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Potholes, such as this one, can launch a cyclist over his or her handlebars if she or he hits the edge of one head-on.
Rather than wondering what advocacy topics readers would be most interested in, The Advocate column is turning the tables. I’m answering your questions now.
Dear Advocate, I’m constantly running into potholes on my bike. I either swerve into the lane to avoid them or they are really uncomfortable to endure. Who can I talk to about getting these filled in?
– Battered and Bruised, San Francisco, CA
Dear Battered,
The bumpy ride sure can be a literal pain in the butt. Lucky for you, you happen to live in a city with an easy way to make a difference. Just dial 3-1-1 to report those potholes. For those navigating craters elsewhere, your city, state or province may also have a simple online or telephone reporting system. When in doubt, call your local public works department and ask them how you can report a pothole and about their process for repairs. This simple act of advocacy can help transform streets for a smoother ride for everyone.
For others out there with pothole blues, check out the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s Good Roads campaign for inspiration at sfbike.org/?goodroads. ı
Send your burning advocacy questions to Kristen@peoplepoweredmovement.org