NYC Bike study - By DC examiner

I really have to question the conclusions of DC Examiner on the NYC bike crash study.

Only one fatal crash with a motor vehicle occurred when a bicyclist was in a marked bicycle lane. Bicycle lanes aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity. Riders should use bike lanes when possible.


A total of ten other fatalities occurred near a bike line per the report, why were these cyclist out of the bike lane? We don't know but I seriously doubt that it was because the cyclists had no reason what so ever. Cars parking in bike lanes is a major problem in NYC and IMHO cyclists weaving in out of hazards is a problem while I support bike lanes I would not make the same assertion as this author, if anything to me this says that NYC should get cranking on keeping those bike lanes clear. IMHO it is hazardous for cyclists to pick their path x feet from available space on the right, it should be a straight line (x feet from the stripe on your left that avoids upcoming hazards on your right.) Also bike lanes that I have seen in NYC do not solve the intersection problem, extra care needs to be applied at intersections for bike facilities and not just dumping cyclists into an undefined space and expect them to fend for themselves. There is nothing here that supports bike lanes make cycling safer, just as sidewalk riding is safe till you have to leave the sidewalk to cross a road, bike lanes are similar but with the exception that you can be seen by and merge with turning traffic. This works as long as it is clear that is the expected behavior. If the expected behavior is that cyclists must stay out of the way of motorists at all costs you get accidents when their pathways merge.


Nearly all the bicyclists who died--97 percent of them--were not wearing a helmet. A good reminder that cyclists really ought to wear a helmet. As I’ve written about before, there’s a lot more to bike safety than helmets. That said, urban cyclists who leave home without them should be aware of the risk.  

 

While I do encourage wearing a helmet, helmets do not prevent crashes, preventing crashes should be the priority not "safe" crashing, this looks like the only point we see eye to eye on.


Nearly all bicyclist fatalities--92 percent of them--occurred as a result of crashes with motor vehicles. Protected bike paths free of traffic are critical.


I do not agree with this conclusion especially since the author just asserted that regular bike lanes are safe, I will assert that just as j-walking is the result of poor to nonexistent accommodations for pedestrians as well as poor to unsafe driver behavior around pedestrians it is the lack of accommodations and the lack of enforcement of traffic laws that make our public roadways unsafe for the vulnerable user. Protected bike paths do not solve the intersection problem and sometimes they can make it worse.

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Week 12 Annapolis Report (4/3/09)

Cardin Annapolis Reports

Delegate Jon S. Cardin  \ District 11, Baltimore County

Week 12 Annapolis Report (4/3/09)
I was pleased to see so many people from the 11th District at the Baltimore County Democratic Unity Night on Monday. It was an honor to have Governor Martin O\'Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and County Executive Jim Smith speak to Baltimore County residents about the importance of our county in the State of Maryland. They shared with us the good news that federal and state dollars will be flowing into Baltimore County as a result of the federal stimulus package, the efforts of your elected officials on your behalf, and the lobbying of people like you. Thank you to the Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee to putting together this open forum.

Please join me, and the other members of the 11th District team, on Thursday, May 14, at the Owings Mills Volunteer Fire Station located at 10401 Owings Mills Blvd. This will be a wonderful opportunity to speak directly to the people we represent and share with you our successes and experiences during this Maryland General Assembly session. Thank you to the Northwest Baltimore County Democratic Club and the NDC - Northwest Democratic Club for organizing this event.

Please remember to reference my website, www.JonCardin.com. It contains helpful information including my views on important issues, the application for the Cardin Honors Scholarship, the weekly Annapolis Reports and press releases of interest to my constituents.
Working hard for Maryland,

Jon S. Cardin

If you have any questions, please visit my website.

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Public Meeting: Rural Road Standards and Projects Northen Baltimore County

{Note that this may be of interest as many of the narrow one-lane bridges that help act as traffic calming are up for being widened (due to Federal regulations.)}
- April 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Department of Public Works will hold an open meeting on rural infrastructure projects on April 14 in the cafeteria at Hereford High School. This meeting is a follow-up to last year’s Rural Roads Standards, a citizen-government effort, approved by the County Council, which codified standards and policies for road and bridge maintenance in rural areas. The Department of Public Works, as part of its agreement with community groups, plans to hold such meetings annually. The meeting on April 14 will be conducted in workshop style and will focus on anticipated bridge replacement projects, resurfacing schedules, road construction plans and traffic issues in the next year. For more information, call the Director’s Office, Department of Public Works at 410-887-2171.
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New Park Dedicated

Unveiling of the sign for Indian Rock Park.
Unveiling of the sign for Indian Rock Park

On March 23, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith joined Eighth District Senator Kathy Klausmeier in the dedication of the new Indian Rock Park property in Perry Hall. The park is situated just west of Perry Hall High School. Future plans call for the construction of a walking trail.  The majority of the site, most of which is wooded, will remain preserved as green space for the community.

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OLC volunteer projects

Hello Friends,

I'm looking for volunteers to help staff the One Less Car exhibit table at a number of different Earth Day/Bicycle related events. Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering. Even a few hours would be very helpful!

* 4-9-09 this Thursday Johns Hopkins Earth Day Celebration 3:30 - 7pm
* 4-18-09 Saturday - Baltimore Green Week at Druid Hill Park 9am-5pm
* 4-25-09 Saturday - Baltimore Bike Blast at Druid Hill Park 9am-3pm

Thank you,
Carol

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BBC’s 25th ANNUAL INSTRUCTIONAL RIDE SERIES

OUR POPULAR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM IS CELEBRATING A QUARTER CENTURY!!

The BALTIMORE BICYCLING CLUB\'S Instructional Ride Series will begin with an orientation to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ridgely Middle School in Baltimore County. Directions to the school are provided below.

This series is offered to anyone over 16 years of age interested in learning the basic skills of cycling, including doing minor road repairs and improving as a rider. We want to help people new to our sport find a comfortable riding level and develop so they can at least ride on the BBC casual rides by the end of the series and to permit experienced riders who are new to club riding to meet and to learn about group riding. The ride series will cover both road and recreational trail riding.

At the orientation, we will demonstrate cycling skills and techniques and discuss bicycles, equipment and clothing and answer any questions about the program. We will watch a short, informative video on cycling safety and bike handling. If you bring your bicycle to the orientation, we can check it out for you and show you how to do a pre-ride bike check. The indoor orientation will be held RAIN OR SHINE. Weather permitting, anyone who wants to do so can join us for a short ride following the orientation. You must have and wear a helmet in order to ride. Below is the full ride schedule.

{Please note that this class is designed to dovetail with the Back to the Beginning Bike Clinic (B2BBC) so if you never ridden before or feel you are unsteady on a bike come to the Beginning Bike Clinic and get some practice in before the Instructional Ride Series Starts on April 11 &amp; 18th. <a href="http://www.baltimorespokes.org/article.php?story=2008041713505581">http://www.baltimorespokes.org/article.php?story=2008041713505581</a>; }

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Stolen bike

Sad news: Stolen Trek 1600 (2007/8)
image

Distinguishing features: red speedplay pedals (look like lolly-pops), two different colored water cages, front tire Bontrager race light, back tire Continental gator (?) , all other equipment standard.

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Climate Ride 2009

**The 2nd Annual Brita Climate Ride invites you to pedal your way to a new energy future!**

More than two hundred cyclists will join together from September 26 - 30, 2009 to embark on a journey from New York City to the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.  We’ll be making a powerful statement about the need for renewable energy and climate change awareness throughout this beautiful 300-mile bicycle ride.

As a valued member of the green community, we invite you to participate in this historic event. Here are five good reasons why you’ll want to sign up:
  • Be Part of a Grassroots Effort – You’ll meet everyone from knowledgeable renewable energy experts, scientists and climate activists, to recent college graduates and everyday folks committed to making a difference.
  • Make an Important Statement – As you wind through the Delaware River Valley, Valley Forge, and Amish Country, your congressional representatives await your arrival at our nation’s Capitol. There, you’ll have the opportunity to voice your concerns and encourage action.
  • It’s a Climate Conference on Wheels – Hear informative talks each evening after a day of enthusiastic cycling through beautiful countryside. Discuss climate science, green technology, and solutions to the climate crisis while re-energizing for the next day’s ride.
  • The Time is Now – We’re at a climatic tipping point. With the upcoming COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December, the 2009 Brita Climate Ride is more timely than ever.
  • It’s Fun! – This unforgettable, fully-supported event allows you the chance to unite with fellow cyclists while having the time of your life. Experienced leaders mind all the logistics, so you can strike up new friendships, network, and engage in stimulating conversation. 
Are you ready to ride? Take five minutes to explore the Climate Ride website . We've posted photos and videos from the 2008 Ride that will entice and excite you – we guarantee it! Mark your calendar and register here. For a limited time, early registrants will receive a discounted sign-up fee of $60 (regularly $100) through May 1st. We have a number of fundraising prizes and incentives this year including an all-expense paid trip to the COP15 Conference in Denmark!

The Brita Climate Ride supports essential climate projects at two beneficiary organizations. Focus the Nation  and Clean Air – Cool Planet .  When you become a 2009 Climate Rider your fundraising effort (minimum $2,400) helps support their projects.  In order to accommodate more riders, we’ve doubled the number of available openings to 250. They will fill up fast, so register today, and we'll see you there!

Climate Ride Logo

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Bicycling related bills update

First what\'s left to take action on if you are at all interested:

SB 98 Use of Text Messaging Device While Driving - Prohibition - Passed Senate (43-4) now in the House
SB 219 Violations by Drivers Under the Age of 18 Years - Driver\'s License Suspensions - Passed Senate (46-0) now in House
SB 262 Repeated Drunk and Drugged Driving Offenses - Suspension of License - Passed Senate (46-0) now in House
SB 277 Speed Monitoring Systems - Statewide Authorization and Use in Highway Work Zones - Passed Senate (27-20) now in House

The odds of these passing the House are slim at best, everything else is dead.

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Bike Maintenance 101

REI Timonium Clinics and Events
4/8/2009 7:00 PM

Working on your bike can be a daunting task, but fear not, REI is here to help! Join one of REI?s shop techs to learn the basics of bike maintenance such as a how to fix a flat, lube a chain, and other adjustments that will keep your bike in good running order. In addition, the clinic will provide insight on overlooked yet simple maintenance techniques that will improve your riding experience. This clinic is a great lead-in class to other advanced bike maintenance classes.

* Location:Timonium, Md
* Contact:Customer service at 410-252-5920
* Cost: Free
* Registration Required? No.

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