This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

With the Bangerter Highway, SR 201 and I-215 becoming increasingly congested, UDOT is forced to pour millions of dollars into upgrading and replacing road surfaces. The growth on the west side of the valley is unbelievable, and it is more tax dollars that are not available to schools.

West Valley City Council and Mayor Ron Bigelow are not supporting cycling as a viable option. Thousands of people on the west side live within 10 miles of work but are unable to safely commute by bike to work.

A safe commute to work only adds a few minutes to the commute and promotes healthy living and lifestyle that our citizens are seeking. Hundreds of students arrive at school daily by car because safe cycling routes to schools are unavailable.

Imagine safe bike lanes to a TRAX or bus stop to encourage fewer cars and lower pollution. We can eliminate hundreds of cars on west-side freeways.

Imagine riding Jordan River Trail and connecting to a west-side city street for a fun commute. Some businesses even offer incentives for bicycle commuters.

It's time for West Valley City to stop ignoring commuting by bicycle.

Thomas J. Jackson

West Valley City