Forum responses

January 31, 2000
My name is Kenneth Bigley.  I am a new resident of
Athens. I am very impressed with Mr. Kister's
transportation platform. Athens county in general,
and the city of Athens in particular are ideal for
promoting transportation alternatives to the
automobile. Perhaps the debate on reducing East
State Street congestion should focus on making
East State more bicycle accessable, or extending
and improving the bike path in such a manner so it
is more safe to patronize East State St. businesses
by bicycle. Bicycle trail projects such as those
proposed by Kister would not only benifit the
citizens, but it would also aid in attracting
tourist to Athens County. For example, my parents
like to travel, and lately the availbility and
extent of bicycle facilities has been an enormous
factor in their destination selection.

Response from Chad Kister January 31
    Bicycles are a great means of transportation.  Bicycling can clean our
air, reduce noise pollution, save lots of money and improve our health
-- so long as we don't get hit by a car.  With many of the roads in Athens today, cars whiz by
inches away with little room to pass.  Bicycle trails are the ultimate way to travel.
    They also attract tourism, which is great for our economy.  Many people drive
from parkersberg and Columbus to bicycle in Athens.