from How We Drive, the Blog of Tom Vanderbilt’s Traffic
I was intrigued by this passage from a typically fascinating Paris Review interview, this time with science-fiction legend Ray Bradbury:
If I’d lived in the late eighteen hundreds I might have written a story predicting that strange vehicles would soon move across the landscape of the United States and would kill 2,000,000 people in a period of seventy years. Science fiction is not just the art of the possible, but of the obvious. Once the automobile appeared you could have predicted it would destroy as many people as it did.
Continue reading “Stranger than Fiction”
Growing demand for livable communities
By Darren Flusche
League Policy Analyst
According to a survey recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 57 percent of adult Americans say that their neighborhood features – like sidewalks, crosswalks, or lighting – are of high importance in determining their levels of physical activity. About two-thirds of adults said they were willing to take “civic actions” to improve neighborhood features.
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Not surprisingly, the study concludes, “the biggest factor in determining a person’s willingness to take civic action to improve neighborhood features was how important that person rated neighborhood features to be in determining her or his level of physical activity.”
Continue reading “Growing demand for livable communities”
Kamenetz asks for cash
from Maryland Politics by Andy Rosen
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz says he is asking lawmakers representing the county in the General Assembly to help him bring in more state aid for … and infrastructure improvements along the Liberty Road corridor. … He’s asking for $2 million for the busy Liberty Road commercial corridor. ….
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[B’ Spokes: On a totally unrelated topic Maryland only spent 20% of all available Federal Transportation Enhancement money last year. This money is to be used for infrastructure improvements but Maryland cannot find enough projects to fund.with only $31 million Federal dollars. Oh well I guess we can always let the Feds take it back if we can’t find a use for it.
OK, seriously now, I have no idea what improvements are being asked for here but if they are bike/ped related we have the funds and Federal policy will allow spending of those funds but … MDOT has a better idea on how to make that money go further. By making it really hard for anyone to get those funds! I’m not joking, that is MDOT’s excuse. We really have to ask how is only spending 20% and then giving the rest back to Feds making money go further? ]
Continue reading “Kamenetz asks for cash”
New Products at BBW
from Baltimore Bicycle Works
In recent weeks BBW has added another two lines of fantastic products to our ever growing collection.
Civia “Bikes For The Way You Live”: Civia Cycles is a relatively new bike company on the scene, but their vision for the future of urban cycling is clear. Civia makes simple, elegant bikes and products that take you to work, to school, the grocer—anywhere you need to go. Whether you’re commuting hours a day or just pedaling a few blocks to the train station, their bikes and accessories keep you and your stuff on the move.
Ibex Outdoor Clothing: We cannot begin to express how much we love Ibex and their line of outdoor clothing! Wool based clothing is the ultimate in performance and comfort and Ibex knows wool best. High quality merino wool wears better than synthetics and does not capture body odor. Additionally, a significant portion of their clothing line is made here is the USA. If you have never tried wool or are skeptical about it, please come by the shop or give us a call and we’d be happy to share the benefits we have discovered.
Not Blocking or Parking in Dedicated Bike Lanes
Response: RE: Not Blocking or Parking in Dedicated Bike Lanes (reply) (Still not supportive)
At MBPAC Discussion on Legislative Issues In discussing this issue:
Not Blocking or Parking in Dedicated Bike Lanes
In order to encourage use of designated bicycle lanes by bicyclists and to improve the safety of those dedicated lanes for bicyclists, Bike Maryland proposes that a state-wide statute be enacted to prohibit drivers from driving, stopping or parking in dedicated bicycle lanes.
I was surprised to learn that MBPAC’s initial position is to not support this legislation as it can be done with signs like these:
I suggested that it would be cheaper to sign where parking is permitted (like never.) The counter argument was but “No Parking” signs are cheap, something like $40 each (assuming we already have a pole to hang them on, otherwise it is more like $200 a piece including labor.) Well lets look at that. By my estimate Baltimore Metro (just a small part of the State) needs minimally about 300 miles of bike lanes to truly have a bicycles as transportation network just in the urban designated areas. So let’s do the math: 2 signs per block * 2 sides of the road * 10 blocks per mile (in the city that’s a higher number) * 300 miles * $40 a sign = $480,000. (Can I round that up to a half a million?) Not to mention under the State’s current policies they will not allow Federal funding for signs. Even SHA gave up marking shoulders as bike lanes because of the expense of signs.
My argument I presented at the meeting was: what about bike lanes next to parking like in Roland Park (Starbucks), you can’t sign “No Parking” there. I was countered with: but isn’t double parking illegal? Which I countered with: but police need due cause to give tickets, if the cars are not blocking the car travel lane is there due cause to give a ticket without this law?
I feel very strongly that the facility that accommodates both cyclists and parking is a shoulder not a bike lane. Once it is designated a bike lane there should be no standing cars (unless to make a right turn.) That is best engineering practices IMHO and it would be very helpful if MBPAC would support this legislation.
So I am asking those that agree that parking should be prohibited in bike lanes to write to Michael Jackson mjackson3@mdot.state.md.us the State Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Access and Jim Swift jks36@verizon.net the Chairman of the Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. (MBPAC) And please be polite! these folks are great supporters of our cause but all engineers are subject to “Oh, but I got an engineering fix for that problem.” I have fallen victim to that kind of thinking myself from time to time. So please thank them for their support to date. And while I am at it I would like to give kudos to Carol Silldorff of Bike Maryland and her efforts in engaging this committee.
Winter Weather Continues in Baltimore, Be Ready With the Right Tires
from Baltimore Bicycle Works
Choosing the proper winter tire can make all the difference when riding in the cold, wet, snowy or icy conditions. With the many choices available, it can seem difficult or intimidating to make your selection. That’s why we have narrowed down some of our favorite options.
Studded Tires: Yes, they make studded tires for bikes too! These tires are best used in snowy or icy conditions. We like the Innova Studded Tires, available in both 26 and 700c versions. These tires boast replaceable studs and are sure to give you traction in even the most extreme conditions.
Knobby/Street 700c: For hybrid and or cyclocross bikes looking to run a knobby tire around the city, we like the WTB All Terrainasaurus. This tire will give you additional grip in the slushy streets or off road while remaining practical for everyday winter commuting.
Knobby/Street 26: For those of you riding 26’s, we like the Conti Traffic. This tire is MTB worthy, yet has a lower profile center line making it efficient on the city streets.
Cold Weather: We like the Conti TopContact Winter II as an all around cold weather tire. This inverted tread tire provides traction in wet and light snow conditions and it specifically designed to preform in cold temperatures. It keeps you sticking to the road no matter the temperature and with puncture protection and a reflex side wall, it is perfect for Baltimore City streets. Available in 26 and 700c versions.
Continue reading “Winter Weather Continues in Baltimore, Be Ready With the Right Tires”
2011 General Assembly Kick Off and Bike Maryland Symposium
The 2011 Maryland General Assembly 428th Legislative Session – Kicks-Off Today
The Maryland General Assembly meets in Annapolis each year for 90 days to act on more than 2300 bills including the State’s annual budget. The 2011 Session begins January 12, 2011 and adjourns April 11, 2011. The General Assembly has 47 Senators and 141 Delegates elected from 47 districts.
Who Are Your Elected Officials? Would you like to know who represents you in the Maryland General Assembly and U.S. Congress? To find out, just enter your home address HERE. Information provided shows current elected officials and current Congressional & Legislative election district. Click Here To Contact Your Legislator.
Many of you have known someone or have heard about someone that lost their life or was seriously injured while bicycling. Bike Maryland’s mission is to encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for bicyclists in Maryland. We will need your support this year to get legislation passed that makes Maryland a safer place to ride. The most important thing you can do is to make a call to your legislator. An written letter or an email is also beneficial. Five minutes of your time is needed to perform this task that can decrease your (or your friends or loved ones) chances of injury or death. You do not need to discuss the bill in depth. You will make a difference by saying, “Hello, my name is ___ and I live in your district. It is very important to me, as one of your constituents, that you support ___ bill.”
Bill numbers and detailed description will be posted on the Bike Maryland website over the next few weeks.
Potential 2011 Legislative Priorities (policy changes pursued when possible):
- Manslaughter by Vehicle or Vessel – Criminal Negligence
This is the #1 bill to support. There is a big loophole in Maryland’s Law.Drivers who cause fatalities, when sober, by flagrantly violating the rules of the road, and deviating from the standard of care used by any reasonable person, pay no more than $1000 in fines through traffic court. These cases are dealt with as though they are all situations of simple negligence. The standards for prosecution under the current statute -vehicle (negligent) manslaughter –are very high. Proof of gross negligence is required for this felony offense. Upon conviction, the person would face up to 10 years in a house of correction and/or $5000 fine.
Manslaughter by Vehicle or Vessel – Criminal Negligence provides a misdemeanor option for those who cause fatalities by driving in a criminally negligent manner- when sober. It follows the Modern Penal Code used in the majority of other states. It is a misdemeanor —upon conviction, the person would be subject to imprisonment not to exceed 3 years and/or a fine not to exceed $5000.
View the bill talking points here and the myths and facts here.Contact your State Legislators and ask that they support this bill.
- View the Full List of Bike Maryland’s Potential 2011 Legislative Priorities HERE.
Continue reading “2011 General Assembly Kick Off and Bike Maryland Symposium”
Max’s Annual Belgian Beer Fest
Something to bike to:
Max’s Annual Belgian Beer Fest
February 18, 2011 – February 20, 2011 | All Day
Max’s Taphouse
737 South Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
Featuring over 120 Authentic Belgian beers on draft, over 175 Authentic Belgian beers in Bottles and a full Belgian Inspired Food Menu
Time:11am-2am each day
NO ENTRANCE FEE
The WAR on Bikes
Wishing Gabrielle Giffords Many More Commutes by Bike
from Commute by Bike by Ted Johnson
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My thoughts were drawn, once again, to the rhetoric of the debate over cycling infrastructure, referred to as “The Bike Wars” or a “war on cars.” War? Really? With armies, weapons, and battles?
Anyone who commutes by bike knows two things: First, that there are a lot of crazy and unstable drivers out there, and second that with the wrong person behind the wheel, a car can be used as a weapon. When we, the participants in this debate, regurgitate this “war” framing, we need to consider the chances that a crazy motorist might take it seriously. The motorist who believes (because he’s been told so) that cyclists are literally the enemy; that cyclists are threatening his way of life, how is he likely to use his car?
Let’s downshift our rhetoric as well. It’s not a war. It’s a disagreement over transportation priorities; it’s motorists and cyclists struggling to reconcile their differences and coexist.
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Continue reading “The WAR on Bikes”
Menasha mom biked to hospital to deliver baby
By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel
Tess Weber, just 3 months old, already has been out cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with her parents, Paul and Susie.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise. She enjoyed a bike ride the day of her birth.
Susie Weber, an active 41-year-old, shared her story of biking to delivery – a one-mile ride from her home in Menasha to the Theda Clark Medical Center – in the January issue of Silent Sports Magazine.
“On the day my daughter was born, I stayed at home until my contractions were about three minutes apart and increasing in intensity. When it was time to go to the hospital, the last thing I wanted to do was get on a bike. But my husband had the bikes ready, my doctor was expecting to see my bike in the lot, and my own internal voice was telling me I couldn’t give up now.
“I somewhat reluctantly got on the bike and, to my surprise, enjoyed every minute of the ride, even when I was having a contraction. Despite all the dire warnings that I would crash my bike when the pain hit, I found that I could power through it. In fact, the contractions on the bike were the easiest to bear because I was distracted and doing something I love.”
While biking to birth would be an extreme example of maintaining fitness during pregnancy, Weber’s piece provides excellent advice for expectant women (and their partners).
Her pregnancy was high-risk due to her age and previous miscarriages, but she kayaked, skied, swam and biked from start to finish. She biked to her first appointment in March, and that day “set a goal of biking to every appointment,” including the delivery.
“I think it was better for me overall and I recovered quickly and was down to my pre-birth weight in three weeks,” said Weber, who is on maternity leave from her job as a pilot for United Airlines. “My doctor was a great person to work with.
“I think people treat pregnancy as a sickness; and you’re not sick. You just have to be reasonable, I think.”
Tess was born on Oct. 7 and weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 19 1/2 inches. On Thursday morning, Weber proudly reported that Tess had rolled over, apparently starting her own fitness regimen.
Paul, Tess and Susie Weber. Photo courtesy of Susie Weber
Continue reading “Menasha mom biked to hospital to deliver baby”