Kittery May Be First to Sign On

ABOUT the Great Balkini 

People today are concerned about our overuse of energy and its impact on the environment. We now understand that that we are putting future generations at risk, and some are taking measures to reverse the momentum. The elegant solution is still – the bicycle. Quietly, with maximum efficiency, the bicycle gives more than it takes. It does not discriminate. It rewards those who ride and those who don’t ride.

Vermont understands the power of the bicycle. Its major industry was once farm-based, but bicycle tourism now generates more revenues. Vermonters tapped into cycling after funding a survey of the Northeast states, and saw the stats. The survey said 42% of the Yankee population considers themselves recreational bike riders. The national average is 39%. The market is big and it’s everywhere.

Here in the Seacoast, our riding conditions are as good or better than in the Green Mountain State. Riding is certainly easier, with fewer and less severe hills, fewer cars and much slower moving traffic. The icing on the cake is our white-capped ocean with its overwhelming presence. The sea fuels our tourist industry and riding by the sea is an experience hard to beat.

But competition for the tourist dollar is fierce, and we can no longer afford to let the sea do all the work for us. We can’t ignore the appeal that quiet roads have for bicycle riders.

Historians will tell you that we’ve been here before. During the late 1800s, bicyclists swarmed to this region. Back then the roads were horrible and roadside facilities were few. But the air was fresh and the scenery was spectacular.

How good are these roads? The Seacoast "Outback" is all countryside with homesteads and lightly settled hamlets set among serpentine byway that encourage courteous and patient driving behavior.

Those of us who live and ride here are as fortunate as golfers who buy their homes beside a golf course. This however is not just any golf course; these roads are Augusta National. Take it from a man who spends every moment he can on them.

So here’s where the "bike friendly" part comes in. On May 14, 2007 a Bike Friendly resolution sponsored by Councilor Jeffrey Thomson and Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes (SABR) a bicycle advocacy non-profit, goes before Kittery’s Town Council for a vote.

Without spending a municipal dime and just by publicly affirming that bicycle riders are especially welcome here -- a process begins that eventually will see more and more bicycles rolling throughout this region.

Kittery has an opportunity to take a leadership role by recognizing the true value of its quiet roads and the key role the bicycle can play in creating a new reason to visit us. It is the cycling community’s goal to have each of the 22 towns and cities in the seacoast region affirm similar resolutions.

This resolution doesn’t obligate anyone to do anything other than give riders a fair share of the road, and the benefit of driver consideration. As it stands now drivers on these roads do that almost all the time anyway. But the Bike Friendly Resolution is more than just lip service. By officially declaring that Kittery – or any town – is a friend of the cyclist, we openly invite people to make a choice between motorcar and bicycle. We announce, for all the world – bring your bike here!

In New England, before we spend public money that is already stretched to the limit, we must feel a pressing need. Bicycle tourism brings a lot of money with it. The latest available figures for Maine are from 1999. Way back then, bicycle tourism generated $66 million in revenues and created 1,200 jobs.

While the money is significant bike tourism will act as a catalyst that motivates locals to ride. Cycling looks like fun because it is. Local riding will attract tourists. Tourists riding will inspire more locals to dust off the garage bike and try again. Private business, in response, will find it profitable to provide bike racks and services for cycling. It’s that simple, as simple as biking.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Check out the League of American Bicyclists that has requirements for communities to be certified as bike friendly.

MORE Seacoast Bike Columns 

Copyright (c) David Balkin 2007. All rights reserved.