Increasing Bike Lanes, One Armadillo at a Time Introduction Bicycles have been an important part of our transportation system for over a hundred years. The cycle paths are marked with a white stripe, the bicycle symbol and a sign that warns everyone that that part of the road is reserved exclusively for cyclists. However, in the Tuscaloosa area the current lack of bike lanes is an ongoing problem. Every time a cyclist rides a bike on a road where there are no bike lanes, they put themselves and everyone else on the roadway in danger. Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama campus are not universally bike-friendly. Most bike lanes are strategically located on or near campus and not at major intersections or well-trafficked streets. It is important that the City of Tuscaloosa makes the necessary changes to connect the city, increase the number of bike lanes, enforce bicycle laws, and inform citizens of these changes, while increasing awareness of bicycle laws. Every cyclist should be able to travel directly to their destination without having to be rerouted due to a lack of cycle lanes. Bicycle Laws in Alabama Various bicycle laws have been passed over the years. However, many of these laws focused on rider safety, such as helmet laws, always keeping at least one hand on the handlebars, and riding in an appropriate or regular seat. Recently, several states, including Alabama, have passed "three feet" or safe passage laws. The Three-Foot Law specifies a minimum safe distance that drivers must leave between their vehicle and a cyclist when overtaking. The three-foot passing law can prevent what cyclists call “buzzing.” The "buzz" occurs when high speed and close overtaking by a driver scares a cyclist as in the center of the daily routine with family and friends. The need for more bike lanes may seem like a tiny problem, but the benefits are enormous. References Noël, Rain. “In one London neighborhood, armadillos increase cycling prevalence by 40 to 50%.” Industrial design supersite. Np, January 29, 2014. Web. April 21, 2014. Parker, Kathryn M., Jeanette Gustat, and Janet C. Rice. “Installing Bike Lanes and Increasing Ridership in a Mixed-Income Urban Setting in New Orleans, Louisiana.” Journal of Physical Activity and Health 8.(2011): S98-S102Parker, KM (1), et al. “Effect of Bikeway Infrastructure Improvements on Ridership in a New Orleans Neighborhood.” Annals of Behavioral Medicine 45.SUPPL.1(2013): S101- 107.Web. March 10, 2014.Peters, Adele. “These recycled plastic dividers can create a bike lane in a second.” Coexist. Np, 25 February 2014. Web. 01 April. 2014.