Commuters Do Need Bike Lanes

* In reference to Don Harvey’s Orange County Voices article Feb. 15, “He’s Peddling a 1% Solution to Congestion,” I would like to add my “two wheels’ worth.”

I am one of the 1% of commuters who regularly relies on pedal power to get me to my place of employment. I commute approximately 10 miles each way from my home in Brea to a middle school in Diamond Bar, three to four days a week.

My route is Brea Canyon Road, which, arguably, is one of the least conducive roadways to cycling in Orange County. It is a single-lane road with virtually no shoulder and is heavily traveled by motorists who are trying to avoid the congestion on the Orange Freeway.

I am fortunate that the majority of traffic is traveling in a direction opposite to me. Also, I try to schedule my commute at about the same time daily so regular commuters will know I am out there and respond accordingly.

However, there are still substantial risks for a cyclist because of the absence of a bike lane. For that reason I heartily endorse Harvey’s recommendation that 1% of the money allocated for road construction in Orange County be used to construct bike lanes.

ROGER TAYLOR

Brea