Comments on: What’s So Scary About Bicycle Infrastructure?

By: Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage

Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:11:23 +0000

The Alaska Trucking Association came out in support of the Anchorage Bike Plan because it means less congestion. Bike infrastructure and shipping of goods can work together.

“If improving Anchorage’s bike network means fewer vehicles on the road, that’s definitely a plus, said Aves Thompson, executive director of the Alaska Trucking Association.

By: Andy B from Jersey

Andy B from Jersey — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:44:51 +0000

I can’t believe that the trucking industry doesn’t understand that the real obstacle to the efficient delivery of goods is all the unnecessary SOVs (single occupancy vehicles) clogging up the roadways.

They should stop being so reactionary and think about it for a second before they come out with statements like that.

By: Albert

Albert — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:33:11 +0000

As much as I don’t like riding a bicycle near trucks, at least trucks, as a class, contribute to a city’s economy, somewhat justifying their share of negative impact. And that’s more than can be said for private cars, as a class

Yet, during the congestion pricing debate, a scary politician like Anthony Weiner put the entire blame for traffic congestion on commercial trucks. He wanted them to shoulder the entire responsibility of congestion pricing and bridge tolls. He demonized them for double parking (so, where *else* can they park to do their business when the legal spaces are full with long-term private squatters?) and he actually proposed restricting commercial trucks to nighttime (i.e., non-commercial) hours – which would make us truly the city that never sleeps! Give me streets that encourage safe, efficient, economy-contributing trucks and restrict private (i.e., non-contributing) cars and I’ll ride much happier.

By: Justin Lee Miller

Justin Lee Miller — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:52:12 +0000

I put moving freight by trucks in the same category as flushing the toilet with drinking water. It’s just one of those dumb things we do for no logical reason.

By: JamesR

JamesR — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:38:41 +0000

I think a distinction must be made between private, single occupancy vehicles and delivery trucks. I don’t think anyone is arguing that the goods delivered via truck keep the city functioning, though I wish the truckers would find a way to do it without forcing me to choke on their noxious fumes during my bike commute. SOVs are another matter entirely, as their spatial footprint (in the aggregate) is not compatible with healthy urban density.

By: Sarai

Sarai — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:47:10 +0000

Very good point. Sometimes many of the arguments stem from a lack of education on the finer points of the issues. Many don’t see the big picture. It is our responsibility to not be defensive and argumentative but to present even the most basic facts so that it makes sense for everyone. In the perfect world it would actually make sense for truckers and cyclists to work together to get more cars off the road, making “necessary” transit more efficient.

By: Mark Walker

Mark Walker — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:09:09 +0000

They don’t want to share the road with bikes. They’ll have to get over it.