves no room for error, because you see cars all the time zooming through the yellow light in a hurry to their destination.  I usually walk my bike across Sam Houston and travel the back streets. I am 62 years old and just started using my bicycle regular basis, because it helps me maintain the proper blood glucose levels without straining my knees. Until they get the bike lanes,I will stay on the back roads ;dodging trash cans and out peddling barking dogs. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49180 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49180 I have seen bicyclists in New York, Chicago ,and Austin navigate through traffic, but they're young and have years of practice. I would not even try that Sam Houston to  Mockingbird because this busy thoroughfare leaves no room for error, because you see cars all the time zooming through the yellow light in a hurry to their destination.  I usually walk my bike across Sam Houston and travel the back streets. I am 62 years old and just started using my bicycle regular basis, because it helps me maintain the proper blood glucose levels without straining my knees. Until they get the bike lanes,I will stay on the back roads ;dodging trash cans and out peddling barking dogs. Does anyone know how we can present this suggestion to the city? Bicycle lanes would be the cheapest and best way to insure safety for those who ride bikes in our city. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49245 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49245 Does anyone know how we can present this suggestion to the city? Bicycle lanes would be the cheapest and best way to insure safety for those who ride bikes in our city. You know, rather than go directly to council, I might try approaching Joni Brown, who is the City's program coordinator for environmental programs and talk to her about it and maybe ask about grants, programs or other sources of funds that the city could tap to do something like that.  Much better chance of convincing council to act if you can also tell them how they can pay for it.  You can reach Joni at 361-485-3230 or email to jbrown@victoriatx.org. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49266 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49266 You know, rather than go directly to council, I might try approaching Joni Brown, who is the City's program coordinator for environmental programs and talk to her about it and maybe ask about grants, programs or other sources of funds that the city could tap to do something like that.  Much better chance of convincing council to act if you can also tell them how they can pay for it.  You can reach Joni at 361-485-3230 or email to jbrown@victoriatx.org. I'd love to see a bike routes along the bigger roads here. For me, the key to riding in Victoria is using side streets as much as possible. There are, of course, some places you can't do that -- or at least not with some planning. I'm glad Sailor mentioned that bikes are supposed to ride on roads, not sidewalks. Although it seems counterintuitive, I think riding on the roads is much safer than riding on sidewalks. Bikes move a lot faster than pedestrians and most drivers aren't looking for us on sidewalks. It's pretty easy to get creamed at a driveway or intersection if you're riding on a sidewalk. Plus, it doesn't build a lot of goodwill for bikes when you're terrorizing pedestrians.  And if nothing else, riding on roads is far more convenient -- and faster-- for commuters. I must add that after work and on weekends you're more than likely to see me using my bike for transportation, rather than my crummy car. I think if more people tried bikes as transportation they'd LOVE it.  Bikes add fun and exercise to running errands and you don't feel bad about buying yourself a snow cone. Leslie http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49321 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49321 I'd love to see a bike routes along the bigger roads here. For me, the key to riding in Victoria is using side streets as much as possible. There are, of course, some places you can't do that -- or at least not with some planning. I'm glad Sailor mentioned that bikes are supposed to ride on roads, not sidewalks. Although it seems counterintuitive, I think riding on the roads is much safer than riding on sidewalks. Bikes move a lot faster than pedestrians and most drivers aren't looking for us on sidewalks. It's pretty easy to get creamed at a driveway or intersection if you're riding on a sidewalk. Plus, it doesn't build a lot of goodwill for bikes when you're terrorizing pedestrians.  And if nothing else, riding on roads is far more convenient -- and faster-- for commuters. I must add that after work and on weekends you're more than likely to see me using my bike for transportation, rather than my crummy car. I think if more people tried bikes as transportation they'd LOVE it.  Bikes add fun and exercise to running errands and you don't feel bad about buying yourself a snow cone. Leslie Below you will see the letter I sent trying to get these bike lanes realized. As you may notice I have altered it some to prevent my name and my phone numbers to be displayed......... L----------: I love your idea and have discussed it with our planning department in the past.  The City intends to apply for a grant program that may include bike lanes.  In the meantime, I would suggest that you speak to your city council person and contact the planning department via Mr. Ray Miller. Ray may be able to tell you about future plans to include bike lanes as part of transit planning. Don't give up on your ideas---citizen activism makes things happen! Should you be able to get something started, I'll be happy to support your endeavors. Best regards, jb   Joni Brown, Environmental Programs Coordinator & Victoria Clean Cities Coordinator City of Victoria, Environmental Services PO Box 1758, Victoria, TX  77902 700 Main Center, Suite 113 361.485.3230  FAX  361.485.3226  CELL  361.935.3636   online at www.airvictoria.org  www.victoriacleancities.org  www.victoriatx.org/environmental     Life is a daring adventure or it is nothing at all -- Helen Keller         Hello Ms. Brown,     My name is L-----------------------------------. I want to see if you can help me with a idea. How  can I suggest to the city of Victoria to put in bicycle lanes. I want to change Victoria for the better. By doing this Victoria can do its part with conservation of gas, reduction of pollution, and this can lead to a healthier community. It was suggested that I go directly to the city council. Then it was suggested that I speak to you Ms. Brown. Since your the City's program coordinator for environmental programs. I want to let you know about my idea and see if there are any grants, programs or other sources of funds that the city could use to accomplish something like this. I think the city may be more receptive to my suggestion, if I had several ways that the bicycle lanes can be funded, when I do approach the council with this. I have lived in a community that had bicycle lanes and the fear of riding a bike was less. You see I want to start riding a bike to work. I want to conserve gas, reduce pollution, save money and become healthier by doing so. The biggest problem is I have to travel to work is up Hansel-man to Delmar/Sam Houston past Memorial High school to Mocking Bird. That route is plain suicide for a Bicyclist. Sam Houston to  Mockingbird is a busy thoroughfare and leaves no room for error because I see cars all the time zooming through the yellow lights in a hurry. Whats scary is this goes through three school zones and I see kids riding bikes amid the wild traffic. I fear that one day I will see a fatality. Can you  direct me  on how something like this can be accomplished. Thank you for your time. My number is 361---------------- home and 361-------------------cell or email me anytime. Sincerely, L----------------- A moment in time can define your entire future. Think before you act..............L--------- http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49396 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49396 Below you will see the letter I sent trying to get these bike lanes realized. As you may notice I have altered it some to prevent my name and my phone numbers to be displayed......... L----------: I love your idea and have discussed it with our planning department in the past.  The City intends to apply for a grant program that may include bike lanes.  In the meantime, I would suggest that you speak to your city council person and contact the planning department via Mr. Ray Miller. Ray may be able to tell you about future plans to include bike lanes as part of transit planning. Don't give up on your ideas---citizen activism makes things happen! Should you be able to get something started, I'll be happy to support your endeavors. Best regards, jb   Joni Brown, Environmental Programs Coordinator & Victoria Clean Cities Coordinator City of Victoria, Environmental Services PO Box 1758, Victoria, TX  77902 700 Main Center, Suite 113 361.485.3230  FAX  361.485.3226  CELL  361.935.3636   online at www.airvictoria.org  www.victoriacleancities.org  www.victoriatx.org/environmental     Life is a daring adventure or it is nothing at all -- Helen Keller         Hello Ms. Brown,     My name is L-----------------------------------. I want to see if you can help me with a idea. How  can I suggest to the city of Victoria to put in bicycle lanes. I want to change Victoria for the better. By doing this Victoria can do its part with conservation of gas, reduction of pollution, and this can lead to a healthier community. It was suggested that I go directly to the city council. Then it was suggested that I speak to you Ms. Brown. Since your the City's program coordinator for environmental programs. I want to let you know about my idea and see if there are any grants, programs or other sources of funds that the city could use to accomplish something like this. I think the city may be more receptive to my suggestion, if I had several ways that the bicycle lanes can be funded, when I do approach the council with this. I have lived in a community that had bicycle lanes and the fear of riding a bike was less. You see I want to start riding a bike to work. I want to conserve gas, reduce pollution, save money and become healthier by doing so. The biggest problem is I have to travel to work is up Hansel-man to Delmar/Sam Houston past Memorial High school to Mocking Bird. That route is plain suicide for a Bicyclist. Sam Houston to  Mockingbird is a busy thoroughfare and leaves no room for error because I see cars all the time zooming through the yellow lights in a hurry. Whats scary is this goes through three school zones and I see kids riding bikes amid the wild traffic. I fear that one day I will see a fatality. Can you  direct me  on how something like this can be accomplished. Thank you for your time. My number is 361---------------- home and 361-------------------cell or email me anytime. Sincerely, L----------------- A moment in time can define your entire future. Think before you act..............L--------- L---------------: I love your idea and have discussed it with our planning department in the past.  The City intends to apply for a grant program that may include bike lanes.  In the meantime, I would suggest that you speak to your city council person and contact the planning department via Mr. Ray Miller. Ray may be able to tell you about future plans to include bike lanes as part of transit planning. Don't give up on your ideas---citizen activism makes things happen! Should you be able to get something started, I'll be happy to support your endeavors. Best regards, jb   Joni Brown, Environmental Programs Coordinator & Victoria Clean Cities Coordinator City of Victoria, Environmental Services PO Box 1758, Victoria, TX  77902 700 Main Center, Suite 113 361.485.3230  FAX  361.485.3226  CELL  361.935.3636   online at www.airvictoria.org  www.victoriacleancities.org  www.victoriatx.org/environmental     Life is a daring adventure or it is nothing at all -- Helen Keller   http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49397 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/scorpio/7439/#c_49397 L---------------: I love your idea and have discussed it with our planning department in the past.  The City intends to apply for a grant program that may include bike lanes.  In the meantime, I would suggest that you speak to your city council person and contact the planning department via Mr. Ray Miller. Ray may be able to tell you about future plans to include bike lanes as part of transit planning. Don't give up on your ideas---citizen activism makes things happen! Should you be able to get something started, I'll be happy to support your endeavors. Best regards, jb   Joni Brown, Environmental Programs Coordinator & Victoria Clean Cities Coordinator City of Victoria, Environmental Services PO Box 1758, Victoria, TX  77902 700 Main Center, Suite 113 361.485.3230  FAX  361.485.3226  CELL  361.935.3636   online at www.airvictoria.org  www.victoriacleancities.org  www.victoriatx.org/environmental     Life is a daring adventure or it is nothing at all -- Helen Keller