The Other Cyclists

In arguments about how to construct transit and infrastructure, the voice of the poverty-stricken cyclist is rarely heard.

1 minute read

May 9, 2017, 5:00 AM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Washington D.C.

Daniel Lobo / Flickr

Cycling enthusiasts and those who favor building for cars only aren't the only two groups affected by infrastructure and policies. Disadvantaged cyclists are less likely to be included in these decisions. "The voices speaking for bicyclist rights and needs, and publicly representing the bicycling community in America are likely only representative of a small segment of the population that bikes," Rachel Quedau writes in Strong Towns. And, while the concerns of more privileged residents might be legitimate, they're not necessarily the same as poor cyclists. On a related note, police in Chicago's richest neighborhoods rarely cite cyclist for infractions, while less affluent neighborhoods, particularly black neighborhoods, get a disproportionate number of tickets.

"It's odd that biking is such a politically charged and polarizing topic when so many people across the country are just using bikes as a simple, cheap way to get to work," argues Quedau.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in Strong Towns

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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