If Peoria were a bicycle, Peoria’s leaders would be pedaling it backward.

Bikes would not fall in the Top 10 on the list of burning priorities in Peoria.

But, as the city works on the comprehensive plan, one aspect of life some Peorians want city leaders to pay attention to is recreational and fitness opportunities.

Biking should be, and could be, an important part of recreational and fitness opportunities here. But, right now, it is not.

As the weather gets nice, more people dust their bikes off.

Kathy John, president of the Illinois Valley Wheelm’n Greater Peoria Bicycle Club, this week offers a view of how bike-friendly Peoria is. She is not complimentary.

John says Peoria’s leaders are not doing nearly enough to make the city friendly to the biker interested in commuting to work.

“Peoria is not bike-friendly. If it was, I, plus many more cyclists, would be commuting to work on a regular basis,” John said.

But, the issue of bike trails goes beyond just work commuting. There are the recreational and fitness aspects to consider as well.

Biking is a wonderful activity for parents and children to share.

Imagine you live in the Knolls and want to ride to Grandview Drive, an absolutely wonderful place to ride.

Let us count off your wonderful biking options.

There is Sheridan to War Memorial Drive, and then east to Prospect. You would take your life in your hands on that route.

There’s Glen to Prospect. That is a better route, but Prospect north of War Memorial is no treat.

Then, there is packing up the bikes in the vehicle driving to Grandview, packing them back up and driving home. That is the safest option, but also the most fraught with hassles.

Biking is supposed to be fun, not a chore.

Suppose you live elsewhere in North Peoria. Does anyone reading this want to go to Grandview Drive by way of University or Knoxville? It is not likely many would answer “yes” to that question.

John said she and others have pushed the idea of more bike trails in Peoria. She said it is a dead-end street. Yet, she sees signs of progress in Peoria Heights and East Peoria.  

“Neighboring communities, such as Peoria Heights, are becoming the true advocates of trails and bike lanes and taking the lead,” John said.

“Mayor Mark Allen and Peoria Heights business owners such as Bruce Brown and Alexis Khazzam see what a people magnet and asset a trail through their community is and the economic benefit it can be for the village. East Peoria has actively pursued completing its trail, and is looking at future connectivity to other communities. If it isn’t already, Peoria will be viewed as an impediment in yet another component that encourages young and old to want to live, work and play in Peoria.”

While Peoria leaders ignore the need expecting it to just go away, neighboring communities — especially East Peoria — gear up to provide what Peoria cannot be bothered with.

This is not the first time our progressive neighbors have benefitted from Peoria’s unwillingness to act.

If bike trails are important to Peorians it is time the city leaders know it.

Do not allow our leaders to put the brakes on Peoria’s promise.