Commute a Blog: Transportation Issues Archives

March 22, 2006

U.K. Bicycle Lanes: in the gutter

A lot can be said for the argument that the roads we have are more than sufficient for cyclists and automobiles alike. In my opinion, much time, money and effort is wasted on bike paths, when more attention should be given our current road conditions. Education and safety are key to motor vehicle and cyclists sharing our current roads in harmony. Let the U.K. teach us a lesson about how to do things properly in the United States.

There is no reason cars, bicycles and pedestrians can't coexist peacefully without wasting hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars on separate bicycle paths. However, let's concentrate on making the roads we have safe for everyone. If people want to build bike paths in places where there are no roads for cycling (old railroad routes, etc.), let them do it through non-profits.

A tip of the hat to BBC NEWS for this story.

People are talking: cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, bike path, transportation

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Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 04, 2006

Bicycle taxis thrive on streets of New York; city considers crackdown

Transportation Officials Consider Inspections, Fees and Insurance for Pedicabs:

"NEW YORK -- The bicycle taxi trend is weaving its way through the clogged streets of midtown Manhattan, a movement growing so rapidly that the city is proposing regulations before it spins out of control."

I agree that there should be some sort of safety certification and inspections for these pedicab operators, but I am not sure that I agree with proposals to regulate them financially. What better way to encourage less crowded streets than to encourage human powered transport? Putting a financial burden on people who are providing such a working benefit to the city seems foolish. If the city is so concerned about safety, maybe they could create some sort of insurance fund for all pedestrians in the city. They should use transportation monies for this effort. The burden on our city streets are cars, trucks and buses... not bicycles, pedestrians and pedicabs.

A tip of the hat to Newsday.com for this story.

Technorati Tags: bicycle, transportation, traffic, pedicab

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Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 26, 2006

Check Out This Bicycle Parking Idea

INOUT DESIGNERS:

"6 bicycles versus ONE car. This bike park occupies a single parking space..."

Technorati Tags: cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, etiquette, transportation

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Posted by capecodcyclist at 03:05 PM | Comments (1)

Bicycle "Culture"

SUCKA PANTS:

"...Brooklyn Industries recently started displaying custom tall bikes in their store windows. the bikes are coupled with t-shirts depicting bicycle gears and biking slogans. they are made by one man who apparently collaborated with Brooklyn Industries to put the bikes in their stores throughout nyc. and they are also donating $2 from the sale of their large and medium messenger bags to Recycle-A-Bicycle. However, there has been some dissent about the blatant commercialization of this particular (and rather anti-commercial) subculture."

The post above details the vandalism of Brooklyn Industries' property as the result of their cycling related window displays. They are promoting cycling... good for them if they are benefiting from it!

As a cyclist, and someone who promotes the use of alternative forms of transportation on any and every level, I am angry about what some of these radical cycling "activists" (I think they are self-centered morons) are doing to the cycling cause.

Complaining about commercialization, boycotting it, or even campaigning against it is one thing, but defacing someone else's property is another thing entirely. You don't like capitalism? Show me another country where you would rather be, and I'll pay for your ticket. Do you think these vandal/taggers ride bikes made entirely of components produced by their own two hands? Give me a break! You people make me sick.

A disapproving tip of the hat to SUCKA PANTS for this story.

Technorati Tags: cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, commercialism, culture

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Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:06 AM | Comments (2)

February 13, 2006

Bicycle Inventions

Considering early versions of the bicycle that appeared in the nineteenth century, it is amazing that there are still people out there playing with bicycle-inspired inventions and other forms of self-propelled transport. I am often amused, and never tire of looking at web sites and stories that showcase these inventions.

Here are a couple of these sites that I happened upon today:

Similar Technorati Topics:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, transportation

Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)

February 09, 2006

Mass. Legislation Seeks to Ban Headphone Use by Cyclists

On bicycling, the sense of hearing and headphones:

"All in all, a bicyclist's decision whether to wear headphones, particularly, open-air headphones -- and of how loudly to play them -- ought to be of as little concern in the law as is the question of how loudly a motorist may play a radio inside a car, or whether a motorcyclist may legally wear earplugs to avoid hearing loss due to wind noise and engine noise. "

When I wear headphones when riding my bicycle (which is seldom), I can still hear the birds chirping, and the pebbles under my wheels. That is more than I can say for some of the entertainment, cell phone distracted motor vehicle operators I encounter on a daily basis. This is a matter of personal responsibility and safety, not something that should be legislated. Can a deaf person ride a bicycle safely and legally?

Write laws banning that bass thumping car stereo that penetrates the walls of my house, and cell phone use while driving, and then you might get my support for these worthwhile infringements on people's liberties. This legislation is bogus.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

February 05, 2006

Why Bicycle to Work?

Why Bike to Work?:"Why ride a bicycle to work, or anywhere, instead of driving? Math."

This essay contest winner puts it all into proper perspective.

C.I.C.L.E.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:06 AM | Comments (0)

November 12, 2005

Repeat Offenders Go Unpunished

The man accused of killing 14-year-old Mathew Brown in an alleged hit-and-run Saturday night had lost his license three times, once for driving while under the influence of alcohol and twice for speeding four times in one year, according to his record with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Maria Cramer, Boston Globe

Unfortunately, this story illustrates just how little the law can do to protect us from people who have no regard for it. It is also a good lesson in the importance of bicycle helmets (it is the law for children). I have read no mention in news articles as to whether the victim of this tragedy was wearing a helmet. The point is not to blame the victim, but it would be educational to all of us- especially those who do not insist their children wear them.

Reality teaches that there are drivers out there who a helmet or air bags are not going to protect us from. What are we to do with these traffic scofflaws? Is jail time the answer? What about those who continue to drive, even after their licenses have been revoked? My vote is for working boot camps for repeat offenders. Supervised, daily Alcoholic Anonymous meetings should be mandatory along with random drug and alcohol screening. For some, it seems jail is the only option. Somehow we have to get these people off our streets. It is time we got serious about traffic safety. Perhaps three strikes laws should be applied to all offenses potentially dangerous to the public.

Related Article: Jailing Drunk Drivers, Boston Globe

Pertinent Massachusetts Bicycle Law (helmet law also applies): During the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, the operator shall display to the front of his bicycle a lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet, and to the rear of said bicycle either a lamp emitting a red light, or a red reflector visible for not less than six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A generator powered lamp which emits light only when the bicycle is moving shall meet the requirements of this clause.

Suggested Reading: Beyond Melanie's Law, BOSTON GLOBE ARTICLE

Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 24, 2005

The Conflicted American: to Consume or Conserve?

We Have a Choice

I have been watching traffic. Yes, I know. This sounds like a rather odd past time, or perhaps a little dull. But I have been looking at driving habits and parking lot business in the Falmouth area differently in recent weeks. With rising fuel prices the hot topic and a serious issue for most of us, one might think people would be more inclined to modify their behaviors. Each day, I observe the patterns and activity, anticipating some noticeable change. I don't see it happening. The drive up lines still seem popular- no better place to observe fuel consumption in action. Delivery vehicles (at least those without company policy against it) are often seen, heard and smelled, as they idle away while drivers make half hearted efforts at speedy service. Have you ever noticed that idling vehicles often have the slowest moving drivers? I would never have noticed before now. While traffic has seemed lighter and parking lots less crowded, I have to wonder whether that is just a reflection of our normal, post-summer slow down. I just don't see the American habits improving, and barring serious shortages and longterm price increases, I doubt we will see much difference at all.

Foreigners are light years ahead of us when it comes to being fuel and energy conscious. Other countries have come to grips with the realities of traffic congestion, pollution and fuel consumption and are far advanced in their lifestyle changes. Here in America we are dedicated consumers. It is a very American trait and one that many of us seem quite proud of. Unfortunately, it is this trait that may be our own worst enemy. Where other countries have grown from the lessons forced on them by economics and environment, America seems to blindly plow forward. We rarely take the time to look back (except to find blame in something negative), and seldom plan farther ahead than tomorrow (unless something good is upcoming). Benjamin Disraeli said, “In a progressive country change is constant; change is inevitable.” How progressive are we in America?

Here we have been given the opportunity to make the necessary changes. Must we be slapped in the face to wake from our slumber? Do we have to be dragged, kicking and screaming into altering our course? That seems the only way change comes in America. We have to get the crap kicked out of us, and then we have a short period of collective national awareness and clarity of purpose. Much gets talked about, people make a few vows to change things, some people even put their hearts and lives into urging forward progress, but then the passion wears off. In no time, the need seems less urgent. People get caught up in their own lives, their own agendas and the memories fade. Just what was it we were fighting for? What was that cause that seemed so worthy? Old habits, selfishness and petty differences drive a wedge between progress and the people who create it. How quickly we forget.

Cape Cod Has the Power to Change

Recycling, transportation choices, conservation, energy saving appliances, and clean energy producers like wind and solar power are all necessary to dealing with the issue of our oil dependence. Here on Cape Cod we are unique. We have the opportunity to be home to the first offshore wind farm in the country. We have the power to make a statement that it is time for change. Not supporting this project now- especially with the impending fuel shortages we now face, is just bull-headed ignorance. We can make a difference just by letting someone else do the work for us. How often does that happen? It is like giving to a charity without the giving and without the charity. Okay, maybe that sounds ridiculous, but you get the idea. With little or no personal effort we all have the ability to send a lasting message that we are not willing to be slaves to the oil any more. We have a choice, to consume or conserve. We have decisions to make, both personal and as a society that will determine the future for ourselves, our children and generations to come. What will those decisions be Cape Cod? What is your answer to this, and what directive will we send to those who represent our interests? This crisis has been looming on the horizon and we have ignored it for too long. The solution begins with us.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:57 PM | Comments (1)

September 14, 2005

Oregon Cyclist Charged With Manslaughter

This is a sad story out of Oregon where a cyclist hit a pedestrian at an unmarked crosswalk. The first question I have to ask is, what is an unmarked crosswalk? Isn't that an oxymoron? Either it is a crosswalk and it is marked, or it is NOT a crosswalk. The second question I have is, what about car versus bicycle cases? Why aren't drivers prosecuted for manslaughter in most of these cases?

I am not saying that there aren't cyclists who disregard traffic laws. There are plenty that seem to feel above the law: running stop signs, running lights, passing on the right, unannounced turns, riding without lights, and that is just the beginning. However, motorists are at fault for all of these offenses and then some, yet more pity seems to be taken on them. The majority of manslaughter cases against motorists who have killed cyclists are either reduced or dropped completely. Why? Because prosecutors know that jurors will take pity on the motorist, considering that they too have done what the motorist was doing when they plowed into the cyclist. The sad excuse that "we all do it" should not be acceptable. Anyone that disregards traffic laws, cyclist or motorist should be held accountable.

It is a sad state of affairs when cyclists are treated like second class citizens - and that seems to be happening more, the more crowded our streets get. It should be the opposite. We should be doing everything in our power to encourage cycling and making it safe for all concerned. Traffic might not be such a problem were alternative transportation more convenient and safe.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 06, 2005

Fuel Economy

It seems petty to be worrying about transportation costs when people are suffering through the likes of Hurricane Katrina. However, like most of us, I was concerned before Katrina roared ashore. After investigating hybrids and other more efficient vehicles, I started tracking my m.p.g. at www.fueleconomy.gov . I was surprised to find that my mileage was at least better than my little pick up was rated for. The EPA rates my vehicle for 24 m.p.g. highway and city, and I am getting 26 m.p.g., with primarily air-conditioned, city driving. There are definitely more efficient vehicles out there, but it helps to get the vehicle you have to where it is at peak performance. The key is keeping the vehicle well tuned and doing regular oil changes. Keeping the proper tire inflation is very helpful too.

Today, I should be getting much better mileage, as I will be self-propelled to work and back. Every little ride helps...

Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack