Desert Local News - Index

Desert Local News - Desert Local News March 18th 2008 Print and Virtual Edition - Index

STREETS OF DHS
DHS Bike riding
‘it’s a life-and-
death situation.’
DLNews staff writer
A man rides a bike on the
“bike lane” struggling to keep
safe and upright. Rocks the size
of softballs threatens to stop the
struggle of his momentum. His
tires dig into soft sand sinking
the bike making worse the heavy
peddling, adding weight to his already
difficult journey.
This scene plays out many
times a day as cyclists struggle to
commute when competing with
fast moving auto traffic. Some
are forced to choose the earth
instead of pavement. It’s no joke
that some nonexistent bike lanes
are designated with a sign.
In difficult economic times
more people are biking. We also
encourage biking for health reasons.
Many ride for pure enjoyment
to soak up sunshine and
fresh air in our beautiful desert
landscape.
Citizens choosing cycling as a
means to travel are stuck in sand
and pitted against rocks. Sometimes
the sharp edge of the roadway
is a hazard in itself. Many of
our roadways lack bike lanes.
“Desert Hot Springs is just
not bike friendly,” said Andre
Chavez, an avid cyclist. What
could be a wonderful tourist enhancement
is instead ignored.
Desert Hot Springs streets
and roads are not up to speed
with designated bike lanes. When
bikes compete with cars and
trucks, the cyclist comes out the
sorry loser. “I’m afraid for my
life,” said Chavez, “it’s not just
one street here and there. everywhere
I ride it’s a life-and-death
situation.”
Meanwhile, cyclists continue
to struggle against the earth, have
only hope to protect them against
cars and trucks, and risk their
lives while peddling ahead.
“I’m afraid for my life,” said chavez, “it’s not
just one street here and there.
Windermere
Windermere
Lic # 0807910
Debbie McGowan
ReALTOR® Associate
Business (760) 329-3130
Fax (760) 329-2550
Cell (760) 774-3557
e-mail debbmcgowan@aol.com
Windermere Real estate Coachella valley
66337 Pierson Boulevard
Desert Hot Springs, California 92240
www.windermerecoachellavalley.com
Jessica Gilbert
ReALTOR® Associate
Cell (760) 774-3557
Business (760) 329-3130
Fax (760) 329-2550
e-mail housesforu@aol.com
Web www.jessicagilbert.net
Windermere Real estate Coachella valley
66337 Pierson Boulevard
Desert Hot Springs, California 92240
www.windermerecoachellavalley.com
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