I like “wheel-count agnostic”.

I think there’s a few things to point out of the idea of Denton becoming more ‘bike friendly’ (I hope that’s a politically correct term or is it wheel-count agnostic or ???).

One, I think, is that we aren’t currently very bike-minded. We just aren’t there and really no means is going to get us there overnight so patience is necessary for change. Cyclist will win much more goodwill and favor by being appeasing and polite than anything else.

Along w/ this is the culture. We spent a good bit of time in a town in Colorado this Summer where bikes are everywhere and are recognized better. But it’s a general mindset throughout the town. Denton is a more mixed town – the area around the two universities is very different from the Loop by the mall which is very different from a working farm somewhere else. Working towards commonality is going to get farther than making new laws.

Bad apples spoil bunches. When I had a motorcycle, I was always annoyed at some other riders b/c they weaved in and out of traffic giving us all a bad name. Cyclists should (as you have here) chide abusers – they set a bad example and make it that much harder for any respect to grow.

Don’t shoot the messenger here, but I think the perception is that a vast majority of the cyclists are students and such. They don’t pay property tax and may not even be here more than a few years. Yet, they expect tax payer money to cater to them. Again, don’t shoot the messenger – I’d love for a much more bike-friendly area.

Of course an argument can be made for the improvement it would make to the area, bring in more young-professionals, more tax money, etc. Fine. Make that argument (assuming the people you’re talking to want that).

But I think cyclists would catch more flies with honey – maybe have a hearing to listen to the objections. Educate (somehow) the opposition (not just appear to expect things change and created for them by the gov’t). Raise awareness (have a bike event supporting Keep Denton Beautiful). PR goes a long way.