We have the weather. We have the terrain. Give us the bike lanes. It is time to make Charleston the bicycling capital of the Southeast.

A public service campaign, coupled with increased rates for speeding tickets and strict enforcement of the speed limit would do a whole host of good for our city and county.

One, through better gas mileage achieved, would reduce the amount of money that we spend on gasoline, money that goes directly out of our county since we import every drop that we use. This results in more wealth staying in the local economy.

Two, it would result in lower accident rates, lower hospitalization rates, and lower medical bills.

Three, in time, a lower accident rate would result in lower automobile insurance rates for the lowcountry.

Four, a temporary boost in city and county revenues as people adjust to the new program.

Five, a decline in airborne pollution from combustion engine exhaust as people learn to drive more efficiently.

Six, a collective feeling that we are doing something as a community to better the quality of life for ourselves.

Such a plan should be accompanied by a reevaluation of posted speed limits throughout the city and county, bringing them in line with what the actual safe driving speed is along our various highways and city and county roadways.

OMG, could we live in a less bicycle friendly city? With our temperate climate and virtually flat geography, we should be doing everything we can to make ourselves into the preeminent bicycling city in the Southeast.