Increasing Bike Lanes One Armadillo at a Time

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Increasing Bike Lanes One Armadillo at a Time
Introduction
Bicycles have been a major part of our transportation system for over one hundred years. Bicycle lanes are designated by a white strip, a bicycle symbol, and a sign that alerts everyone that portion of the road is for cyclists only. However, in the Tuscaloosa are the current lack of bicycle lanes is an ongoing problem. Each time a cyclists rides their bicycle on a road where there are no bike lanes they cyclists places themselves and everyone else on the roadways in danger. Tuscaloosa and the university of Alabama campus are not universally biker-friendly. Most bicycle lanes are strategically placed on or near campus and not on major intersections or well traveled roads. It is important that the city of Tuscaloosa make the necessary changes to connect the city, increase the number of bicycle lanes, enforce biking laws, and inform the citizens of these changes while increasing the awareness of biking laws. Each cyclist should be able to travel directly to their destination without having to be rerouted because of the lack of bike lanes.
Bike Laws in Alabama
Over the years there have been several bicycle laws passed. Although, many of those laws focused on the cyclist safety such as helmet laws, keeping at least one hand on the handle bars at all times, and riding on an appropriate or regular seat. Recently, several states including Alabama passed the “three-foot” or safe passing law. The three-foot law specifies a minimum safe distance that drivers must leave between their vehicle and a cyclist when passing. The three-foot passing law can prevent what cyclists refer to as the “buzz”. The “buzz” is when a driver’s high speed and close passing frightens a cyclist as the c...

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...r daily routines with family and friends. The need for more bicycle lanes may seem like a minuscule problem but the benefits are humongous.
References
Noël, Rain. "In One London Neighborhood Armadillos Boost Cycling Uptake by 40 to 50%." Industrial Design Supersite. N.p., 29 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.

Parker, Kathryn M., Jeanette Gustat, and Janet C. Rice. "Installation Of Bicycle Lanes And Increased Ridership In An Urban, Mixed-Income Setting In New Orleans, Louisiana." Journal Of Physical Activity & Health 8.(2011): S98-S102

Parker, K.M. (1), et al. “Effect Of Bike Lane Infrastructure Improvements On Ridership In One New Orleans Neighborhood.” Annals Of Behavioral Medicine 45.SUPPL.1(2013): S101- 107.Web. 10 Mar. 2014.

Peters, Adele. "These Recycled Plastic Dividers Can Create A Bike Lane In A Second." Co.Exist. N.p., 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

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