In your persuasive paper to the local city council advocating for increased bike lanes, the most important argument to include would be: "People in our town bike often but have no safe place on the road."
This argument directly addresses the safety concerns of cyclists, which is a critical priority for any city council. By highlighting the lack of safe biking infrastructure, you can appeal to the council's responsibility to protect residents and improve public safety. Additionally, emphasizing the current high demand for biking, even in the absence of proper lanes, demonstrates a clear need for improved facilities. This argument can effectively resonate with council members who prioritize community safety and well-being.
You might also want to support your main argument with data or examples from other towns that have successfully implemented bike lanes, showing the positive impact on both safety and community engagement. This can bolster your case and provide a strong, evidence-based rationale for the council to consider your proposal seriously.