Organize ArgumentS QulCK CneCK A student is writing a persuasive paper trying to convince the local city council to increase the number of bike lanes. Which reason would be the most important argument to include in the paper? (I point) Other towns have multiple bike lanes that are used frequently. My friends and I really like riding our bikes around town. Ading bike lanes would be costly for the city to add to the roads. People in our town bike often but have no safe place on the road.

When persuading the local city council to increase the number of bike lanes, it's essential to present the most compelling and relevant arguments that directly address both the needs of the community and the benefits of implementing more bike lanes. Let's evaluate each of the provided options: 1. **Other towns have multiple bike lanes that are used frequently.** - *Pros:* Demonstrates that bike lanes are popular and successful elsewhere. - *Cons:* This is more of a comparative point and doesn't directly address the specific needs or benefits for your town. 2. **My friends and I really like riding our bikes around town.** - *Pros:* Adds a personal touch and shows there is local interest. - *Cons:* Personal anecdotes are less persuasive on their own and may not resonate with a wider audience. 3. **Adding bike lanes would be costly for the city to add to the roads.** - *Pros:* Addresses potential concerns about budget. - *Cons:* This is actually a counter-argument. Highlighting costs without addressing them with benefits or solutions would weaken your position. 4. **People in our town bike often but have no safe place on the road.** - *Pros:* Directly addresses a safety concern, highlights existing demand, and emphasizes the need for a solution. - *Cons:* None significant; this is a strong, issue-focused argument. **Most Important Argument:** **People in our town bike often but have no safe place on the road.** **Reasoning:** This argument is the most compelling because it directly identifies a problem that affects many community members—the lack of safe cycling infrastructure. By highlighting that there is already a significant number of cyclists who are potentially at risk, you underscore the urgent need for more bike lanes. This not only appeals to the council's interest in public safety but also demonstrates that the community is actively using bikes and would support the expansion of bike lanes. Addressing a clear and present need makes your argument more persuasive and actionable. **Additional Tips:** - **Support with Data:** If possible, include statistics on the number of cyclists currently in the town, any incidents related to cycling safety, and the usage rates of existing bike lanes. - **Highlight Benefits:** Discuss how bike lanes can improve overall traffic flow, reduce congestion, promote environmental sustainability, and encourage a healthier lifestyle among residents. - **Address Counterarguments:** Acknowledge potential concerns, such as costs, and provide solutions or examples of cost-effective implementations from other towns. By focusing on the safety and existing demand for bike lanes, your persuasive paper will present a strong case for the city council to consider increasing the number of bike lanes in your town.