Quote Originally Posted by tulip
+++!

So how do we go about it? League of American Bicyclists? Local bike advocacy groups (WABA in DC)? Are there other avenues to continue this conversation, like with my representative in Congress (I actually live 1/2 block into Maryland, so I do have a representative in Congress)?

I was thinking of becoming a certified bike instructor through LAB. Any other ideas?
I've been giving this much thought as it is so important. I've considered situations where there has been a strong and fairly quick paradigm shift. The first thing that comes to mind is smoking and the huge changes that have taken place. Of course it's a very different situation but I think it is interesting to study how a huge shift happened and the components that facilitated the change.

Public support has to be there. When health issues became publicized the tide turned against smoking. I'm not sure what it is like where you are, but in Washington State, smoking is no longer allowed inside public places, period. I find that incredible (and wonderful).

The media greatly helped by publicizing the dangers. Here is the parallel. The media. Encouraging healthier behaviors, touting benefits, making it cool to do (ride/commute). Radio/TV ads. Billboards. PR. Even "share the road" or "start seeing bicycles" bumperstickers are good reminders.

But even with infrastructure, unless people feel safe riding it won't happen. I think there needs to be a curb on cell-phone use while driving concurrentwith bike promotion and bike path/trail construction.

I don't use side-of-the-road paths much but when I drive, it does remind me (and others I hope) to watch for other cyclist using the arterial. I agree if they are full of parked cars or other "litter" they can be confusing to drivers who might get at annoyed with cyclists over the white line.

So I will now shut up and join the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.