tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30349917546928556462024-03-12T18:59:19.103-04:00Carless ColumbusMy fight to make the streets of Columbus safe for all those who seek to get around without an automobile.
"This time around, the revolution will not be motorized!"Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-1498892298469853542019-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:002019-01-17T15:04:29.554-05:00Big Laptop Panniers-A-Go-GoI mentioned a few months back that I needed to upgrade my pannier game. I was getting back into cycling to work, but the biggest challenge was my need for a pannier that would fit my laptop.<br />
<br />
Back when I first got my panniers, a pair of large Transit ones from <a href="http://www.performancebike.com/" target="_blank">Performance Bike</a> (I don't see the ones I got but that was over ten years ago, I'm sure they've upgraded as well), I was not using a laptop, so this wasn't even a concern. I even used a sort of slick <a href="https://www.performancebike.com/shop/transit-escape-dx-panniers-40-3154?utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=datafeed&cm_mmc=Google_Product_Search-_-PLA-_-Datafeed-_-TransIt%20Escape%20DX%20Panniers%20Black%20Null&CAWELAID=400006950000053158&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=25577012643&CATCI=pla-157854219123&catargetid=400006950000108272&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAg_HhBRDNARIsAGHLV51JbKkJeeKoOJEX0FAJ-DT0hhp1MHqT2bxhQc25qdEnY4M-ZjRCyQIaAmuREALw_wcB" target="_blank">Transit "Metro" Pannier</a> that converted into a messenger bag. I could pull it off my bike and use it for all my stuff I took to and from the office, leaving the bike specific stuff in the other pannier at the bike parking station at our office (which was secure). I still have both the large panniers and the Metro Pannier. They're well made items and I would still recommend them to anyone who doesn't use a large laptop. Maybe the elastic bands helping to hold the panniers in place on the bike rack are a bit loose now after a number of years.<br />
<br />
But now, I have the aforementioned large laptop that I have to bring home with me each night. It's a 15" by 10" model machine, and frankly it doesn't fit in either of my panniers in a manner that makes me comfortable with its not being damaged during a ride. It doesn't fit in the Metro at all, by a couple of inches at least. And in the regular large panniers, it's just going to flop around and get scratched, at best.<br />
<br />
I have the laptop backpack that I use regularly on the bus and for pretty much everything else I do. It's basically my purse. I keep a lot more stuff in there than I probably need to, but pretty much everything in there has been used at least once. And as I've said in the past, I don't like having a sweaty back when I get to work. I'd rather keep the weight low and off my body as much as possible.<br />
<br />
So I'm looking around. Here are some models that I am looking at:<br />
<div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.arkel-od.com/en/commuting-bike-bag.html" target="_blank">Arkel Commuter Urban Pannier</a> </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.arkel-od.com/media/catalog/product/cache/3/image/1400x1400/f2a0365fd176d99f7a400629f1b68363/c/o/commuter-bike-pannier-olive-with-shoulder-strap-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://www.arkel-od.com/media/catalog/product/cache/3/image/1400x1400/f2a0365fd176d99f7a400629f1b68363/c/o/commuter-bike-pannier-olive-with-shoulder-strap-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arkel Commuter Urban Pannier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This one looks like it's a great system. It's waterproof, looks good enough to carry with you, holds a laptop up to 15", and has room for a fair amount of other stuff. Also, it's got a very interesting locking clasp to keep it on your bike rack. It can be carried like a messenger bag when you disconnect it and stow away the mounting hardware. </div>
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Criticisms are that it's deep instead of wide, making it hard to see what you have in the bag without dumping everything out, and that also means that some people may have trouble with hitting the back of your heel against it when riding. But the reviews are very favorable in general. And I think it looks great.<br />
<br />
According to the Arkel website, this pannier is available locally at <a href="http://www.bicycleshopcolumbusoh.com/" target="_blank">Bicycle One</a> in Gahanna. I don't see it listed on their website, but they may be able to order it for you (and of course you should always support local bike shops).<br />
<b></b><br />
<h3>
<b><a href="https://www.axiomgear.com/products/bags/monsoon-panniers/" target="_blank">Axiom Monsoon Panniers</a></b></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.axiomgear.com/img/prod/monsoon-oceanweave-p23-urban-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://www.axiomgear.com/img/prod/monsoon-oceanweave-p23-urban-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Axiom Monsoon 23+ Pannier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Axiom has a number of models of panniers available. The Monsoon series seems to be their commuter series. Two of those, the 23+ and 18+ (I think these are named for the # of liters of capacity they have) actually comes with a protective envelope to keep your laptop in along with cords, a mouse, pens, etc. It seems almost perfect... except those envelopes only hold up to a 14" laptop. Missed it by one inch! Still, for anything smaller than mine it should be a good model.<br />
<br />
Local dealers include <a href="https://www.bikesourceonline.com/articles/bikesource-columbus-pg526.htm" target="_blank">Bike Source</a> (Clintonville and Dublin), <a href="https://revolcycles.com/" target="_blank">Revolution Cycles</a> (Short North), and <a href="https://www.paradisegarage.com/" target="_blank">Paradise Garage</a> (also Short North). </div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.bikesourceonline.com/product/thule-pack-n-pedal-commuter-pannier-203417-1.htm" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Thule Pack n' Pedal Commuter Pannier</a></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn1.static-tgdp.com/ui/productimages/approved/std.lang.all/15/87/441587_sized_900x600_rev_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="131" src="https://cdn1.static-tgdp.com/ui/productimages/approved/std.lang.all/15/87/441587_sized_900x600_rev_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thule Pack'n'Pedal Commuter Pannier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This one may be the complete package for what I need and want. First, it seems it will hold my computer - up to 15". Second, it's got a really neat way to stow away the mounting hardware. Thule is also a name that everyone knows, and for the right reasons (I realize I've been out of cycling for a while, but I'd never heard of the above two till researching this article). </div>
<div>
<br />
It also allows for the insertion of a light for safety, has a carrying strap (they all had this, though), a roll-top closure (personally preferred for the best water-shedding abilities), and exterior compression straps to keep things from bouncing around too much. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also available at <a href="https://www.bikesourceonline.com/articles/bikesource-columbus-pg526.htm" target="_blank">Bike Source</a> (Clintonville and Dublin), as well as Best Buy stores all around the area.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://ortliebusa.com/product/vario/" target="_blank">Ortlieb Vario</a></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ortliebusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/varioql21_f7706_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="665" height="200" src="https://ortliebusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/varioql21_f7706_front.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ortlieb Vario</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Ortlieb is another very well-known brand with a number of options for bags, but the one that grabbed my attention was the Vario - mostly because it seems it will fit my laptop. They have a couple of different options for mounting hardware so I recommend checking that out on <a href="https://ortliebusa.com/support/" target="_blank">their support page</a> - they're all well documented. And it seems the Vario bag comes with hardware for both their Quick-Lock 3.1 and 2.1 systems, both of which you can see on the aforementioned support page. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's also got the roll-top closure, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ortlieb gear is available all over the place and all around the Columbus area. <a href="http://www.baerwheels.com/" target="_blank">Baer Wheels</a> (Clintonville), <a href="https://www.rollbicycles.com/" target="_blank">roll:</a> (Upper Arlington, Bexley, Polaris), and and <a href="https://www.paradisegarage.com/" target="_blank">Paradise Garage</a> (Short North). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Laptop Panniers: Summing up </h3>
<div>
At this point, the one I'm really looking at most closely is the Ortlieb Vario. It just seems like it's going to be the most versatile and functional of all the models I've looked at. This is hardly a complete look, of course. Check out <a href="https://www.thebalancesmb.com/best-laptop-panniers-for-bikes-365484" target="_blank">this article</a> for a good look at a bunch of other models. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And no matter what I do, I'm going to take the laptop with me and buy in-person if at all possible. Too many of these models seem to top out at 15.4" - which is not a whole lot of wiggle room for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll keep you all posted on what I do end up with and do a good review. </div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b></div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-89322418568702878302018-05-24T13:58:00.000-04:002019-01-17T15:04:39.864-05:00Car2Go Leaving Columbus<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0NqT_pRU5k/Wwb8_XkpHWI/AAAAAAAA1mE/q5uZ3bD_KxM2_Aotxl8OCnIFd7BczPNDACKgBGAs/s1600/car2go_Columbus_Ohio-668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="668" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0NqT_pRU5k/Wwb8_XkpHWI/AAAAAAAA1mE/q5uZ3bD_KxM2_Aotxl8OCnIFd7BczPNDACKgBGAs/s320/car2go_Columbus_Ohio-668.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ray of sunshine when they first came to town, Car2Go's<br />
absence will leave many central Ohioans stranded. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In a move that has left quite a few people stranded in Columbus, the ride-sharing company <b>Car2Go</b> has announced today that they're pulling out of the local market as of May 31.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
car2go is saddened to announce that we have made the difficult decision to suspend our operations in Columbus as of May 31. Read why here: <a href="https://t.co/gRSibUhotB">https://t.co/gRSibUhotB</a></div>
— car2go Columbus (@car2goColumbus) <a href="https://twitter.com/car2goColumbus/status/999643693094227968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
This has got me more than a little pissed off and very inconvenienced.<br />
<br />
There's no doubt - Car2Go improved the quality of my family's life for the past few years while they were active in town. As a one-car family where I rode my bike and took the bus most days, Car2Go filled in the gap nicely when we needed that extra set of wheels to get ourselves places.<br />
<br />
Here's the news they sent out via their website today:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
HELLO,</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We’re writing to let you know that after careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue car2go service in Columbus, effective May 31, 2018.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In 2013, car2go was the first company to bring one-way, free-floating carshare to Columbus. Since then, we have strongly advocated for smarter, more innovative and affordable mobility solutions in Columbus. However, despite our best efforts and investment, there has not been enough adoption of our service to continue operations here.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR CAR2GO MEMBERSHIP?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You can still use car2go in Columbus through May 31st, though you may find fewer vehicles available as we approach that date.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You can still use your car2go membership to make trips in each of our other North American car2go locations. Please visit our website for a full list of U.S. and Canadian locations where you can continue to drive with car2go.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you and every member of the Columbus community who supported us throughout the years. We deeply regret any inconvenience this decision may cause you. We truly hope that as more people around the world – like you – adopt carsharing and embrace all its economic and environmental benefits, we might one day resume our service here.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For any questions or concerns, please contact us at memberservicesNA@car2go.com.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As always, thank you for your membership. It’s been a pleasure driving with you. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sincerely, </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Your car2go Columbus Team</blockquote>
</blockquote>
I am going to be very blunt here: this sucks, and is indicative of one of the things that I really dislike about living in the Midwest: the need to conform.<br />
<br />
I live in Clintonville and work downtown, like a lot of people. My wife and I chose this location partially because it would make it easy for us to get by with one car regularly. And for the most part, it's worked marvelously. The bus routes between Clintonville and downtown are numerous and easy to manage. The city built bike lanes on one of the key routes between our neighborhood and downtown, and of course the Olentangy bike trail provides another route on the other side of High Street. And to fill in the gaps when we really needed that other car: Car2Go filled in.<br />
<br />
And now it's going away.<br />
<br />
It leaves me wondering how many people could have improved their lives by dumping a car and moving to a non-car-owning model like we did. I'm sure that the number is high - which makes me sad. There are a lot of people who simply couldn't leave the comfort zone of car ownership, and will never know the benefits that it would have on their lives. But because of some perceived stigma around using public transportation and not owning a car, most people who could have done so did not.<br />
<br />
It'll be an adjustment for us to see what the next step is. My wife is busy with the car pretty much every night of the week most of the year as a swim coach, so we're going to have to reassess our ability to not own a second car. She was able to take on that role <b><i>because</i></b> of Car2Go and the freedom it gave us.<br />
<br />
Apparently Columbus isn't the only city losing the service - <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/05/24/car2go-to-suspend-operations-in-toronto-at-end-of-month.html" target="_blank">Toronto is another city that is losing its Car2Go, but for apparently different reasons involving street parking regulations</a>.<br />
<br />
Car2Go - thanks for giving Columbus a try. I hope you'll be back.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-65033654647773399942018-05-11T15:13:00.001-04:002019-01-17T15:04:54.776-05:00State of Ohio Celebrating Bike to Work DayThese have been appearing around my office’s building! Love to see the state government getting on board with Bike to Work Week and Day!<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-81868044441295563982018-05-07T21:49:00.001-04:002019-01-17T15:05:10.651-05:00No Gas, No Problem: Back in the Saddle AgainHe's back! That's right, my back-on-the-bike commute is complete and it literally went without a hitch. Got a few notes on <a href="https://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2018/05/dispatch-report-on-summit-st-bike-lanes.html" target="">the route I talked about the other day</a> with regard to the two-way bike lanes on Summit Street and also its mate on 4th, but suffice to say it felt great to get back on the bike on such a beautiful day.<br />
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First of all, I will be sharing my commutes on <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/30533527" target="_blank">Strava.com</a><span id="goog_1788172778"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1788172779"></span> if you want to follow my routes or any notes I have. I won't post them here <b>every day</b> unless something of note hits me, but for today here's my morning commute...<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/1555601790/embed/8df3c5d8266ced760254fa4a29e6787d385aaf84" width="590"></iframe><br />
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The Summit Street two-way bike lanes were pretty good, on the way south (with traffic). Again, though: Summit Street is a one-way street going south, with two lanes of car traffic. The bike lanes are two-way from Hudson Street south to 11th Avenue, where it turns into a one way bike lane continuing south - the northbound lane disappears at that point. Or, to look at it another way, it STARTS at that point.<br />
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I will eat all the crow you people want to throw at me about bike lanes and such because this part of the ride was a joy. And here's one of the key reasons: this short movie will explain it all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nWOtHHbArK8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nWOtHHbArK8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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What you're looking at: this is a car pulling in front of me to turn right. And the thing to note is the right-turn arrow in the car lane, combined with the stop signal in the bike lane. That's right - the bike signal and the regular traffic signal are synchronized to tell cars to stop when bikes are going straight and for bikes to stop so cars can turn right, over the bike lane. The situation reverses for bikes to travel through the intersection - the general traffic signal has a red right-turn arrow and the bike lane has a green signal.<br />
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Here's a close-up of the signal situation (note that I took my picture at a full stop on my bike). Note the right turn green signal on the left, and the stop signal on the bike lane lights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NamnU9Uics8/WvBWPNE_BKI/AAAAAAAA1Ss/LbORdhY7bk4BGTadVY9znWelVktQsXg8gCKgBGAs/s1600/bike%2Blane%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="347" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NamnU9Uics8/WvBWPNE_BKI/AAAAAAAA1Ss/LbORdhY7bk4BGTadVY9znWelVktQsXg8gCKgBGAs/s320/bike%2Blane%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the green right turn arrow for general<br />
traffic and the stop signal for bikes. <br />
Awesome design.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
This is exciting to me. <a href="http://www.ohiobikelawyer.com/uncategorized/2011/05/2011-study-of-all-ohio-fatal-bike-crashes/" target="_blank">As Bike Attorney Steve Magas (a friend of Carless Columbus) tells us</a>, the number one cause of car/bike crashes are turn-related. On a one-way street like Summit, the Left-Hook (where an oncoming car turns left in front of a through-riding cyclist and hits them) isn't an issue, so the number one danger on Summit Street would be the <b>Right Hook</b> - where a car trying to get around a cyclist to turn right in front of them misjudges the cyclist's speed and hits them).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ_WzpGwjxw/WvBZLhYS_bI/AAAAAAAA1TM/neXwa7bgaWAtktXUdqTXtn6tE9CdQqnJQCKgBGAs/s1600/right-hook2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="154" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ_WzpGwjxw/WvBZLhYS_bI/AAAAAAAA1TM/neXwa7bgaWAtktXUdqTXtn6tE9CdQqnJQCKgBGAs/s1600/right-hook2.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Right-Hook - avoided on<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Summit St. with proper traffic</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">signals.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As long as both motorists and cyclists heed the traffic lights (and let's face it, traffic lights are more heeded by both cyclists and motorists than a simple stop or yield sign, much less the useless "Share the Road" signs) the Right-Hook completely goes away here.<br />
<br />
Other notes:<br />
<ol>
<li>As I said above, the two-way separated bike lane ended at 11th Avenue, where it became a normal bike lane of the type that I've railed about - right next to car lanes, etc. At this point the lane had no signals as described above, just general traffic signals. Which, if you know how to ride conspicuously and safely, isn't an issue, but I can see how it might be troubling for people. I thought the transition from two-way to one-way was pretty seamless, though. Also, unlike in other places, the bike lane had a three-foot painted buffer to indicate the door zone.</li>
<li>The bike lane was pretty clean. Even with the amount of household trash out for pickup along the curb on Summit, the lane wasn't trashed up at all. </li>
<li>There was a slight issue at 5th Avenue with some construction that had all the contractors' vehicles and equipment parked in the bike lane, but you could see it from pretty far back and make time to get into the general traffic lane without any problem.</li>
<li>I didn't start my morning ride on the two-way lane on Hudson where the separation actually begins. I instead rode down a couple of side streets to Clinton Avenue and turned right there to avoid riding on Hudson during rush hour.</li>
<li>Going over I-670 was less stressful than I thought it would be. The pavement was a little rough and caused some general vibration, but the signal for bikes to yield to traffic come off the expressway part-way across was clearly marked and quite safe, I thought. And my office is on Chestnut, the first right after the overpass. so that was easy. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Major kudos go out to the building that my office is in. There is bike parking for employees on the first floor of the parking garage, accessible with my ID (I just had to talk to my HR manager in the office and fill out the paperwork - no fee, no nothing). A little more light over by the bikes would be nice, but the amenity is awesome and the nicest I've experienced as a cyclist thus far. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If I wanted, I could get a very cheap membership to the gym in our office basement (I think it's $10/month) and have the ability to shower after my ride, but frankly I didn't need it today. Some Action Wipes will be more than adequate for that, and it was still cool enough this morning that I didn't even need that.<br />
<br />
So, here's the afternoon ride.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/1556604472/embed/b1ec19bce0821e3f94d05dd7bb706002aba1217a" width="590"></iframe></div>
<br />
The afternoon commute was a tad less stress-free. First, I had to figure out how to get out of our garage because the actuators for the garage door opening weren't working for bikes. Note: there's a button to open the garage that took me a few minutes to find.<br />
<br />
Getting onto 4th Street to go north was a tad dicey as well. 4th is a one-way street as well, going north and with the bike lane on the <b>left</b> side of the road. While it made it much easier to turn onto from Chestnut, it was uncomfortable to ride on knowing that motorists were probably less likely to be looking for cyclists on the left - being used to us being on the right pretty much everywhere else in the city/world.<br />
<br />
The lane was pretty well marked, with dotted lines near the intersections, etc. like there should be on such a lane. It was kept pretty clean, too. Really, the only problem was the location being on the left. Traffic crossing 4th Avenue didn't seem to be looking too hard for cyclists approaching - especially in intersections/junctions with no signals.<br />
<br />
So, just to see what it was like, I took a left onto 11th Avenue and made my way back over to the Summit St. two-way bike lane. Turning right onto a one way street going left was a weird feeling, but once I got into the lane if felt okay. Being separated from the rest of traffic by parked cars and the bus islands made it a more comfortable ride. And the bike-only traffic signals were in place for the northbound bikes as well. I was very conscious of trying to make sure I was visible to south-driving cars that might want to turn in front of me. That was also a weird feeling.<br />
<br />
I got off of Summit before getting up to Hudson for the same reason as the morning commute - to avoid Hudson traffic. The rest of the ride home was uneventful, even pleasant.<br />
<br />
All in all, while the two-way nature of the Summit St. bike lane worked, and even felt pretty good to ride in going south, it was too weird going against traffic going north. And even worse was the left-side bike lane going north on 4th Street. I constantly felt like I was trying too hard to call attention to the fact that I was there, despite my fluorescent yellow jacket and all (the same one I've worn all along).<br />
<br />
All in all, it felt darned good to get back on the bike. I have a couple new bits of gear I need to get - new panniers and especially one that can hold my laptop, plus new riding glasses (the rubber is flaking off my old ones). But all in all, it was nice to see that I hadn't lost any of the skill and confidence as a rider. It really is just like riding a bike.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-74539718596437127722018-05-07T14:22:00.002-04:002019-01-17T15:05:20.047-05:00Join the Ride of Silence 2018 As we've mentioned in the past, if there's one group ride that you should join each year it's the annual <a href="https://www.yaybikes.com/calendar/2017/5/17/central-ohio-ride-of-silence-sfcr6" target="_blank">Ride Of Silence</a>. This year is no exception.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In0b-jQGGO4/S_PX6s47tjI/AAAAAAAAAYw/6KL8euNNGgc93eoVnSviob0u56eJYC77wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/ride%2Bof%2Bsilence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="118" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In0b-jQGGO4/S_PX6s47tjI/AAAAAAAAAYw/6KL8euNNGgc93eoVnSviob0u56eJYC77wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/ride%2Bof%2Bsilence.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Coming two days before National Bike to Work Day on May 18, The Ride of Silence is a slow, processional type ride where cyclists who were killed or injured in the previous year are honored and remembered. Also, the ride is meant to call attention to the need for patience and acceptance on the road for ALL road users - especially the vulnerable ones.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-11751078775082263092018-05-02T13:24:00.001-04:002019-01-17T15:05:27.986-05:00Dispatch Report on Summit St. Bike Lanes Raises Questions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oS1KG6H7f8/Wunvu7-UWTI/AAAAAAAA0xM/9iyovYYb2JMf6GhU-F3Oh_6qh45wMoxcQCKgBGAs/s1600/Protected%2Bbike%2Blane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oS1KG6H7f8/Wunvu7-UWTI/AAAAAAAA0xM/9iyovYYb2JMf6GhU-F3Oh_6qh45wMoxcQCKgBGAs/s320/Protected%2Bbike%2Blane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Summit St. two-way bike lane. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ray George's excellent <a href="http://www.columbusridesbikes.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Rides Bikes</a> website brings us a report on the Summit/3rd Street bike lanes, the first one of its kind in the State of Ohio.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.columbus.gov/publicservice/bicycle-program/Protected-Bike-Lanes/" target="_blank">This lane, which is a two-way bike lane going from Hudson Street south to 11th Avenue in the University District and then one way the rest of the way downtown (including a lane across the I-670 overpass) is separated by concrete barriers and other road controlling measures. </a><br />
<br />
The Dispatch report that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusRides/posts/10156169368786142" target="_blank">Columbus Rides Bikes shared on Facebook</a> today is entitled "More crashes come with more bicycle traffic on dedicated lanes," and discusses the new lanes and the number of accidents that have happened there. None of these accidents/crashes has been fatal.<br />
<br />
So... you can read the article and get the statistics. Here's a summary of them, though, with a quote from the article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...the number of crashes has jumped. Between 2012 and 2015, there were five crashes involving bicycles on Summit between Hudson and East 5th Avenue. In 2016, the first full year with the bike lanes, that jumped to 14, according to Columbus police.</blockquote>
Fairly straightforward, right? After the lanes went in, the number of yearly crashes jumped approximately 13-14 times. And the article points out that of course, there was going to be a period of breaking in where people learned how to use the lanes properly. That just makes sense, and I think there is one main factor in this: The protected lanes are attracting a lot of new cyclists - some of them experienced and some of them new to street riding. This is, as we said, in the University District, where a lot of college students live and who may not have had extensive traffic experience due to their age. Not a criticism, naturally, just stating a fact.<br />
<br />
I'll be frank: part of me wants to get upset about this. After all, I spent a few years talking about how Columbus (and Ohio) traffic laws are more than adequate to help people get around by bike safely. And I was not a fan of bike lanes and the like, because I thought they would attract riders who weren't experienced and would get themselves hurt. And that has happened, apparently.<br />
<br />
But the reason I'm not getting upset is this: the city is learning from its mistakes. Here's a quote from the article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The city has been evaluating the area to see whether it needs to make changes, too, [Columbus City Engineer Nick] Popa said. For example, the city plans to remove a parking space at Summit Street and 14th Avenue, to make it easier for cars turning onto Summit to see oncoming traffic.</blockquote>
One of the big criticisms I have had about bike infrastructure creation in Columbus has been that the city seems to be putting bike lanes and such into place without a plan for either maintenance or education. And if there were problems with cars and parking? Well, the bikes would lose.<br />
<br />
An example of this would be <a href="https://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2009/08/thursday-cycling-soapbox-sharrows-best.html">the sharrows that were put in on High Street back in 2009</a> (and elsewhere, but as a Clintonville-to-downtown cyclist, these were the ones I saw the most). I mentioned in a few places back then that I was disappointed that the sharrows would simply disappear in areas where on-street parking was in place.<br />
<br />
Or the Morse Road bike lanes - the ones that actually tell riders to get on the sidewalk at one point (illegal and dangerous). A real WTH moment for a cyclist who knows what they're doing.<br />
<br />
A more logical and safe plan would have removed the street parking in those places in favor of the sharrows if the city really wanted to make cycling safe. Instead, the haphazard on-street existence of the sharrows would do nothing but confuse cyclists.<br />
<br />
Now, instead, we have this bike lane on Summit/3rd (and a similar, one-way-only lane on 4th Street coming out of downtown, which runs parallel to Summit/3rd.). And it's separated. There was quite a lot of street construction that went into creating these lanes - even though I wasn't riding my bike at that time, I saw the construction happening from the bus I was taking downtown.<br />
<br />
To me, that says that the city is learning and is making a more concerted effort to make bicycling more attractive and safe. Granted, there's still a lot that can be done to improve the plight of cyclists in Columbus and Ohio in general. Bike-oriented questions on drivers' tests (preferably required to pass the test), better enforcement of all traffic codes in the city (motorists and cyclists), more educational opportunities for people, and more.<br />
<br />
But it's a small, important step in the right direction. And perhaps I've just gotten more patient in the past few years. I plan on using this lane when I get back on the bike this month, and I'm looking forward to it.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-82551324057301110442018-04-27T11:14:00.000-04:002019-01-17T15:06:29.497-05:00Coming Soon: My Return to the Bike<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDC1M_rNB2g/WuNFlCOzFAI/AAAAAAAA0qk/j-mMHeb6UykUSZkdWVCz7dk5dShUkYAfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Bike%2BProfile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="325" height="294" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDC1M_rNB2g/WuNFlCOzFAI/AAAAAAAA0qk/j-mMHeb6UykUSZkdWVCz7dk5dShUkYAfgCLcBGAs/s320/Bike%2BProfile.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So... add a bit (a lot?) more grey and a full beard, and that's <br />
what you'll see on the roads again soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I mentioned a while back (<a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2012/02/same-site-new-name.html">here, if you're interested</a>) that I'd not been on the bike for a while because I was picking up my son from school and walking him home. Walking the bike and a rather impulsive child along busy streets was a bit too difficult sometimes and I put him before the bike. I've still been busing and, more recently, <a href="https://www.car2go.com/US/en/" target="_blank">car2go</a>-ing as needed, to get to and from the office and around town. And frankly, my poor bike has been sitting in the garage, not being ridden much at all.<br />
<br />
It's time for that to end.<br />
<br />
My office is a little over 4 miles away from home, not a big deal to ride at all. It's actually less distance than it was when I stopped back in 2012 by about a mile. And now that my son is going to another school building - where my wife is picking him up on the way home, now - there's no reason for me not to pick up where I left off way back when. I still have my bike, my panniers, my yellow fluorescent jacket, and I just ordered some new <a href="https://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2009/05/product-review-action-wipes.html" target="_blank">Action Wipes</a> for post-ride clean-up. I probably need a new helmet and I need to see what shape my riding glasses are in, but really that's all I need. Well, maybe some new fenders, too.<br />
<br />
I also talked to our HR rep here at work about getting a card for the parking garage here, where cyclists have a safe place to keep their rides. Indoors, behind locked doors and away from the bad weather... what's not to love?<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to this. I haven't had a lot of low-level aerobic activity in a while - the stuff I've been doing has either been high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or nothing, and that's obviously not a good thing. You need a bit of both for maximum health and fitting a bit of it into my normal daily routine is going to be just the thing.<br />
<br />
I could go on about the benefits, but there's a whole website here that's been talking about the benefits for years and there's no change in those at all.<br />
<br />
But what is worth mentioning is how things have changed in Columbus since I last rode off. The bike infrastructure here in town has been vastly expanded, with varying levels of success (in my own estimation, naturally). As you know if you're one of my old readers, I tend to be of the vehicular cycling crowd - take the lane, be assertive, know your rights and responsibilities as a bike commuter, etc. The law hasn't changed much at all since I started riding way back in the Flintstones era, and with more people cycling now people are MORE aware of cyclists than they ever have been.<br />
<br />
The route I'll be taking is going to be going down Summit/3rd Street on the way to work, and 4th Street on the way home. If you've been following Columbus bike work the past few years, you'll know that those routes have separated bike lanes on them now, and from what I'm seeing they're pretty well traveled. While I took my bike classes with the expectation that I wouldn't <b>need</b> infrastructure changes like this, I can't say that I don't welcome the opportunity to try them out. I am fully prepared to be convinced that they're working well and to throw away my dislike of bike lanes and sharrows and the like, if they are doing the job (well, maybe not sharrows... hee hee!).<br />
<br />
I'll be sure to let you know how I think everything is going and keep on posting in here. Give me a wave if you see me out there!<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2007/09/you-may-have-noticed-that-recently-ive.html" target="_blank">People, not speed.</a></i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-67230876142447218562013-09-06T10:39:00.000-04:002018-04-27T11:32:57.622-04:00Columbus iPhone App Gets Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yes, the City of Columbus has an iPhone app. And an Android App, if you're so inclined. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GWu7dnxWf8/WuNCNJVNrDI/AAAAAAAA0qM/8TUxN6Opr-UVD3BhD0EZg27r35t49P0XwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2702.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GWu7dnxWf8/WuNCNJVNrDI/AAAAAAAA0qM/8TUxN6Opr-UVD3BhD0EZg27r35t49P0XwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_2702.PNG" width="147" /></a></div>
It's actually been out for a couple of years now, and it gives locations of city services and the like. I've not mentioned the thing here on <b>Carless Columbus</b> in the past because, frankly, I haven't found it all that useful (and if the features I'm talking about have actually been part of the app in the past, I apologize, I just discovered them recently). <br />
<br />
But, I'm happy to say that's changed. The app now has a link to the Columbus 311 service line where you can file service requests with the city to get things fixed! This includes issues like potholes, requesting bike racks, and a multitude of other issues (not all bike- or even traffic-related). So you need never worry about forgetting to file a request to have a pothole fixed again - just pull over (PLEASE) and file your claim as you find the pothole in question, or see a great spot for a bike rack, or whatever. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not that it has anything to do with carless commuting, but the app also lets us know when recycling and trash days are in the neighborhoods around the city. This is definitely a big plus. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.columbus.gov/technology/innovation/Mobile-Application/" target="_blank">The app can be found at the city website</a>, as well as on the iTunes store and I assume the Google Play store.</div>
<div>
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</div>
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<div>
<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-82080349670394268912013-07-24T15:33:00.001-04:002013-07-25T13:26:08.234-04:00Burley Travoy May Be the Perfect Bike TrailerBeen a while since I posted over here, but I saw a video today that I just couldn't help but share with everyone.<br />
<br />
The Burley Travoy may just be the perfect bike trailer - with a simple interface to get it onto and off your bike, and also be useful in so many other ways. I'll let the video speak for itself. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cXfE8E8r11w" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-9395452648289547842012-05-15T10:56:00.002-04:002012-05-15T22:39:33.253-04:00Ride of Silence - May 16, 6:45 Pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.considerbiking.org/ride-of-silence-2012/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Om7pveY9p-w/S_KfN4K2ByI/AAAAAAAADnQ/kspRC4PhmGI/s320/HN+Ride+of+Silence.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.considerbiking.org/ride-of-silence-2012/" target="_blank">The 2012 Ride of Silence is tomorrow night</a>.<br />
<br />
I've talked about this one before, and I still think it's the most important ride of the year, no matter if you ride a commuter special like me, a carbon fiber speed demon, a DIY fixie, or a Huffy with a banana seat. Come out and join us!<br />
<br />
This year we have a special speaker, Steve Magas from Cincinnati. Magas is well known in Ohio as the "Bike Lawyer" and as the defending attorney who successfully protected cyclists rights in <a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2009/04/bob-mionske-right-to-disobey-cops.html" target="_blank">Trotwood vs. Selz</a>. Looking forward to that one!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rideofsilence.org/" target="_blank">If you're not in Columbus, find a ride near you!</a> <br />
<br />
<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-51671207233358359542012-05-15T08:15:00.000-04:002018-05-01T16:35:17.344-04:00Dispatch Features Bike Commuting Tips ArticleToday's Columbus Dispatch features <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/05/15/street-smart-cycling.html" target="_blank">an article by Joe Blundo</a> with tips from veteran bike commuters giving their best tips for new bike riders for Bike to Work Month. <br />
<br />
Please be sure to read it wearing your special safety goggles - a couple of the pictures aren't fit for publication. ;)<br />
<br />
In all seriousness, thanks to Joe for his attention to this issue and I'd like to commend all the respondents for their great tips! <br />
<br />
Some interesting takeaways from this:<br />
<ul>
<li>All the respondents mentioned riding slowly. Definitely better for safety if you're riding slowly and in control. </li>
<li>Everyone also eschewed "bike clothing" as much as possible. That surprised me, pleasantly. </li>
<li>Blundo did a good job of addressing some of the key points that people come up with about why they can't bike commute with the tips he picked. </li>
<li>Loved Alec's off-the-cuff comments about the two-mile rule. Great point, Alec. </li>
<li>Also loved Jessica's comment about "it's not a one-year phase." Nope. This has gotten bigger every year since I started paying attention, and it's all good. There are fads and there are cultural shifts - this is most definitely the latter! </li>
</ul>
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-34889859725701346332012-05-03T18:03:00.002-04:002012-05-03T18:11:34.777-04:00Back on the Saddle MusingsIt's only appropriate, with this being <a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/" target="_blank">National Bike Month</a>, that I got back into the saddle for the first time in a while. I did so with a number of feelings of trepidation given what I've been observing in the world of bike commuting since stopping my full time cycling: lots more cyclists, but also lots more lawless riding and dangerous behavior.<br />
<br />
I'm not proud to say that I've been one of those cyclists who has given scofflaws a piece of my mind while riding before for not stopping at signs/lights, sidewalk riding, etc. And I was sort of steeling myself for the need to do more of this as I pumped up my tires, oiled my chain, and ran through my ABC Quick Check this morning.<br />
<br />
And I was VERY pleasantly surprised.<br />
<br />
Not once did I feel the need to say a word. My 7:15 to 7:45 ride down High Street from Clintonville to German Village and the afternoon return trips were both met with only a couple minor scofflaws among the numerous riders I encountered.<br />
<br />
OSU was the site of most of the flaws, mostly sidewalk riders - but it was all stuff that <a href="http://bikeosu.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Bike OSU</a> has well in hand. They've done a wonderful job at keeping bike riders there aware of the law and safety issues, so many kudos to them.<br />
<br />
And the positive behavior I saw was great. Cyclists taking the lane, signaling, and proper lane changes were everywhere.<br />
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Another thing I noticed was that cars were giving a much wider berth to cyclists. They're getting used to us out there and are learning to do deal with the reintroduction of the pedaling set into the flow of traffic. It was pretty cool. The safety-in-numbers gig was in full force, for sure.<br />
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So kudos to <a href="http://www.yaybikes.com/" target="_blank">Yay Bikes!</a>, <a href="http://www.considerbiking.org/" target="_blank">Consider Biking</a>, and all the passionate folks who have done a great job of being positive forces for cycling in Columbus. It's a real change from my regular cycling days of a couple years ago.<br />
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<b><i>People, Not Speed</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-2752463796352758042012-03-21T10:52:00.001-04:002012-03-21T10:52:43.497-04:00Columbus Pondering Bike Rental Program DowntownJust a quick note since <a href="http://www.examiner.com/alternative-transportation-in-columbus/columbus-pondering-bike-rental-scheme-for-downtown" target="_blank">I wrote an article on this for Examiner today</a> and wanted to share it with everyone. I think this idea has a lot of merit, but the entire picture of how cycling happens in the downtown area needs to be addressed - including enforcement and education.<br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-17209247121714363712012-03-07T16:04:00.001-05:002012-03-12T15:02:56.229-04:00Save Money with Eversave and CarlessColumbus!The folks over at Eversave have put together a pretty sweet infographic on ways to save money in Columbus, and a number of Columbus bloggers were asked to throw in a few tips (including yours truly)! <br />
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Eversave is a "daily deal" type website where they'll send you chances to save up to 90% on offerings from local businesses and they'd like to invite everyone to check them out! (Clicking on the image will get you the full-sized infographic!). <br />
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<a href="http://eversave.com/go/c1VA" target="_blank">Eversave Columbus</a><br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-45363239025730878702012-02-16T09:16:00.000-05:002012-02-16T09:17:30.119-05:00Product Review: NEOS OvershoesIn the spirit of the site's new wider spectrum of commuting options, today we'll feature the first product review for walking and busing commuters: <a href="http://www.overshoe.com/" target="_blank">NEOS Overshoes</a>.<br />
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One of the big issues with walking to work or taking the bus is the weather, obviously. No one likes to trudge around in the snow and rain on a nasty day getting their shoes wet. It damages the shoes, makes you uncomfortable the whole day with wet socks, and it makes the experience of getting some exercise while getting to work a lot less enjoyable. But it's also a pain to carry one pair of shoes while wearing another, or keeping one pair at work just to change into, etc. <br />
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When thinking about this issue, I recalled the days of my youth, when my dad wore rubbers (no, not that kind) or galoshes to keep his work shoes dry during the winter. And that started me on a search for a similar product, something simple that would allow me to simply pull my boots on over my shoes and not have to worry about those issues. Enter NEOS Overshoes. <br />
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They're exactly what they sound like: boots that fit over your shoes. They come in insulated, non-insulated, and their STABILicers models to give extra traction in icy conditions. You slip your foot in, perhaps give the toe a little tap or kick to properly seat your whole foot in the boot, and then tighten the boot over the top of your foot with a strap and stick your pant legs into the boot's top to keep that dry and comfortable as well. It tightens with a cinch at the top to keep stuff out. And that's it. They're stable, light, well made, and warm - even the non-insulated models. <br />
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I personally have the "Villager" model, which I bought at Hat & Sole in Bexley. This is my third winter wearing them, with literally no wear to them. I wear them with work shoes and casual shoes, for walking to/from work or playing with the kids in the snow. I wear them in the rain as well (which has been more an issue this winter than snow, frankly), and they keep my feet and pants cuffs dry and comfortable. They protect the shine on my work shoes nicely. <br />
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And the traction is wonderful - I've NEVER had an issue with slippery ground, even without the special STABILicer models. <br />
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The only downside, in my humble opinion - they make your feet look a little huge. That's the effect of having a boot that fits over your shoes, no way around that. And if you'll pardon me being a little snarky, the looks you get walking down the street wearing them in the rain or snow while everyone else is suffering with work shoes getting wet and pants cuffs getting soaked are priceless. <br />
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I'm all about minimalism in my commuting, as many of you may know. I want to throw something on and go, whether it be by bicycle or on foot. And with NEOS Overshoes, I can throw them on over my work shoes, get my normal coat, and an umbrella, and just go. No need for special rain wear or anything like that, no need for carrying around a pair of shoes to change into, etc. They're convenient and effective. <br />
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I recommend buying them in person, and trying them on with the shoes you'll wear with them the most. <a href="http://www.eastonshoes.com/" target="_blank">Easton Shoes</a> at 1880 Henderson Road in Columbus is listed as carrying them, and as I mentioned, <a href="http://www.hatandsole.com/" target="_blank">Hat & Sole</a> in Bexley is where I bought mine (though they are no longer listed on the <a href="http://www.overshoe.com/FindNeos/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">NEOS website</a> as carrying them, so call first). <br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-55160364446611814702012-02-09T13:48:00.002-05:002012-02-09T13:48:48.408-05:00New Transportation Bill Hugely Damaging to Carless CommutersThe latest proposed cuts to transportation funding are not good if you're trying to get around sans automobile, that's for sure. A number of groups, including the <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/rtt/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=303" target="_blank">Rails-To-Trails Conservancy</a>, the <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/lab/issues/alert/?alertid=60975341&type=CO" target="_blank">League of American Bicyclists</a>, and <a href="http://t4america.org/blog/2012/02/07/oppose-house-bill-that-slashes-public-transit-funding-falls-short-on-repair-and-axes-bike-pedestrian-safety/" target="_blank">Transportation For America</a> are calling our attention to the very damaging bill H.R. 7 which was recently brought up by<br />
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The bill would (per the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy's web page) have the following effects:<br />
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<li>Eliminate dedicated funding for trails, walking and bicycling; </li>
<li>Destroy a 40-year precedent of long-term dedicated funding for transit; </li>
<li>Do away with the rail-trail eligibility category in the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program; </li>
<li>Put our children in harm's way by eliminating the Safe Routes to School program; </li>
<li>Fail to maximize its job creation potential, since trail, walking and bicycling projects create substantially more jobs per dollar than do highway projects; </li>
<li>Increase America's dependence on foreign oil; </li>
<li>and
Contribute to our growing health and obesity crises. </li>
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If you'd like to help with the effort to remove this bill and get your congresspeople to vote against it, click on one of the links above and join us as we fight for better transportation options!</div>
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-89918597354766187942012-02-06T14:58:00.003-05:002012-02-06T14:58:59.138-05:00Pedestrian Death on the Upswing... But Why?<a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/04/into-the-crossfire.html" target="_blank">In the past few months, a rash of pedestrian deaths has been creeping up the urban backside of Columbus and causing severe itching for those promoting multimodal transportation</a>.<br />
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2011 was not a good year for the pedestrian in Franklin County, with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in recent history (23). And 2012 has already seen three such fatalities in various parts of the city.<br />
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The question, then, is why? What is causing this spike in the number of pedestrian deaths of late? While location does not appear to be an issue, time of day certainly does. Of the 13 deaths from 2011 examined thus far, 10 of them have been at night with the victim not using a crosswalk and dressed in dark clothing. So though it's a horrible tragedy, logic dictates that more people are taking unnecessary risks just to walk across the street. And the police are taking the predictable route of advising people to wear brighter clothing at night. <br />
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But if I was to advise the city in researching these accidents and looking for commonalities, here's what I'd like to suggest: instead of looking at locations in the city, look at the following things for each accident:<br />
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<ol>
<li>the speed limit at the locations of the fatalities; </li>
<li>how close a crosswalk was to each location; </li>
<li>how close to the location was the nearest bus stop. </li>
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I've long said (though possibly not here) that the city is doing its citizens an injustice by not having a crosswalk at the location of every bus stop. For example, one of the bus routes I take regularly is on Indianola Avenue going south to downtown. On the days that I have to get off on Indianola instead of on Hudson (days I don't have to pick up my son), it's always an issue to try to get across Indianola without walking entirely out of my way to do so. To get to a crosswalk is at least a quarter mile either north to Indianola and Weber Road or south to Indianola and Arcadia. And Indianola isn't even as much an issue as roads like Morse, Henderson, Bethel, Dublin-Granville, etc. (due to speed and road width). </div>
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I'm in good shape, so it's not generally a problem for me to hustle across Indianola. What about someone who's not possessing full mobility and needs to get across - the handicapped or elderly, example? It's a bad situation and not just in my location - many people complain about this very problem all over the city. </div>
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And with more people taking COTA for transportation each day for economic or other reasons and the rate continuing to rise, the problem is only getting worse, I think. </div>
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How about you? What are your thoughts about why the rate of pedestrian fatalities is rising? </div>
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-12907931112361580592012-02-03T10:17:00.001-05:002012-02-03T10:25:18.865-05:00Slow It Down for Easier Commuting<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNutIFNUebA/S6j1L2qZaKI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/NxQM7XZYJ8M/s1600/bikecommuters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNutIFNUebA/S6j1L2qZaKI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/NxQM7XZYJ8M/s320/bikecommuters.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the primary reasons I've heard that people don't bike to work more often is the "need" for clothing changes once you get there. It's too much of a pain to carry clothes with you every day, or to take them to work ahead of time so you have something to change into when you arrive all sweaty from the exertion of riding, etc.<br />
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And there's a lot of truth to that - it can be a pain when you've just completed your sweaty, leg-burning ride to work and you're covered in perspiration, and have to face the day with tired legs and a warm body.<br />
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Well, all that speed that you're putting into your ride may not only be unnecessary...but counterproductive. Mark Sisson, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982207786/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bikecolumbus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0982207786">The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bikecolumbus-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0982207786" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and the <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/" target="_blank">Mark's Daily Apple</a> website, and an accomplished health and fitness professional, put out an article a number of years ago called <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/case-against-cardio/#axzz1lKV4Jlxs" target="_blank">"A Case Against Cardio (From a Former Mileage King)"</a>.<br />
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Sisson pulls together data and results from several studies with the determination that a slower, less strenuous pace of exercise is more beneficial and less stressful on the body than the normal standard of "just hard enough that you can still talk while exercising" standard that is commonly heard. Keeping stress levels down, boosting fat-burning, and avoiding inflammation are all benefits that he mentions. <br />
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But another benefit that applies to bike commuters (and anyone who likes to exercise on their way to work, via walking, jogging, etc.) is that you don't arrive all sweaty! You can ride in your work clothes, take it easy, enjoy the ride, and arrive in a much less-stressful and much less aromatically-repellent mode than you would had you "hammered down" the entire way! And it's arguably better for you to do so, as Sisson points out. <br />
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So the next time you're riding to work, take your time a bit. Enjoy the morning, relax a bit, and get where you're going a little bit more slowly. Your morning routine will be easier, your laundry will be less, and your body may just thank you a bit more. <br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-48375877631627323482012-02-02T12:34:00.000-05:002012-02-03T10:24:37.602-05:00Same Site, New NameFor some time now, I've been tossing around the notion of rebranding this website, and I think the time is right to do so. So welcome to <b>Carless Columbus</b>! <br />
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The reason for this is three-fold: <br />
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1. I've always been about pretty much anything except cars for getting around, and this is just an affirmation of that. <br />
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2. I wanted an easy-to-remember domain name, and bikecolumbus.com is already taken (not used, mind you, just owned by some IT firm up in Powell). <br />
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3. And now the big reason. <br />
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For some time now, I've not been riding my bike to work nearly as much as I used to. The reason for this is fairly simple: now that my son is in school, I stop on my way home from work and pick him up to walk home. And though I'd ridden my bike on those days for a while, it was always a bit of a pain in the tuckus to handle him and the bike (my son is autistic, for those who don't know, and he's very impulsive). So for a long time now, I've been walking and riding the bus for work (though I have ridden on some days when I haven't had to pick up the boy). <br />
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And, to be frank, without as much riding going on in my life, I didn't have much to say here on that topic. Other bloggers are doing a marvelous job of keeping up with the cycling world here in Columbus, so I am happy to let them be the bike specialists while I move on to something slightly different. <br />
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And as you may have noticed, I've included non-biking topics on Bike Commuting in Columbus in the past. Trains, COTA, walking, etc. have all been open for discussion here for a long time. And I felt it was time for me to make the change for the good of all of those. <br />
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Because the message real doesn't change: getting people out of cars and onto bikes, onto their own two feet, onto Segways, into buses, etc. is all the same to me. The point is to improve people's lives via more and better exercise, less pollution and use of resources, and all the wonderful aspects of life that are improved by those factors. <br />
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The evidence is increasingly overwhelming about the importance of low-impact exercise and staying on our feet as much as possible. <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/sitting-unhealthy/#axzz1lFM5tTBm" target="_blank">Study</a> after <a href="http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-03-2011/sitting-too-much-health-hazard.html?CMP=KNC-360I-GOOGLE-HEA-FIT&HBX_PK=sitting_unhealthy&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=sitting%2Bunhealthy&utm_campaign=G_Health&360cid=SI_232995623_8579068141_1" target="_blank">study</a> after <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/04/25/135575490/sitting-all-day-worse-for-you-than-you-might-think" target="_blank">study</a> is showing just how important it is to stay on our feet as much as possible. Our ancestors didn't sit in chairs all day at all. They were up and moving around, getting exercise and generally just keeping loose by being active. And they were free of many of the maladies that affect people today via their regular behavior. So anything we can do to keep our stress levels down, our exercise levels up, and our use of valuable and/or damaging resources to a minimum is a plus. <br />
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It's amazing how all this fits together in a win-win situation. And that's what I want to celebrate here at the newly named Carless Columbus. <br />
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So stand up and move! <br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-30222913384200438292011-09-13T13:12:00.002-04:002011-09-13T13:12:34.101-04:00Helmet-Cams: Got One?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://laxallstars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/justin-bobby-helmet-cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://laxallstars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/justin-bobby-helmet-cam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been contacted by a major Columbus news outlet asking questions about helmet-cams and whether a lot of people use them while they ride in town. <br />
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And, to be frank, I have no clue! I don't use one, and it's never really come up for me, but that doesn't mean that others aren't putting tech to work for them as they negotiate the Central Ohio roadways. <br />
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So...do <b>you</b> use one? Has it come in handy? How do you use it? Are you interested in being interviewed? <br />
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Drop me a line either here in the comments, or via my <a href="mailto:jfellrath@gmail.com">email address</a>. Or feel free to get hold of me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jfellrath">Facebook </a>or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jfellrath">Twitter</a>. <br />
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Hope to hear from you if you're rocking a helmet-cam!<br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-37003243319443216202011-07-29T14:48:00.000-04:002011-07-29T14:48:18.784-04:00Ticketed for Riding Outside A Bike Lane? Not in Ohio.Here's a humorous but poignant video from a New York rider who was ticketed for not riding in the bike lane when it was available.<br /><br />First, I'm impressed at his mad stunt-man skills. <div><br /></div><div>Second, this isn't even an issue in Ohio - <a href="http://www.carlesscolumbus.com/2010/03/commuting-101-so-sayeth-law-part-2.html" target="_blank">where it remains illegal for any municipality to make a law that states bikes can't use the road or must ride on a bike-specific path or lane, as long as it's not a limited-access highway</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, it makes for a fun, though somewhat frustrating viewing. The problems we have with the few bike lanes here in Columbus (trash build-up, lack of knowledge about how to operate in or near them from both cyclists AND motorists) don't even compare to the problems they have in the Big Apple. <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bzE-IMaegzQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><p><b><i>People, not speed.</i></b></p></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-27268624323089610512011-07-26T12:07:00.002-04:002011-07-26T12:50:02.811-04:00Accidents While Sidewalk Riding: Who's At Fault?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2010/04/040709_bike_sidewalk-thumb-537x403-35428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2010/04/040709_bike_sidewalk-thumb-537x403-35428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding on the sidewalk - never a good idea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I got an interesting question from David today - unfortunately I was away from my computer when he asked the question so I couldn't respond to him personally. But it's a situation that I think deserves a post, so here goes.<br />
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David's question (and it was in Google Chat so it was informal): <br />
<blockquote><i>Hey Jamie my names David, I had a bit of a situation about a month ago and now its coming back on me pretty hard, and I was wondering if you had any insight. I was getting off of the olentangy bike trail onto third ave up near grandview and stayed on the sidewalk for a block before I got out into the road (traffic was flowing at a solid pace) I know now that I'm not supposed to ride on the sidewalk ever, but as I was pulling into the road a woman pulled out of the OSU Cancer research center and COMPLETELY blocked the crosswalk. having now where to go i t-boned her, and now, long story short, I'm being pursued to pay some ludicrous amount to fix her door. </i></blockquote><blockquote><i>Is there anything you can think of that might be of some help to me? they told me i was going to have to shell out $1000 and now it seems like they want me to pay the whole thing! (almost $2500!) I'm a college student and i'm already just getting by as it is. As far as everything else goes, i was following the law. i had reflectors and lights. it just seems like she was just as at fault, considering the fact that she was all the way out past where she was supposed to stop.</i></blockquote>Interesting question, and I'm going to restate it as I understand what was going on here: <br />
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<ol><li>David was on the sidewalk to begin with, but was pulling out onto the road. </li>
<li>A motorist pulled their car out too far, and blocked the crosswalk. This leads me to understand that David was in the crosswalk and was trying to pull onto 3rd Avenue. </li>
</ol><div>As much as I hate to say it, David was in the wrong here for his part. Although it's enforced about as much as texting while driving, sidewalk riding is illegal, and David admittedly was doing that. </div><div><br />
</div><div>However, what I don't know is whether he should be held responsible for the <b>entire </b>amount as the driver in this case was blocking the crosswalk, which, if I understand correctly is legally considered an extension of the sidewalk. It seems to me, as a strictly non-lawyer type, that both parties are at fault here. I don't know how that applies to financial responsibility for a collision, though. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If anyone with legal experience has an idea of how this should be handled, I'd love to hear it! </div><br />
<i><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/107002197904877848100/posts/AFTYEu9snmU" target="_blank">Note: along with the comments here, we've got an interesting conversation going with this on Google+. </a></i><br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-66672965978144791832011-05-24T08:04:00.001-04:002011-05-25T15:03:30.633-04:00Yehuda Moon Added for Your Reading Pleasure{EAV_BLOG_VER:5700f32fc7acc2ed}<br />
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Rick Smith and Brian Griggs of <a href="http://www.yehudamoon.com">Yehuda Moon</a> fame have created a widget that allows me to bring you their fantastic comic on a daily basis. Keep checking back for the latest episodes in the ongoing series about this hilariously passionate cycling advocate and his group of cycling friends. <br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-56845793254661185042011-03-21T10:25:00.000-04:002011-03-21T10:25:29.891-04:00What's the biggest misconception about transportation cycling?In light of the Dispatch article today on bikes and cars mixing on the road, I thought that I'd open things up to a little different tact today. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/alternative-transportation-in-columbus/dispatch-article-on-cyclists-and-motorists-gets-it-partially-right" target="_blank">I already wrote up a critique of the article on Examiner</a>, but over here we can get a bit more personal and less formal. <br />
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The article brought up a lot of great points about cyclists and motorists not knowing the traffic laws (and looking at the comments on the web version of the article, that condition is rampant from the motorists' side) and I agree wholeheartedly with all that. And I was a bit distressed at some of the lack of detail given to certain points - like controlling the lane and getting the two-abreast law completely wrong. <br />
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But to bring up the notion of minimum speed limit was great. That was a big plus - and hopefully it'll open the eyes of a few people. <br />
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So let's discuss it: what are the biggest misconceptions YOU think both cyclists and motorists have about operating on the road? <br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034991754692855646.post-82638684384314091432011-03-14T13:45:00.001-04:002011-03-14T13:48:36.861-04:00The Lazy Randonneur Won't Dress Like a Traffic Cone, But I Will<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3947009356_313b7cd243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3947009356_313b7cd243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A new (to me) blogger called <a href="http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/why-dont-i-dress-up-like-a-traffic-cone/" target="_blank">the Lazy Randonneur wrote an excellent article today</a> (that was reposted by the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PeopleForBikes/posts/201086239919731" target="_blank">People For Bikes Facebook page</a>) about the author's refusal to "dress like a traffic cone" while he rides. And it's an article that I totally agree with, but I will admit that I do dress like a traffic cone. <br />
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The standpoint is that the author, who we'll call LR for the purposes of the article, does not wear reflective clothing for his riding. The standpoint is one that I've ranted about many times: that cycling is just transportation, and he wants to get where he's going with the absolute minimum of fuss. And that's a standpoint that I agree with, wholeheartedly. I make recommendations on bikes and equipment that will make your bike transportation easier and more convenient, in my opinion. We're not going to get more people to ride unless we do that very thing - make it easy as (or easier than) driving a car. <br />
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That being said, I wear a fluorescent green jacket when I ride my commute each day. Would wearing a dark jacket, which is what I do wear when I ride the bus or for most of my local rides when I'm not commuting, be sufficient? Yes. I am of the strong opinion that most problems cyclists encounter with traffic are alleviated when they ride properly - out in the middle of the lane, away from the curb, and controlling the traffic around them by taking up the space that they're legally allowed (at least in Ohio). And if you're riding at night, using proper bike lighting on the front and back of your bike helps with nighttime visibility issues. <br />
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So why do I wear a fluorescent jacket when I'm riding, if I agree entirely with LR? <br />
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Because it's worked for me so far. I've been riding regularly for around five years now, and I have yet to be involved in any sort of accident. I rarely even have close calls (granted, after five years, my definition of a close call and a new rider's definition might be two different things) because I ride conspicuously and look conspicuous. <br />
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Other than that, I try to do as little as possible to change clothes from my riding clothes to my work clothes. And I ride in such a way (slow!) that makes that easier since I'm not sweating as much. <br />
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But if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I have a lot riding on my regular daily safety. And if I'm going to ride every day I should do what I can to remove as much of the risk as possible. And though my riding style ensures that drivers are going to see me, wearing a fluorescent jacket or vest makes that even more clear. That's not to say that people who don't partake in traffic cone chic are risking too much. It's just my preference to do what's worked for me. <br />
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<b><i>People, not speed.</i></b>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com0