By David Riley/Daily News staff – Milford Daily News
In a decade bicycling up to 100 miles a week around his Wayland home, Rick Cohen figures 95 percent of the drivers and cyclists he’s encountered have been respectful and safe.
It’s the other 5 percent that can give a bad name to either mode of transit – the drivers who roar past bikes a few inches away, the cyclists who breeze through red lights.
A statewide bicycling association launched a new public awareness campaign last week in hopes of making both sides more aware of the role bicycles play on the road. To Cohen, it sounds like the best bet to reduce rocky – even dangerous – encounters between motor and pedal power.
"I think, really, awareness is the best way to go, and the acceptance that we both share the roads," said Cohen, 52, a triathlete.
The Mass. Bicycle Coalition, or MassBike, started its initiative – "Same Roads, Same Rules" – with support from the state’s transportation, public safety and recreation agencies.
"The whole idea of the campaign is to give people some key information about safe biking and safe driving around bicyclists, and not so much say, ‘Follow the rules because it’s the law,"’ said David Watson, MassBike’s executive director. "It’s more, ‘Do it because it’s common sense.’ It’s a way to keep each other safe."
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The campaign also coincides with Bay State Bike Week – today through Friday – and a series of bicycling events planned statewide. Its centerpiece is a website, www.sameroadssamerules.org, with tips for motorists and bicyclists alike, and a section dispelling common myths.
For drivers, for example, the site notes cyclists have the right to ride in the road, and warns against the "right hook," when a car makes a sudden right turn across a bike’s path.
For cyclists, the site urges not to ride against the flow of traffic or alongside one another if cars cannot pass safely, among other tips.
The Mass. Department of Transportation and Registry of Motor Vehicles are featuring the campaign on their websites and displaying information at RMV branches.
MassBike is handing out spoke cards with tips for bikes on one side and drivers on the other, while also sending out street teams to talk to people, Watson said. The RMV will hand out materials, too.
MassBike kicked off the campaign after carrying out a survey that found a surge in commuter and recreational bicycling, Watson said. Of about 1,800 responses, 65 percent of respondents said they both rode and drove, he said.
It’s clear "bicyclists by and large know what they ought to be doing, but are making decisions to do something else because either they feel it’s inconvenient or they feel it’s unsafe to follow the rules," Watson said.
"At the same time, many motorists, the majority of motorists, have no idea what the rules are or how they’re supposed to interact with bicyclists," he said.
Watson said while he understands cyclists disagree about the safest ways to ride, following a common set of rules will make interactions between cars and bikes more predictable.
Several local cyclists agreed, seeing fault on both sides.
Len Svitenko, 34, of Northborough, often commutes a little more than 10 miles each way to his job at Staples in Framingham, mostly pedaling along Rte. 30. For the most part, drivers give him plenty of space.
One motorist called him a four-letter word, but that happens among drivers, too, he said.
It troubles him to see cyclists riding side-by-side on narrow roads in the area. Svitenko said cyclists need to respect drivers if they want respect in return.
"If we all obey the same rules and pretend like a car is a bike and a bike is a car, people would be a lot less upset," he said. "It’s a mutual understanding, it’s mutual respect, and both sides should try to find a common ground."
Jeff Johnston, owner of Milford Bicycle, said he sees discourtesy on both sides. Drivers who text and drive worry him, and he’s encountered motorists who honked and told him to get off the road. At the same time, he sees cyclists in dark clothes, without helmets.
"I think it certainly could help," he said of MassBike’s campaign. "You’re going to see more and more cyclists, and I think people are going to become more and more aware anyhow. I think it can’t hurt."
Henry Trujillo, 51, of Hopkinton, who rides recreationally, said he’s a fan of the "three feet please" campaign, which asks drivers to give cyclists three feet of space when passing. That also allows cyclists to avoid hazards on the side of the road without weaving into traffic, he said.
For more information, visit the Same Roads, Same Rules website, or visit massbike.org/bsbw for more on Bay State Bike Week.
Continue reading “Campaign promotes bicycle awareness, safety”
Recent crashes won’t stop cyclists from hitting the road
Recent fatal collisions have renewed calls for cyclists and motorists to share the road, as well as an increased need for bike safety.
"I think that we can’t stop ourselves from biking because of those stories but at the same time it proves we need to be more careful," said cyclist Veronique Boily.
Late Sunday night, a 16-year-old male cyclist was killed when he was hit by a speeding motorcycle. On May 14, three cyclists were killed and three others were injured after they were hit by a vehicle southeast of Montreal.
Last July, a group now referred to as the "Kanata 5" were struck by a mini-van and seriously injured in Ottawa’s west end.
The collisions have also served as tragic reminders about the need for drivers and cyclists to improve their relationship on the road. However, not everyone is on board.
"I think personally the roads should just be for cars," said one motorist.
The chair of the city’s roads and cycling committee says Ottawa needs designated bike lanes.
"We’re lucky in Ottawa the roads are pretty safe. There are certainly things we could do to make them safer, though," said Michael Powell.
Powell also says cyclists need to be visible and predictable, and both drivers and cyclists need to do shoulder checks often.
Many health officials say just a helmet could reduce the chance of a head injury in a collision.
Although Ontario has a helmet law, once you are 18 you can opt out of wearing a helmet.
Continue reading “Recent crashes won’t stop cyclists from hitting the road”
Be thankful for cyclists
BOX SOAP
By Stephen Box
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I’m looking forward to the day when we celebrate cyclists and their contribution to our communities. For your consideration, I offer up a few reasons to be thankful for the cyclists who have gone before us as well as those who ride the streets of LA today.
• It was cyclists who spearheaded the 19th century “Good Roads” movement that resulted in a national campaign to pave America’s roads, affording cyclists and motorists alike a smooth ride. Ironically, for all of the contributions to the development of national road standards, cyclists still find themselves fighting for their place on the street. [LINK ]
• Many of the mechanical innovations now associated with the automobile were originally invented for cycling. It was Dr. Dunlop who invented pneumatic tires for his son’s bike. Rack and pinion steering, the differential, the band brakes, and even geared assembly-line machinery all originated in the world of bicycles.
• The development of human flight is the result of two bicycle mechanics who used their bike shop to develop the aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible. Orville and Wilbur Wright spent years experimenting with gliders before they added an engine and took to the sky in the historic flight that saw their three-axis control trump the more powerful engines of their competitors. [LINK ]
• The bicycle craze of the 1890’s challenged popular perceptions of femininity and fashion, resulting in a movement away from Victorian sensibilities. The battle over restrictive clothing challenged public perceptions of female athleticism and proper female behavior. Susan B. Anthony commented that “bicycling has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.” [LINK]
• Cyclists today continue to fight for streets that are safe and effective for all people. The next time you see a cyclist on the streets of Los Angeles, wave (Don’t honk, we think it means danger!) and give a silent thanks to the cyclists who developed LA’s Backbone Bikeway Network [LINK] , a commitment to connectivity that focuses city resources on the streets that connect major destinations.
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Great Streets don’t happen by accident, they require year-round work by professionals who know that our streets are for people and who understand that what’s good for cyclists is also good for the community.
“See you on the Streets!”
Continue reading “Be thankful for cyclists”
Human life = $75
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Nearly two months ago, police told Dremmer her only child was killed while biking in southern Illinois with two friends from the University of Chicago Laboratory School. An 86-year-old driver crossed the center line with his minivan and crashed into the girls, state police said.
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The 86-year-old driver will appear in court June 10 for an improper lane usage citation. If found guilty, he’ll be fined $75, police said.
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Continue reading “Human life = $75”
3 cyclists killed, 3 injured in Rougemont
A police officer walks by destroyed bicycles in Rougemont, Quebec, south of the Montreal area Friday, May 14, 2010. Six triathletes on their way by bike to a training weekend at the Université de Sherbrooke were struck by a pick-up truck in the village of Rougemont.
Photograph by: John Kenney, The Gazette
Continue reading “3 cyclists killed, 3 injured in Rougemont”
The Fallacy of Speed and Emergency Response
[B’ Spokes: note that sometimes emergency response time is used to to keep residential neighborhoods car centric and bike unfriendly.]
by Tom Vanderbilt
One of the oft-cited complaints about any sort of traffic calming treatment (speed bumps, narrowing streets, etc. etc.) is ‘what about emergency response?’ This has become something of a knee-jerk response, and it’s said with such seeming authority that it seems impolite, at the very least, to question it, even if it means we allow our local streets to become a source of daily unpleasantness and danger to accommodate what are statistically very rare needs (and there has been some good work on so-called “emergency response friendly” traffic calming).
After all, what individual, when questioned, wouldn’t intuitively want to be whisked to the hospital as fast as possible, or have fire crews sent racing to their house with minimal delay? I began thinking differently on this topic after meeting Nadine Levick at a traffic conference last fall. Over lunch, Nadine, a tireless crusader on a subject outside of most people’s purview, noted to me, according to one survey, riding in an ambulance, per mile, was one of the most dangerous things a person can do. And not simply because of, as you might imagine, clueless drivers not noticing an ambulance blazing through an intersection — but often because of unsafe actions by drivers themselves, as well as alarmingly substandard ambulance design (ambulances are not regulated by NHTSA for the crash protection of the occupants in the back; she’s got loads of horrific slides of the “boxes” having flown off the vehicle in a crash, and I’d urge you to otherwise delve into the site). The underlying sense I got from her was that of a sort of macho heroic undertone to emergency response, albeit shot through with the best of intentions, to get to or from the emergency with greatest possible haste — damn the consequences.
In any case, I thought of this again today thanks to an excellent article at Slate, by two medical personnel, that points out something that Levick was getting it: Despite the notion we may have that lives are at stake and a delay of a few minutes will be the crucial difference (isn’t it better for the speeding up to happen at the hospital end, or to work on better preventative and monitoring measures?), it turns out, as the authors note, “not to be backed up by good science’; and, what’s more, as they note, the risks taken in fast transport (to those outside the vehicle as well) may exceed whatever medical benefits are gained.
Continue reading “The Fallacy of Speed and Emergency Response”
The Great Bicyclist Responsibility Debate Continues
by Sarah Goodyear
Today on the Streetsblog Network, Boston Biker takes issue with a recent column in the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine about how people on bicycles need to “earn” respect on the road. In the view of the Globe’s Doug Most, it’s essentially the responsibility of bicyclists to stay out of the way of motor vehicles and to ride with the assumption that they’re invisible.
Here’s what Boston Biker writes about the Globe’s piece:
The subheading of the article is, “After a fatal crash, they want more respect on the road. They need to earn it.” (“They” meaning cyclists.) If everyone is breaking the law why do cyclists need to “earn” respect? Why don’t car drivers and pedestrians have to “earn”
respect?…[T]hat is not how our legal system works. Everyone has the full protection of the law at all times. You don’t lose that protection because you didn’t wear your helmet, you also don’t lose that protection if other people making the same transportation choice you are break the law. Car drivers don’t lose protection and respect because some of them don’t wear seat belts and run red lights, neither do cyclists.
Too often in the mainstream media, cyclists are assumed to be at fault in any conflict between modes. Even when a person on a bike is following all the rules and is hit and killed by a car, frequently the implication in news coverage is that the bicycle rider was somehow “asking for it,” simply because he or she was daring to ride a bike. And riding a bike shouldn’t be something you need to dare to do.
There’s nothing wrong with defensive riding. And there’s no question that many people on bicycles break the law in dangerous ways. But as bicycle use increases around the country, there is a real need for balanced discussion of the ways that pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers interact in traffic. That means recognizing that all road users should respect each other. It’s all well and good for bicyclists to see themselves as ambassadors (that’s how I personally choose to ride). But they should be allowed to be just people, as well, like the members of any minority.
Related: Ditching the Car for 40 Days has a rundown of all the scary ways drivers pass bicyclists on the road.
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Continue reading “The Great Bicyclist Responsibility Debate Continues”
Cyclist Shot in Marvin Gaye Park
by washcycle
From NBC4
A young man was hospitalized in critical condition
after he was shot in the head while riding a bike though Marvin Gaye Park in Northeast.The shooting happened just
after 1 p.m. Tuesday, close to the park entrance at Fitch Place and
Division Avenue.So far, police have neither a motive nor a suspect.
From the location it’s hard to tell if this was on the road or on the trail through Marvin Gaye Park.
Commuting with Children
from Commute by Bike by Bike Shop Girl
Commute By Bike isn’t only about commuting to and from your work place. It is anytime you chose your bicycle over a car, or other form of transportation, to get from point A to point B. You could be commuting for many different reasons. The library, groceries and school are three top reasons that are often mentioned behind commuting to work.
Carrying Your Child by Bike
Children come in play with these reasons, and others. Maybe you are one of the forward thinking parents that take their children to work everyday by bike, or to the library. I nod my head to you as you are not only improving today’s congestion but teaching your children healthy living habits. There are many different ways to have your child tag along for the ride and today I’ll be covering my favorite ways to carry your child on or behind your bike.
Bicycle Child Seats
One of the most affordable ways to take your child on a bike trip with you is a bike mounted seat. There are different varieties of these including the rear mounted ones that mount directly to a special rear rack or there are the ones that mount in front of you.
One of the most popular that I have seen over the years, and normally your local bike shop carries a variety of child seats in stock. Another popular brand is the Co-Pilot Taxi & Limo series. These seats range from $100-150 depending on brand and features.
I haven’t personally installed an iBert, but world renowned mountain biker Tinker Juarez has his son in one all the time. Your child is now within eye sight and you have them safely tucked between your arms. This is also one of the most affordable styles at there at $95.
Pros: Child close to you for ease, you feel safer and the child may feel more comfortable being within arms reach. Prices for seats start around $95.
Cons: If the bike tips over, as does the child. Getting on and off the bike with the child on board requires a great deal of skill. The child is exposed to the elements. Weight limit of 40-55 lbs.
Child Bike Trailers
The bike trailer is by far my favorite way to carry a child with a bike. I am biased towards the bike trailer, even over my beloved Xtracycle that is next up. You’re able to carry up to two children in most popular trailers. They often come with a mesh sun cover, and rain fly. Put snacks, a book and a pillow in the trailer for the child and keep them entertained. For safety there is a 5 point harness, roll cage and a pivot point near the bike so if your bike was to tip over the trailer doesn’t quickly follow. (It is possible to tip a trailer, but not as easy as the child seats.)
The tried and trued Burley trailer has been around for years. If you remember I am reviewing the Travoy which carries belongings, not children. Starting at $249.99 for the basic Burley Bee that holds two children. There are many models between, but the Burley line ends at the Burley Cub at $589.99. This is the do all trailer, converting into a jogger or stroller. If you purchase this at the right time in your child’s life, you won’t need any other type of stroller unit. I’ve heard stories of people taking these to Disney Land as two children can be tucked away under the mesh sunscreen. Pack your snacks, groceries or pocket book behind the children in the storage space available.
*One of our sponsors, BikeKidShop.com and BikeTrailerShop, are having a sale starting May 15th on Burley trailers (including cargo and the new Travoy!)
Pro’s : High weight limit, able to use in other parts of daily life, child is safe from user error
Con’s : The child is 3+ feet behind you, trailers are low to the ground so a blinky light and large flag are highly encouraged
Xtracycle
Popout
The Xtracycle is the vehicle of choice of skilled bike commuters carrying large cargo or children. Many people have made their own versions of carrying children, but Xtracycle does have the Peapod. You are able to haul tons of groceries, and a couple children easily.
Pros : Capacity, expandable, ease of use.
Cons: Cost, addiction
Ordinary Americans doing extraordinary work in the call to end distracted driving
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I wish it weren’t so, but the numbers are compelling; this is a very real and very dangerous problem. In the Syracuse, NY, area, our pilot enforcement project cited 2,300 drivers texting or using a hand-held cell phone during the first 10 days alone. Our Hartford, CT, pilot reported similar numbers. Those are just two communities. Multiply that out across the country, and the math is simply staggering.
Kari Galassi and Jodi Brubaker of Hinsdale, Illinois, are two moms who saw the problem and began selling a tan-colored car window sign with “Get off the phone” over a marked out cell
phone image. “It always irritated me,” Brubaker said, “that you could see so many drivers paying more attention to their phones than the road.”
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Continue reading “Ordinary Americans doing extraordinary work in the call to end distracted driving”