The best predictor of switching to a bike for commuting around town is no doubt a DUI. The next best is probably a high PPG, or price per gallon. Naturally, as gas hit and then surpassed $4.00 this summer, the number of bikes on Bozeman streets appeared to increase substantially. This reflects a national trend.

In the summer, most of my FREE colleagues and I bike for commuting, exercise, or simply enjoyment. Senior staff have all done centuries, 100 miles in a day. We even provide bikes and helmets to our interns. My pro-bike bias is clear.

While only the brave and hearty will bike through the winter, I expect this trend toward bike commuting to continue and grow. Alas, biking here is far more difficult and risky than necessary. One reason is simple; the folks who manage street maintenance and traffic flow are indifferent (or perhaps a few even hostile) to cyclists. Here are some examples.

The few bike lanes that exist west of the University were not swept free of glass shards, rocks, trash, and mud until mid August. The bike lane west of The Ridge was used to park construction vehicles, some directly by a “Bike Lane Only” sign. I saw none ticketed for this violation. If they were, they wouldn’t park there. A dirt ramp crossed the bike path for most of the summer. Isn’t all this compelling evidence of neglect and disrespect of cyclists?

Fortunately for us however, Bozeman is far less hostile to cyclists than some places. Consider Los Angeles.

On August 1 the Wall Street Journal ran this front-page story: “Risking Life and Limb, Riding a Bike to Work in L.A.” It told of one woman who sold her SUV and bought a bike. The results aren’t pleasant. “Drivers scream at me to get off the road.” She encounters more shattered glass than we do, and on Wednesdays garbage cans block the bike lanes.

One L.A. rider observed that a car is “a veil to hide behind, and people seem to like to get their aggression out on cyclists.” While rare in Montana, I occasionally experience such attempts at intimidation. Imagine the courage required for a guy driving a 5,000-pound pickup to harass someone riding a 20-pound bike. (That’s why I never carry when riding for I might be tempted when run into the ditch.)

Cyclists too should consider their behavior. First, obey traffic laws. Don’t ride with headphones. Always wear a helmet. Don’t wear dark clothing, the functional equivalent of camouflage at dusk. Instead wear bright colors. If someone hits you, be dressed as though it must have been an intentional act, not a result of your negligence.

I’m sure there are other prudent admonitions and rules of survival, but this is a good start toward greater safety. Accidents and injuries raise the cost of cycling. Reduce them and more folks will ride.

Cyclists should understand that mutual adaptation to this shift toward bike commuting is an evolutionary process. It will take time for Bozeman traffic managers to accommodate this trend. And we should help them.

Remember that decisions are based on information and incentives. That’s why the exercise facilities in hotels and motels are so often in such sorry shape. Minimal exercise equipment is purchased, and it is rarely well maintained. Hotel managers and employees don’t use the equipment and, hence, aren’t acutely aware of its condition. And, why would a guest complain, he’ll be in a different hotel tomorrow.

Bozeman officials are in a similar situation regarding cycling. They put in a few bike lanes, but don’t experience them on a daily basis. Like exercise equipment in hotels, the lanes are normally in sorry shape. This is one good reason to have more police on bikes, they’ll notice and give notice.

Some important factors, however, are beyond human control. While global warming may extend the season, in December Bozeman will be dark at key-commuting times. Biking at dusk and at night is inherently dangerous. Snow and ice compound the risk.

While Bozeman will never be as bike friendly as Davis, California, it can and probably will improve. I hope this column fosters this outcome.