As oil prices rise, U.S. lags behind two-wheeled boom in rest of world

Below is a link to an interesting Washington Post/MSNBC article about how the U.S. is behind much of the world in cycling infrastructure.

I believe that cycling is a viable alternative to using our cars. For many people cycling would not replace the vehicle but supplement the vehicle as a means of transportation. Commuting to work, at least a day or 2 a week, could be done by millions of people in the U.S. Shopping and running errands can also be done on a bike. This could save billions of gallons of gasoline and help reduce green house emissions.

In many parts of the country and in many cities the problem is the infrastructure (bike lanes, pathways, bike racks, signage and education) is lacking. Here in Rochester we are far behind other cities such as Minneapolis. I do know that the city is looking at improving the cycling infrastructure but it will take years to have these needs met.

Mayor RT Rybeck of Minneapolis stated this week (during the Republican National Convention) that Minneapolis is the number 2 bike friendly city in the nation and he wants to make it number one. I hope that Rochester city officials are taking notice.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26478179/