Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Panel discussion about cycling

Bob T brought this to my attention...

The public is invited to attend a [free] community education panel about the rules that govern interactions between motorists and cyclists. The panel includes District 17 Idaho State Senator Elliot Werk; 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong; Boise attorney Thomas J. Lloyd III; Sergeant Clair Walker of the Boise Police Department’s bike patrol, and Officer Anthony Dotson of the Boise Police Department. The event will be moderated by Boise City Council Candidate TJ Thomson. For more information, contact Tom Lloyd at 208-520-8768, or Jim Philpott at 208-340-0051.

Where: Falcon Tavern, 705 W Bannock
When: Thu., July 16, 7 p.m.

I'd like to attend and hear what the participants have to say. But I've got to confess a bit of skepticism. Those who are concerned enough about the "interactions between motorists and cyclists" to attend, will be those who also know the rules and try to abide by them. (Or in other words, this is unlikely to reach any of the audience that really needs it. But maybe the panel will come up with some notions on how to reach that audience.) Also... my eyebrows raise at "City Council Candidate TJ Thomson" as the moderator - I've never seen a city council candidate who's working so hard, and so early, to be in the limelight at every conceivable moment. (I don't know the man; I just know the elections are still 4 months away and as far as I know, no other candidates have even declared, let alone started campaigning.) And finally, it seems odd that a forum about traffic safety is being held at a tavern! Will there be a 2-drink minimum? (grin) But whatever...

5 comments:

Clancy said...

Does TJ have any moderation experience? Sounds like somebody would like to help out his campaign.

I seem to be missing all the recent bike events. Summer gets pretty busy with camping, vacations and my weekly waterski. I will be enjoying the mild weather(62F) at the coast this week while triple digits come to Boise.

bob t said...

I'm planning to attend, though I may not be able to arrive until shortly after it starts. The Falcon Tavern has good bike parking.

db said...

If anyone went to this, I'd like to hear how it went. Thanks!

bob t said...

This article summarized it well. Senator Elliot Werk spoke about becoming a bike commuter and experiencing the problems that transportation cyclists encounter. Hopefully it will help to have “one of us” in the senate.

The only part I didn’t care for was when Kristin Armstrong was asked where cyclists should train she said the greenbelt (!) I don’t see how it can be safe for pedestrians, runners, and high-speed cyclists to use the same path.

db said...

I agree with you, Bob, on the greenbelt issue. Roadies and triathletes training on that will only lead to trouble, like in this incident in Sioux Falls.

Is "Carl Bianchi" that guy's real name? Outstanding for a cyclist...