THREE CHEERS to the Globe for recognizing that bicycles are an important and viable mode of transportation ("For cyclists, a Dutch treat," Editorial Notebook, Aug. 9). Given ongoing concern about gas prices, the damage inflicted on cities by car culture, and the environmental effects of automobile exhaust, Americans need to start thinking of bicycles as effective transport, and not just as toys.
Unfortunately, our elected officials haven't figured this out yet. Planning for various rail trails around Boston are stalled because various agencies can't agree on trivial details in the plans. If politicians really thought bicycling was important, it wouldn't take a full year to install a simple metal bike rack on a sidewalk. The basic problem is that bicycling is viewed by many as a recreational activity instead of a realistic mode of transport. However, I can attest that bicycling is a good way to commute, since I ride my bike to work every day. Kudos to the Globe for making that same point.
STUART BRORSON
Arlington
