Someone help me by explaining the hostility I hear on the subject of bicycles as a means of transport. I own a car, buy gas, etc., but ride a bike to work most days. Bikes don't wear out pavement; we ride on quiet side streets or along a narrow strip on busy ones; are a risk to no one but ourselves. Motorists should welcome us...we could be in our cars sitting in front of you waiting to make a left!
Should or will everyone bike? Heavens no, or at least I hope not, but why not do those little and really quite inexpensive things to make it easier and safer for those who choose to do it. I often think bikelanes are actually for motorists, because without them, we'd be out in the travel lane.
Back to Linda's post...the thing that registers most with me is that Holland has bike networks with signage, etc. Portland's network has so many gaps, no signage, minimal markings. Worst of all most of our bike lanes, etc. are on wide streets where they are nice but not essential...they typically disappear when things get tight sacrificed to on-street parking, under-used sidewalks or excess travel lanes.
So remember...I can be on my bike next to you in the bikelane or in my car in front of you. Take your pick.