Bike Lanes - why vs. how?

My fall-back for instituting change is always "why?" Examining that angle seems to provide ease of implementation. From a economic impact perspective, I prefer the FEDA, City Council and other local movers and shakers attract cyclists to move and live in Fairfield. This poses the question, "who do you want to attract to live and work in your community?" Of the group of 51 cyclists that I bike with a majority are entrepreneurs and small business owners. Financial services, business consultants, painters, photographers, IT programmers, a nurse practitioner and timber frame home builder round out the list of people that I bike with.

Culling data from the following sources; Velonews, Bicycle Business Journal, Bicycle Manufacturers Association of America, Bicycle Market Research, Institute, Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, Cycle Press, JETRO-New York, National Bicycle Dealers Association, National, Sporting Goods Association, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, US Dept. of Commerce, I present the demographics for cyclists in the US

• 85% are between the ages of 25-54

• 63% are between 25 and 44
 
• 55% are male; 45% are female

• 63% are professional managers

• 90% have attended college

• 39% have post-graduate degrees

• 52% rate their brand loyalty as high

• $80,000 Median household income for cyclist

• 50% own a truck and/or SUV

As opposed to the other major three industries in Iowa; Pork, Gambling and Prisons, why not attract a younger, affluent and progressive type of person to live and work here?

Spoke with the "old 34" project manager with the IDOT seven weeks ago regarding the sewer covers. It was a point of negotiation that the city is responsible for the sewers and covers. Talked with Supt. of Public Works, City of Fairfield, Darrel Bisgard (472-4750). His department does plan on replacing the sewer covers with a lid that has a safer design.

If anyone wants to take action to accelerate that changeover, I have attached his phone number: a cooperative and pleasant man to speak with.

Facts bordering on supposition.

Feeling pressure from higher up the pay-grade, chain of command, FPD (Officer Kendrick Bell) is researching grants to deliver bike safety programs. He has checked with AJs Bike shop and a few other businesses for some assistance.

I will concur with an earlier reply that this may be a liability issue at stake. Hedging from FEDA and the Chamber seem to indicate a formation of the "I-told-you-so," sub-committee.

Watching traffic on east Burlington, I think that "bike safety," should be redefined as, "bike risk." Some (small percentage) vehicles, like some cyclists are a little lackadaisical. Additionally, I stopped one young boy from biking down the wrong side of the street several times (also) without a bike helmet; asking him nicely to Ride Right.

Crikey! I've become my father.