City cycling

It is one indication of the level of bicycling activity in Cape Girardeau that there are two cycling groups with ideas for improving safety and access to city streets and trails.

By law, bike riders have the same right to use city streets as motorized vehicles, but the plain fact is that vehicles and bikes don't mix well on many narrow roadways.

A Leadership Cape team proposed a plan for creating better bicycle access in certain areas of the city. A cycling club, Velo Girardeau, has suggested a plan that focuses on adding lanes to existing streets throughout the city.

This is not an either-or proposition. Over the long term, the aims of both groups can be integrated into a plan that will give bicycle riders the recognition and protection they deserve.

Discussions are in the works to come up with a plan. A simple, low-cost start would be to designate bike lanes on some city streets that are already wide enough to accommodate them. More accommodation for cyclists could come later as ideas are fully explored.

The city is likely to continue to see increased cycling activity. Proper planning so bikes and vehicles can share the streets safely is a good effort.