To the Editor:
Greenfield was the latest of the South Monterey County cities to hold a Ciclovía event on June 26. El Camino Real was closed off to allow pedestrians, cyclists and skaters the ability to move freely without the interruption of cars and participate in activities or learn about health at the many booths. It was a fun day, but also a chance to learn about how bicycles can fit into our towns.
I was there with the Greenfield Community Science Workshop running a bicycle rodeo, a short obstacle course designed to teach safety and have cyclists test their skills. Though some riders rolled their eyes during the safety discussion, many thanked me by the end of the course, noting they learned something, whether it be how to communicate turns or how to better control their bikes.
More than a few riders told me how tricky cycling along local streets can be. And that’s where the deeper thought of Ciclovía Greenfield and all the Ciclovía events comes in, to not only provide a fun, family event, but also consider how we can safely fit cycling into our existing infrastructure.
There’s no denying California’s major roadways are set up with cars as the priority and pedestrians and cyclist needs get tacked on later, or never. To change that can sometimes take small changes like intersection bulb-outs like King City is doing, to major projects like the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway.
Bicycles not only come with health benefits, but massive gas savings compared to cars. They’re not the perfect form of transportation when long commutes, large family outings, or substantial shopping trips are considered, but even with California’s expansive distances between points of interest, they work for many riders. I notice an increase in local ridership every time I hit the roads.
Whether you use the roads behind a steering wheel or a pair of handlebars, considering safety out there is important. Riders should try to be visible and predictable, and communicate intent with signals as much as possible. Drivers should also move safely due to the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians. We’d all be better off on the roadways if we all were considerate of the differing needs of other road users.
One of the many things Ciclovía Greenfield showed participants was how fun it can be to cruise along the street. Now as some of those cyclists embark on their first street rides with cars around, I hope more of us can also learn to share the road safely and responsibly.
Sean Roney
King City
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