On Sept. 3, I participated in my second Columbia Bike About, a very positive experience. Learning about the history of Columbia while zipping along in the fresh air was so much fun, and it was great to get out and see my neighbors. All the volunteers knew their stuff, and they were friendly and helpful. And kudos to them for being there even when there was a downpour. The Bike About is easily my favorite event of the year.
However, I learned a lot more than local history. I experienced the serious flaws in Columbia's "bikeability." Columbia's trails are fun, but many of them don't connect, and the roads don't have bike lanes. This meant large groups of us traveling on sidewalks, impeding pedestrians. Many of us just don't feel comfortable riding in the road with no bike lane or barriers between us and fast-moving traffic. Some cyclists are experienced and comfortable with that, but the general population is not. To make biking safe for everyone, we need protected bike lanes that separate us from traffic and pedestrians, especially on busy roads. Plus, bike lanes are budget-friendly, increase property values and create jobs.
Melissa Huselton
Hickory Ridge