Most people appreciate the enormous benefits of bicycling, both for the cyclist and for the environment. Beginning today and ending Thursday morning, the North Country will be inundated with bicyclists. We implore everyone -- drivers and pedestrians -- to be not just tolerant of the throng but appreciative.
The cyclists -- 2,000 of them, we're told -- will be coming to Plattsburgh as part of what's called the Velo Quebec Voyages Grand Tour. According to its website, Velo Quebec, "a non-profit organization, has been a prominent part of the cycling landscape in Québec. Our organization has continuously encouraged the use of the bicycle, whether for tourism purposes or as a means of clean and active transportation, so as to improve the environment and the health and well-being of citizens." It was formed in 1967, at least partially to defend the rights of cyclists.
In Plattsburgh, those rights are sometimes called into question. Banished from sidewalks, bicyclists are in some places forced to coexist with vehicular traffic, which can infuriate drivers who lack forbearance. Other streets feature very welcoming and visible bike paths.
We emphasize that the 2,000 bicyclists in town for the Grant Tour will pose a test for some of these drivers, and we plead with the motorists to be on their best behavior.
The tour will enter our region through Ticonderoga today and pedal to Bluff Point, the site of Clinton Community College.
The cyclists will start out at about 6:30 a.m. today from Ticonderoga Elementary and Middle School. Lunch is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Essex Fire Station on Route 22. Between 1 and 7 p.m., they are expected to be arriving at the Community College, where they will get a breathtaking view of Lake Champlain and Vermont.
Wednesday morning, they will set out from the college and fan out around the North Country. Most will gather at Ausable Chasm for lunch from 10 to 2 and arrive back at the college around 7 p.m.
Thursday morning, they will leave, setting out for St. Jean-sur-Richelieu in Canada.
We're counting on passers-by according the cyclists courtesies along the way. The bicyclists are doing good deeds for all of us by promoting their activities. The more people who ride bicycles instead of driving cars, the less fuel is consumed and the less pollution produced. It is a healthy, benign way to travel and achieve environmental benefits.
So whether it's at Point au Roche, the roads around area apple orchards, the Saranac River Valley or the Lake Champlain Bikeways, please make these bicyclists feel welcome.
An economic by-product might be that some of these 1,800 to 2,000 bicyclists might like what they see around here and come back to stay awhile. The more exposure we get, the better, of course. And we naturally want to be viewed as hospitable to all good people. It's good manners and a good investment.
Opinion
August 10, 2010
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In My Opinion: Cultural issues need attention
