Some SAFETY philosophy for my bicycle and motorcycle-riding friends.
NOTE: I wrote this a couple days ago and posted it on a couple social-media (bicycle and motorcycle) groups I pertain to. But since then, I've thought about it... and a simple name for all of this, that to me is very meaningful: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.
Let's talk about modern fighter jets. Built into the pointy nose cone of every one, is a powerful radar. It constantly scans back and forth, up and down, sending out a radar beam. It has two modes - "search" and "track."
Most of the time, it is "searching." If the beam bounces back, reflecting off another airborne object, a "bogey" (unidentified aircraft - could be friend or foe) has been located, and it goes into "track" mode. The radar beam will "focus" on that object, and the onboard computer will be able to determine its direction and velocity, and hopefully identify the type of object it is, long before it is within the pilot's sight distance.
It is amazing technology, and has completely changed the nature of combat, in the years since WWII or thereabouts. Generally speaking, the team that is able to identify the enemy target the soonest, and "neutralize" that target, will win the battle.
The technology has become so advanced, that a fighter pilot can be aware of the position and movement of multiple "targets," all at the same time.
(Passenger airplanes also benefit from the technology. A midair collision involving a passenger jet is almost unheard of, because onboard radar can detect other flying objects, and sound the alarm if trajectories seem to be converging.)
Now let's talk about 2-wheeled transportation, and operators of 2-wheeled transportation.
We don't have the benefit of radar... but wouldn't that be something! (We wouldn't be able to afford it... only the taxpayers can afford those fancy fighter jets!)
Which means - the operator has to use manual "search" mode to locate other moving objects, and "track" mode to determine the direction of that object's travel, AND engage "collision avoidance" if the trajectories seem to be converging. Most of the time, if you are bicycling or motorcycling, you should be giving a good part of your attention to scanning your airspace, looking for targets. The earlier you identify a "bogey," the more likely you are to win! (This is true whether you're riding a motorcycle or a bicycle... but it's even more important on a motorcycle, because "convergence speeds" can be so much faster!)
Once you have the "bogey," you focus on it to determine what it is, what direction it is moving, and whether it will pose a hazard. As a rule, I treat ANY moving object that is getting closer to me - no matter how "innocent" it seems - as a potential hazard. The stakes are ever so high! If it's off to one side, I look at the wheels to see if it's moving, and how fast. If it's a vehicle approaching on the highway from the other direction... it could drift into your lane, or make an abrupt and unexpected turn into your path. Your "collision avoidance" should be on high alert.
Our ground transportation has an advantage over fighter jets - most of the hazards will be on a horizontal plane. We don't have to pay much attention to the sky above, or the ground below (other than being aware of the upcoming surface quality). And - most of the hazards will manifest in the 150 degrees or so in front of us. (Although we need to "check 6" regularly - that's look to the rear. Easier if you have a mirror!)
The human brain is pretty amazing. IF WE ARE FOCUSED, in almost any circumstance our eye-brain interface will enable us to notice that bogey, and identify it soon after. IF WE ARE FOCUSED, once we are locked on target, we'll be able to track that target on full collision-avoidance alert, until it is no longer a hazard. If evasive measures are necessary, our brain-muscle interface will take over. (The earlier the bogey is identified, the more likely we are to deal with any hazard "gracefully.") It is quite remarkable, when you think about it, how much of that process is "automated," once you have the training and experience necessary to be in top tune, and IF WE ARE FOCUSED. If we are distracted - by a handheld gizmo, or the righteous tunes we're listening to, or the "pretty woman, walkin' down the street," or even by the leaky sink back at home - or if we are impaired in some way, we just might miss that bogey while we still have time to engage the system.
There are far more "bogeys" in urban environments, than in rural environments. That's why it's such a pleasure to be on a ride down a country road. But on the other hand, some "country bogeys" can appear almost before you can react! I'm thinking of YOU, Mr. Bambi! (Or YOU, driver of that ol' farm truck that's turned onto the highway 1000 times before, because traffic is so light!)
I get annoyed - and sometimes downright angry - when some other doofus makes me go into full collision-avoidance mode. But at the same time... isn't it mentally rewarding to avoid a collision that would've otherwise been caused by that doofus? (And - isn't it embarrassing to BE that doofus?!! I've been guilty of that, but thankfully it's rare.)
Well... that seems like a good place to end this stream-of-consciousness. BE SAFE! FOCUS!!
Tireless advocate for the most efficient form of
human transportation ever devised - bicycles!
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Ultimate SDV?
I'm really enjoying my choice of SDV (Social Distancing Vehicle) these days!
(For post-2020 readers, if there be any: As of April, 2020, the entire planet is under quarantine, in an effort to prevent spread of the Covid-19 virus. It is the first plague of the 21st Century... if you don't count terrorism or climate change, I s'pose. We are all advised to wash our hands frequently and try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people. PERFECT for bike riding... at least the distance part. (There's another recommendation that's plain DUMB... try to keep your group gatherings of less than 10. Futility! If each of those 10 people is a carrier walking away from that gathering, and meets with 9 other people, who in turn each meet with 9 other people... 1000 people infected in 3 "generations"!!) But I digress.)
Some people see cycling as a social activity. You see groups cycling together. To bring even more sense of togetherness, sometimes these groups ride together in matching costumes! (I wish they'd stay off multi-use paths, when they're riding together FAST in their costumes! They really belong on the street.) I've always been more of a "lone wolf" cyclist. Other than my grandkids, who I ride with from age 1 (when their momma will let them go) until they "age out" at 10 or 11 (WAY too cool to do something lame like bike-ride)... I go maybe 3 times a year, average, with other people. I generally enjoy my rides with others, but that means ORGANIZING... when solo, I can just go!
Today, I rode about 2 miles with granddaughter Bonnie at the park. (She's 7, and getting comfortable with starting and stopping. She's ready for expanded horizons.) Then I rode downstream on the Greenbelt, to the bridge a couple miles down from Glenwood. Except for a couple pockets of humanity (people who don't understand, and/or don't care, about airborne disease transmission), it was pretty darn easy to maintain that social distance.
(For post-2020 readers, if there be any: As of April, 2020, the entire planet is under quarantine, in an effort to prevent spread of the Covid-19 virus. It is the first plague of the 21st Century... if you don't count terrorism or climate change, I s'pose. We are all advised to wash our hands frequently and try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people. PERFECT for bike riding... at least the distance part. (There's another recommendation that's plain DUMB... try to keep your group gatherings of less than 10. Futility! If each of those 10 people is a carrier walking away from that gathering, and meets with 9 other people, who in turn each meet with 9 other people... 1000 people infected in 3 "generations"!!) But I digress.)
Some people see cycling as a social activity. You see groups cycling together. To bring even more sense of togetherness, sometimes these groups ride together in matching costumes! (I wish they'd stay off multi-use paths, when they're riding together FAST in their costumes! They really belong on the street.) I've always been more of a "lone wolf" cyclist. Other than my grandkids, who I ride with from age 1 (when their momma will let them go) until they "age out" at 10 or 11 (WAY too cool to do something lame like bike-ride)... I go maybe 3 times a year, average, with other people. I generally enjoy my rides with others, but that means ORGANIZING... when solo, I can just go!
Today, I rode about 2 miles with granddaughter Bonnie at the park. (She's 7, and getting comfortable with starting and stopping. She's ready for expanded horizons.) Then I rode downstream on the Greenbelt, to the bridge a couple miles down from Glenwood. Except for a couple pockets of humanity (people who don't understand, and/or don't care, about airborne disease transmission), it was pretty darn easy to maintain that social distance.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Off-season cycling
There are some very nice things about bicycling during the "off season."
1) Volume of users on the Greenbelt, bike lanes, parks, etc., is way down. Another guy at the office says cold weather "weeds out the weak and infirm." Exactly!! (But these days it's rare for me to be making the first tracks, when it snows. There are obviously other intrepid cycling souls out there.)
2) "Powder cycling." Do you like "powder skiing"? Cycling shares much in common... when you're cutting a new track through fluffy snow, it's a little more work, but it's so very serene and predictable! (Once it melts and then re-freezes, the magic is gone, obviously.)
3) It's easy to prepare for cold weather. I recommend layers. (Above freezing, I usually wear a fleece-type jacket and some lightweight gloves. When it drops below freezing, I add a wind-proof/water-resistant layer over the fleece, a balaclava that's thin enough to fit under the brain bucket, and trade in the gloves for some heavier ones. My duration is usually 45 minutes or less this time of year... if I was going to be out longer, I'd need to layer up a little more. But - it's surprising how much heat you generate, when the propulsion furnace is working.)
There are also some negative factors to consider.
1) Studded tires (on cars)! I don't think motorists realize how noisy those blasted things are! Why would they? They are ensconced in their climate-controlled, pressurized cabins. The windows are up, the heater fan is usually blasting away, and often there's some programming emanating from the 8-speaker sound system. I'm even more likely to venture away from roadways during the winter, partly because of studded-tire racket.
2) Slippery surfaces. Much harder to prepare for. Especially because motor traffic is slippin' and slidin', too. I try to avoid putting myself in situations where I could get injured or worse. (I'm known to take the bus from time to time, when the roads are downright treacherous. Usually I'll soldier on, taking the side streets, and sometimes on my fatter-tire beater bike.)
3) "Black" ice! Even when the roads are dry - which they frequently are in our lovely community - it's not unusual to encounter a bit of slippery here and there. It's only black when it's frozen over a black surface. It's clear - hard to see, except for the glare, and glare is dependent on reflection. (The best way to survive an icy patch... just coast easy! Don't try to speed up or slow down or change direction, or you're lost!)
Some early-winter photos, taken on the "scenic route" home from work. The last photo was taken a couple weeks ago - I was astounded to cross paths with a big ol' FROG! (Or is it a toad?) He was sitting in the middle of the Greenbelt, near the Fairview underpass. The weather was barely above freezing; I'm sure his plight was grim. He was hardly moving; I set him off to the side of the path, so at least he wouldn't get smashed by traffic.
1) Volume of users on the Greenbelt, bike lanes, parks, etc., is way down. Another guy at the office says cold weather "weeds out the weak and infirm." Exactly!! (But these days it's rare for me to be making the first tracks, when it snows. There are obviously other intrepid cycling souls out there.)
2) "Powder cycling." Do you like "powder skiing"? Cycling shares much in common... when you're cutting a new track through fluffy snow, it's a little more work, but it's so very serene and predictable! (Once it melts and then re-freezes, the magic is gone, obviously.)
3) It's easy to prepare for cold weather. I recommend layers. (Above freezing, I usually wear a fleece-type jacket and some lightweight gloves. When it drops below freezing, I add a wind-proof/water-resistant layer over the fleece, a balaclava that's thin enough to fit under the brain bucket, and trade in the gloves for some heavier ones. My duration is usually 45 minutes or less this time of year... if I was going to be out longer, I'd need to layer up a little more. But - it's surprising how much heat you generate, when the propulsion furnace is working.)
There are also some negative factors to consider.
1) Studded tires (on cars)! I don't think motorists realize how noisy those blasted things are! Why would they? They are ensconced in their climate-controlled, pressurized cabins. The windows are up, the heater fan is usually blasting away, and often there's some programming emanating from the 8-speaker sound system. I'm even more likely to venture away from roadways during the winter, partly because of studded-tire racket.
2) Slippery surfaces. Much harder to prepare for. Especially because motor traffic is slippin' and slidin', too. I try to avoid putting myself in situations where I could get injured or worse. (I'm known to take the bus from time to time, when the roads are downright treacherous. Usually I'll soldier on, taking the side streets, and sometimes on my fatter-tire beater bike.)
3) "Black" ice! Even when the roads are dry - which they frequently are in our lovely community - it's not unusual to encounter a bit of slippery here and there. It's only black when it's frozen over a black surface. It's clear - hard to see, except for the glare, and glare is dependent on reflection. (The best way to survive an icy patch... just coast easy! Don't try to speed up or slow down or change direction, or you're lost!)
Some early-winter photos, taken on the "scenic route" home from work. The last photo was taken a couple weeks ago - I was astounded to cross paths with a big ol' FROG! (Or is it a toad?) He was sitting in the middle of the Greenbelt, near the Fairview underpass. The weather was barely above freezing; I'm sure his plight was grim. He was hardly moving; I set him off to the side of the path, so at least he wouldn't get smashed by traffic.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Hamburger on the Highway!
This blog isn't intended to be "all about ME," but...
This morning I navigated myself into a crash. (D'oh!! I'm too old for such nonsense!)
At 6:45 or so I was headed for work, along a totally familiar route. Visibility was good. Traffic was super-light (a benefit of traveling at 6:45am). I was riding along, in total control, when I happened upon a lady walking a big ol' Rottweiler, maybe a half-block up the street. She used her other hand to wave at me... so I was trying to figure out who it was, and if I knew her. And - I spent too long figuring. (Distracted driving! I victimized myself!)
When I looked up-front again, I was headed directly toward a car on the side of the road... and WAY too close.
Two thoughts raced through my mind...
"Don't break off that side mirror!" followed immediately by, "Oh, &@#* - this is going to hurt!"
I redirected enough to miss the side mirror. It happened fast, but I think my front wheel went into the front wheel well of the car. And, I flew through the air with the greatest of ease and body-slammed the pavement on my left side.
Yeah - it hurt! But, after laying there for maybe 15 seconds, groaning about my pitiful plight, I was able to get up. (VICTORY!)
The nice lady who waved at me - who I don't think I've ever seen in my life - ran over. "Are you okay?" I told her I'm way too old, but I thought I'd probably be okay someday.
She said, "I live nearby - could I get my pickup and give you a ride someplace?" I took her up on the offer. (The front rim has rolled its last, and my fancy saddle is bent. I can replace a rim, and hopefully I can bend the saddle back into place.)
She took me and the bike home. I thanked her sincerely. Then got on the Long Haul Trucker and rode, somewhat gingerly, into work.
I've got a bit of road rash - treated with soap, water, and antiseptic. I 'spect my sore hip and sore shoulder will be reminding me of my mishap for a few weeks. (That hip has taken a beating over the years. I'm surprised it works at all.) I'm fortunate, only in that it could've been WAY worse. No visible damage to the victimized car on the side of the road. Nothing broken, or so it seems. And... I've already gotten about 4 miles of bicycling in, since the crash. (Gotta get back on that pony and ride... right?)
This morning I navigated myself into a crash. (D'oh!! I'm too old for such nonsense!)
At 6:45 or so I was headed for work, along a totally familiar route. Visibility was good. Traffic was super-light (a benefit of traveling at 6:45am). I was riding along, in total control, when I happened upon a lady walking a big ol' Rottweiler, maybe a half-block up the street. She used her other hand to wave at me... so I was trying to figure out who it was, and if I knew her. And - I spent too long figuring. (Distracted driving! I victimized myself!)
When I looked up-front again, I was headed directly toward a car on the side of the road... and WAY too close.
Two thoughts raced through my mind...
"Don't break off that side mirror!" followed immediately by, "Oh, &@#* - this is going to hurt!"
I redirected enough to miss the side mirror. It happened fast, but I think my front wheel went into the front wheel well of the car. And, I flew through the air with the greatest of ease and body-slammed the pavement on my left side.
Yeah - it hurt! But, after laying there for maybe 15 seconds, groaning about my pitiful plight, I was able to get up. (VICTORY!)
The nice lady who waved at me - who I don't think I've ever seen in my life - ran over. "Are you okay?" I told her I'm way too old, but I thought I'd probably be okay someday.
She said, "I live nearby - could I get my pickup and give you a ride someplace?" I took her up on the offer. (The front rim has rolled its last, and my fancy saddle is bent. I can replace a rim, and hopefully I can bend the saddle back into place.)
She took me and the bike home. I thanked her sincerely. Then got on the Long Haul Trucker and rode, somewhat gingerly, into work.
I've got a bit of road rash - treated with soap, water, and antiseptic. I 'spect my sore hip and sore shoulder will be reminding me of my mishap for a few weeks. (That hip has taken a beating over the years. I'm surprised it works at all.) I'm fortunate, only in that it could've been WAY worse. No visible damage to the victimized car on the side of the road. Nothing broken, or so it seems. And... I've already gotten about 4 miles of bicycling in, since the crash. (Gotta get back on that pony and ride... right?)
Friday, December 15, 2017
E-bikes soon to be a reality
E-bikes got the go-ahead from the City Council, at the December 5th meeting. "Class 1" and "Class 2" will have the green light in bike lanes... on the Greenbelt... on many foothills paths, and on sidewalks (!) as soon as the ink dries.
I submitted a report to the Boise Guardian. You can read it HERE.
At the Council meeting, the City experts had recommended against allowing the electric-assist bikes on the sidewalks.
There was considerable discussion about the different "classes" of E-bikes... apparently those that will be allowed can't provide more than 20mph of forward propulsion, and only when the rider is pedaling. But I've observed E-bike riders cruising along, "smart phone" to ear, and barely turning the pedals even though the bike is going 20mph. I guess we're about to find out how they will interact with other Greenbelt users.
Probably 25 members of the general public testified. The pro-E-bike group was well-represented, including numerous E-bike riders who confessed to operating their bikes in violation of the current statutes.
I anticipate that many E-bike riders will be good Greenbelt citizens. The lady who likes to take her kids to their soccer practices and music lessons. The guy who has bad knees and can't ride a regular bike without pain. The senior-citizen couple. (Although if they rode REGULAR bikes, they would receive a lot more benefit in the form of cardio activity!) But there will be some PROBLEM E-bikers... just as there are problem bicyclists, pedestrians, dog-walkers, smart-phone zombies. And, I expect there to also be doofuses on Gas-powered bicycles... I've urged the Council to make it very clear that the hydrocarbon-burning bikers will eagerly take to the infrastructure, unless they are blocked by statute and enforcement. (But I'm getting the impression that public comments are a mere formality... our Dear Leaders already know what's best and will proceed with their perfect plan. Sigh...)
I submitted a report to the Boise Guardian. You can read it HERE.
At the Council meeting, the City experts had recommended against allowing the electric-assist bikes on the sidewalks.
There was considerable discussion about the different "classes" of E-bikes... apparently those that will be allowed can't provide more than 20mph of forward propulsion, and only when the rider is pedaling. But I've observed E-bike riders cruising along, "smart phone" to ear, and barely turning the pedals even though the bike is going 20mph. I guess we're about to find out how they will interact with other Greenbelt users.
Probably 25 members of the general public testified. The pro-E-bike group was well-represented, including numerous E-bike riders who confessed to operating their bikes in violation of the current statutes.
I anticipate that many E-bike riders will be good Greenbelt citizens. The lady who likes to take her kids to their soccer practices and music lessons. The guy who has bad knees and can't ride a regular bike without pain. The senior-citizen couple. (Although if they rode REGULAR bikes, they would receive a lot more benefit in the form of cardio activity!) But there will be some PROBLEM E-bikers... just as there are problem bicyclists, pedestrians, dog-walkers, smart-phone zombies. And, I expect there to also be doofuses on Gas-powered bicycles... I've urged the Council to make it very clear that the hydrocarbon-burning bikers will eagerly take to the infrastructure, unless they are blocked by statute and enforcement. (But I'm getting the impression that public comments are a mere formality... our Dear Leaders already know what's best and will proceed with their perfect plan. Sigh...)
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Don't be a victim of the dark!
This morning as I left for the office, it was as dark as a total solar eclipse! I was glad to have an extra measure of visibility, in the form of headlight, taillight, and high-viz/reflective vest.
Far too often, when a motorcyclist or bicyclist is involved in a collision with a motorist, the car driver laments, "I just didn't see him!" Let's face it - our smaller vehicles are harder to see than that F350 pickup truck, or Wagon Queen Family Truckster. The problem is exacerbated by the dark. Don't be a victim!
Here's what I use - because it's cheap and apparently effective.
On the front, I have a single-AA battery LED flashlight. (I think mine cost about 8 bucks, 2 or 3 years ago. But they are very common nowadays, boasting lumen outputs from about 200 on up.) My model has a clicky-button on the back, that turns it off and on, and selects one of three modes - bright, dim, or strobe. I generally use the "strobe" setting when I'm riding down a familiar road and am mostly concerned about being seen by other roadway users. And when I'm on a less-familiar road, I choose bright, to light up my path. I use a rechargeable battery, and carry a spare battery with me. I attach the light to the handlebars with a little rubber-and-velcro doodad that I ordered with the light. (Both ordered from dx.com) (I've got a bigger and far brighter light that I'll be trying out soon. Amazon made me an offer I couldn't refuse.)
On the back, I use a bright flashing red LED taillight. Mine is a Planet Bike Superflash. It was expensive by my standards - more than 20 bucks! But it's given me faithful service for 3 or 4 years, so it's money well spent. There are other cheaper-but-effective alternatives nowadays... we live during an LED Renaissance! The taillight uses two AAA batteries - I use rechargeables.
In addition, I like to wear a hi-viz reflective safety vest. In fact, I wear it year round, day and night, and no matter what kind of riding I'm doing. For a few years, I wore a nice brand-name (Dickies) model. Pretty expensive ($20+), and they would last for a couple years before they started getting pretty gnarly-looking. I decided to give a much-cheaper Harbor Freight model a try - and that's my current choice of hi-viz fashion. Six bucks, and they last about as long as the brand-name. They're made of a mesh material that seems to make very little difference on hot-or-cold, and they just go on over whatever-else you've chosen for attire. Not very fashionable, but who cares? You can quickly take it off, once you arrive at your fashionable destination. You know, like James Bond.
Stay safe, mis amigos.
Far too often, when a motorcyclist or bicyclist is involved in a collision with a motorist, the car driver laments, "I just didn't see him!" Let's face it - our smaller vehicles are harder to see than that F350 pickup truck, or Wagon Queen Family Truckster. The problem is exacerbated by the dark. Don't be a victim!
Here's what I use - because it's cheap and apparently effective.
On the front, I have a single-AA battery LED flashlight. (I think mine cost about 8 bucks, 2 or 3 years ago. But they are very common nowadays, boasting lumen outputs from about 200 on up.) My model has a clicky-button on the back, that turns it off and on, and selects one of three modes - bright, dim, or strobe. I generally use the "strobe" setting when I'm riding down a familiar road and am mostly concerned about being seen by other roadway users. And when I'm on a less-familiar road, I choose bright, to light up my path. I use a rechargeable battery, and carry a spare battery with me. I attach the light to the handlebars with a little rubber-and-velcro doodad that I ordered with the light. (Both ordered from dx.com) (I've got a bigger and far brighter light that I'll be trying out soon. Amazon made me an offer I couldn't refuse.)
On the back, I use a bright flashing red LED taillight. Mine is a Planet Bike Superflash. It was expensive by my standards - more than 20 bucks! But it's given me faithful service for 3 or 4 years, so it's money well spent. There are other cheaper-but-effective alternatives nowadays... we live during an LED Renaissance! The taillight uses two AAA batteries - I use rechargeables.
Stay safe, mis amigos.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Innocent victims
Ten days or so ago, the nation recoiled in horror. A monster/madman rained terror down on country music fans in Las Vegas, murdering 58 innocent people and injuring hundreds in a matter of minutes. Before the victims had even been accounted for, there were impassioned demands for action!
We need new laws! Implements of death and destruction - in this case guns - MUST be kept away from criminals and incompetents, and maybe everybody! What kind of irresponsible people could possibly be against further action to prevent such incidents?!!
Mostly I think we feel helpless. As of this writing, the motive of the killer is still a mystery. And when there's not a discernible motive or some sort of attention-getting activity prior to the mayhem... how do you prevent it? Are we all going to go through metal detectors and intense scrutiny now, when we check into a hotel? Is that a price we're willing to pay, to mitigate the one-in-ten-million madman?
But - at the same time - every week, we seem mostly willing to look the other way when more people are victimized by distracted drivers.
In 2015, according to the NHTSA, 3477 people were killed in fatal distracted-driving mishaps. That's about 67 per week - almost 10 every day. Furthermore, it's estimated that 391,000 people were injured by distracted drivers (about 7500 per week - more than 1000 per day).
WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?!!?
Many of the perps were distracted by their so-called "smart phones." I believe you see more people driving nowadays with phone in hand, than those who have both hands on the wheel. Remember? The way you learned in driver-ed?
But apparently that's not enough. The auto industry is attracting buyers with shiny-bright touch-sensitive console-mounted "infotainment systems" in new cars! You've seen 'em in the commercials - they give you directions... tell you which track is playing on the 18 650-watt speaker system... control the climate... maybe even let you watch a movie or hilarious YouTube cat videos.
What could go wrong?
Apparently, a lot. University of Utah researchers studied the infotainment in 2017 automobiles, and concluded that "most... distract drivers too long to be safely operated while the vehicles are in motion." Programming your navigation takes about 40 seconds to complete, for example. Yet, "the risk of a crash doubles when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road for two seconds." Story HERE.
Far, far more innocents are killed by distracted drivers, than by crazed killers with bump-stock-equipped semi-automatic assault rifles. Both are tragic, and are blights on our society... but honestly, which is the more serious and pervasive problem?
We need new laws! Implements of death and destruction - in this case guns - MUST be kept away from criminals and incompetents, and maybe everybody! What kind of irresponsible people could possibly be against further action to prevent such incidents?!!
Mostly I think we feel helpless. As of this writing, the motive of the killer is still a mystery. And when there's not a discernible motive or some sort of attention-getting activity prior to the mayhem... how do you prevent it? Are we all going to go through metal detectors and intense scrutiny now, when we check into a hotel? Is that a price we're willing to pay, to mitigate the one-in-ten-million madman?
But - at the same time - every week, we seem mostly willing to look the other way when more people are victimized by distracted drivers.
In 2015, according to the NHTSA, 3477 people were killed in fatal distracted-driving mishaps. That's about 67 per week - almost 10 every day. Furthermore, it's estimated that 391,000 people were injured by distracted drivers (about 7500 per week - more than 1000 per day).
WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?!!?
Many of the perps were distracted by their so-called "smart phones." I believe you see more people driving nowadays with phone in hand, than those who have both hands on the wheel. Remember? The way you learned in driver-ed?
But apparently that's not enough. The auto industry is attracting buyers with shiny-bright touch-sensitive console-mounted "infotainment systems" in new cars! You've seen 'em in the commercials - they give you directions... tell you which track is playing on the 18 650-watt speaker system... control the climate... maybe even let you watch a movie or hilarious YouTube cat videos.
What could go wrong?
Apparently, a lot. University of Utah researchers studied the infotainment in 2017 automobiles, and concluded that "most... distract drivers too long to be safely operated while the vehicles are in motion." Programming your navigation takes about 40 seconds to complete, for example. Yet, "the risk of a crash doubles when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road for two seconds." Story HERE.
Far, far more innocents are killed by distracted drivers, than by crazed killers with bump-stock-equipped semi-automatic assault rifles. Both are tragic, and are blights on our society... but honestly, which is the more serious and pervasive problem?
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Foldable cardboard bike helmet
For several years, I've seen conceptualized honeycomb-folding helmet proposals. But this one looks like it's closer to reality... and pretty cool, in my opinion. If they can build 'em for a selling price of $5 like they hope, I bet it will be a winner.
It has won the 2016 James Dyson Award. I'd say it's way closer to the "function" end of the form-function scale, than those crazy-looking vacuum cleaners that are apparently the brainchild of Mr. Dyson. (No offense intended; I've never used one of those cleaners, but they look to me like they're way more "form." And I do know they're expensive and there's a huge market for the refurbished ones, which to me calls into question their durability.) And those Dyson bladeless fans? Now there's a solution looking for a problem! But I digress...
More info on the foldable helmet HERE.
It has won the 2016 James Dyson Award. I'd say it's way closer to the "function" end of the form-function scale, than those crazy-looking vacuum cleaners that are apparently the brainchild of Mr. Dyson. (No offense intended; I've never used one of those cleaners, but they look to me like they're way more "form." And I do know they're expensive and there's a huge market for the refurbished ones, which to me calls into question their durability.) And those Dyson bladeless fans? Now there's a solution looking for a problem! But I digress...
More info on the foldable helmet HERE.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Bike Rodeo!
We had a "Bike Rodeo" last night!
It started out as an activity for my Cub Scouts (I'm a cubmaster these days). But then, good fortune befell me! I contacted bike advocate extraordinaire Lisa Brady, and the wheels started turning. Besides being an enthusiastic transportation cyclist, Lisa is the head honcho of local advocacy group Treasure Valley Cycling Alliance. But even more significantly, she's in charge of the YMCA Safe Routes to School program. Lisa and her Safe Routes colleagues were happy to jump in and help.
With some encouragement from Lisa, we expanded the scope, and invited all the school-age kids, and their parents, of our church congregation. We did our best to publicize and encourage. (We were a bit concerned because yesterday was also the first day of school for most of our kids... would that be a distraction? Would people forget?)
Our concerns turned out to be unfounded. We roped off a big section of a huge asphalt parking lot. Lisa and her team laid out the course, and explained how the adult volunteers could help. The first kids started showing up about 5 minutes early; in keeping with a longstanding church tradition, most people didn't show up 'til 5 minutes late.
What a fantastic group we got! I bet we had 30-35 kids there, ranging in age from 3 up to 16. Most were on bikes... a few had scooters or skateboards. Our "pros" started out with a 10-minute discussion about safety and surviving on the streets. (It was aimed as much at the parents as the kids.) They told 'em, "If you don't remember anything else from tonight, LIGHTS AT NIGHT and RIDE ON THE RIGHT!" Visible... predictable... legal.
Most of the kids rode the "skill course" - and most rode it 4 or 5 times. And then it was just sheer delight to see 30 or so kids on their bikes, happily "free riding" around in the parking lot. There were 1 or 2 minor mishaps... but the victims hopped right back up and the first aid kit stayed latched.
Then it was time for a short road ride. Lisa asked if I would be ride leader - sure! (Granddaughter Bonnie, on the Tag-Along, was stoked. She hollered, "Ready, set, go!" and we were off!)
I was pretty ambitious... my selected route was probably a mile. (I deviated a bit from the envisioned route, because there were a lot of cars parallel-parked along the first road.) The group completed the loop in probably 15 minutes. Lisa said it was all good, because the neighborhood got a good dose of kids-on-bikes-on-the-road... and everybody survived!
Popsicles afterwards!
I've done a few bike rodeos over the years, but this was the most successful, thanks to passionate and expert helpers. My sincere thanks to Lisa Brady and the Safe Routes to School people. If we saved one child from being injured or killed, it was time and effort well spent! (My only regret? I took my small camera, which accompanies me 'most everywhere, but in all the excitement it remained in my pocket! D'oh! You'll have to take my word for it - no photos.)
It started out as an activity for my Cub Scouts (I'm a cubmaster these days). But then, good fortune befell me! I contacted bike advocate extraordinaire Lisa Brady, and the wheels started turning. Besides being an enthusiastic transportation cyclist, Lisa is the head honcho of local advocacy group Treasure Valley Cycling Alliance. But even more significantly, she's in charge of the YMCA Safe Routes to School program. Lisa and her Safe Routes colleagues were happy to jump in and help.
With some encouragement from Lisa, we expanded the scope, and invited all the school-age kids, and their parents, of our church congregation. We did our best to publicize and encourage. (We were a bit concerned because yesterday was also the first day of school for most of our kids... would that be a distraction? Would people forget?)
Our concerns turned out to be unfounded. We roped off a big section of a huge asphalt parking lot. Lisa and her team laid out the course, and explained how the adult volunteers could help. The first kids started showing up about 5 minutes early; in keeping with a longstanding church tradition, most people didn't show up 'til 5 minutes late.
What a fantastic group we got! I bet we had 30-35 kids there, ranging in age from 3 up to 16. Most were on bikes... a few had scooters or skateboards. Our "pros" started out with a 10-minute discussion about safety and surviving on the streets. (It was aimed as much at the parents as the kids.) They told 'em, "If you don't remember anything else from tonight, LIGHTS AT NIGHT and RIDE ON THE RIGHT!" Visible... predictable... legal.
Most of the kids rode the "skill course" - and most rode it 4 or 5 times. And then it was just sheer delight to see 30 or so kids on their bikes, happily "free riding" around in the parking lot. There were 1 or 2 minor mishaps... but the victims hopped right back up and the first aid kit stayed latched.
Then it was time for a short road ride. Lisa asked if I would be ride leader - sure! (Granddaughter Bonnie, on the Tag-Along, was stoked. She hollered, "Ready, set, go!" and we were off!)
I was pretty ambitious... my selected route was probably a mile. (I deviated a bit from the envisioned route, because there were a lot of cars parallel-parked along the first road.) The group completed the loop in probably 15 minutes. Lisa said it was all good, because the neighborhood got a good dose of kids-on-bikes-on-the-road... and everybody survived!
Popsicles afterwards!
I've done a few bike rodeos over the years, but this was the most successful, thanks to passionate and expert helpers. My sincere thanks to Lisa Brady and the Safe Routes to School people. If we saved one child from being injured or killed, it was time and effort well spent! (My only regret? I took my small camera, which accompanies me 'most everywhere, but in all the excitement it remained in my pocket! D'oh! You'll have to take my word for it - no photos.)
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Stupid phones!
The motto of many, many "smart phone" owner/operators could be, "My phone is smart, so I don't have to be!"
30 years ago, mobile phones were a very rare novelty. The cell phones of the day were the size of a brick, were useful in very limited areas, and cost $2000. They did one thing rather poorly - make and receive telephone calls. And... most people did just fine without a mobile phone.
In 2016, it's rare to see anybody over 12 or so who doesn't have a "smart phone." And a meaningful percentage of those people seem to be totally focused on that tiny screen, all the live long day!
I challenge you to do your own informal inventory. Look at the people where you are... walking, standing, driving, bicycling, skateboarding, sitting... whatever. It's really quite startling how many will have one elbow cocked at 90 degrees to look at that phone... or in some cases, cradling it lovingly in two hands, like a precious infant or an adorable kitty. (As a mostly-outsider looking on, I can't help but wonder... WHAT could possibly be so interesting on that four-inch screen, that's far more enthralling than the real life all around them?!?)
Has the IQ of our society gone up, as "smart phones" have become ubiquitous? There's precious little evidence of that... and there are disturbing signs that the opposite might be true, in this observer's viewpoint.
FIRST: You don't need to know anything, if you can look everything up on your "smart phone."
SECOND: Observe some of the stuff that "smart phone" operators do, on account of their staring at their phones! They walk into manholes and fountains, and step off curbs. Worse... they get behind the wheel of their car, and maim/kill themselves and innocent bystanders. 30 years ago, I'm confident that collisions involving distracted driving were less common than they are today. (There have always been distractions... but the "smart phone" has taken distracted driving to a whole new disturbing level, and apparently our society deems the collateral damage acceptable.)
A couple weekends ago, I was bicycling through a nearby city park. It seemed there were considerably more smart-phone zombies than usual, standing or lurching about, staring at their phones. Turns out it was almost certainly related to the latest smart-phone craze - Pokemon Go. Oh, joy! Proponents are defending it: "Well, at least it gets the kids out of the house and doing something." Seriously? Is that where we are, as an enlighened society? We need some sort of smart-phone game to get people outside (where they stare at their phones some more)? (If you're interested, HERE is a video taken on a Baltimore cop body-cam. A driver sideswipes a cop car, and his declared reason is because he was playing Pokemon on his "smart phone.") Beam me up, Scotty!
[NOTE: The main reason I have strong feelings about "smart phones" is the tendency of their users to do really REALLY stupid stuff that endangers other people. I witness it up close and personal, almost every day. If they were only putting themselves at risk with their entertainment/lifestyle choices, I'd say let nature take its course! The smart will survive... the dumb, not so much. But "smart phone" users kill and damage both smart and not-so-smart indiscriminately. I sincerely hope we eventually attach some negative stigma to driving around killing people while phone-distracted... that would be a step in the right direction.]
30 years ago, mobile phones were a very rare novelty. The cell phones of the day were the size of a brick, were useful in very limited areas, and cost $2000. They did one thing rather poorly - make and receive telephone calls. And... most people did just fine without a mobile phone.
In 2016, it's rare to see anybody over 12 or so who doesn't have a "smart phone." And a meaningful percentage of those people seem to be totally focused on that tiny screen, all the live long day!
I challenge you to do your own informal inventory. Look at the people where you are... walking, standing, driving, bicycling, skateboarding, sitting... whatever. It's really quite startling how many will have one elbow cocked at 90 degrees to look at that phone... or in some cases, cradling it lovingly in two hands, like a precious infant or an adorable kitty. (As a mostly-outsider looking on, I can't help but wonder... WHAT could possibly be so interesting on that four-inch screen, that's far more enthralling than the real life all around them?!?)
Has the IQ of our society gone up, as "smart phones" have become ubiquitous? There's precious little evidence of that... and there are disturbing signs that the opposite might be true, in this observer's viewpoint.
FIRST: You don't need to know anything, if you can look everything up on your "smart phone."
SECOND: Observe some of the stuff that "smart phone" operators do, on account of their staring at their phones! They walk into manholes and fountains, and step off curbs. Worse... they get behind the wheel of their car, and maim/kill themselves and innocent bystanders. 30 years ago, I'm confident that collisions involving distracted driving were less common than they are today. (There have always been distractions... but the "smart phone" has taken distracted driving to a whole new disturbing level, and apparently our society deems the collateral damage acceptable.)
A couple weekends ago, I was bicycling through a nearby city park. It seemed there were considerably more smart-phone zombies than usual, standing or lurching about, staring at their phones. Turns out it was almost certainly related to the latest smart-phone craze - Pokemon Go. Oh, joy! Proponents are defending it: "Well, at least it gets the kids out of the house and doing something." Seriously? Is that where we are, as an enlighened society? We need some sort of smart-phone game to get people outside (where they stare at their phones some more)? (If you're interested, HERE is a video taken on a Baltimore cop body-cam. A driver sideswipes a cop car, and his declared reason is because he was playing Pokemon on his "smart phone.") Beam me up, Scotty!
[NOTE: The main reason I have strong feelings about "smart phones" is the tendency of their users to do really REALLY stupid stuff that endangers other people. I witness it up close and personal, almost every day. If they were only putting themselves at risk with their entertainment/lifestyle choices, I'd say let nature take its course! The smart will survive... the dumb, not so much. But "smart phone" users kill and damage both smart and not-so-smart indiscriminately. I sincerely hope we eventually attach some negative stigma to driving around killing people while phone-distracted... that would be a step in the right direction.]
Friday, May 6, 2016
MAY - Amateur Bicycle Month?
This should be, in every way, one of the premiere months to ride a bicycle in Boise. But I always have mixed emotions.
While the weather has turned for the better, and the fragrance of springtime blossoms hangs in the air... it is also the month when the casual cyclists show up en masse.
Some are probably just out of practice. Some are incompetent. Some seem to be willfully ignorant of the rules, and/or oblivious to their surroundings. They ride as though they have an invisible force field, that will protect them from encounters with other road-goers.
They seem to be causing an inordinate amount of carnage this year. In the past 36 hours, there have been at least three motor vehicle vs. bicycle injury accidents.
In the first, a cyclist collided with a cement truck at 2:30 in the morning, sustaining "serious lower-body injuries." Dude! I feel sorry for the guy... BUT! Seriously! If you can't identify the possible threat from a cement truck at 2:30 in the morning and take evasive action, maybe stay off the bike! (Details are still emerging, but I'm willing to lay down money that the cement truck driver's story is, "I didn't see him.")
In another incident, half-a-day later, a guy sustained life threatening injuries when according to witnesses, he rode onto a busy street, directly into the path of a car that had a green light. It's a bit risky to ride into the path of a car when your light is green and his is red. When your light is red? Nigh unto suicidal!
And then this afternoon (the very next day), I was witness to the aftermath of a car-bike crash I haven't seen reported yet. I rode up onto the scene. A young fella, maybe 11 or 12, was sitting (at least he wasn't lying!) in the road, surrounded by helpful citizens. A pickup was blocking one lane. Another young fella about the same age was looking on with a helpless expression from the side of the road; he was holding up a bicycle with a twisted front wheel. I could hear the first responders converging - I cleared out. Based on just that, it's pretty hard to assign responsibility.
Does "who's responsible" matter? The people who are responsible are the most likely to say it doesn't matter. I believe it's very important, to determine where more attention might be warranted, in both enforcement and education.
A half-hour before I rode thru the accident scene, I had my own close encounter with a couple incompetents on bikes. They both looked to be in their early 20s. I first encountered them as I arrived at a busy intersection just as rush hour was beginning. They were running a red light; I had to brake to avoid colliding with the second guy. I turned and followed... because that was the direction of my travel. I was happy when they took the sidewalk, leaving a clear bike lane for me to go by. But - lo and behold! - at the next curb cut, the front guy came off the sidewalk and back into the bike lane without warning, right into the space I was occupying. He was riding like he was alone on his private highway. I hollered "hey"! (The equivalent of a horn.) He took great umbrage at my shout, and of course his response was the universal/Neanderthal/all-purpose "Be fruitful and multiply!" Only not in those words. (Did he feel embarrassed? Or was he so totally clueless that he didn't realize the near-miss he was responsible for? I'll never know.) Sigh...
Well... they say that May is "Bike Month." Nice to see people out enjoying it, I s'pose. And Boise Bike Week is coming up, May 14-21! Look over the schedule and join an event or three! I always enjoy the Pedal Power Parade (Saturday 5/21, 5pm); I plan on being there with the granddaughters.
While the weather has turned for the better, and the fragrance of springtime blossoms hangs in the air... it is also the month when the casual cyclists show up en masse.
Some are probably just out of practice. Some are incompetent. Some seem to be willfully ignorant of the rules, and/or oblivious to their surroundings. They ride as though they have an invisible force field, that will protect them from encounters with other road-goers.
They seem to be causing an inordinate amount of carnage this year. In the past 36 hours, there have been at least three motor vehicle vs. bicycle injury accidents.
In the first, a cyclist collided with a cement truck at 2:30 in the morning, sustaining "serious lower-body injuries." Dude! I feel sorry for the guy... BUT! Seriously! If you can't identify the possible threat from a cement truck at 2:30 in the morning and take evasive action, maybe stay off the bike! (Details are still emerging, but I'm willing to lay down money that the cement truck driver's story is, "I didn't see him.")
In another incident, half-a-day later, a guy sustained life threatening injuries when according to witnesses, he rode onto a busy street, directly into the path of a car that had a green light. It's a bit risky to ride into the path of a car when your light is green and his is red. When your light is red? Nigh unto suicidal!
And then this afternoon (the very next day), I was witness to the aftermath of a car-bike crash I haven't seen reported yet. I rode up onto the scene. A young fella, maybe 11 or 12, was sitting (at least he wasn't lying!) in the road, surrounded by helpful citizens. A pickup was blocking one lane. Another young fella about the same age was looking on with a helpless expression from the side of the road; he was holding up a bicycle with a twisted front wheel. I could hear the first responders converging - I cleared out. Based on just that, it's pretty hard to assign responsibility.
Does "who's responsible" matter? The people who are responsible are the most likely to say it doesn't matter. I believe it's very important, to determine where more attention might be warranted, in both enforcement and education.
A half-hour before I rode thru the accident scene, I had my own close encounter with a couple incompetents on bikes. They both looked to be in their early 20s. I first encountered them as I arrived at a busy intersection just as rush hour was beginning. They were running a red light; I had to brake to avoid colliding with the second guy. I turned and followed... because that was the direction of my travel. I was happy when they took the sidewalk, leaving a clear bike lane for me to go by. But - lo and behold! - at the next curb cut, the front guy came off the sidewalk and back into the bike lane without warning, right into the space I was occupying. He was riding like he was alone on his private highway. I hollered "hey"! (The equivalent of a horn.) He took great umbrage at my shout, and of course his response was the universal/Neanderthal/all-purpose "Be fruitful and multiply!" Only not in those words. (Did he feel embarrassed? Or was he so totally clueless that he didn't realize the near-miss he was responsible for? I'll never know.) Sigh...
Well... they say that May is "Bike Month." Nice to see people out enjoying it, I s'pose. And Boise Bike Week is coming up, May 14-21! Look over the schedule and join an event or three! I always enjoy the Pedal Power Parade (Saturday 5/21, 5pm); I plan on being there with the granddaughters.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
New bike questions on the Idaho driver's test
The local news media are reporting that the test to get a driver's license will soon have additional questions about sharing the road with bicyclists. (There aren't any new laws, and the information has been available in the Idaho Driver's Handbook (starting on page 74), but having it on the test will certainly contribute to awareness of the situation, and cyclist rights.)
ITD spokesman Steve Grant acknowledges that the crash involving 5-year-old Max Wyatt was a motivating factor... that "this tragedy kind of opened the discussion."
I believe it went like this:
Following the crash, our #1 advocate and activist, Jimmy Hallyburton (AKA "Mister Boise Bicycle Project") requested a meeting with Governor Butch Otter. The rest is history.
I've got to admit, I was pretty skeptical that anything could possibly come from Jimmy's meeting with Butch. I figured Butch would pretend to listen to him for 10 minutes, reply "I feel your pain," and roll his eyes when it was all over. (It's hard for people who don't ride bikes-as-transportation to appreciate the issues... just like most of us can't fully understand being a "minority race" citizen.)
NEVER underestimate the power of well-informed and passionate advocacy! Especially if you demonstrate that you're not just a wild-eyed fanatic. My hat is off to Jimmy Hallyburton! (I'm sure Jimmy gets even more satisfaction from having distributed, with his organization, 387 refurbished Christmas bikes! The mind boggles! Fantastic!)
ITD spokesman Steve Grant acknowledges that the crash involving 5-year-old Max Wyatt was a motivating factor... that "this tragedy kind of opened the discussion."
I believe it went like this:
Following the crash, our #1 advocate and activist, Jimmy Hallyburton (AKA "Mister Boise Bicycle Project") requested a meeting with Governor Butch Otter. The rest is history.
I've got to admit, I was pretty skeptical that anything could possibly come from Jimmy's meeting with Butch. I figured Butch would pretend to listen to him for 10 minutes, reply "I feel your pain," and roll his eyes when it was all over. (It's hard for people who don't ride bikes-as-transportation to appreciate the issues... just like most of us can't fully understand being a "minority race" citizen.)
NEVER underestimate the power of well-informed and passionate advocacy! Especially if you demonstrate that you're not just a wild-eyed fanatic. My hat is off to Jimmy Hallyburton! (I'm sure Jimmy gets even more satisfaction from having distributed, with his organization, 387 refurbished Christmas bikes! The mind boggles! Fantastic!)
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Shoulda taken the bus!
It's probably been 10 years since I had an "injury" crash on the bicycle. You know, with an injury that has more than a 24-hour impact. Up 'til yesterday. I crashed twice!
On my way to the office in the morning, a light dusting of snow obscured the route, just enough to make obstacles less than obvious. Particularly when combined with the darkness that's fairly prevalent at 7:45am. I rode through a construction project, just off the Greenbelt, and went straight where the path has been rerouted a little twisty. I handled the frozen mounds of dirt and clattering rebar... but stopped abruptly when I went into a 10-inch curb dead-on.
Literally did the face-plant. Banged one elbow and my right leg just above the knee. Fortunately there was no other traffic of any kind, so I had the luxury of laying there and moaning for 15 or 20 seconds... then dragged my sorry carcass to my feet, to assess the damage.
The snow and dirt apparently provided just enough "lubrication" so I didn't have any facial road rash... my top lip was fat. Road rash on one elbow. An achy deep bruise just above my right knee.
The bike escaped relatively unscathed... had to straighten out one brake lever... and limped to the office.
Then on the ride home, the temperature was right at freezing. And... in a display of poor judgment I was riding over-confidently. Attempted a turn on what I thought was wet pavement... turned out to be frozen instead of wet. BANG! The same knee took the brunt... along with the other elbow. Two witnesses (on foot) to that one. Both asked "Are you okay?" Trick question... right?
Once again I was able to answer the bell. I rode on home - carefully!
I 'spect the right knee will be sore for a week or more.
Could've been way worse! But both incidents were totally preventable, and I have to take ownership. I hope I can now go another 10 or 15 years before I bang myself up again. I'm getting too old to be slamming on the black-top.
Dry pavement is totally under-rated!
On my way to the office in the morning, a light dusting of snow obscured the route, just enough to make obstacles less than obvious. Particularly when combined with the darkness that's fairly prevalent at 7:45am. I rode through a construction project, just off the Greenbelt, and went straight where the path has been rerouted a little twisty. I handled the frozen mounds of dirt and clattering rebar... but stopped abruptly when I went into a 10-inch curb dead-on.
Literally did the face-plant. Banged one elbow and my right leg just above the knee. Fortunately there was no other traffic of any kind, so I had the luxury of laying there and moaning for 15 or 20 seconds... then dragged my sorry carcass to my feet, to assess the damage.
The snow and dirt apparently provided just enough "lubrication" so I didn't have any facial road rash... my top lip was fat. Road rash on one elbow. An achy deep bruise just above my right knee.
The bike escaped relatively unscathed... had to straighten out one brake lever... and limped to the office.
Then on the ride home, the temperature was right at freezing. And... in a display of poor judgment I was riding over-confidently. Attempted a turn on what I thought was wet pavement... turned out to be frozen instead of wet. BANG! The same knee took the brunt... along with the other elbow. Two witnesses (on foot) to that one. Both asked "Are you okay?" Trick question... right?
Once again I was able to answer the bell. I rode on home - carefully!
I 'spect the right knee will be sore for a week or more.
Could've been way worse! But both incidents were totally preventable, and I have to take ownership. I hope I can now go another 10 or 15 years before I bang myself up again. I'm getting too old to be slamming on the black-top.
Dry pavement is totally under-rated!
Monday, October 5, 2015
Reached THE MAX? That would be nice!!
Last month, a fine young boy named Max Wyatt was riding his bike with his dad (in my neighborhood!) when he was struck down in a collision with a woman driving a minivan. Details are still sketchy and the investigation ongoing, but based on all accounts, Max and his dad were doing everything right. Poor Max was dragged down the street a ways, and bystanders rescued him from underneath the car. He was flown to a children's hospital in Salt Lake City, and (thank goodness!) seems to be on the mend - albeit very slowly. We all hope and pray that he has a complete recovery.
Friends of the Wyatt family have started a campaign to raise funds for his care... and Jimmy Hallyburton, founder of the Boise Bicycle Project, is also doing what he can (as always) to raise awareness about bicycle safety. (He's also good friends with the Wyatt family, raising his stake in this particular drama.)
Jimmy is encouraging people to make a bracelet out of a bike spoke as an awareness symbol. But more than that... he's put together a public safety meeting that will hopefully involve concerned citizens as well as local policymakers, scheduled for Wednesday 10/6 at 6pm, in the Rose Room. (I hope that's correct info! I'm gathering this off Jimmy's Facebook postings, and I'm not a Facebook power user!!)
Schedule of events:
6pm - Bracelet Making
6:30pm - Meeting Begins, Max and The Max campaign
6:45pm - Information and opportunities for involvement in the Treasure Valley’s bicycle and pedestrian organizations
7:15pm- New technologies, methods, and ideas for change
7:30pm- Public comment, ideas, input and concerns
7:55pm- Next Steps in the Max Campaign
8pm- Meeting Conclusion
(Jimmy also has an audience with Governor Otter on October 14. I've gotta hand it to the guy - he's totally dedicated to making a difference!)
What more can be done, to make our streets safer for cyclists? (Other than separating bike traffic from motor traffic, and that will NEVER happen comprehensively.)
I happen to know the lady who was driving the minivan. She's devastated. She has kids of her own, including a little girl about Max's age, and they ride bikes. She's a very conscientious person. She doesn't even own an electronic handheld gizmo, so she wasn't distracted by her texting or yappin' on the phone (like so many people these days). I'm sure she'd gladly trade places with Max in the hospital room, if she could. She says she can't remember much of anything leading up to the tragic moment... I s'pose shock will do that to ya. I'm NOT excusing her; she was almost surely responsible for what happened. But it makes me realize that one or two seconds of inattentiveness while driving can affect lives in a profound way. How do we get motorists to truly appreciate how critical it is, that they focus on their driving, in our A-D-D day and age?!!!
Also... how can we make cyclists appreciate how critical it is for them to be legal, visible, aware, and "defensive"? Max and his dad were probably doing everything right, but just the same, they flew under the driver's "radar." It's horrible! I see Bozos on Bike every day, who are riding illegally and downright dangerously, apparently trusting good luck and the attentiveness/skill of the Motoring Public. (NOT a good place to lay your life on the line, seems to me.)
I'm not sure there is an answer, other than vigorous enforcement of laws, and a dedicated campaign of education. I'm vitally interested in bicycle safety, and look forward to what emerges from the meeting.
Friends of the Wyatt family have started a campaign to raise funds for his care... and Jimmy Hallyburton, founder of the Boise Bicycle Project, is also doing what he can (as always) to raise awareness about bicycle safety. (He's also good friends with the Wyatt family, raising his stake in this particular drama.)
Jimmy is encouraging people to make a bracelet out of a bike spoke as an awareness symbol. But more than that... he's put together a public safety meeting that will hopefully involve concerned citizens as well as local policymakers, scheduled for Wednesday 10/6 at 6pm, in the Rose Room. (I hope that's correct info! I'm gathering this off Jimmy's Facebook postings, and I'm not a Facebook power user!!)
Schedule of events:
6pm - Bracelet Making
6:30pm - Meeting Begins, Max and The Max campaign
6:45pm - Information and opportunities for involvement in the Treasure Valley’s bicycle and pedestrian organizations
7:15pm- New technologies, methods, and ideas for change
7:30pm- Public comment, ideas, input and concerns
7:55pm- Next Steps in the Max Campaign
8pm- Meeting Conclusion
(Jimmy also has an audience with Governor Otter on October 14. I've gotta hand it to the guy - he's totally dedicated to making a difference!)
What more can be done, to make our streets safer for cyclists? (Other than separating bike traffic from motor traffic, and that will NEVER happen comprehensively.)
I happen to know the lady who was driving the minivan. She's devastated. She has kids of her own, including a little girl about Max's age, and they ride bikes. She's a very conscientious person. She doesn't even own an electronic handheld gizmo, so she wasn't distracted by her texting or yappin' on the phone (like so many people these days). I'm sure she'd gladly trade places with Max in the hospital room, if she could. She says she can't remember much of anything leading up to the tragic moment... I s'pose shock will do that to ya. I'm NOT excusing her; she was almost surely responsible for what happened. But it makes me realize that one or two seconds of inattentiveness while driving can affect lives in a profound way. How do we get motorists to truly appreciate how critical it is, that they focus on their driving, in our A-D-D day and age?!!!
Also... how can we make cyclists appreciate how critical it is for them to be legal, visible, aware, and "defensive"? Max and his dad were probably doing everything right, but just the same, they flew under the driver's "radar." It's horrible! I see Bozos on Bike every day, who are riding illegally and downright dangerously, apparently trusting good luck and the attentiveness/skill of the Motoring Public. (NOT a good place to lay your life on the line, seems to me.)
I'm not sure there is an answer, other than vigorous enforcement of laws, and a dedicated campaign of education. I'm vitally interested in bicycle safety, and look forward to what emerges from the meeting.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Fewer dead bike kids, more dead bike guys
A study of bicycling fatalities from 1975-2012 illustrates some non-surprising trends.
Kid (under 15) fatalities decreased 92 percent! Fatalities among cyclists aged 35-54 nearly tripled, and 87 percent of those fatalities were men. Fatality rates for women remained steady.
The decline in child fatalities might be "attributable to fewer child bicycle trips." Do you s'pose? When I was a kid (too early to be included in this study), there were probably 150 bikes parked out front of Roosevelt Elementary. Nowadays there are maybe a dozen bikes out front of Monroe Elementary, where my kids attended and my granddaughter now attends. (She can't ride her bike - her grandma is absolutely certain she'd be either run over or abducted somewhere along the 3/4 mile ride.)
How about those grownup guys that are getting kilt? Well... the study says from 2000-2012 "the number of U.S. workers who traveled to work on a bike increased 61 percent," and mostly among men 25-64.
Fatalities varied from state to state, with Florida having the most (I assume by percentage), and Vermont the least. Overall, the fatality rate dropped from 955 in '75 to 717 in '12.
What else has changed in the past 40 years? As a casual observer, I'd say a primary change is... there were zero cellphone/"smart"phone users in '75, and nowadays pretty much everybody has one, and many are yammerin' or pokin' as they drive along. And obviously if they kill a few bike riders, society considers that acceptable "collateral damage."
The study suggests better bike infrastructure, enforcement, helmet use, and better education on safe bike/motorist behaviors as keys to reduce fatality rates. I agree, particularly on the enforcement and education.
Story HERE.
Kid (under 15) fatalities decreased 92 percent! Fatalities among cyclists aged 35-54 nearly tripled, and 87 percent of those fatalities were men. Fatality rates for women remained steady.
The decline in child fatalities might be "attributable to fewer child bicycle trips." Do you s'pose? When I was a kid (too early to be included in this study), there were probably 150 bikes parked out front of Roosevelt Elementary. Nowadays there are maybe a dozen bikes out front of Monroe Elementary, where my kids attended and my granddaughter now attends. (She can't ride her bike - her grandma is absolutely certain she'd be either run over or abducted somewhere along the 3/4 mile ride.)
How about those grownup guys that are getting kilt? Well... the study says from 2000-2012 "the number of U.S. workers who traveled to work on a bike increased 61 percent," and mostly among men 25-64.
Fatalities varied from state to state, with Florida having the most (I assume by percentage), and Vermont the least. Overall, the fatality rate dropped from 955 in '75 to 717 in '12.
What else has changed in the past 40 years? As a casual observer, I'd say a primary change is... there were zero cellphone/"smart"phone users in '75, and nowadays pretty much everybody has one, and many are yammerin' or pokin' as they drive along. And obviously if they kill a few bike riders, society considers that acceptable "collateral damage."
The study suggests better bike infrastructure, enforcement, helmet use, and better education on safe bike/motorist behaviors as keys to reduce fatality rates. I agree, particularly on the enforcement and education.
Story HERE.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Greenbelt courtesies
In the course of my travels, I've been to many communities that boasted of a bicycle/pedestrian pathway. I don't claim to be an expert, but I've not seen any that's more glorious than Boise's beloved Greenbelt.
The city's website describes it as follows: The 25-mile ... tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks. The Greenbelt also serves as an alternative transportation route for commuters.
When I was a young pup growing up in Boise - and floating the Boise River - the river had a few parks along the way, notably Municipal, Julia Davis, and the spankin' new Ann Morrison Park. But for the most part, the river bank was lined with junked rusty equipment, slabs of concrete that had been dumped, drain pipes, and lots of overgrown brush, poison ivy, litter, etc. It's nice to have that "before-after" perspective - perhaps I appreciate it even more than people who have arrived in the ensuing years. My hat will forever be off to the visionaries who planned it and made it happen... and to the landowners along the river, who bought into that vision.
I enjoy the Greenbelt year-round. (Over the last 3 or 4 years, recognizing its value as a transportation route, the Parks Department has been very faithful about keeping it plowed, on the rare snow days.) Unfortunately, my commute only involves maybe 1/2 mile of those 25 miles, but it's also a fine place to do some recreational riding and sight-seeing. Particularly when I have my young granddaughters along... there are hazards on the path (keep reading), but I'm generally confident they won't get squished by a motor vehicle.
I probably enjoy the Greenbelt more during the "off months" than during peak season. The most glorious time, scenery wise, is in the spring and autumn. But alas, my selfish enjoyment of the Greenbelt diminishes somewhat as the weather gets nice, because the Greenbelt population increases exponentially... and many of the newcomers behave as though they don't know how to share the facility graciously.
I don't know when the "User Courtesies" were first published, but I thought they might be worth reviewing. They can be found on the website that is linked above. Also, neighbor community Garden City has adopted them in their entirety, for the stretch of Greenbelt that they manage. (Just don't ride your bike on the forbidden Riverside Village "nature path"!!)
Here are those Courtesies, along with some commentary and observations I've added, as a long-time user-advocate. The published material is in italics (and colored - sorry, Clancy!), my comments are not italicized. I'd be very interested in other peoples' observations, and would dearly love a response from Boise Parks and Recreation.
To insure that all users' rights are protected and to guard against accidents, the Boise Parks & Recreation Department has established the following courtesies and safety guidelines for pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists to obey.
- Stay only on designated trails.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Cyclists and in-line skaters must be aware of pedestrians.
I'd like to see that changed so it reads, "Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. However, all Greenbelt users should be aware of, and respect, other Greenbelt users." Is there some reason that pedestrians don't need to be aware of cyclists and in-line skaters? In fact, the "Tips" section on the same (Boise) web page states, "Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings. Take off headphones and be aware of what's going on around you." Great advice! Reinforce it in the "Courtesies" section!
- All Greenbelt users should stay to the right and use caution under bridges and at blind corners where vision could be impaired.
Routinely violated by all classes of users. Some pedestrians stroll down the left side as if they are practicing some kind of safety technique, while everybody they encounter has to adjust. Others lurch from one side to the other, while staring at their handheld gizmos. Dogs dart from one side to the other... they don't know any better, but the people walking the dogs should. Packs of pedestrians, runners, cyclists, etc., routinely use the entire pathway width.
- Pedestrians should not walk more then two abreast.
See comment immediately above.
- Motorized vehicles and hoofed animals are prohibited. (Maintenance, patrol and handicap vehicles are the exception.)
I'd sure like to see the "authorities" set a better example. I've had rides on the Greenbelt interrupted by golf-cart after golf-cart after golf-cart, all apparently conducting "official business." I've seen police cars driving down the Greenbelt in Garden City! Motor traffic should be kept to an absolute minimum, for both safety and aesthetic reasons!!
- All non-paved sections are restricted to foot traffic only.
I don't believe this is accurate. I'd prefer, "Obey use restrictions as posted on signs - bicycles, dogs, etc." I believe there are areas (I'm thinking of Veteran's Memorial Park, for example) where it's perfectly fine to ride bikes on unpaved stretches. And there are paved places (Maryanne Williams) where cyclists and dogs are not allowed.
- Dogs are allowed only if on a leash - leash not to exceed eight (8) feet.
Routinely violated - dogs running loose, and dogs at the end of a 25-foot spring-operated retractable leash, running all over the place. Some folks obviously feel their beloved pooch is "special" and doesn't need to follow the rules meant for commoner mongrel dogs.
- Dog owners are responsible for sanitary disposal of dog feces.
See previous comment. Nobody would be bothered by a pile of dog poop left by such a "special" dog, right?!?
- Bicyclists and in-line skaters are encouraged not to conduct serious training or to maintain fast speeds. Competitive events for in-line skaters and bicyclists are not allowed because of safety issues and potential accidents.
Amen and amen!! The biggest legitimate bicycle beef that other pathway users have - and the reason for restrictions like the infamous Garden City "nature trail" - is the wankers dressed like Lance or Kristin (the Armstrongs) blasting at 20mph past pedestrians! Get off the freakin' path, you posers!
- Bicyclists and skaters who wish to pass other users along the Greenbelt must notify others that they are passing, either verbally (example: "passing on your left") or by other audible means (bell, horn, etc.). The person wishing to pass is responsible for passing freely and clearly around others, and not hindering approaching users.
I have a slight problem with this. As a citizen who does most of his riding on the streets, I would liken this to honking every time you come up behind somebody, or pass. It implies that the person you're passing isn't astute enough to pay attention. My practice: If I come up behind somebody who's walking in a nice predictable straight line on the proper side of the path, and there's plenty of passing space, I'll slowly and cautiously go on by, maintaining the maximum available distance, and at a respectable rate of speed. If passing will be hazardous, I'll announce my presence beforehand, and hope they're not rockin' out with the earplugs. Consider it a compliment if I don't holler "on your left" before I go by!
- Don't harass or encroach upon the wildlife. Disturbing or collecting any vegetation or natural habitat along the Greenbelt is prohibited.
- Glass beverage containers are not permitted.
- Alcohol is prohibited within 250 feet of the Boise River. Beer/wine is allowed in ... restricted areas by permit...
I'd like to see one more point added... maybe at the very top.
"Keep in mind that the Greenbelt is a transportation corridor, and is often crowded with users. Please respect other users by not blocking the pathway to chit-chat, repair your bicycle, adjust your load, yap on the phone, send a text, conduct pet or baby admiration sessions, snap a photo, etc. Step to the side, so other people can go by."
(It's so common-sense that you'd think it's no-brainer obvious... but so are a lot of those published rules already in place!)
Okay - I've vented. (But I'm confident much additional venting will be required, over the just-underway "amateur greenbelt season.")
The city's website describes it as follows: The 25-mile ... tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks. The Greenbelt also serves as an alternative transportation route for commuters.
When I was a young pup growing up in Boise - and floating the Boise River - the river had a few parks along the way, notably Municipal, Julia Davis, and the spankin' new Ann Morrison Park. But for the most part, the river bank was lined with junked rusty equipment, slabs of concrete that had been dumped, drain pipes, and lots of overgrown brush, poison ivy, litter, etc. It's nice to have that "before-after" perspective - perhaps I appreciate it even more than people who have arrived in the ensuing years. My hat will forever be off to the visionaries who planned it and made it happen... and to the landowners along the river, who bought into that vision.
I enjoy the Greenbelt year-round. (Over the last 3 or 4 years, recognizing its value as a transportation route, the Parks Department has been very faithful about keeping it plowed, on the rare snow days.) Unfortunately, my commute only involves maybe 1/2 mile of those 25 miles, but it's also a fine place to do some recreational riding and sight-seeing. Particularly when I have my young granddaughters along... there are hazards on the path (keep reading), but I'm generally confident they won't get squished by a motor vehicle.
I probably enjoy the Greenbelt more during the "off months" than during peak season. The most glorious time, scenery wise, is in the spring and autumn. But alas, my selfish enjoyment of the Greenbelt diminishes somewhat as the weather gets nice, because the Greenbelt population increases exponentially... and many of the newcomers behave as though they don't know how to share the facility graciously.
I don't know when the "User Courtesies" were first published, but I thought they might be worth reviewing. They can be found on the website that is linked above. Also, neighbor community Garden City has adopted them in their entirety, for the stretch of Greenbelt that they manage. (Just don't ride your bike on the forbidden Riverside Village "nature path"!!)
Here are those Courtesies, along with some commentary and observations I've added, as a long-time user-advocate. The published material is in italics (and colored - sorry, Clancy!), my comments are not italicized. I'd be very interested in other peoples' observations, and would dearly love a response from Boise Parks and Recreation.
To insure that all users' rights are protected and to guard against accidents, the Boise Parks & Recreation Department has established the following courtesies and safety guidelines for pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists to obey.
- Stay only on designated trails.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Cyclists and in-line skaters must be aware of pedestrians.
I'd like to see that changed so it reads, "Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. However, all Greenbelt users should be aware of, and respect, other Greenbelt users." Is there some reason that pedestrians don't need to be aware of cyclists and in-line skaters? In fact, the "Tips" section on the same (Boise) web page states, "Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings. Take off headphones and be aware of what's going on around you." Great advice! Reinforce it in the "Courtesies" section!
- All Greenbelt users should stay to the right and use caution under bridges and at blind corners where vision could be impaired.
Routinely violated by all classes of users. Some pedestrians stroll down the left side as if they are practicing some kind of safety technique, while everybody they encounter has to adjust. Others lurch from one side to the other, while staring at their handheld gizmos. Dogs dart from one side to the other... they don't know any better, but the people walking the dogs should. Packs of pedestrians, runners, cyclists, etc., routinely use the entire pathway width.
- Pedestrians should not walk more then two abreast.
See comment immediately above.
- Motorized vehicles and hoofed animals are prohibited. (Maintenance, patrol and handicap vehicles are the exception.)
I'd sure like to see the "authorities" set a better example. I've had rides on the Greenbelt interrupted by golf-cart after golf-cart after golf-cart, all apparently conducting "official business." I've seen police cars driving down the Greenbelt in Garden City! Motor traffic should be kept to an absolute minimum, for both safety and aesthetic reasons!!
- All non-paved sections are restricted to foot traffic only.
I don't believe this is accurate. I'd prefer, "Obey use restrictions as posted on signs - bicycles, dogs, etc." I believe there are areas (I'm thinking of Veteran's Memorial Park, for example) where it's perfectly fine to ride bikes on unpaved stretches. And there are paved places (Maryanne Williams) where cyclists and dogs are not allowed.
- Dogs are allowed only if on a leash - leash not to exceed eight (8) feet.
Routinely violated - dogs running loose, and dogs at the end of a 25-foot spring-operated retractable leash, running all over the place. Some folks obviously feel their beloved pooch is "special" and doesn't need to follow the rules meant for commoner mongrel dogs.
- Dog owners are responsible for sanitary disposal of dog feces.
See previous comment. Nobody would be bothered by a pile of dog poop left by such a "special" dog, right?!?
- Bicyclists and in-line skaters are encouraged not to conduct serious training or to maintain fast speeds. Competitive events for in-line skaters and bicyclists are not allowed because of safety issues and potential accidents.
Amen and amen!! The biggest legitimate bicycle beef that other pathway users have - and the reason for restrictions like the infamous Garden City "nature trail" - is the wankers dressed like Lance or Kristin (the Armstrongs) blasting at 20mph past pedestrians! Get off the freakin' path, you posers!
- Bicyclists and skaters who wish to pass other users along the Greenbelt must notify others that they are passing, either verbally (example: "passing on your left") or by other audible means (bell, horn, etc.). The person wishing to pass is responsible for passing freely and clearly around others, and not hindering approaching users.
I have a slight problem with this. As a citizen who does most of his riding on the streets, I would liken this to honking every time you come up behind somebody, or pass. It implies that the person you're passing isn't astute enough to pay attention. My practice: If I come up behind somebody who's walking in a nice predictable straight line on the proper side of the path, and there's plenty of passing space, I'll slowly and cautiously go on by, maintaining the maximum available distance, and at a respectable rate of speed. If passing will be hazardous, I'll announce my presence beforehand, and hope they're not rockin' out with the earplugs. Consider it a compliment if I don't holler "on your left" before I go by!
- Don't harass or encroach upon the wildlife. Disturbing or collecting any vegetation or natural habitat along the Greenbelt is prohibited.
- Glass beverage containers are not permitted.
- Alcohol is prohibited within 250 feet of the Boise River. Beer/wine is allowed in ... restricted areas by permit...
I'd like to see one more point added... maybe at the very top.
"Keep in mind that the Greenbelt is a transportation corridor, and is often crowded with users. Please respect other users by not blocking the pathway to chit-chat, repair your bicycle, adjust your load, yap on the phone, send a text, conduct pet or baby admiration sessions, snap a photo, etc. Step to the side, so other people can go by."
(It's so common-sense that you'd think it's no-brainer obvious... but so are a lot of those published rules already in place!)
Okay - I've vented. (But I'm confident much additional venting will be required, over the just-underway "amateur greenbelt season.")
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Football - safer than riding a bike!
"There are lies, damned lies, and statistics."
- Mark Twain
Need some evidence of that?
You've probably heard the ongoing dialogue regarding football injuries, specifically brain injuries caused by repeated concussions. Just this week, NFL player Chris Borland announced his retirement from the San Francisco 49ers at the age of 24, because he doesn't want to risk those kind of injuries.
In response, on Tuesday Dr. Joseph Maroon, a neurosurgeon, said, "There are more injuries to kids from falling off bikes, scooters, falling in playgrounds than there are in youth football. Again, it’s never been safer. Can we improve? Yes, we have to do better all the time to make it safer, but I think if a kid is physically able to do it and wants to do it, our job is to continue to make it safer. But it’s much more dangerous riding a bike or a skateboard than playing youth football."
Is he talking "tackle" bike riding, or "flag" bike riding?
It might be meaningful that Dr. Maroon earns money as a consultant to the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee. He's also team neurosurgeon to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It's probably a safe bet that more kids break their heads riding bikes than do playing football. But Maroon is obviously and conveniently ignoring the fact that for every kid who plays football, probably 1000 ride bikes. And 999 of those 1000 kids emerges unscathed.
If he really believes what he says... perhaps he's had a few concussions over the years.
Story HERE.
NOTE! I unhesitatingly advocate wearing a helmet (both children and adults!), and wear one myself, because of the possibility of konks to the noggin! Don't get me wrong! Cyclists suffer head injuries every day of the year. But let's get real, and not try to convince people by distorting facts.
- Mark Twain
Need some evidence of that?
You've probably heard the ongoing dialogue regarding football injuries, specifically brain injuries caused by repeated concussions. Just this week, NFL player Chris Borland announced his retirement from the San Francisco 49ers at the age of 24, because he doesn't want to risk those kind of injuries.
In response, on Tuesday Dr. Joseph Maroon, a neurosurgeon, said, "There are more injuries to kids from falling off bikes, scooters, falling in playgrounds than there are in youth football. Again, it’s never been safer. Can we improve? Yes, we have to do better all the time to make it safer, but I think if a kid is physically able to do it and wants to do it, our job is to continue to make it safer. But it’s much more dangerous riding a bike or a skateboard than playing youth football."
Is he talking "tackle" bike riding, or "flag" bike riding?
It might be meaningful that Dr. Maroon earns money as a consultant to the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee. He's also team neurosurgeon to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It's probably a safe bet that more kids break their heads riding bikes than do playing football. But Maroon is obviously and conveniently ignoring the fact that for every kid who plays football, probably 1000 ride bikes. And 999 of those 1000 kids emerges unscathed.
If he really believes what he says... perhaps he's had a few concussions over the years.
Story HERE.
NOTE! I unhesitatingly advocate wearing a helmet (both children and adults!), and wear one myself, because of the possibility of konks to the noggin! Don't get me wrong! Cyclists suffer head injuries every day of the year. But let's get real, and not try to convince people by distorting facts.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Bike/Car crashes in L.A. County
Los Angeles County may not be the first place you think of in the context of bicycle transportation. I imagine the freeways that chop the infrastructure into little pieces are a major obstacle. But the weather is certainly agreeable, and lots of people ride bikes, even in such an unlikely, car-centric place.
Lots of bikes - lots of crashes. In 2012, the authorities documented 5090 crashes involving a bicycle and a car.
What can we learn from the statistics?
1) Cyclists were more likely to be at fault, according to the authorities. (Nationwide in such crashes, the fault is pretty evenly divided between the cyclist and the motorist.)
2) In the 1878 crashes that were determined to be the fault of the motorist, failure to yield was the most frequent behavior leading to a collision. Second was improper turning. Other causes - disobeying traffic signals, "other hazardous violation," and excessive speed. No surprise there.
3) In the 2759 crashes that were caused by the cyclist's behavior... the #1 behavior by a wide margin was "biking on the wrong side of the road." (Others, but small percentages: failure to yield, disobeying traffic signals, improper turning.) No surprise? Unfortunately, it's unlikely that this sort of empirical information will make much of a difference... against-traffic riding laws are rarely enforced unless a crash is involved, and the against-traffic riders seem perfectly content to expose themselves to additional risk, riding along in blissful ignorance.
Story HERE.
Lots of bikes - lots of crashes. In 2012, the authorities documented 5090 crashes involving a bicycle and a car.
What can we learn from the statistics?
1) Cyclists were more likely to be at fault, according to the authorities. (Nationwide in such crashes, the fault is pretty evenly divided between the cyclist and the motorist.)
2) In the 1878 crashes that were determined to be the fault of the motorist, failure to yield was the most frequent behavior leading to a collision. Second was improper turning. Other causes - disobeying traffic signals, "other hazardous violation," and excessive speed. No surprise there.
3) In the 2759 crashes that were caused by the cyclist's behavior... the #1 behavior by a wide margin was "biking on the wrong side of the road." (Others, but small percentages: failure to yield, disobeying traffic signals, improper turning.) No surprise? Unfortunately, it's unlikely that this sort of empirical information will make much of a difference... against-traffic riding laws are rarely enforced unless a crash is involved, and the against-traffic riders seem perfectly content to expose themselves to additional risk, riding along in blissful ignorance.
Story HERE.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Dashboard enlightenment
I came up behind a car a couple mornings ago, that had the "smart phone" (quote/unquote) mounted on the dashboard, in roughly this fashion...
Right there where the driver will be constantly tempted to stare at it. (Like they do when they're lurching about, eating, using the potty, walking the dog, bicycling, worshiping, and pretty much everything else.)
Probably has some sort of hands-free technology, that gives owners/operators the false sense that it's safe. In reality, studies consistently support the theory that, hands-full or hands-free, conversing via cellphone has roughly the same effect on driving ability as being legally substance-impaired.
Speaking of worshiping, sometimes I long for the days when car dashboards were more likely to be adorned in this fashion...
Right there where the driver will be constantly tempted to stare at it. (Like they do when they're lurching about, eating, using the potty, walking the dog, bicycling, worshiping, and pretty much everything else.)
Probably has some sort of hands-free technology, that gives owners/operators the false sense that it's safe. In reality, studies consistently support the theory that, hands-full or hands-free, conversing via cellphone has roughly the same effect on driving ability as being legally substance-impaired.
Speaking of worshiping, sometimes I long for the days when car dashboards were more likely to be adorned in this fashion...
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Reminder!
Well, it was bound to happen eventually.
I had a weather-related crash.
Background info - we got about 8 inches of snow Thursday night and during the day Friday. They reported it's the most snow on the ground in Boise since 2002, so it's unusual. And since then, it's remained well below freezing, so the precipitation has mostly remained on the ground as well, in various forms.
I've soldiered on, riding my bicycle every day... the craigslist wider-tire beater bike that doubles as my baby bike.
Friday I still had the smooth treads on when I rode to work, and that afternoon I was sliding around like I was on water skis! I switched over to the "knobby" tires Friday night, and it's been much better. I rode to nearby destinations on Saturday and Sunday. Monday I had the day off and no destinations, so I rode a couple miles at the park across the street. (At least a mile-and-a-half was in the tennis courts, that had mostly "virgin" snow - I spent a half-hour or so making tire track patterns in that snow - fun!)
Yesterday I rode in to work again. As always when traction is marginal, I try to stick to the side roads, bike paths, etc., and travel at a reasonable pace. (Yeah, I know lots of people think the only reasonable bicycle pace is STOPPED, when the roads are slippery. If I had a car, I'd probably drive instead... but I don't have a car.) The morning ride was fine. But I'm convinced it's always slipperier in the afternoon. In the morning it seems like even the slipperiest places have "crystallized" a little on the surface. By contrast, in the afternoon when the sun has been shining, they become glass smooth, and even have a liquid-lubricant surface.
It was on one of those zero-traction surfaces where I had my mishap. It looked deceptively like it had a bit of sand and gravel... but not enough to provide any traction. There was just enough of a sideways slope that... ZIP!... my wheels were out from under me without a bit of warning and POW! I bounced off that slippery surface sideways.
And I was reminded that I'm a 61-year-old man! I didn't bounce right back up like I might have, 25 or 30 years ago.
There were cars approaching from both directions, but with plenty of distance to slow down until I dragged my sorry carcass out of the way. The reality... I had the scene cleared in probably 20 or 30 seconds, but it always seems longer. The guy approaching "head on" rolled down his window and sympathetically asked if I was okay. I was.
Other than de-chaining, my bicycle was fine. And as it turns out, I think I'm fine, too. The true test is the next morning when the alarm goes off and you have to get out of bed. That's when you find out if you've wrenched a muscle or bruised a joint... something that will hurt for a week or a month. But I didn't feel too bad. Just the usual morning slow start. Didn't even take an aspirin.
I thought about taking the bus. But when you get bucked off, you have to get back on that pony. So I rode. Did fine on the morning commute... and I have high expectations for the afternoon commute as well.
I had a weather-related crash.
Background info - we got about 8 inches of snow Thursday night and during the day Friday. They reported it's the most snow on the ground in Boise since 2002, so it's unusual. And since then, it's remained well below freezing, so the precipitation has mostly remained on the ground as well, in various forms.
I've soldiered on, riding my bicycle every day... the craigslist wider-tire beater bike that doubles as my baby bike.
Friday I still had the smooth treads on when I rode to work, and that afternoon I was sliding around like I was on water skis! I switched over to the "knobby" tires Friday night, and it's been much better. I rode to nearby destinations on Saturday and Sunday. Monday I had the day off and no destinations, so I rode a couple miles at the park across the street. (At least a mile-and-a-half was in the tennis courts, that had mostly "virgin" snow - I spent a half-hour or so making tire track patterns in that snow - fun!)
Yesterday I rode in to work again. As always when traction is marginal, I try to stick to the side roads, bike paths, etc., and travel at a reasonable pace. (Yeah, I know lots of people think the only reasonable bicycle pace is STOPPED, when the roads are slippery. If I had a car, I'd probably drive instead... but I don't have a car.) The morning ride was fine. But I'm convinced it's always slipperier in the afternoon. In the morning it seems like even the slipperiest places have "crystallized" a little on the surface. By contrast, in the afternoon when the sun has been shining, they become glass smooth, and even have a liquid-lubricant surface.
It was on one of those zero-traction surfaces where I had my mishap. It looked deceptively like it had a bit of sand and gravel... but not enough to provide any traction. There was just enough of a sideways slope that... ZIP!... my wheels were out from under me without a bit of warning and POW! I bounced off that slippery surface sideways.
And I was reminded that I'm a 61-year-old man! I didn't bounce right back up like I might have, 25 or 30 years ago.
There were cars approaching from both directions, but with plenty of distance to slow down until I dragged my sorry carcass out of the way. The reality... I had the scene cleared in probably 20 or 30 seconds, but it always seems longer. The guy approaching "head on" rolled down his window and sympathetically asked if I was okay. I was.
Other than de-chaining, my bicycle was fine. And as it turns out, I think I'm fine, too. The true test is the next morning when the alarm goes off and you have to get out of bed. That's when you find out if you've wrenched a muscle or bruised a joint... something that will hurt for a week or a month. But I didn't feel too bad. Just the usual morning slow start. Didn't even take an aspirin.
I thought about taking the bus. But when you get bucked off, you have to get back on that pony. So I rode. Did fine on the morning commute... and I have high expectations for the afternoon commute as well.
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