Beautiful Day (Ciclavia Time lapse)

Beautiful Day (Ciclavia Time lapse) from sang chi on Vimeo.

Defensive Cycling is all Important Too

Bicycle Injuries: Is The Right of Way Fight Getting Ugly?
WIBW.com
Posted by Jovarie Downing
2012-04-20
Link: http://www.wibw.com/nationalnews/headlines/Bicycle_injuries_Is_the_right of-way_fight_getting_ugly_148348115.html

New York (CNN) -- Michelle Matson has a nagging reminder of the cycling crash that could have killed her. A year and a half later, flecks of asphalt remain lodged in her skin.

There's also the metal pole extending from her kneecap down to her ankle, along with countless screws, keeping her left leg intact.

"My body was destroyed," said Matson, an artist living in Brooklyn. "My whole life was put on hold for months, and no one seemed to care."

New York City artist Michelle Matson was hospitalized in 2010 after being hit by a speeding car as she rode a bicycle in Brooklyn.It happened in October, 2010, on what Matson and her boyfriend, James Paz, thought was an innocuous bike ride home from a concert.

"I was riding in front of Michelle, about 10 feet in front of her," Paz said. "I heard a loud scraping, scratching noise, there was a second of blackness, and then I was flying through the air."

What had lofted Paz into the air was a speeding driver who, according to witnesses, fled the scene. Paz hobbled to his feet, noted the mangled remains of his bike and scanned the area for Matson.

When he did not see her, he panicked.

"I was screaming her name," Paz said. "Then I saw her lying in the middle of the right-hand lane of the road ... at that time I didn't know if she was alive."

No charges have been filed in the case.

Matson's story is a reminder of a growing problem in many of the nation's busy, sprawling urban landscapes: More people are using bikes for transportation amid a culture and infrastructure designed for automobiles.

Although New York police and the city's Department of Transportation report increasing bicyclists, the number of bike deaths has remained steady. In fact, overall traffic deaths have dropped by 39% since 2001, according to the NYPD.

But that statistic offers little comfort to Matson.

It's not just the facts of the incident -- or even the tiny particles of debris from the New York City street still in Matson's body -- that have left her upset. It's what Matson describes as investigative inertia by the New York City Police Department when it came to her case.

"There were no legal repercussions for the driver whatsoever, because the NYPD chose not to investigate the hit-and-run," Matson said. "It blows my mind that this is even possible ... people get in worse trouble for double-parking."

In 2010, in more than 6,000 New York City traffic accidents involving cyclists, 36 people died, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Transportation Nation reported that no criminal charges were filed against the drivers involved.

One woman -- the mother of an artist named Mathieu Lefevre, who was killed on a bike -- is on a crusade to learn more about his death and to make roads safer for cyclists. There is a growing sense among the city's cycling community that to many authorities, bicyclists don't matter.

"Cyclists and pedestrians are being killed and seriously injured all over our city, once every 35 hours in fact," New York City Councilman and Public Safety Committee Chairman Peter Vallone said at a hearing this year. "And the drivers are literally getting away with it."

CNN repeatedly contacted the NYPD for comment about Matson's hit-and-run and the department's policy about cycling accident investigations, but did not receive a response.

Cyclists who think police are biased against them are fueled by another statistic: In 2011, the NYPD issued 10,415 criminal court summonses to truck operators. During the same year, 34,813 summonses were issued to bicyclists.

"While there may be some lawbreaking among the cycling population, very few if any of those transgressions of the law are resulting in death or serious injury," said Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, a bicycling advocacy group. "But when a trucker runs the red light or speeds, the consequences very often are deadly."

There are also problems, in the eyes of lawmakers and advocates alike, with how crashes are investigated.

According to statements made by the NYPD, only traffic accidents involving imminent or actual death are investigated. Those cases are handled by one of 19 members of a special unit called the Accident Investigation Squad, or AIS.

"Their role is to utilize their special training to conduct a more comprehensive investigation, employing a variety of techniques in order to establish speed, analyze skid marks and other physical characteristics of the accident scene," said John Cassidy, executive officer of the Transportation Bureau of the NYPD, at a City Council hearing in February. "In essence, reconstruct the accident so that a more definitive cause, possibly resulting in criminal charges, may be determined."

But with only 19 detectives, AIS resources are stretched, so members of the unit are not always deployed, even when death is imminent, according to activists.

"Staffing for these crashes is not what it should be," said Steve Vaccaro, an attorney with Rankin and Taylor, a law firm specializing in cases involving bicycling accidents. "This resource is not what it should be if we're going to have these investigations."

The issue has hit the blogosphere. Advocates are pushing for a law that would force police to investigate all serious bike accidents.

For Matson and Paz, virtually no investigation of their case occurred, they say. That leaves Matson, who still struggles with debilitating injuries to her spine and skull, with little legal recourse after her accident.

"If you lose your limbs in a [bike] crash, you don't get an investigation," said White, the bicycling advocate. "Without that investigation, it's virtually impossible to hold reckless drivers accountable when they do break traffic laws and they seriously injure pedestrians or cyclists."

Perhaps not surprisingly, a year and a half after her hit-and-run, Matson has refused to ride a bike.

LFM Loves Bikes!

There is a tall bike in this video. Nice.


LFM Loves Bikes! from Live From Memphis on Vimeo.

L'Etape Du California (Not Really)

I guess I got my dates all messed up.  I thought today was L'Etape and I would be home while the wife has fun with the girls in Palm Springs.

I was off by a week, DOH!

With that said, I planned to ride the L'Etape course less the lifts today with Michael and Christian. Long story short, I couldn't make the trek back up GMR.  The heat got the best of me and I headed home very tired while Michael and Christian completed the ride.

A Bicycle Race

Interesting video.  Anime meets Queen meets Motorcycles meets Porsche meet trials.

I Want to Ride My Bicycle

Enjoy your weekend bicycle ride.  I sure wish I could ride L'Etape Du California tomorrow.  Be safe.


I Want to Ride My Bicycle from inga_vetskus on Vimeo.

Bicycle Accidents Happen Too, Ride Safe

I just love these videos of some dude riding reckless through the streets of [insert city name here]. It's people like this that give cyclists REALLY bad reputations. At this years Marathon Crash race I saw many cyclist weave in an out of vehicle traffic. Oh so dangerous.

Bicycle Accidents Can Be Deadly, And Costly
Reuters
By Stephanie Rabiner, Esq
2012-04-12
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/11/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-injured-idUS342583576520120411

You wouldn't expect a bicycle accident to be deadly. But they can be. Just consider San Francisco, where two people have been killed by a bicyclist in the last year.

In the latest of these incidents, the bicyclist, Chris Bucchere, went careening down a steep hill and crashed into a crowded crosswalk. He hit 71-year-old Sutchi Hui, who died four days later.

Even if prosecutors decide not to charge Bucchere with vehicular manslaughter, he'll likely be saddled with a bicycle accident lawsuit.

These sorts of suits are based in negligence law and often rely on the rules of the road. Though they might think otherwise, bicyclists must follow the law. This means traffic signals and signs. It also means respecting the right-of-way of others.

Traffic laws are often said to define the minimum standard of care a motorist or bicyclist must exercise while on the road. When broken, there is a legal presumption that the individual acted negligently.

If a traffic violation were to lead to a bicycle accident lawsuit, that presumption would be difficult to overcome. A bicyclist would need to prove that, under the circumstances, he had no choice but to break the law. He'll also need to prove that his own actions did not put him in such a dire position.

These arguments probably won't be very easy for Chris Bucchere to make. Evidence suggests that he did not try to stop once the light turned red, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Instead, he just tried to plow through the least crowded area. Bicycle accident lawsuit waiting to happen? This blogger thinks so.

Hey There, Share the Road!

Five Things Drivers Need to Understand About Sharing the Road with Cyclists
Yahoo Contributor Network
By Jennifer Ciapala
2012-04-11
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/five-things-drivers-understand-sharing-road-cyclists-150700380--spt.html

During the ten-year period from 2000 to 2009, more than 7,000 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes (an average of 600-800 per year); hundreds of thousands more were injured (51,000 in 2009 alone, for example). I frequently see and hear stories of automobile/bicycle accidents, but the numbers are still staggering. These statistics lead to fear in some and to anger in others. Both, I believe, are legitimate responses. But what can be done?

As a cyclist, I often see stupidity on the streets first-hand. Now, don't get me wrong, I know that cyclists do dumb things sometimes. But more often than not, what I see is ignorance on the part of motorists. So here are five things I really wish drivers understood about cyclists. Hopefully, a little education will go a long way toward keeping everyone safe out there this year.

We belong on the roads as much as you do

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles." I can't tell you how many times I've heard drivers shout "Get on the sidewalk!" or "Use the bike trail!" as they've sped past me on the road. But did you know that it's actually illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in most parts of the country? And even when it's not explicitly outlawed, it's still extremely dangerous.

"Share the road" signs can now be seen along many streets, but even when you don't see one of those signs, we're still allowed to be there. In fact, while we appreciate the effort to make drivers more aware of our rights, many cyclists I know take issue with the "share the road" sentiment. The way it's worded makes it sound like motorists "own" the roads and are doing cyclists a favor by "lending" us a few inches of "their" roadway. We're not asking that you kindly share something that belongs to you, however; we have just as much a right to be on the roads as you do.

We're really not trying to get in your way

Not all roads have bike lanes or shoulders for us to use, and even when they are available, they're not always the safest place for us to be. Parked cars, potholes, storm drains and debris can all spell disaster for cyclists. Loose gravel or swerving to avoid roadside debris can quickly land us on the ground with a severe case of road rash. If we hit a pothole or tree branch, we could be thrown off our bikes and end up in the hospital. We also need to avoid potholes and broken glass to prevent flat tires. Flats are a lot more common on bikes since we keep our tires at about 120 psi (as compared to maybe 36 or 38 psi for a car).

Ohio's bike laws state that we are to ride "as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable," and I assume the law is similar in most other areas as well. From your car, truck, or SUV, you probably can't see the same dangers that we see as cyclists. Please know that we are not trying to get in your way; we just want to ride as safely as possible.

Not all cyclists know and follow the rules

Cyclists are required to follow the same laws as you: we cannot operate our vehicles while intoxicated; we must stop at stop signs and red lights; we must signal our turns; we must use head and tail lights after dark. Unfortunately, just like drivers, cyclists don't always obey the law. I know this can be frustrating for motorists and probably contributes to your irritation with us. But please don't take your aggression out on the cyclists you encounter on the road. Most of us do try to obey the law, and we get just as irritated as you do with riders who ignore the rules and give us all a bad name.

We're probably going faster than you think

It's not uncommon for cyclists to cruise along a flat stretch of road at 20 or 25 mph, and on downhill sections, we can easily hit 30 mph, 40 mph, or more. Please keep this in mind when you're considering pulling out or crossing in front of us, or when you plan to pass with oncoming traffic. On the other hand, we do slow down considerably going up hills, often to only 5 or 10 mph, depending on how long or steep the incline is. Please be patient with us and pass only when it's safe to do so.

"I didn't see you!" is NEVER a good excuse

Generally, we know you're not actually trying to hurt us (though some drivers might occasionally want to give us a good scare). Still, you are often distracted while you operate your two-ton vehicle at 30, 40 or 50 mph. This scares us more than anything else! Please put away your cell phone. Stop looking in your purse. Don't try to read your mail while you drive. Get your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Drivers often use the "I didn't see you!" excuse after hitting a cyclist. But should that really make us feel better? If everyone just paid a little more attention on the road, many a fatal accident could be avoided.

4ème Manche de CDM cyclo-cross

CX Season is many months away but oh how I can't wait! 


4ème Manche de CDM cyclo-cross from Petitesreines on Vimeo.

Franz Diego & J Hard - Bike Song

More on Pennsylvania's 4 Feet Law

Driver cited under new bicycle law after striking cyclist on Fahy Bridge
The Morning Call
Tracy Jordon
2012-04-04
Link: http://articles.mcall.com/2012-04-04/news/mc-bethlehem-bicyclist-struck-fahy-bridge-20120404_1_fahy-bridge-bethlehem-driver-teen-driver

One of the Lehigh Valley's leading bicycling safety advocates became the region's first victim under a new law meant to protect cyclists from passing vehicles when a car hit him from behind Monday on the Fahy Bridge in Bethlehem.

The law allows motorists to drive over double yellow lines when passing cyclists, but it requires drivers to give four-feet clearance. The law went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday. About 15 hours later, a car operated by a 17-year-old Bethlehem driver drove into Frank Pavlick as he was pedaling north on the Fahy Bridge on S. New Street.

PA says give Bicyclists 4 Feet!

Fitness with Kym Perfetto

   

The Bicycle Piano in Antwerp

Play it! Then ride it.


The Bicycle Piano in Antwerp from Copenhagenize on Vimeo.

The Road Ahead

   

NHTSA's Bicycle Safety PSA

Ride - Cervelo Mafia

Ride - Cervelo Mafia from Josh Clason on Vimeo.

Paris-Roubaix, "Yeah, you know who won."

Cool commentary on this video though.


How The Race Was Won - Paris-Roubaix 2012 from Cosmo Catalano on Vimeo.

Mt Baldy Notch-tastic!

Some time ago I had it in my head I would attempt to ride from my house in Pomona to the Notch at the top of Mt Baldy.  I tried it once and got about a mile up Falls Road before leg cramps got the best of me.

After that incident, I set that goal on the back burners and it wasn't until last weeks ride that I got the bug to ride to the Notch again.  Last time I attempted it solo, this time I wanted someone to ride it with me.  I sent Antonio a Facebook message and a few days later he called and confirmed he would be up for the adventure.  

Antonio is a mountain goat.  I knew he would be up for the task and he was just the person I needed to keep me focused.  Antonio is a great climber and I knew he would help pace me up and up to the Notch.

We set out at about 7 am. The ride into Mt Baldy Village was hard for me.  I don't know, I just had a hard time getting into a groove.  The ride from the village to Falls Road went by quickly.  Along the way, we past Greg Townsend of Townsend Cycles.  I first met Greg on GMR and then a couple of times at the 2010 and 2011 San Diego Handmade Bicycle Show.  He's been pretty busy building bikes. His waiting list is about one year and you can check out his work on his Flicker page.  One of these days, I'll have him make me a bike.  

Once on Falls Road my CX bike started to come alive.  The fire road was relatively well maintained so I didn't have too much issues with my skinny tires.  Antonio easily climbed up the mountain and he would periodically stop to wait for me.  Soon enough we made our way to the Notch.  At the Notch we had some coffee and breakfast before heading down.

Once on Mt Baldy Road, we saw a number of riders heading to the Ski Lifts.  California Triathlon organized a training ride for L'Etape Du California so tons of riders were making their way up the switchbacks.  Heading down, I ran into Michael making his way to the lifts.

Antonio is ready to ride.  We met at Mills and Baseline.

Antonio riding up Mt Baldy Road, in the distance Mt Baldy looks so far and majestic.

Greg Townsend.  He said he's a custom bike builder who is too busy to ride his own bikes!

Greg Townsend heading to the ski lifts.

Somewhere on Falls Road

We are way past the Ski Lifts.

I was surprised how much snow/ice still remained at the top of Mt Baldy.

Me and my cyclocross bike.  I love my CX bike!

It was cold at the top.

Time for some food.

The food was very good and light on the stomach.  I had the sausage, egg sandwich with cantaloupe and watermelon.

"So you say you're heading to the ski lifts. That's easy.  Why don't you try for the Notch!"

Darth Vader in a Kilt, On a Unicycle ...

Utah Says, "Give Cyclists 3 Feet"

Gear Bikes

Gear Bikes from Niall Walker on Vimeo.

4 Feet Please!

Pennsylvania's New Bike Safety Law to Take Effect April 2, 2012

The Sacramento Bee

By PA Department of Transportation

2012-03-28

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/28/4372681/pennsylvanias-new-bike-safety.html

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 28, 2012 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A law that sets new rules for Pennsylvania motorists to follow when encountering a bicyclist will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 2. The law, designed to improve safety and traffic flow, was signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Feb. 2.

The new law requires motorists to leave a 4-foot "cushion of safety" when passing a bicyclist. To achieve this cushion, drivers may cross a roadway's center line when passing a bicycle on the left, but only when opposing traffic allows.

Drivers attempting to turn left must also yield the right of way to bicycle riders traveling in the opposite direction.

"The differential in speed is the biggest safety challenge with motor vehicles and bicycles sharing our state's roadways," said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. "I urge all drivers and cyclists to learn the rules of the road to better share our highways and make travel safer for all."

The new law also calls for bicycle riders to use all reasonable efforts to avoid impeding the normal flow of traffic. When there is only one travel lane, bicyclists may use any portion of the lane to avoid hazards on the roadway, including maintaining a safe distance from stopped and parked cars.

As always, bicyclists and motorists should obey all traffic signs and signals. PennDOT also recommends bicyclists always ride predictably and signal their intentions before proceeding so that motorists have a chance to react.

For more information on bicycling safety, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/28/4372681/pennsylvanias-new-bike-safety.html#storylink=cpy

Untitled - Bicycle Acrobatics

Some crazy bike skills! Does this qualify as FGFS?


Untitled from bikem on Vimeo.

Live to Bike - Bike to Live By Daniel Prendergast

Live to Bike - Bike to Live By Daniel Prendergast from CUNY J-School Video Storytelling on Vimeo.

Ski Lift-tastic!

I set out today with Michael and the idea we would ride Glendora Mountain Road to the Mt Baldy ski lifts.  You see sometime in April is L'Etape du California and we need to be ready for the epic journey that takes us thru Stage 7 of this year's Tour of California.

Well, from the start, I new I was doomed. Earlier this week did a series of hill sprints that left my legs sore and tired.  I never really recovered and Friday, I went pretty hard on the rollers.  Then instead of getting to bed early for my Saturday morning ride, I stayed up way to late to watch The Walking Dead on Netflix.  Hills Sprints, Friday night roller and Zombie Fest made for a tired Jason Saturday morning. 

Right from the first climb up GMR, I was breathing hard, and my poor legs were already tired.  I never really got into a groove and by Fork plus 5, my legs were starting to cramp.  By the time I reached Cow Canyon Saddle, my poor legs were done.  The cramping was getting worse.

Michael was waiting for me at Cow Canyon.  I was done but he was feeling really good and ready to make the trek to the lifts.  We agreed he would press on and I would pick up the rear and SLOWLY make my way up Mt Baldy in the direction of the lifts.  I told Michael that I would keep going until I see him coming back.  At that point, I would turn around with him. 

Michael zoomed up the mountain road towards the lifts.  I could tell by his speed and eagerness he was feeling good and ready to conquer.  He quickly disappeared.  My legs started to cramp by the Visitors Center so I decided this would be a great place to take a break.  I rested a short while and started heading up.  Soon enough I was at Ice House Canyon.  I took a quick picture of the road sign, proof I at least made it this far, and continued to head to the lifts.  

At every turn, I was expecting, or rather hoping, I would see Micheal heading down so I could stop the pain and go home.  And each time, Michael did not appear, I was forced to continue on.  Up and up, switchbacks after switchbacks my legs were tired and giving up.  I had to stop a number of times to massage my cramping legs. 

A number of cyclist passed me and gave me encouragement to keep going.  Finally, Michael appeared.  He made it to the lifts and was ready to head home.  Unfortunately, I was about a mile away from the ski lifts and I couldn't stop now.  We said our goodbyes and I continued on.  The last mile was by far the hardest.  I was so tired and the road was getting steeper.  To keep my momentum, I started zig-zagging across the road, like I did at last weeks Fargo Street Hill Climb competition.  

Finally, I made it to the lifts.  I was absolutely exhausted and very pleased with my accomplishment.  I had someone snap a picture and I made my way back home. The ride home was fast.  I was pretty tired so speeding down Mt Baldy was no fun at all.  I hit a pothole pretty hard which in turn caused my rear tire to blow out.  That was scary, but fortunately, I was unharmed.  I've heard of cyclists bombing down mountain passes and getting front tire blow outs.  Front tire blow outs can be painful.

I was very happy with my accomplishment.  Despite me being tired, I managed to pull it together and make it to the lifts. 

Michael's picture and proof he made it to the Ski Lifts

Wolf Puppy Stride

   

This is a great video of some kids climbing up some mountain only to bomb down it.  This reminds me of my climbing up GMR fixed to the maintenance shed.  For me the climb it the fun part, but I can appreciate the downhill. 

Supine Bicycle

The Supine Bicycle, in my never ending quest for all things bicycle I came across this.  Well not quite bicycle related, but I did learn something new.


Supine Bicycle from John Cobb on Vimeo.

Melbourne Bike Fest

Melbourne Bike Fest from Joshua Capelin on Vimeo.

Inside the Bicycle Film Festival

Inside the Bicycle Film Festival from Joseph Vele on Vimeo.

Complete Streets, Equal Access for Bicycles

Complete Streets: It's About More Than Just Bike Lanes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.



Eco Man - Taking Action on Law Requiring Equal Access for Bicycle, Pedestrians
The News of New Canaan, Connecticut
By Richard Stowe
2012-03-22
Link: http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/ncadvertiser/columns-letters-to-editor/117802-eco-man--taking action-on-law-requiring-equal-access-for-bicycles-pedestrians.html

No matter where the destination is in New Canaan, or Fairfield County — a gym, 5K race, grocery store, work, art exhibit, restaurant, country club, movie theater, Fourth of July fireworks, or school sporting event — the trip will most likely be made by motor vehicle.

Fifty-two percent of trips one-half mile or less in the United States are by motor vehicle. Almost 70% of Americans' car trips are two miles or less and 90% of Americans' trips two miles, or less are by car. Social conditioning is the driving force behind the transportation choices we make, and that is reinforced by institutional bias — driver's education, but no bike education; state DOT policies that prohibit bike access on key bridges and highways and designs and streets designed for vehicles not people.

Complete streets is an inclusive transportation planning paradigm that allows for "safe access for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation" within the entire right-of-way of roads and streets. The goal of complete streets policies is to create a level playing field for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users. Advocates suggest complete streets make it easy to bicycle, or walk to downtown shops, work, or train stations.

Complete streets are not constrained by a single design prescription. Complete streets respond to community context. Complete streets may result in, but are not limited to, narrower travel lanes, wider paved shoulders, bike lanes, sidewalks, roundabouts, median islands, or curb extensions.

David Goldberg of Smart Growth America coined "complete streets." In 2003, Barbara McCann asked the America Bikes board to substitute the term "routine accommodation" with "complete streets." America Bikes set up a Complete Streets Task Force composed of the American Society of Landscape Architects, American Planning Association, American Public Transportation Association, AARP and the American Heart Association.

Today America Bike's Complete Streets Task Force is the National Complete Streets Coalition Steering Committee. In 2005, the task force member groups provided funding to establish the National Complete Streets Coalition to foster the adoption of complete streets policies at municipal, state and federal levels. Substituting the wonky term "routine accommodation" with "complete streets" has paid off in spades. As of March 2012, complete streets policies have been endorsed and adopted by 26 states and 343 jurisdictions in the United States.

Connecticut is one of those states. In 2009, then Gov. Jodi M. Rell signed "An Act Improving Bicycle and Pedestrian Access" into law. The law established the Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, which has met monthly since its inception in December 2009.

One group that played a role in the passage of the legislation was Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance. The alliance was the brainchild of Sandy Fry, principal transportation planner at Capitol Region Council of Governments. Fry formed the alliance "to provided a vehicle to carry forward the bike to work program" — which she had initiated, "and to provide a central Connecticut bicycle advocacy group."

The alliance reinvented itself as Bike Walk Connecticut and held two Bike Walk Summits in November of 2010 and 2011.

In 2010, Tim Blumental, president of Bikes Belong, was the keynote speaker. Then-Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (now U.S. Senator) argued that bicycle infrastructure is cost effective. Other speakers suggested low-cost means to achieve complete streets, such as re-striping roads with 10 to 11 foot travel lanes (a benefit to bicyclists), raised crosswalks, curb extensions, refuge islands and roundabouts. The causality between high rates of bicycling and walking and lower rates of disease and high rates of obesity and auto-dependency was noted, as was the medical complications and costs of obesity. Fry stressed the importance of teaching bike education principles, such as proper positioning, bike control and hazard avoidance.

In 2011, Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, gave the keynote address. Clarke pointed out that there is safety in numbers. He cited the growth from 2,850 to 14,563 in daily ridership during a 16-year period on four main bicycle bridges in Portland, Ore., while the bicycle crash rate (the ratio of reported crashes to bicycle commuters) declined from 544 to 128.

He pointed out that bicycle commuter rates are three to four times higher in the league's designated "Bicycle Friendly Communities" than the national average. In bicycle friendly communities, 48% of arterials have bike lanes; in other communities the rate is 5%. (New Canaan has no bike lanes.)

Fargo Street Hill Climb 2012

This year Kevin and I attended LA Wheelmen's Annual Fargo Street Hill Climb competition.  There were fewer attendees than last year and I think a big reason was the impending rain.  Die hard cyclist, intent on breaking records, were out early this year to beat the rain.  

Fargo Street is the second steepest hill in the USA at a staggering 33% grade.  LA Wheelmen hold their annual hill climb that gets more and more popular every year.  Racers get an LA Wheelman PATCH if you make it up at least once without touching down with your foot.  A few years ago Huell Houser came to watch and this year Channel 7 and some cable news van were out to report on the event.

I think the Fargo Street Hill Climb is going to be part of Kevin's and my annual tradition.  The Fargo Street Hill Climb tradition dictates breakfast at Nick's Cafe, two eggs, hashbrowns, toast, country sausage and grits for me!  Nick's Cafe is right across the LA Historical Park were I raced CX late last year.

After Nick's we headed to Fargo Street.  We were officially a half hour early but the competition was already under way.  We registered and Kevin had the honors of starting up the hill first.  Last year he crashed out, this year he was better prepared for the short but intense climb up Fargo.  

Days and minutes leading up to the hill climb we talked about strategy.  How best to approach the climb, when to pedal, how to pedal, when to zig-zag and snake across the road.  It's possible to muscle up Fargo but I've seen less than a handful strong enough to do so.  And even at that, those that do only attempt it once or twice before calling it a day.

So Kevin starts his climb, I'm there with the camera and support.  The coordinator asks him its his first time to which Kevin says, "I tried last year but crashed out."  The coordinator then sends Kevin off and says you are in your middle chainring. FAIL.  Quickly Kevin shifts down and he's off.  There's no point being in any other gear than your GRANNY GEAR. 

I run up along side Kevin shouting words of encouragement and bits of advice. He's looking good and he's made it half way up.  Half way up, he cuts in, snaking up Fargo a few more feet and fatigue is setting in. DAMN Fargo Street is a beast!  Kevin's getting tired and Fargo Street isn't getting any less steep, he touches down.  

Riders continue to make their way up Fargo, then there is an opening in the pack, and Kevin starts up again.  Pedal, pedal, push, push, Kevin continues on and at about two-thirds of the way, Fargo wins. Kevin touches down again.  He takes a small break and the goal is to just get to the top.  He starts up again and pushes hard up the final 30 to 50 feet.  Channel 7 is at the top and a big news camera is there to greet Kevin along with a handful of other cyclists and spectators. 

Last year I made it up Fargo Street fifteen times.  This year my goal was 36, to signify my lovely 36 years of life.  Long story short, I made it up 18 times before LA Wheelmen stopped the event.  It started raining so the coordinator decided they had enough and it probably isn't a good idea riding up a steep a$$ hill in the rain.  The first 5 times up were hard.  After that, I settled into a groove and just kept going.  When I made it up the eighteenth time the score keeper said the event is over due to the rain and I zipped back down with hopes of trying to get at least 2 more before it was "officially" over.  I started to make my way up the nineteenth time and the coordinator cut me short. 

All in all the event was a success and I look forward to next year.  

Fargo Street Hill Climb

Event: Fargo Street Hill Climb
Host: LA Wheelman
Date: March 25, 2012
Time: 9:00 am
Link: http://www.lawheelmen.org/fargofaq.htm

This Sunday LA Wheelman is hosting their Fargo Street Hill Climb.  I attended last year and made it up Fargo 15 times.  Fargo Street is the second steepest hill in the USA at a 33% grade.  My loose goal this year is 36 times.

Bicycle Sprint Racing - Commentary By Phil Liggett

Phil Liggett has been involved in cycling for a long time.  His commentary on Sprint Racing is classic and very informative for those not understanding this race.  That East German is a monster.

Requena Bike Shop - Ciudad de Palma "Pista" ...

Requena Bike Shop - Ciudad de Palma "Pista" ... from Requena Bike Shop on Vimeo.

First Friday Velodrome Race

First Friday Velodrome Race from Scott Klumb on Vimeo.

Track side with Shane Sutton

Track side with Shane Sutton from BroadcastExchange on Vimeo.

Marathon Crash Race 2012

Two years ago, I heard about a race put on by the Wolfpack Hustle, The Marathon Crash Race. The idea was simple, crash the LA Marathon course before the foot races start.  When, if ever, can cyclists have 26.2 miles of uninterrupted streets to go all out and ride.

Last year, I had my heart on doing this race but for what ever reasons, I missed it.  About a month ago, I saw a promo video for this year's Crash Race and told myself I would do it.

So with all that, I was up at 2 am and out of the house by 2:45.  I met up with Michael and together we set off to Tang's the official start and home of Wolfpack Hustle.

To say it was cold was an understatement.  Yesterday it rained all day and the snow level was pegged at 2000 ft.  This morning there was no rain, but it was cold.  I am so glad, at the last minute, I decided to buy a balaclava.   The balaclava made all the difference between cold and miserably cold. 

The ride to Santa Monica was fast.  There were so many people, it was crazy.  Cyclists were everywhere. I was relived that I had made it to the finish in one piece.  I was soaked in my own sweat and getting cold fast.  That is when Michael and I decided to start moving and making our way home.  

We decided to take Santa Monica Blvd all the way back to Tang's.  The ride back wasn't so bad and I was back home by 8 am.  Just in time for breakfast and then church. 

Article Found Here, "Athens Banner-Herald"

In The Spotlight: Spring is time for Cyclists, Motorists to be Patient
Athens Banner-Herald
By Judd Smith
2012-03-08
Link: http://onlineathens.com/opinion/2012-03-08/spotlight-spring-time-cyclists-motorists-be-patient

Things are starting to bloom, warm weather is on its way, and Daylight Saving Time is just around the corner. So, other than allergies, what does spring bring out? Cyclists!

Less than a year ago, the Georgia General Assembly passed a law clarifying and expanding rules related to cyclists on public roads. The law now requires that motorists move over at least three feet when passing a bike. Quite frankly, that’s not much when a car is traveling 30, 40 or 50 mph. Keep in mind that every time you buzz past a cyclist within a few feet at 50 mph, and they are following the law, you’re only an arm’s length from facing a homicide by vehicle charge.

I realize that every time an incident involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle occurs, it seems to bring out the venom in both camps, but I think everyone should sit back and take a deep breath before passing judgment.

I’ll admit I might be a little biased in one direction, because I am a cyclist — as are quite of few of my friends and coworkers. Regardless, let’s take an objective look at the conflict between drivers and riders.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from motorists about cyclists is that they are blocking the road and slowing them down. Does this happen? You bet. But keep in mind that the law does allows bikers to ride two wide. Most of the riders I know are courteous enough to ride single file, unless they’re on a road where passing is not a problem.

The fact is that both cyclists and drivers need to be more courteous. A good rule of thumb is to imagine that everyone you pass on the road, whether in a car or on a bike, is a family member.

My guess is that if you actually timed how long you are inconvenienced by someone riding a bicycle, you’ll find the delay is something like 15 to 30 seconds. If you can’t afford to be held up for 60 seconds to get where you are going, you probably should have left a little earlier.

And if you can’t manage to pass a biker without yelling or making some gesture, you should probably reconsider whether you should be piloting a multi-ton metal box at 60 mph down our public roads. You should know that gestures made from behind the wheel can lead to an aggressive driving charge, which can be costly.

Remember, it’s your legal obligation to pass a bicycle with care, just as if you were passing another car.

The second most common complaint I hear is that bicyclists should be taxed to keep up the roads. Frankly, I don’t know of a single biker who doesn’t own a car and buy at least some gas. Yes, most cyclists — at least in the more rural areas — are recreational riders. But you should be careful what you wish for. Perhaps the public roads should be used primarily for non-recreational transportation related to business and commerce, and drivers should pay an additional tax on miles driven recreationally. Talking about taxation can be a slippery slope.

Thankfully, the vast majority of cyclists and drivers are basically good people with good intentions. I’ve been riding for years and have only had a couple of bad encounters with motorists. The bottom line is that — with the exception of interstate highways — cars, bikes and pedestrians are all legal on our roads. A very wise man once told me that in this life you can do anything you want — as long as you are prepared to handle the consequences. So let’s all try to be a little more careful out there.

Ice Then Snow Then Rain (My Dad is Stupid)

Kevin's on fire, training hard up GMR.  Today he made it to Monroe.

(Kevin Writes)

ICE THEN SNOW THEN RAIN -OR- MY DAD IS STUPID

I can’t decide which title best fits my ride today.

After hearing about my ride and making me a cup of HOT coffee, my 20-year old daughter posted on FaceBook “My dad is stupid” in less than two minutes she had three LIKES.  I hope her comment had more to do with her attitude since she turn 16 and began to believe that she is enlightened.  I would like to know what you think….

The ride today started after examining the weather report and seeing that by 10am the temperature would bust above 45degrees and the chance of rain would drop below 30percent (which to me means no chance in southern California).  I packed a rain jacket and a head warmer, nevertheless.  That’s what I call preparation. Oh, I also asked my wife to heat up the spa in a couple of hours, knowing that there was a good chance I would be a little chilled.

I then began the steady climb up GMR hoping to surpass last week’s ride.  Unlike last week, it was not the quintessential GMR riding day-- cloudy and few riders.  I figured maybe the fitness buffs were enjoying running the LA Marathon or were watching the finals of the San Dimas Stage Race. To which my daughter would say, “No Dad, they just use good judgment”.    Imagine that, a UCSB college student living in Isla Vista extolling the virtues of good judgment, ironic.

 I did see a few riders descending and one passed me going up.  There was little traffic and only a couple of motorcycles.  One of the riders coming down said “its cold…” another said “it snowing up there..”. They looked like they might have been coming back from Baldy Village, and I was comfortable and not going that far, so I paid no attention.

Well after about 6.5 miles into the climb, it started experiencing little ice balls falling from the sky.  No big deal as they would bounce off me and I stayed warm and dry.  Nevertheless, I stopped at 7.5 miles to put on my jacket as it was starting to get a little chilly.  See, good judgment that I was prepared.  Flurries of ice ball continued as I passed the maintenance shed and pushed a little further.  I stopped to rest at the junction of GMR and the Monroe Truck Trail.

It was then when little flakes began to float around.  It was snowing.  I pulled out my camera/phone to try to capture the moment as it turned into a snow shower.  My phone shut off due to moisture or cold, I am not sure which.  I was beginning to think about how cold it was going to be descending and I pulled on my head warmer.  I even that for a second about trying to call for a ride, but I figured the snow would stop as I headed down, and my phone wouldn’t turn on. 

 So down I went, taking it easy so as to not crash on the wet pavement.  The snow quickly turned to ice balls again, then a pretty steady rain as I continued down.  Despite three layers, long sleeves, arm warmers, and full finger gloves, I began to get quite cold pretty quickly.   With about 5 miles to go my hands and feet were numb.  I stopped and made windmill motions with my arms to force blood back into my fingers so I could have strength to pull the break levels and keep to a safe descending speed.

So as she made me some coffee, while I was getting ready to go in the 104degree spa to thaw out, my daughter after hearing my story posted that I was stupid and got immediate concurrence.  I tried to convince her that I exhibited both preparation and perseverance.

I am looking forward to the Fargo Street Climb next Sunday.  No chance it could be so cold and definitely not as long.  I just hope I don’t crash again…(I cant handle another FaceBook posting)

Juliet Elliott - A Stop-Frame Film

Juliet Elliott - A stop-frame film from Charge Bikes on Vimeo.


Several thousand frames go together to make this film of Charge Bikes rider Juliet Elliott riding her Plug around her home town (London).

Filmed by Georgi Banks-Davies

Rules Every Cyclists Should Know (And MASH Breaking Everyone of Them!)

Mash from romk on Vimeo.

Article Found Here, "Rules Every Cyclists Should Know"

"Rules Every Cyclists Should Know"
Santa Monica Daily Press
Artis Williams
2012-03-03
Link: http://www.smdp.com/Articles-opinion-and-commentary-c-2012-03-02-73572.113116-Rules-every-cyclist-should-know.html

Q: A few weeks ago I remember reading a column regarding bicyclists riding along the right edge of the roadway and the new sensors City Hall installed at controlled intersections ("Cycling safely on city streets," On The Beat, Jan. 14-15). I have considered using my bicycle more often for transportation and I wanted to know if there are other laws I should know when I am out on my bicycle.

A: If you remember we talked about cyclists having to ride close to the right edge of the roadway when traveling slower the normal speed of traffic (21202(a) VC), but there are other laws that cyclists need to know.

First let's take a look at the Santa Monica Municipal Code:

• Section 3.12.540(a) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code prohibits bicyclists from riding on the sidewalk. Bicyclists must use the roadway when traveling in Santa Monica.

Now let's take a look at the California Vehicle Code. As mentioned above, in the January article I talked about sections 21202(a) (ride close to the right edge of the roadway when traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic) as well as 21201 (reflectors and light required while riding during hours of darkness), but let's take a look at some other rules for bicyclists:

• Section 21650.1 states a bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. During my career I have met many cyclists who ride in the opposite direction of traffic, in other words they ride with traffic coming toward them. There have been various reasons why some cyclists ride this way but in California, it's illegal and a cyclist can be cited.

• Section 21203 prohibits an operator of a bicycle, motorized cycle, motorcycle, roller skates, skateboard, sled or operators of toy vehicles from clinging or holding on to moving vehicles. This means cyclists (and the others previously mentioned) may not hold onto (or attach themselves to) cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses or other vehicles traveling on the roadway. This includes skateboarders/skaters holding on to bicycles traveling on the roadway.

• Section 21204(a) states a person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle. Subsection (b) states an operator of a bicycle shall not allow a person riding as a passenger, to ride on a bicycle on a highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached to the bicycle. Simply put, riding on handlebars or foot pegs are not allowed for operators or passengers of bicycles. Each person on the bicycle must have a permanent or regular seat on the bicycle. Parents who have small children (40 pounds or less) must use a seat that secures the child passenger in place and protects the child passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle.

• Section 21205 prohibits an operator of a bicycle from carrying any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

• Section 21208(a) states whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride within the bicycle lane. A cyclist may only move out of the bicycle lane when overtaking another bicycle, vehicle or pedestrian within the lane if the passing and overtaking cannot be done safely within the bicycle lane.

Cyclists may also exit the bicycle lane when preparing to turn onto a private road or driveway, preparing to make a left turn at an intersection and when reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazards. No cyclist may leave the bicycle lane until it is reasonably safe to do so and only after giving the appropriate signal.

• Section 21210 states no person shall leave a bicycle lying on its side on a sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.

• Section 21212 requires any operator of a bicycle, non-motorized scooter, skateboard or anyone wearing in-line or roller skates on a street, bikeway or other public bike path or trail and is under the age of 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). If you are unsure about a helmet, look for a sticker with the letters ASTM either inside the helmet or on the packaging that came with the helmet.

• Section 27400 prohibits drivers and cyclists from covering both ears while operating their vehicles on the road. This includes personal headphones/earbuds.

Let's not forget about red lights and stop signs. Bicyclists are required to stop for both stop signs and red lights when operating on the roadway; this includes T-intersections as well.

Now I know I may have thrown a lot of information at you in this column, but if I had to put in simple terms I would say this:

Drivers need to be careful and watch for bicyclists on the roadway. Cyclists have the right and are required to use the roadway when traveling. Cyclists and drivers have to be careful and share the road, but it doesn't give a cyclist carte blanche to ride on the road any way they choose. There are rules cyclists need to follow so everyone may use the roadway in a safe manner.

Safety tip

Drivers of motor vehicles must remember to always look out for cyclists on the roadway. Section 22517 of the Vehicle Code prohibits any person from opening the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of traffic. No person shall leave a door open on the side available to traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

Rights of Cyclists - Road ID Rules of the Road

The Commentator

"The Commentator"
Brendt Barbur
Link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2105237365/the-commentator

"In 1976 Danish Filmmaker Jorgen Leth made the legendary sports and cycling film, A Sunday in Hell, about the Paris Roubaix cycling race. It defined a genre and helped put the Paris-Roubaix on the global sporting map. Leth now comments on the race for television.

We plan to follow Leth as he prepares for and comments on the race. We’ll be with him from his hotel in Paris until the end of the race at the Roubaix Velodrome. Along the way our team of photographers and filmmakers will shoot footage of the race, crowds and Leth himself caught up in the excitement of sport. We’ll capture the intense effort of contemporary pro racers, and will be sure to include stars from cycling’s past."