Wednesday, September 02, 2009
New Albany...you so crazy!!!
Dear City of New Albany,Thank you for paving Spring St!!! I love how the new road feels!!! My favorite part is when I get down to Spring and State Streets and my lane all of the sudden disappears and I'm left with the decision to cut off the guy behind me, or get side-swiped by the guy next to me. You make my drive in the morning so much fun with your new paving methods!!! I'm so happy my tax dollars don't go to waste here.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Does Idaho Have A Good Idea?
I've often thought that it makes a lot of sense for bicyclists to be able to roll through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop, putting one foot down and starting off again. Especially if you have cars behind you because this would mean the biker spends less time at the intersection, if no other cars are coming of course.
So I couldn't believe it when I saw this about Idaho in a bicycling email newsletter I get (Roadbike Rider) :
Since 1982 the Gem State has made it legal for cyclists to roll through stop signs and even stop lights (in certain situations). The so-called Idaho Stop Law has evolved in recent years, as detailed by Ray Thomas in an article in Oregon Cycling Magazine at http://tinyurl.com/kqk3ex. The entire law is in a PDF at http://tinyurl.com/mzhc2c
Thomas summarizes the state's stance:
"At stop signs, the Idaho bicyclist may slow, yield, and roll. At red lights when intending to turn right they can slow, yield and roll, but they must stop, yield, and then roll to make a left turn or to proceed straight through the intersection."
This sounds like what most of us do even when not riding in Idaho. But in the other 49 states where stop means stop, rolling through signs and lights is not legal and fuels the disdain that many drivers (and radio shock jocks) have for cyclists.
Importantly, the Idaho Stop Law has not led to an increase in traffic injuries or fatalities among cyclists, according to Thomas's article.
It's not a panacea, though. RBR reader Nancy W. tells us, "I live in Idaho, the only state where bicyclists can legally treat a stop sign as if it were a yield sign. However this is not without its own controversy here. Drivers who are ignorant of this law see cyclists as criminals. Drivers who are aware of the law see it as 'special rights' for cyclists. And arrogant cyclists fan the flames by refusing to yield or stop."
According to the League of American Bicyclists, only one other state (Oregon) has formally considered a law similar to Idaho's.
BikePortland.org has an enlightening and balanced FAQ page about the issue at http://tinyurl.com/92pxs8
Ed Pavelka
Editor, Publisher, Occasional Stopper
So I couldn't believe it when I saw this about Idaho in a bicycling email newsletter I get (Roadbike Rider) :
Since 1982 the Gem State has made it legal for cyclists to roll through stop signs and even stop lights (in certain situations). The so-called Idaho Stop Law has evolved in recent years, as detailed by Ray Thomas in an article in Oregon Cycling Magazine at http://tinyurl.com/kqk3ex. The entire law is in a PDF at http://tinyurl.com/mzhc2c
Thomas summarizes the state's stance:
"At stop signs, the Idaho bicyclist may slow, yield, and roll. At red lights when intending to turn right they can slow, yield and roll, but they must stop, yield, and then roll to make a left turn or to proceed straight through the intersection."
This sounds like what most of us do even when not riding in Idaho. But in the other 49 states where stop means stop, rolling through signs and lights is not legal and fuels the disdain that many drivers (and radio shock jocks) have for cyclists.
Importantly, the Idaho Stop Law has not led to an increase in traffic injuries or fatalities among cyclists, according to Thomas's article.
It's not a panacea, though. RBR reader Nancy W. tells us, "I live in Idaho, the only state where bicyclists can legally treat a stop sign as if it were a yield sign. However this is not without its own controversy here. Drivers who are ignorant of this law see cyclists as criminals. Drivers who are aware of the law see it as 'special rights' for cyclists. And arrogant cyclists fan the flames by refusing to yield or stop."
According to the League of American Bicyclists, only one other state (Oregon) has formally considered a law similar to Idaho's.
BikePortland.org has an enlightening and balanced FAQ page about the issue at http://tinyurl.com/92pxs8
Ed Pavelka
Editor, Publisher, Occasional Stopper
Satisfaction.
I finished August at 242 lbs, down from around 275 lbs on June 1, and with 653 km of bicycling for the month. The cumulative yearly total is now 1,981 km going into today's ride. Most of it (1,713 km) has come in the past three months, and I hope to sustain the momentum at least through October, although the plan remains to return to year-round riding and get out in all reasonable weather. even if it means going around the block.
It may not be Tour de France material, but I'm pleased with myself for getting the mojo back this summer after two down and lazy years. It has been quite interesting to observe the combination of heightened muscles and lightened load.
It may not be Tour de France material, but I'm pleased with myself for getting the mojo back this summer after two down and lazy years. It has been quite interesting to observe the combination of heightened muscles and lightened load.
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