SPOKE-FRIENDLY

Healdsburg, already one of the nicest places in Sonoma County, will add

more to its charms when it completes what eventually will be nearly 10 miles

of bikeways.

Working off a $338,000 master plan that will take several years to

complete, Healdsburg intends to hook city paths up to existing county bike

routes. Eventually, a bicyclist will be able to travel from one end of town to

the other.

This will be a boon for out-of-town cyclists who already have discovered

the delights of the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys surrounding

Healdsburg.

But the network will be of special value to Healdsburg residents of all

ages who will have the protection of five-foot-wide bike lanes. That space

makes it far more safe and appealing to take a bike ride for exercise or

pleasure.

And more people on bicycles, of course, means fewer cars clogging up the

roadways.

We applaud Healdsburg for being willing to dedicate a relatively modest

amount of money (from state, federal and city funds) to put together this

transportation alternative.

Other cities should take note.