[T]he Ozarks Transportation Organization is leading an effort to extend Springfield's bike route system to rural roads, creating a regional network for Greene and Christian counties.
"I think if the motorists were aware we have a right to be there, it would be better," Matt Speer said. . . .
Much of the work leading to the survey began with Adriana Giraldo, who wrote her master's thesis at Southwest Missouri State University on barriers to alternative transportation in Springfield area.
Giraldo, a planning intern with OTO who uses a bicycle to commute, said she discovered more people cycle for recreation or commuting than she initially believed.
She has concluded attitudes toward cycling and the feeling among cyclists that Springfield isn't cycle-friendly are changing. . . .
But extending bike routes into Greene County would involve more than changing attitudes, Greene County Highway Administrator Kevin Lowe said.
As far as he is concerned, motor vehicles and bicycles don't mix on county roads. He takes his kids cycling on the Galloway Creek Greenway Trail but won't venture onto county roads.
"Right now, we've been talking about wider pavement and things like that," he said. "I think we need to dive into it more and get the bikes off the roads. That's the county's position."
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