"News" or "Anti-bike-lane Action Alert"?

[Jonathan Krall]

Hi All,

This "news" story on myfoxdc.com is, IMO, basically
an anti-bike-lane action alert message, complete
with talking points and a link to send comments to
local government officials.

Here is the URL:
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/web_links/new-bicycle-lanes-open-up-on-pennsylvania-avenue-050310

And here is the entire text:

New Bicycle Lanes Open Up on Pennsylvania Avenue
AAA concerned bike lanes will increase gridlock

Updated: Monday, 03 May 2010, 3:55 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 03 May 2010, 3:55 PM EDT

WASHINGTON - Two new bicycle lanes have opened up on 
Pennsylvania Avenue this weekend. However, AAA claims 
adding more lanes could make D.C. traffic worse than 
it already is. AAA is also concerned about a plan to 
add bike lanes to four other major streets.

The auto agency believes those lanes will take away 
lanes used by cars as well as increase gridlock. AAA 
is urging anyone concerned to take part in the public 
comment period which ends on May 15.

To publicly comment or leave feedback on this issue, CLICK HERE .

-end of text-

Is that messed up or what?  The "CLICK HERE" leads to 
National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board
comments page:

http://www.mwcog.org/transportation/public/

Naturally, you are invited to click in with your
own view of the new bike lanes.  You can read more 
about this on the GGW and Washcycle blogs:
 
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=5726

http://www.thewashcycle.com/2010/05/penn-ave-bike-lanes-aaa-is-crushing-us.html

Yours,

Jonathan Krall

PS Pro bike-lane talking points include:

- Bike lanes make biking fun and accessible, so more people 
bike.  Studies show many people would like to ride but do 
not do so because they do not feel safe.

- Studies show that when more people bike, cars slow down and 
biking becomes safer.

- Studies show that people who are biking or walking are 
more likely to stop and shop than people who are driving.
Bike facilities have been shown to increase revenue from 
tourism.

- More bikes means less auto traffic, not more.  Contrary to 
what the AAA says, there are no studies that show that bike
lanes increase traffic congestion.