Bicycling subject of letters in Springfield News-Leader

Beginning with several articles in the Springfield News-Leader about Bike Month and the general increase of bicycling in the area this spring, a round of letters about bicycling has recently appeared in the News-Leader:

May 17th:

And why, once again, isn't the Springfield City Council doing something about making bicycling safer in this town? I can't believe members don't read the paper and see suggestions along this line, yet all money goes to widening intersections and making driving more convenient than sensible alternatives.

May 21st:

Many people will claim to use bicycles for transportation, errands, work, etc., but I feel that the vast majority of bicycle miles are for recreation. Their claims are simply a means to sell the danger and inconvenience to the motor-vehicle public.

Recreational uses — street basketball, bicycles, in-line skating — as well as horse-drawn vehicles — are inherently hazardous, and are generally incompatible with and impede the traffic flow of the faster and more efficient licensed motor vehicles. Our streets and roads were intended, designed and paid for (largely) by automobiles and trucks. Recreation should not interfere with those uses.

June 7th:

With few exceptions, it is legal to operate a bicycle on Missouri's roadways. In my 20-plus years of cycling, I've been yelled at, thrown at, cussed at and brushed back. Bob Reece tells me that I'm merely recreating, that I "impede the traffic flow." Reece has some really important stuff to do, and I should stay out of his way. . . .

The streets weren't intended for recreation? We can institute an immediate, statewide ban on cruising. Don't take a drive in the country — that's clearly recreation. Keep the motorcycle in the garage unless you're using it to commute.

May 15th:

I have many times driven up behind a recreational bicyclist or two on this road during either the morning or afternoon rush hour. Because there are so many hills, the opportunities to pass a bicyclist are very few. This is a very dangerous situation.

I have found myself stuck behind a bicyclist for several miles because I could not see to pass safely. This not only annoys the person stuck behind the bicycle, but also those stuck behind the first car going about 10 mph or less down the country road.

May 24th:

Ms. Uzzell stated that this road was unsafe for cyclists and that cyclists interfere with her timely commute to work ("Cox Road not safe for cyclists," May 15 News-Leader). She suggested that cyclists limit themselves to bike paths, flat roads or roads with a shoulder.

I have lived in Nixa for 25 years. When possible, I commute by bicycle to work in Springfield. While Ms. Uzzell's suggestions may be well-intended, they are unrealistic. First, there are no bicycle paths in Nixa. Secondly, flat, straight roads are a rarity here.

May 28th:

Incorporating safer bike lanes and routes throughout Springfield will only encourage those who are hesitant about riding in traffic that it can be a safe, enjoyable experience, and a great way to commute.