The Future of Biking in Davis

Bringing the Sexy Back to Biking

First off, we know. We know that we’re probably the 3,864,039^th attempt to write about
bicycling in Davis.  Many of those attempts cash in on irresponsible hyperbole, but the Davis Voice does not condone such behavior.

So, give us a break and just read our bicycle post.  Maybe our attempt at prose will cause you to turn  over a new leaf (if there are any left after your smog spewing, death machine of steel kills every living thing on this planet) and start biking around town more often.

If Davis, California is the “Most bicycle friendly  town in the world,” then why is bicycle ridership down?  Why has riding a bicycle become less popular?  Forget the why, and follow us as we bring the sexy back to biking.

After the jump, find out how we think biking  in Davis should go about getting a new look, find its mojo, start dating the hot girl, and have  lots of ridiculously smart and adorable trikes.

Step #1 – Bicycling is sexy. Get a look that flaunts your hotness.

Makeovers are a staple of American TV. So, why shouldn’t a makeover solve our  problems here in Davis?  For those of you who complain, “My bike clashes with my Forever21 / punk / hippie jewelry,” we’ve got the answer: BUY MORE BIKES. You can buy a sweet looking bike for every day of the week for super cheap here, here, and here. Or better yet, get communal with your friends and share a stable of bikes.

Ok, I love the Burning Man people, they’re artistic and have mad flair, but Lotus Queen of the Desert is not the right look for  everyone. So, accessorize your bike with some bling of which you can be truly proud.

Don’t forget the front headlight and the rear blinking red light for your nighttime cruising. Davis Police have been  ticketing for lack thereof… which, come on, is a good thing…

Step #2 – Back to the Basics: More Bike Lanes. Find your mojo in the streets.

Back in the day, a small group of people revolutionized the  City of Davis by creating bike lanes, greenbelts, and tunnels all over the city. Since then, the City has gained a worldwide  rep and a platinum certification. But, have you every heard of the phrase resting on your laurels? It might be appropriate

Therefore, my fellow revolutionaries, the Davis Voice calls for an immediate doubling in the amount of dedicated bike lanes on our city  streets. It’s simple really, break out some paint cans so that we feel safe and special in our own lanes. Seriously, take a ride down the luxuriously wide Miller Drive and marvel at the lack of dedicated bike lanes.

And since the City Council voted against containerization of  green waste, bikers still have to face the threat of ill placed piles of branches that could send them sprawling onto the asphalt. More bike lanes = safety.

Step #3 – Integrate Public Art. Start dating the hot girl/guy.

Ok, if you’re still with me in my extended analogy, the “hot girl” is public art. Everyone loves public art, right? Seen the cool mosaic work by Mark Rivera?

Let’s liven up our bikeways with public art. Why not ask local artists to paint semi-permanent road murals in our bike lanes? We can create an outdoor museum by asking the Civic Arts Commission to engage sculptors to create pieces along our bike paths. Let’s get the chalk artists out to have some  fun and then we can all share in the metamorphosis on the road as our bicycle  tires collectively caress and commingle the chalked colors.

Step #4 – Go Forth, Multiply and Prosper.

By whatever means necessary, coerce your friends out of their  cars and onto a bike. Schedule an outing to Plainfield Station for bicylists only. Buy your lover bike accessories as gifts. Compliment a random’s forward thinking fashion sense evidenced by their neon houndstooth bike.

Most importantly, take every chance to ride en masse. The last Friday of every month, join together for a Critical Mass.

C’mon people, lets get creative here… our reputation is at stake.