Letter to the Editor,The Desert Sun, April 24, 2011

I was saddened to read that another local cyclist was hit and killed by a car while riding local streets. Cycling deaths by car occur too frequently in the Coachella Valley. Our valley’s climate and topography are a perfect setting for bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists, except for the fact that the streets and roadways have not been designed to accommodate cycling in any meaningful or coordinated way. Tourism is an important component of our economy. Our country needs to reduce fossil fuel consumption. There exists a current emphasis on healthy living. Our streets are not safe for cyclists. Why aren’t our local leaders working together to develop the already planned and long envisioned Whitewater Channel Multiuse Trail connecting Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs and to other cities east to the Salton Sea? The Whitewater Trail would reduce contacts between bicycles and cars resulting in a safer and healthier community. Building the trail, along with low cost and easy steps for promoting safe cycling i.e. “share the road” signage, shoulder striping on the roadways, etc., has the potential to create more jobs, promote health, reduce pollution and be another draw for family friendly tourism.