Thanks for Article on Bike Lanes

Dear Editor,
    I am writing to you in response to the article last week “New Bike City” [News, March 12] by Katherine Gregor to thank The Austin Chronicle for including such an important and in-depth look at our bike lanes. I believe the bike lanes are a great idea and would not only benefit the environment but may create a solution to some of the traffic issues our great city has been facing. I am not an avid bicyclist but will be soon. I see Austin as the greatest city on the planet and find it a necessity that we provide bicyclists with a safe and affordable way to get around the city. Also, for South by Southwest, with parking getting a little pricey, riding a bike to the shows is the only way to go. Not only will people get some exercise, they will save money on gas and not add to the gridlock of automobiles on the highways. I would also like to thank Annick Beaudet, the city of Austin’s bicycle program manager, for her wonderful work improving the bike lanes in our inner city. Before, when we would ride bikes around town, our main concern was the danger from motorists, but with these new bike lanes, our problems are solved. I hope to see Austin in the near future as a gold level Bicycle Friendly Community, a ranking from the League of American Bicyclists. Many people view Austin as being at the forefront of technology and change and, more importantly, leading other cities in reducing our carbon footprint on the environment. The more people we can have taking bikes to and from work and play, the better off everyone and our great city will be. My apologies for the late response: now off to the shows on my bike.