HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — A bicycle-pedaling pastor from western Maryland says there’s a spiritual aspect to his physical exertions.
The Rev. Ed Poling of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is setting out Wednesday on a 250-mile bike trip to Pittsburgh.
Poling says that besides marveling at God’s creation, he will raise money during the trip to send more children to summer camp so they, too, can learn to love the great outdoors.
Poling says people can better experience God outdoors by observing wild plants and animals and thinking about their maker.
He says kids who spend most of their time indoors are less inclined to take care of the Earth.
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Take precautions when riding bikes
By Bill Smith
Summer is a time when many of us turn to outdoor activities, such as bicycling.
In addition to being a fantastic way to lose weight (and reach, guilt-free, for that extra slice of pizza), bicycling gets people outdoors. A bicycle is an interesting vehicle: Its passenger is also its engine. Best of all, it runs not on petroleum, but on carbohydrates and fat.
Let’s begin with the bicycle itself. Your bike should have reliable brakes and steering, good tires inflated to the proper pressure (as noted on the sidewall) and a gearing range suitable for the type of terrain in which you plan to ride. Gears are easier than ever now. The shifting mechanisms on new bicycles are simple, easy to use and reliable.
If you are in doubt concerning the road- or trail-worthiness of your bike, take it to your local bicycle shop for a checkup. Store employees can also advise you on proper bike fit, which is especially important for comfort.
Most serious bicyclists today wear Lycra shorts and jerseys made from materials with moisture-wicking properties. They do this not to look like a Tour de France racer, but because these fabrics are more comfortable and cooler on hot days.
Some cyclists still prefer regular shorts, and you should wear what makes you comfortable. But the two most important pieces of your attire are those that protect you.
First, a properly-fitted helmet is an absolute must. There are dangers for the most experienced cyclist, such as road debris, potholes, branches, animals and vehicles. Your helmet should be tilted down far enough to protect your forehead and fit tightly enough that it will remain on your head after an impact. This is because, in a crash, your head will usually get hit twice because your head bounces.
Second, wear cycling gloves. If you fall, you are likely to scrape your hands; without gloves, you can lose quite a bit of skin.
Now that you are prepared to ride, where should you ride? That depends on your bike. You can ride on the roads, but you might feel more comfortable on bike paths and trails. Bikes with skinny tires are better suited for roads, while bikes with wider tires fare well on trails.
If you ride on the streets, keep in mind that in Maryland you are legally a vehicle and possess the same rights and responsibilities granted to other road users. This means you obey all traffic laws. Ride with traffic, as far to the right as is safe. Note that this does not mean that you must ride all the way over in the gutter. There are numerous hazards to be watchful for in that area, such as debris, trash, sewer grates and pot holes. Take the position in the lane where you are visible to motorists and away from hazards. You are also permitted to ride in the left-hand portion of your lane when turning left (don’t forget to check behind you and signal your intentions). The use of a helmet-mounted mirror is highly encouraged for road riding. Sidewalk riding can be unsafe and is usually illegal for those older than 16.
There are a good number of off-road paths and trails in our area, including the Frederick Watershed, the Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, the C&O Canal Towpath, the Western Maryland Rail-Trail, and many others. Whether on road or trail, it is a good idea to carry a water bottle, some food, a spare tube, a pump and a cell phone for emergencies.
Bill Smith is a member of the Frederick County Pedalers Bicycle Club.
Online
Frederick Pedalers Bicycle Club: www.frederickpedalers.org
Baltimore Bicycling Club: www.baltobikeclub.org
Bicycle Tours in Carroll County: ww.carrollcountytourism.org/thingstodo/biketours.aspx
How Not To Get Hit by Cars: www.bicyclesafe.com
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What is needed for a police response?
by
Michael W wrote in to me with a story about a crash he was recently in. He’s a new resident of DC, and he was exploring a route for his wife to get to a job of hers in Takoma Park. His route took him onto the Silver Spring Green Trail, which turns into a sidewalk as it goes east. He was going east on the “trail” at around 10:30am as he approached the intersection of Wayne and Cedar where the trail currently ends. Michael is a very experienced cyclist and bike mechanic, I should note. As he describes it
I approached the intersection on the sidewalk along Wayne—at this point I noticed a sign describing the trail options (left or right). I Wanted to get back onto the street, so I looked at the crosswalk signal. It displayed a “green” walk signal, so I dropped into the curb-ramp and into the street.
At this point a car was approaching the intersection on Cedar Street from my left. The next moment I was directly in front of the car and noticed the driver wasn’t looking forward, rather he was craning his neck to look to his left, in order to make a right-hand turn onto Wayne Ave. Without coming to a complete stop, the motorist accelerated and, obviously seeing me at last, blew his horn while continuing to accelerate through me. He struck my left ankle and rear wheel. Luckily he was only traveling between 5 -10 mph at this point, but sadly he didn’t stop. I was somehow able to hop in the direction the car pushed me and unclip my pedals, quickly landing on my feet, still straddling the bicycle. With this vantage I was able to turn to see him driving off and read clearly his license plate number.
I immediately called the police and while doing so I was approached by another motorist who offered herself as a witness to the incident—which I accepted. (She also mentioned she almost considered driving after the guy, but re-thought those circumstances). The police came, took my information, and created a report. I declined any medical assistance as I was mostly fine. (My ankle does have a mild throbbing soreness to it now). The officer told me they would keep an eye out for the car and that was about it. They left, and I got back on my bike and went directly to work.
First of all, Michael did everything right. He got the plate #. He called the police. He didn’t waive the witness away. Good job Michael.
But the police response that they would “keep an eye out” for the car? That’s it? They have a plate number and a witness. This is a hit and run (maybe the driver didn’t know they hit him because he stayed up, but they did see him because they honked). This reminds me of the cyclist who was intentionally hit on 1st Street this year, but then they only had a partial plate. I never heard it an arrest was made then or in another intentional hit where they got the plate.
Michael asks why we let people get away with stuff like this. How can you hit someone, drive away and not lose your license? How, I wonder, can you have three DUI/DWIs and still have a license? I don’t know.
Curveballs: a case for wearing a helmet
While I stand apposed to mandatory use helmet laws I do encourage their use. Some (Michael Dresser for one) seem to relate to bicycle helmets like a seat belt. Just one problem with that, riding a bike is good for you and the planet, while driving a car at best is a necessary evil. If cyclists should wear helmets for improved safety, drivers should have a steel stake protruding from the steering column to remind drivers to "drive safe or else."
So as some motorist may die or be seriously injured in a car crash despite seat belts and airbags the same applies to cyclists. But still we are struck with the needless tragedy of a cyclist seriously injured when not wearing a helmet. All this serves as an intro to a story about Chris who has been life-lined to the shock trauma unit in Baltimore. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and if you ride without a helmet you may want to read the following story.
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Slip and Falls on Ice in Maryland-A Slippery Legal Slope!
by Steven D. Silverman
In the 2008 case of Allen v. Marriott, the Court of Special Appeals came down with a frigid decision for plaintiffs who are injured when falling on black ice. The Court of Appeals denied cert. which means the case is the current law in Maryland.
The facts of Allen v. Marriott are as follows:
David Allen and his wife were guests of a Marriott hotel from Feb. 3 -5. On the morning of Feb. 5, the parties checked out of the hotel. Mrs. Allen went to the hotel’s parking lot to retrieve their car, while Mr. Allen was checking out. She drove the car close to the front entrance of the hotel. Mr. Allen walked out of the main entrance, and then proceeded to walk along the (salted) sidewalk toward their vehicle. As Mr. Allen stepped off of the curb, pulling a wheelie suitcase, he slipped and fell on what turned out to be unseen “black ice.”
The issue the presented to the Court was whether a reasonable person under an objective standard, knowing what the Plaintiff knew, would have been aware of the risk and therefore assumed the risk.
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The Court’s Holding:
The Plaintiff assumed the risk when he voluntarily ventured away from the main entrance and into the parking lot, because objectively, a reasonable person appreciates the likelihood that, under these weather conditions and other circumstances, ice might be present, even though it is not visible.
As a result, the Plaintiff is completely barred from making any recovery. Unfortunately, many Marylanders are seriously injured when falling on ice. This case makes a recovery very difficult and further demonstrates the necessity for victims to hire a lawyer who understands the law, the issues, and comes up with a well thought-out path to recovery at the onset of the case.
For further information, please contact us for a complimentary consultation
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Aldermen take steps to make Frederick more bicycle-friendly
By Christian Brown
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The Board of Aldermen approved on June 3 an action plan to educate and encourage residents to ride bicycles and to design a more bicycle-friendly city.
If the city were to attain this status, it would be the only community in Maryland to have it, according to Tim Davis, the city’s traffic engineer.
One of the requirements for a community to be named bicycle-friendly is that it needs to have active bicycler advocacy groups, which Frederick has in the form of the Frederick Pedalers and the Frederick Bicycle Coalition.
Kelso pointed out that Rockville was once named a bicycle-friendly community, but lost the designation because the city was "resting on [its] laurels."
"Have you seen Rockville Pike," Alderman Kelly Russell (D) joked.
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Happy Fathers Day, Happy Cycling Memories
Dad you are the best Dad ever! I remember all the great times we shared while growing up. You were there with me at my softball practices, my games. I remember pitching those balls across home plate and seeing you behind the plate calling balls and strikes. You were the best umpire a daughter could ask for. You were always fair with your calls. I will always cherish our bicycle rides, training for the Cycle Across Maryland, and at the age of 15, the first of three years participating in the event, having the experience of a lifetime spending a week bicycling across the Maryland countryside, up mountains, down hills where I felt like I was soaring in the air with you challenging me to be the best I can be. I remember having an extra 10 miles added mysteriously appear on our bicycle tour. I will never forget when we rode our bikes across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. You have supported me in both the good times and the bad times. I remember you walking me down the aisle n my wedding day. I will never forget us dancing together at my wedding reception. You are the greatest! I love you very much Dad!
Here is a picture of the Bay Bridge
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Jure Robic wins 5th Race Across America
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland: Jure Robic won the Race Across America for a record fifth time Friday, completing the transcontinental bicycle race in nine days, 1 hour, 1 minute.
The Slovenian averaged 13.85 mph over the 3,004 miles in the 29th annual RAAM. He is the only solo man to win the race more than three times.
Gerhard Gulewicz of Austria was about 180 miles behind, leading a pack of 14 solo males still on the course.
Twenty-five men started the race in Oceanside, Calif., on June 9.
Barbara Buatois of France was about 380 miles out, leading the three solo females still riding out of the five who set out June 8. – AP
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Prince George’s County police unit to focus on efforts to reduce car crashes
By Andrea Noble – The Gazette
The Prince George’s County police department has formed a unit that will exclusively handle traffic enforcement in an effort to reduce the number of car accidents in the county.
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"What we’re finding in a lot of accidents is, speed is a contributing factor, and also lack of an occupant wearing a seat belt," Tippett said. "In a lot of fatal accidents, they wouldn’t have been fatal if a seat belt had been worn."
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Last year, 549 people were killed in car accidents in Maryland. Preliminary data show that at least 91 of those fatalities occurred in Prince George’s; of those fatalities, 21 involved pedestrians, Buck said.
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Prince George’s also has the highest 12-year average of pedestrian fatalities in the state, accounting for an average of 24 percent of the deaths, Buck said. Baltimore City and Baltimore County rank behind Prince George’s, each accounting for 15 percent of pedestrian deaths. [FARS ranks MD the 6th highest pedestrian fatality rate.]
"You do have a unique situation sometimes in Prince George’s, where you have Route[s] 4 and 5 that are very high speeds, but you do have a fair amount of pedestrian activity as well," Buck said of the challenges of lowering the number of pedestrian fatalities.
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The moral of the story: if you repeatably drink and drive don’t hit the judge that let you off
By Nathan Carrick – Gazette
A Gaithersburg man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a drunken-driving crash that injured a former judge, who had spared him jail time years before.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving Vice President for Public Policy J.T. Griffin said crashes such as Fernandez’s are a tragedy in several ways.
"First, any time a drunk driver crashes it’s a tragedy because it could have been prevented," he said. "Sadly there’s a pattern in what we’re seeing not just in Maryland but across the country."
Experienced defense attorneys often are paired against inexperienced prosecutors, who are outmatched, he said.
Kudel’s website touts him as the "best DWI lawyer in the Washington metropolitan area."
According to Montgomery County Police, about 3,600 arrests for driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated were made each year between 2005 and 2009.
The number of convictions from these arrests was not available by Tuesday afternoon.
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Continue reading “The moral of the story: if you repeatably drink and drive don’t hit the judge that let you off”