From KREM TV:
SEATTLE -- A bicyclist was clocked going 42 miles per hour on a notorious West Seattle hill Wednesday by Seattle Police.
The bicyclist was pulled over on Southwest Admiral Way, where Seattle Police were conducting an aggressive driving patrol. The hill is a 30 mph posted speed zone.
The bicyclist was issued a written warning.
In an interesting twist, a person claiming to be the bicyclist who was pulled over, calling himself Kevin, commented on an article about the incident on the West Seattle Blog. Here is what he posted:
"As the cyclist involved … I figure I should give my 2 cents.
I was fine with being pulled over. I could have gotten a ticket and would have been OK with it; however, the SUV gaining on me from behind should have also been given a ticket. Going 42 (and by the way… why does everyone assume I was going downhill) on Admiral just keeps you with the flow of traffic. This morning, I was going about 30 mph and had a car zoom past on the right hand side and cut over right in front of me just before the merge to Spokane. Like it or not, it’s safer for a bike to break the speed limit and keep up with traffic (if possible) than to try to obey the law.
The officer was nice about the whole situation (and seemed to get a kick out of pulling over a bike). He said he had been looking for a bike to pull over for a while (apparently, I was the first going fast enough). He told me he was careful to write a neat contact report so that I could frame it. If only I had known I was going to be clocked…"
The bicyclist wasn't the only one caught speeding. One driver was pulled over for going 61 mph down the hill, and several others were ticketed for going between 51 and 46 mph.
Friday, July 29, 2011
To boost cycling, make women happy
Check out this article in the Chicago Tribune to see why women are seen as an indicator for a bike friendly community.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Genre de Vie
Genre de Vie from Photo Booth Works on Vimeo.
Genre de Vie is a full length documentary exploring the relationship between man and the city, with the bicycle as the discovering function.
Where sidewalks came from
Head on over the Where the Sidewalk Starts for a brief history of when sidewalks where first introduced. I learned an interesting fact that Julius Ceasar was a pioneer in car-free streets.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Bicycle Safety Town
Now here's a really cool concept that would benefit the community immensely. Now, where could we find a place (and some money) to build one of these?
Fort Collins is preparing to take bicycle safety education to the streets of a kid-sized town.
City officials are looking for a location to build Bike Safety Town, a miniaturized village complete with roads and bicycle lanes on which youngsters and their families can learn and practice techniques for safe riding. The streetscape will likely include intersections, traffic signals, driveways, crosswalks, and turn lanes.
The town would likely cover less than an acre of ground at an existing park, said Matt Wempe, a city transportation planner.
Parks and transportation planners are looking at several locations for the facility.
Candidates include city parks adjacent to elementary schools, including Beattie, Kruse, McGraw and Lopez, as well as parts of community parks, including City Park, Rolland Moore and Spring Canyon.
Public input on a potential site will be taken through Aug. 8 through the website www. fcgov.com/bikesafetytown.
More than 100 comments have already been received, Wempe said. So far, reactions have been mixed, he said, with some residents excited about the prospects for the park and others questioning the cost to taxpayers.
Significant public outreach will be done during the planning process, including neighborhood meetings once a site is proposed.
"There are a variety of things you can do with a project like this," he said. "We intend to do something that fits the needs of the Fort Collins community."
Building a facility dedicated to teaching bike safety to children is included in the city's Bicycle Safety Education Plan. The bike education program received $50,000 in funding in 2011 and 2012 through Keep Fort Collins Great funding.
Site planning and design is scheduled this fall with possible construction in 2012. The planning process has a $15,000 budget, Wempe said.
No funding has been identified for building the town. The city may pursue grants and other funding sources for constructing and operating the facility, Wempe said.
The site is not likely to be as elaborate as safety towns built in other cities, he said. A facility in Peoria, Ill., covers four acres while the town of Brookhaven, N.Y., spent $1.3 million on its safety town.
The Brookhaven town includes a classroom facility, miniature electric cars and a small zoo. It was funded primarily with federal transportation dollars.
Dave Kemp, the city's bicycle program coordinator, said the Fort Collins version of Safety Town would be simpler and probably operated in conjunction with local schools.
The town's primary purpose would be to educate children, he said, but it also would a place for older students and adults to learn how to mentor youngsters.
"It will be a great place to pursue the core mission of teaching children and their families about bicycle safety," he said. "There will be a lot of things we will be able to do through other programmatic efforts."
From the Coloradoan.
Fort Collins is preparing to take bicycle safety education to the streets of a kid-sized town.
City officials are looking for a location to build Bike Safety Town, a miniaturized village complete with roads and bicycle lanes on which youngsters and their families can learn and practice techniques for safe riding. The streetscape will likely include intersections, traffic signals, driveways, crosswalks, and turn lanes.
The town would likely cover less than an acre of ground at an existing park, said Matt Wempe, a city transportation planner.
Parks and transportation planners are looking at several locations for the facility.
Candidates include city parks adjacent to elementary schools, including Beattie, Kruse, McGraw and Lopez, as well as parts of community parks, including City Park, Rolland Moore and Spring Canyon.
Public input on a potential site will be taken through Aug. 8 through the website www. fcgov.com/bikesafetytown.
More than 100 comments have already been received, Wempe said. So far, reactions have been mixed, he said, with some residents excited about the prospects for the park and others questioning the cost to taxpayers.
Significant public outreach will be done during the planning process, including neighborhood meetings once a site is proposed.
"There are a variety of things you can do with a project like this," he said. "We intend to do something that fits the needs of the Fort Collins community."
Building a facility dedicated to teaching bike safety to children is included in the city's Bicycle Safety Education Plan. The bike education program received $50,000 in funding in 2011 and 2012 through Keep Fort Collins Great funding.
Site planning and design is scheduled this fall with possible construction in 2012. The planning process has a $15,000 budget, Wempe said.
No funding has been identified for building the town. The city may pursue grants and other funding sources for constructing and operating the facility, Wempe said.
The site is not likely to be as elaborate as safety towns built in other cities, he said. A facility in Peoria, Ill., covers four acres while the town of Brookhaven, N.Y., spent $1.3 million on its safety town.
The Brookhaven town includes a classroom facility, miniature electric cars and a small zoo. It was funded primarily with federal transportation dollars.
Dave Kemp, the city's bicycle program coordinator, said the Fort Collins version of Safety Town would be simpler and probably operated in conjunction with local schools.
The town's primary purpose would be to educate children, he said, but it also would a place for older students and adults to learn how to mentor youngsters.
"It will be a great place to pursue the core mission of teaching children and their families about bicycle safety," he said. "There will be a lot of things we will be able to do through other programmatic efforts."
From the Coloradoan.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Bicycling Forever Stamps
The Postal Service announced last week that they’ll be issuing a bicycle-themed set of stamps for 2012. The stamps were designed by art director Phil Jordan of Falls Church, VA using illustrations by John Mattos of San Francisco, CA. The four stamps depict a young child on training wheels, a commuter (!), a racer, and a BMX rider. More information is available at the “Beyond the Perf” website.
Los Angeles outlaws yelling threats at bicyclists
From USA Today:
Motorists who even threaten a bicyclist by yelling at them could be held as criminals or potentially face a lawsuit before charges are filed under a law being enacted in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles City Council made it a crime to threaten cyclists physically and verbally. Yes, that means you can't even yell at them. If you do, cyclists can sue drivers in civil court -- even before the city files criminal charges, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The state could go further: It's considering a law that could get motorists ticketed if they venture within a 3-foot safety zone for bicyclists.
The L.A. law involving shouted threats or actual violence results from bicycle activists who have loudly complained about abuse from drivers in the nation's automotive mecca. Two bikers crashed as they rode downhill on a popular stretch three years ago when a motorist deliberately slammed on his car's brakes in front of them. He was successfully prosecuted.
The Times cites Census data as saying upward of 13,000 Angelenos commute to work by bicycle, a 48% increase in the past eight years.
L.A. has put huge attention recently on bicycle laws and safety as more take up the sport for trips around town. Like so many things involving bikes, the plan risks a backlash from motorists. Biking has become popular for commuting in many major cities, especially in places such as Seattle, Portland, Ore., San Francisco and New York.
-- Olivia Ouyang and Chris Woodyard/Drive On
Motorists who even threaten a bicyclist by yelling at them could be held as criminals or potentially face a lawsuit before charges are filed under a law being enacted in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles City Council made it a crime to threaten cyclists physically and verbally. Yes, that means you can't even yell at them. If you do, cyclists can sue drivers in civil court -- even before the city files criminal charges, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The state could go further: It's considering a law that could get motorists ticketed if they venture within a 3-foot safety zone for bicyclists.
The L.A. law involving shouted threats or actual violence results from bicycle activists who have loudly complained about abuse from drivers in the nation's automotive mecca. Two bikers crashed as they rode downhill on a popular stretch three years ago when a motorist deliberately slammed on his car's brakes in front of them. He was successfully prosecuted.
The Times cites Census data as saying upward of 13,000 Angelenos commute to work by bicycle, a 48% increase in the past eight years.
L.A. has put huge attention recently on bicycle laws and safety as more take up the sport for trips around town. Like so many things involving bikes, the plan risks a backlash from motorists. Biking has become popular for commuting in many major cities, especially in places such as Seattle, Portland, Ore., San Francisco and New York.
-- Olivia Ouyang and Chris Woodyard/Drive On
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Making the case for investment in the walking environment
Living Streets is pleased to present its new report, Making the Case for Investment in the Walking Environment.
Researched by a multi-disciplinary team of experts from the University of the West of England and Cavill Associates, the report brings together and evaluates the multiple health, economic, social and environmental benefits of investment in walking friendly public spaces.
It draws on inspiring case studies of schemes which have resulted in safer and more attractive public places in neighbourhoods and city centres in the UK and elsewhere.
Key findings include:
•Investing in walking environments can support local economies by increasing footfall, improving accessibility and attracting new business and events
•Investment in the walking environment is likely to be of equal or better value for money than other transport projects
•Retailers and residents express a willingness to pay for improvements to the walking environment, while good quality public realm increases the value of both residential and commercial property
•Residents of walking friendly neighbourhoods are less likely to be depressed or to have poor mental or physical health
•People walk more when they feel their neighbourhood is safe, well maintained and lively, while increased walking in a neighbourhood is associated with better perceptions of safety and greater social interaction.
Download 'Making the Case' - the full report.
Researched by a multi-disciplinary team of experts from the University of the West of England and Cavill Associates, the report brings together and evaluates the multiple health, economic, social and environmental benefits of investment in walking friendly public spaces.
It draws on inspiring case studies of schemes which have resulted in safer and more attractive public places in neighbourhoods and city centres in the UK and elsewhere.
Key findings include:
•Investing in walking environments can support local economies by increasing footfall, improving accessibility and attracting new business and events
•Investment in the walking environment is likely to be of equal or better value for money than other transport projects
•Retailers and residents express a willingness to pay for improvements to the walking environment, while good quality public realm increases the value of both residential and commercial property
•Residents of walking friendly neighbourhoods are less likely to be depressed or to have poor mental or physical health
•People walk more when they feel their neighbourhood is safe, well maintained and lively, while increased walking in a neighbourhood is associated with better perceptions of safety and greater social interaction.
Download 'Making the Case' - the full report.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Quote of the Day
"If constellations had been named in the 20th century, I suppose we would see bicycles."
-- Carl Sagan
-- Carl Sagan
BEYOND SAFETY IN NUMBERS: WHY BIKE FRIENDLY CITIES ARE SAFER
According to a June 27th Planetizen article "Davis, California, is widely celebrated as the bicycling capital of the United States with over 16% of the population commuting to work on bikes. What is less well known is the fact that the traffic fatality rate in Davis is also unusually low, at about 1/10th of the California statewide rate. Although this fact is not widely disseminated, there is growing data showing that cities with very high use of bikes for routine transportation almost always have much lower than average traffic fatality rates. The finding that most bike friendly cities are safer than average has been reinforced by the recent experience of cities such as Cambridge, MA, Portland, OR, and New York. These cities have garnered much press for their success in dramatically increasing bike use over the last several years. This increase in bike ridership has corresponded with an equally dramatic decrease in traffic fatality rates in all three cities. Interestingly, the decrease in fatality occurred not just for people on bikes, but for all classes of road users -- including people in cars and people on foot..."
Carmageddon Challenge: The Bikes Won!
How a team of cyclists—and a guy on the subway, and a Rollerblader—beat a Jet Blue flight from Burbank to Long Beach.
Read the article in Slate.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Great Bicycle Protest of 1896
From 8-80 Cites:
The Great Bicycle Protest of 1896
By Hank Chapot
Ever heard “the roads were made and built for cars” well that’s not entirely accurate. Be transported back to late 19th century San Francisco to the genesis of popular movements for good roads. Hank Chapot delivers a great account of “The Great Bicycle Protest” that took place on the streets of San Francisco in 1896 and the unintended consequences that the popular movement had both locally and nationally. Learn how the demand for good roads by early bicyclists can help those currently engaged in popular movements fighting for the same cause.
Read the full article here.
Monday, July 18, 2011
My summer vacation
I was gone for a couple weeks on vacation travelling across the country to our end destination in Michigan. I took a couple photos along the way that I thought were worth sharing.
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The Bike Library in Fort Collins, CO. A membership with them will allow you to check out bikes to use for your daily activities in Fort Collins. Maps and information are also available as well as restrooms.
This on-street bike corral in Fort Collins, CO takes the place of one on-street parking spot and allows up to 12 bikes (by my count) to park. 12 bikes for 1 car. I consider that a deal.
Bike racks in Marquette, MI. Each bike rack throughout the downtown had a variation of the art in the back wheel, with this one being music
Friday, July 15, 2011
New bike rack at Pilgrim's Market
Made by a local artist, this bike rack does what it should; it allows two points of contact to support your bike, allows secure locking points, is placed near the building, and is even partially covered by the building's roof. This is a great example for others in the community to follow in embracing active transportation. Thank you, Pilgrim's!
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Thursday, July 14, 2011
Ridiculous beyond belief
A 30-year-old woman in Marietta, Georgia was convicted of vehicular homicide this week – and she wasn’t even driving a car. The woman was crossing the street with her three children when a driver, who had been drinking, hit and killed her four-year-old. The driver, Jerry Guy, was initially charged with “hit and run, first degree homicide by vehicle and cruelty to children,” Elise Hitchcock of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. “Charges were later dropped to just the hit and run charge.”
The man has previously been convicted of two hit-and-runs – on the same day, in 1997, one of them on the same road where he killed Raquel Nelson’s son.
Guy will serve six months for killing the boy, but Nelson will serve up to 36 months – just for crossing the street with her child. Yes, it’s true: they were not in a crosswalk. Are there any crosswalks on that street at all?
Read more at: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/07/14/mother-convicted-of-vehicular-homicide-for-crossing-street-with-children/#more-113272
The man has previously been convicted of two hit-and-runs – on the same day, in 1997, one of them on the same road where he killed Raquel Nelson’s son.
Guy will serve six months for killing the boy, but Nelson will serve up to 36 months – just for crossing the street with her child. Yes, it’s true: they were not in a crosswalk. Are there any crosswalks on that street at all?
Read more at: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/07/14/mother-convicted-of-vehicular-homicide-for-crossing-street-with-children/#more-113272
Crosswalks are increasingly deadly for the elderly
This article in the LA Times highlights the growing problem for elderly pedestrians crossing the street. Historically, signals have been timed for pedestrians who can cross the street at a much faster pace than an elderly person can. This leaves them in the street when their signal phase is over and puts them in a dangerous situation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-slow-walkers-20110612,0,2669866.story
America's Best Cities for Bike Commuting
This article in The Atlantic studies what is different about cities that have a high mode share for bike commuting. Well, it turns out that they are fitter and happier, too. Check out what else they found:
http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/06/americas-top-cities-for-bike-commuting-happier-too/240265/#slide1
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