In 1977, the Austin-Mower County Planning department put together a "Bikeways Report," which outlined a plan for bike routes in the city and identified critical conflict areas between bicyclists and automobiles.

Friday, August 13, 1999

In 1977, the Austin-Mower County Planning department put together a "Bikeways Report," which outlined a plan for bike routes in the city and identified critical conflict areas between bicyclists and automobiles. In the early ’80s, signs designating bike routes were put up around the city. Most of those are gone.

This summer saw the opening of the first of four planned city bike trails, the first part of a comprehensive plan to address the needs of recreational bikers and walkers, but problems remain for the utilitarian biker.

"I’m a little unusual in that I choose to use a bike for utilitarian purposes, to get from A to B," Knowles Dougherty said. "But there are a number of different kinds of people who bike out of necessity: young people who are under 16; people who have lost their right to a driver’s license; people who bike for health reasons."

Dougherty started the debate with a visit to the Austin City Council in July, when he raised the issue of bike safety during the citizen’s speaking time at the beginning of the meeting. Tuesday’s meeting between concerned bicyclists and the council street committee was a result of that presentation.

Sharon Zaharris was also at the Tuesday meeting. A familiar sight on her bike, Zaharris has been a utilitarian bike rider for 20 years.

"It seems to me that there are situations in Austin that have deteriorated," she said. "Fourth Street is one example: it’s difficult to cross the street; it’s been narrowed by A & W … should bicyclist go? I try to use 5th St. instead, but that’s not always practical."

Dougherty pointed out the dangers of continuing out 4th St. NW, past the bridge over Interstate 90.

"You can’t get to the Holiday Inn from downtown without risking your life," Dougherty said. "If you do it legally – go over I-90 and then hand signal a left turn in the left hand lane – there’s no way on earth any sane person would do that. There’s too many people driving out that road with another agenda on their mind. You’d be in some very real danger."

While all agreed that Austin is doing a pretty good job of addressing recreational biking needs, the next step for addressing more utilitarian needs will be the formation of a joint citizen/council committee, to look at ways of eliminating some of the hazards. Street committee chair/council member Mickey Jorgenson asks that interested citizens call her or city engineer Jon Erichson to be included on the committee. Jorgenson can be reached at 433-1230, Erichson at 437-9945.

"We’re not just looking at street markings and bike lanes, but also at education," Jorgenson said. "So many adults and children don’t pay attention to the laws." Jorgenson said the group would try to schedule the first meeting for the committee within the month.

Dougherty is hoping the group can look at some of the rules for bikers.

"There are good rules for pedestrians and cars, lousy rules for bikes," he said. "Driving against traffic on a bike is smart, but it’s illegal."