8 days. 335-miles. Biking from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh, PA on the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage.
https://ridethegap.blogspot.com/2013/06/mud-muddier-mudpies.html?spref=fb
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[B’ Spokes: A blog about an epic bike ride.]
Tasers
Steve Magas (Ohio Bike Lawyer) had a collection of thought provoking links I thought I would share:
Seeking Answers After Youth’s Death in Police Stop
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/09/us/seeking-answers-after-youths-death-in-police-stop.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0
Pensacola Officer Fires Taser at Teen on Bike From Moving Car and Then Runs Over the Teen
https://jonathanturley.org/2010/08/03/pensacola-officer-tasers-teen-on-bike-from-moving-car-and-then-runs-over-the-teen/
Police ‘killed deaf cyclist with stun gun after he failed to obey instructions to stop’
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2065629/Police-killed-deaf-cyclist-stun-gun-failed-obey-instructions-stop.html
Stun gun-wielding pregnant woman attacks bike messenger
https://www.komonews.com/news/local/Police-Stun-gun-wielding-pregnant-woman-attacks-bike-messenger-199625021.html
TASERED BIKER SUES IN CIVIL RIGHTS CASE
https://www.bicyclelaw.com/news/n.cfm/tasered-biker-sues-in-civil-rights-case
Steve’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Bike-Lawyer-Steve-Magas/116310091736573?ref=stream
Ghost Racks instead of Ghost bikes
Via The Wash Cycle
I like this idea so much. Just a recap, a ghost bike is
Painted white from their spokes to their handlebars and often decorated with flowers and a sign to memorialize killed cyclists, the bikes are sometimes defaced, stolen or removed.
We’ve had some interesting experiences with Ghost Bikes in DC. But here’s a better idea of a way to memorialize cyclists and call attention to the issue of road safety.
As an alternative to ghost bikes, Willens’ law firm at 30 N. LaSalle St. is planning to donate a ghost bike rack for each cyclist who falls victim to a fatal accident and bolt it to the sidewalk. The white racks would serve as memorials to the deceased cyclists, placed near the sites where they were killed. They would also be functional, allowing cyclists to lock up their bikes.
Willens said it would be harder to steal a ghost bike rack, and that complaints about the memorials becoming eyesores and having no practical use would become null. The bike racks would serve a purpose, especially as the city pushes to get more two-wheel travelers on the streets.
https://www.thewashcycle.com/2013/06/ghost-racks-instead-of-ghost-bikes.html
Diet Detective: Lose Weight and Stay Fit by Riding Your Bike
By Charles Stuart Platkin | For Active.com
Biking is one of most efficient calorie burners around. Riding at a leisurely 10 to 12 mph, you can burn up to 423 calories per hour. Up that to 14 to 15.9 mph, and you’ll burn about 700 calories. Biking is fun, builds muscle, and is a great way to get exercise while you’re running errands. It’s also environmentally friendly. Here are a few tips to get you started.
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https://beta.active.com/nutrition/articles/diet-detective-lose-weight-and-stay-fit-by-riding-your-bike
THE MAN WHO LIVED ON HIS BIKE [video]
Austin police stepping up enforcement of safe-passing law
By Pam LeBlanc, FIT CITY
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Because it’s hard to enforce safe passing on a day-to-day basis, Austin police set up special operations like this one to watch for violations. Today’s is the sixth such operation, and more are planned.
“It’s part of our initiative to make Austin streets a safer place to ride a bicycle,” says Austin Police Sgt. James Dixon, who is heading the day’s effort. “It’s really important that we educate people that we are out here and going to enforce this whenever we can for safety.”
Typically, two undercover officers head out on bikes. They ride single file up and down a short stretch of road, waiting for motorists to pass. Officers in patrol cars pull over those who get too close, issuing warnings or citations based on the severity of the violation.
Before they hit the streets, the undercover cyclists practice judging the 3-foot distance by setting up a pole and riding past it. They measure the distance from the end of the handlebar to the farthest part of vehicle — usually the mirror. GoPro video cameras mounted on the bike record everything.
“If I were riding along and could reach out and touch the mirror, those get a citation,” says Cunningham, who was a cyclist before she became a police officer. “If it’s one we feel is right on the cusp, we give a warning.”
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10 reasons DC is OH SO MUCH BETTER than Baltimore
[B’ Spokes: The bit that relates to this blog:]
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By Leo Schmid, Thrillist
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Public Transportation
As much as DC likes to complain about our metro, it is one of the most efficient, most convenient, and cleanest in the country. Baltimore’s metro runs East to West only, and doesn’t link up with either of the two other rail systems. Neither does its North-South-moving light rail. Even Trip Advisor says, "Your best bet is to rent a car."
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[B’ Spokes: And this is worth noting as well. (I believe in having a vibrant outdoor life (like lots of cyclists) would help Baltimore.)]
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Safety
So, with just about the same populations (620K or so), in 2012 Baltimore tallied up 217 homicides. DC had 92. That’s not very good.
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Almost Being Able To Bicycle to School
[B’ Spokes: A good article about the Jones Falls Trail and while nice fails to connect to some critical destinations like Polytechnic Institute and Cold Spring Station (just 70 yards away. ) ]
https://comebackcity.us/2013/08/05/almost-being-able-to-bicycle-to-school/
Transit Police outreach at College Park to reduce bike theft
[B’ Spokes: For us in the Baltimore area this is the other transit agency not serving Baltimore area. 🙁 ]
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Free U-Locks Tuesday morning for riders who register bikes with MTPD
As part of their ongoing effort to reduce bike theft, Metro Transit Police (MTPD) will host a special outreach event tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at UMD-College Park Station where riders who register their bike with MTPD will receive a free U-Lock.
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https://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5555