Category: Biking Elsewhere

Christine Franck ventures forth on a quest to walk to FedEx/Kinko’s on a nice Sunday morning. Her harrowing tale is told very well and even has some illustrations, some highlights:
Indeed turning down Bulla Road, a simple, residential street lined with little bungalows was pleasant. After a long dreary Midwest winter the forsythia’s bright, sunny blooms and pastel plastic Easter eggs hung from trees were cheery. Not one car passed me as I walked on the edge of the narrow road. Nor one person.
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Reaching the intersection, I was pleased to see at least a three foot wide grass strip on the edge of the road. Even so, being wedged between four lanes of zooming traffic on one side and a six foot tall fence on the other made me feel I was balancing on the narrowest beam. Not one blade of grass appeared to have been trod before my pioneering footsteps.
Crossing the great divide formed by the entrance, or was it the exit, drive of an old condominium development was a real challenge. The grass path I had been following dead-ended into a four foot deep, two foot tall briar patch of ornamental landscaping.
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Now, I’m pretty good at crossing a busy street. Having learned how to perform the delicate ballet between car, pedestrian, and Vespas while living in Rome, I don’t give crosswalk signals more than a second glance. Being used to zipping halfway across a street, mid-block, and gracefully balancing on the dividing line between passing buses before dashing the rest of the way across a busy New York street, I thought I could handle anything. But this relatively small suburban intersection looked wide as the Grand Canyon.
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As I walked triumphantly across the parking lot to my destination, a small car drove in front of me. I was not surprised to find inside the common suburban species of an obese woman driving her three obese children. They filled every available inch of space inside the car with their fleshy volume.
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Continue reading “A pedestrian braves the challenges of sprawl”

from Streetsblog.net by League of American Bicyclists Blog

We were shocked to learn of the dreadful shooting in Tucson, Ariz., yesterday – we are still waiting to learn the full extent of the casualties and the status of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved. Representative Giffords is a cyclist and member of the Congressional Bike Caucus, according to an interview she gave to the Tucson Velo website in October (thanks to Branan Cooper for sharing this with us). Tucson has a special place in the League’s heart; it seems almost inconceivable that such an act would occur in a community we have always found to be so friendly and welcoming. Mayor Walkup, everyone involved in El Tour de Tucson, city and county staff, and the entire local cycling community must be shocked and appalled at these tragic events. We hope beyond hope that those cycling leaders can meet with Representative Giffords during the National Bike Summit in March.

Andy Clarke
President, League of American Bicyclists

Continue reading “Hearts go out to Rep. Giffords and Tucson community”

By Paul Bignell
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Mr Porter said: "The excuses of not seeing cyclists seem to be too readily accepted by the police and the CPS so there isn’t a prosecution when there should be. Judges should be handing down stiffer sentences and prosecutors should be more ambitious in the choice of charges and the decision to prosecute," he said yesterday.
"It’s up to a judge and a jury to accept whether an excuse is good enough. It is not good enough to go into a space not knowing what is there. It’s all part of the car culture that doesn’t expect the motorist to foresee that the road might be occupied by a cyclist. That needs to change."
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"This needs to change because it’s becoming clear that cycling is the answer to many of society’s ills – whether that be climate change, obesity or improving busy roads. Cyclists need to be treated like they belong on the roads."
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Emma Chesterman, a friend of Ms Cairns, said: "He admitted his eyesight was not good enough and gets £200 and three points on his licence. It does not seem fair. We are bewildered by the whole system that treats cyclists’ deaths in this way. It seems to be the attitude that you are putting yourself in the way of danger and therefore it is your own fault if it happens to you, which is not the same as if it were a pedestrian killed."
The Department for Transport denied that cyclists are insufficiently protected.
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[B’ Spokes: This is exactly the same problem as here. The fines and punishments for denting a fender, knocking out a head light or totaling a vehicle is exactly the same whether talking about a car or a person as long as its a traffic "accident". I know, I know you are thinking don’t we have laws that provide extra fines if you injure or kill someone in a hit-and-run? Sorry they don’t apply if the driver is not drunk and didn’t know what they hit. Natasha Pettigrew where the police said while the case is still under investigation that the motorist violated no laws because the driver did not know what she hit. Well then how about the extra not more the $1000 and not more the 180 day license suspension for causing serious bodily harm or death when violating another *vehicles* right-of-way? Well, first pedestrains need not apply as they are not vehicles even though they comprise over 20% of Maryland’s traffic fatalities (National average is 12%) and Maryland has the 4th highest pedestrian fatality rate. Next read the fine print, the right-of-way is limited to intersections and driveways only. So Natasha Pettigrew. Larry Bensky and Curtis Leymeister fatalities don’t involve intersections so that’s not applicable. Speaking of Curtis Leymeister at least the driver got convicted of negligent driving … $313.00 which the Judge asserts is the maximum penalty, seriously? Other states are complaining that $2,500 is too low and look what we got.
The Jack Yates fatality should have been an ideal case for extra fines for violation of a cyclists right-of-way at an intersection but the police cited Yates at fault for failing to ride his bicycle like a motorcycle. So the police got the laws wrong in the Yates case, the police got the laws wrong in the Leymeister case. And I will assert the police got the laws wrong in the Pettigrew case, if not we need to seriously rewrite our hit-and-run law. The driver could have known and should have known she hit a cyclist as there was a bicycle stuck under her car as she drove away for three miles! And some witnesses say they spotted the driver inspecting the damages to her car. Excusing this kind of behavior should be done in court, not out of hand by police before the investigation is over. If the police cannot properly report a fatality which gets the highest level of attention by the police what hope do we have in less then fatal crashes?
Additional MDOT has historically been actively resisting any legal changes to Maryland code in our favor, more or less insisting that fines for damaging to a car should be exactly the same as damaging a person. What’s up with that? Doesn’t that exceed or violate their mission: "MDOT’s mission is to: Enhance the quality of life for Maryland’s citizens by providing a balanced and sustainable multimodal transportation system for safe, efficient passenger and freight movement."
Additionally while fighting against improved rights for vulnerable users, MDOT got double fines for highway workers. Clearly they suffer from a double standard. To MDOT’s credit they cut back in opposing us last year (possible the result of our complaints) but still they did a lot of damage in the Legislature from previous years testimony and they still have the potential to come back and oppose us, it is something we need to be ever vigilant on. I bring all this up as it’s still basically MDOT’s position that cyclists are sufficiently protected. This has to change! MDOT has grossly mishandled our Federal funding and announcing our new 3′ safe passing law. While we MIGHT get some improved safety information publicized by MDOT, IMHO they are still doing less then the best job they could in accommodating bicyclists and pedestrains on ALL roads in Maryland (either on State roads or helping fund local roads to better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrains via Federal funds given for that purpose.) MDOT is doing very poorly in educating and testing our drivers as they are more concerned about the time it takes to do the test then if drivers have sufficient knowledge about driving safely, not to mention the complete lack of professional psychometrics.
Another topic, last year’s negligent-killing-by-auto bill died in the House Judiciary Committee even though AAA supported it. The Chair of that committee… Vallario. if that name sounds familiar follow the link below for other criticisms of his actions in the legislature.
This is a huge, important and complicated battle and one that I am very impressed with how Bike Maryland is handling it and they really can use your support https://bikemd.org/page.php?id=146 . If there is any aspect of this article that motivates you in wanting change, write your rep and ask what they plan on doing to correct your concerns. Our reps not only have the power to improve laws they can call MDOT and the Police to task and get them to do a better job.]
Continue reading “Cyclists ‘left unprotected by police and courts’”

[B’ Spokes: At first glance it sounds like NHTSA is reacting to the article from Streetsblog. NHTSA already working to fulfill new Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act

Because safety is our top priority, NHTSA has already been studying this problem in advance of the new law.

Finally they are going to try to make cars safer for pedestrains…

Congress has asked that electric and hybrid vehicles emit a sound at low speeds so pedestrians recognize when a vehicle is approaching.

Oh great, and what’s going to be the next innovation? Cars that automatically detect pedestrains and the car announces “Idiot get out of my way before I run you over!”? Don’t get me wrong quiet cars are a problem but there is a much, much bigger problem out there which Streetsblog touches on:]
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from Streetsblog.net by Angie Schmitt

We’ve written before about how perverse “safety standards” imperil pedestrians when it comes to street design. It’s disappointing to discover some of the same flawed logic is at work in the safety regulations for automobiles themselves.

Network blog Systemic Failure is highlighting how safety rules for American motor vehicles are not only preventing car companies from achieving higher fuel efficiency, but turning a blind eye to the fate of pedestrians in a collision:

SUV and small truck sales are booming again, and Detroit automakers have returned to their bad old ways. But when prices surpass the $4/gallon mark again, what plan do they have for the next gas crisis? One simple answer: re-brand fuel-efficient cars they already sell in Europe. Believe it or not, both Ford and GM do quite well selling gas-sipping cars in Europe, where the price per gallon can easily double US prices.

But alas, it is not so simple. Under Federal “safety” regulations, it is illegal to sell European automobiles in the US market. There are dozens of minor differences in safety regulations. And those differences don’t necessary make vehicles any safer for the American consumer.

The blog cites a 2008 Associated Press article, which finds fault with U.S. safety standards.

Another major shortcoming in the American regulatory framework is in the design of bumpers. American bumpers only have to protect the car; whereas Europe bumper tests simulate crashes against pedestrians.

Continue reading “U.S. Auto Safety Standards: Undermining Efficiency, Ignoring Pedestrians”

"A study of eight industrialized countries, including the United States, shows that seemingly inexorable trends — ever more people, more cars and more driving — came to a halt in the early years of the 21st century, well before the recent escalation in fuel prices. It could be a sign, researchers said, that the demand for travel and the demand for car ownership in those countries has reached a saturation point. ‘With talk of "peak oil," why not the possibility of "peak travel" when a clear plateau has been reached?’ asked co-author Lee Schipper … Most of the eight countries in the study have experienced declines in miles traveled by car per capita in recent years. The US appears to have peaked at an annual 8,100 miles by car per capita, and Japan is holding steady at 2,500 miles."
Continue reading “Has the Industrialized World Reached Peak Travel?”

[B’ Spokes: If any of this sounds interesting hit the link at the end of the article.]
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from TheWashCycle by washcycle
More links for a busy blogger
* Pay-by-mile car insurance. It’s already being rolled out.
* WABA sends a letter to the judge who will sentence Quizny Fraser in the Stan Miller homicide. "We ask not only that Mr. Fraser be held accountable for his reprehensible disregard for the consequences of his actions, but also that a message be sent to all drivers who will choose whether to drive while impaired or distracted." You can send your own statement to ethel.burnett@montgomerycountymd.gov
* NYC bike lane debate. "one survey shows three-quarters of Brooklynites support that bike lane."
* Interviews with cyclists about how they stay warm in the winter.
* Mutuality in collisions
* A teen cyclist recovers from injuries after being struck by a car.
* David Alpert would like to see at-large candidates asked about bicycling.
Continue reading “Coincidence of Interest”

from Streetsblog.net by Charleston Moves
What’s biking worth? A January (2010) study tried to give it a dollar value for the state of Wisconsin.
They found that, between the money spent on bikes and related services, the tourism generated by the state’s biking trails, and the positive health and environmental effects, the benefits of biking totaled $1,927,943,157.
The study was conducted by the a team from the University of Wisconsin at Madison’s environmental studies school.
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Continue reading “Quantifying the Value of Biking”

[B’ Spokes: Under the theory that cars do/should pay their own way, this is a great idea, In Maryland there’s around 100,000 crashes a year, that averages to one every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It takes a lot of personnel to handle this kind of demand.]
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December 30, 2010|By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Sacramento — One more good reason to drive safely in California: If you cause an accident, you may be on the hook to pay the police and firefighters who show up to help.
At least 50 cities in the state have adopted so-called crash-tax laws allowing local governments to seek reimbursement from insurance companies for the costs of sending public emergency crews to accident scenes. The fees can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If insurers don’t pay, cities can hire collection agents to seek payment from the motorists involved
Continue reading “‘Crash taxes’ are growing in popularity among cash-strapped California cities”

We use Goggle Analytics to track site performance and this is some of the years highlights by that report. Overall most people come here looking for bike paths and trail maps. Next up is the topics on the left and I’ll run down the most popular topics after the fold.

Top Stories of 2010

1 Downtown Circulator
This May of 2009 story is still getting hits coming from search engines.

2 Upgrade to Robert E. Lee Park
Another 2009 story still getting hits, highlighting the interest and importance of this park and our parks in general.

3 Cyclist Killed on Butler Road, Baltimore County
This certainly is our tragedy of the year, many cyclists enjoy riding Maryland’s country roads and this happened way too close to home for comfort.

4 Update – Silldorff bike accident on Bike Virginia
Another 2009 story still being looked at. Carol’s story and recovery is really impressive. Carol continues her story here along with an appeal to support Bike Maryland.

5 The Stupid Stuff I See During My Commute to/from Work
This 2008 forum post by iodaniell continues to be a favorite read. I would love to see more people adding their stories to this thread.

6 10 Rules For Urban Commuting
The original author took down this story and the net picked up that I have a copy and linked to that. My speculation is that the story has the “dial” set closer to anarchist then pragmatist and that … well just is not politically correct. But seriously look at most cyclists safety advice: don’t ride on the sidewalk because it will increase your chances of being hit by cars (I mention this because a lot of motorists think this is where we should ride), don’t ride close to the curb because it will increase your chances of being hit by cars, don’t ride in the door zone of parked cars because it will increase your chances of being hit by cars. So there is a valid element of: because the lawlessness of motorists cyclists must become lawless themselves (at least in the eyes of motorists.)

So while I would not phrase things exactly as this author did, I strongly feel he has valid points and maybe the time has come things should be overly stated for cyclists safety. We already have “cyclists should ride two feet from the curb” even though most of us will ride a inch or two from the edge from time to time to facilitate a passing car but we don’t (have) to state that cyclists should do the latter when riding by the two foot rule. But when talking about “taking the lane” which is just as valid legally as well as for safety as the two foot rule we feel the need to be apologetic and to encourage cyclists to do something contrary to safety and what the law allows. There is something wrong here.

Should all road users be courteous and cooperative? Heck ya! But don’t put the sole burden on cyclists. Which I think has been the traditional point in the past and that needs to change. Simply put; I ride right for motorists who I feel are courteous and cooperative and I ride assertively in aggressive traffic. Just because I am reacting to aggressive behavior does not make me aggressive. Anyway I think the author here does a good job in encouraging people to think outside of the box and in all things don’t be overly dogmatic, there is a time and place to be assertive and a time and place you can just be part of the road-scape.

7 Natasha Pettigrew, Maryland Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate
Another cycling tragedy. A driver who hits and kills a cyclists drives three miles with the bike lodged under the car and did not call the police till an hour later and the police state “The driver complied with the law.” Seriously, to avoid hit-an-run charges all you need to do is say “I thought I hit an animal”?

8 Ride on Annapolis / Larry Bensky Memorial Ride
The fact that so many took an interest in this event is truly the most heart warming item in our top ten list. Photes of the event.

9 This one runs on money and makes you fat. This one runs on fat and saves you money
The best way ever to mark bike lanes and car lanes.

10 FREE BUS SERVICE COMING IN 2009
This 2008 story is still generate hits. It seems there is a lot more interest in free bus service then cycling but I hope that will change someday. To put it succinctly, our bus service stinks, bicycling is better, it easily covers the same distance as most of our bus routes, it’s generally just as fast without the wait for the bus to arrive. We need to get more people on bikes and we need our bus service … well to be generally better then bicycling.
Continue reading “Our Top Ten Stories of 2010”