tedolph

mirror! mirror !

I have been bicycle commuting here in Seattle since 1994 (lately fair weather only). Route selection is the key. As long as the right lane has a wide, paved shoulder (preferably unmarked so it is occasionally swept by an automobile tire) cars and bikes can get along fine even with large speed differences. It is also extremely important to ride with and use a rear view minor. It is impossible to be a courteous cycle commuter without one. Cleveland has a huge asset for cyclists if it would only complete the Emerald Necklace! If that were done, Cyclists would travel from around the country to do that tour.

Ding-Ding-Ding: "and the new world champeen is-Rockandrollaaa"

If Clevelanders only knew how close the city was to turning a big corner (like Seattle did in 1980-1985) the city would have a lot more confidence. Bring the Towpath Trail and CVSR downtown, put an REI or L.L. Bean at Tower City, complete the Emerald Necklace, fix the combined sewer overflows so people can swim at the beaches, bring in some light semiskilled industry for the cronically unemployed undereducated underclass, have Muny Light put some windmills on the breakwall and there you have it -world class city. None of this is particularly expensive. It just takes political leadership which Cleveland does not have, particularly in the Mayor's office.

From an urban potential pointof view, Seattle and Cleveland are like twins separated at birth. The similarities are numerous. Cleveland is only a good economy and Ten years behind Seattle. Ultimately, Cleveland has more potential for a better quality of life for an average person/ family. I have lived in both places for over 20 yrs.

I have been following these forums for a few years now from far off Seattle. I have faith in Cleveland and hope to return some day.

You are the Thomas Kincaid of photographic light.