The Amazing Bicycle

By Adventure Cycling

The bicycle is the great equalizer. People in all walks of life bicycle; people in all kinds of professions bicycle. I know this. I believe this. And yet, what happened to me during a few days in April surprised me. Pleasantly surprised me.

In April, I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference in Baltimore, MD. I expected to meet a lot of people whose professional avocation is to find ways to support their organization's mission financially.

What I didn't expect was that people would seek me out to tell me how the bicycle had changed their lives.

The very first session I attended (an orientation for first timers), I introduced myself to the crowd and announced that I was with Adventure Cycling Association. As the session broke up, a very nice woman came up to me to express her sincere and heartfelt thanks for Adventure Cycling. Her daughter had used Adventure Cycling resources to complete a cross country trip. Mom called it "life changing" and and "an incredible achievement." And an achievement her daughter would not have accomplished without Adventure Cycling's assistance. Made my day!

The second bicycle encounter came in the exhibit hall. An exhibitor looked at my tag and his eyes lit up as he began to talk about RAGBRAI, the annual ride across Iowa. When I mention that I know someone on Team Skunk, it was as if I was name dropping and the stories that followed were fascinating. Instant connection.

And finally, I had another person look wistfully at my name badge and recall the time in his life that he did centuries. I gave him my card and said he could be doing them again and suggested he start planning his next trip with some of the great Adventure Cycling maps. Hope rekindled.

And on top of that, several people came up to me in the course of this meeting to tell how important our maps and services were various fundraising rides that were held along one of our 40,000+ miles of bicycle routes.

It gave me pause that in the middle of a conference of professional fundraisers, that people would take the time to tell me what a difference the bicycle and/or Adventure Cycling Association made in their lives, but they did. It reminded me that when you donate to Adventure Cycling Association you are keeping people's hopes and dreams alive. You are making a life-changing adventure for a college student possible. You are helping people step out of their comfort zone, try doing something adventurous, and in the end, I believe you are changing lives.

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Sharing the road with bicycles is hardly a hardship

Nobody's time is so important they can't look out for the little guy
By Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun

There are many dreadful burdens in this cruel life we lead: disease, heartbreak, war, taxes and death. But despite all the anguished cries from drivers who balk at the slightest delay, sharing the roads with bicyclists just doesn't rank in the same class.

You wouldn't know that from some of the reactions on the Getting There blog to a recent item about a bill that establishes a buffer between motor vehicles and bicycles. The way some people carry on, you'd think they'd been sentenced to drive at bike speed in perpetuity.

The law that passed the General Assembly is simple enough. It tells the folks in cars and trucks and those testosterone-fueled Dodge Rams to allow 3 feet of distance between their vehicles and the bicyclists they are passing. It's something drivers should be doing already.

Now the police aren't going to be out on the streets with magic electronic rulers ticketing folks who come within 2 feet, 11 inches of a bicycle for a nanosecond. But it does give them a statute to rely on if they see some road-raging lunatic buzzing a bicyclist by a few inches. Chances are, most of the tickets under this law will be written after a driver actually clips a bicyclist. Right now, unless the police can show actual intent to injure, there's not a lot they can do in such cases.

Mostly the law serves to educate. It sets a standard that can be taught in driver's ed classes. It gives parents a clear-cut rule to pass on to their teens with learners' permits.

But for some folks, any concession to the safety of bicyclists is a surrender to the forces of two-wheeled evil. Here are a few of the reactions:

I live in a scenic rural area, where cycling groups take weekend fun rides EVERY weekend. The roads have no shoulders and no turn lanes. There are no easy detours — when I run across a bunch of Lance Armstrong wannabes going 25 in a 40 or 50 mph zone, I can't just 'turn at the next corner and go around' them. That will take me a mile or more out of my way.

And there's this:

I use these roads to go to the grocery store, the doctor's office, my parents' house, the hardware store, you name it. I don't appreciate the packs of city dwellers who drive out here, park their cars, and clog up my neighborhood thoroughfares. I can't tell you how many times I have been driving at the posted speed and come around a blind corner, only to almost hit a cyclist going less than half the posted speed in the middle of the lane.

And another:

Shame on the State legislature for bowing down to another special interest group. … Bicyclists pay no highway taxes, and should therefore have no more special privileges than pedestrians.

When a bicyclist hears or sees a vehicle approaching, he should pull far off the shoulder to not [impede] traffic. Bicyclists caught in the traffic lanes should be fined.

My reaction: Cry me a river.

It has been more than five years since I last took a bicycle onto a Maryland road, so by now I am firmly in the majority of folks who get around mostly by engine-driven vehicles. But the experience of trying to share the road with speeding drivers tends to stay with you.

For decades now I've driven the back roads of Maryland, occasionally coming upon groups of bicyclists pedaling furiously but poking along by gas-driven standards. And at times, on curvy two-lane roads, their presence has actually forced me to slow down — sometimes for more than a minute or two — until the road straightened out and I could pass.

And guess what? There was no permanent damage. Never was an appointment missed or a destination denied. The world kept spinning on its axis.

Here's a flash for the internal combustion crowd: Bicyclists, even the Lance wannabes who live somewhere else, have a right to be on all roads except for a few high-speed highways. They do not impede traffic; they are an integral part of traffic. It has been thus since the dawn of the auto age. Should bicyclists stay to the right and use the shoulders when they can? Absolutely. But there are times when they have to use the travel lanes and the rest of us just have to learn to share.

Bicyclists may not pay gas taxes, but they pay sales tax on their bikes. The government hits them up in most of the ways it hits up others. Their bikes cause no pollution and almost zero wear to the road system. They don't require widened highways or significant traffic law enforcement.

They don't seem to demand much except that other drivers honor their right to safe roads. Even when they ask for a bike path, they're happy to share it with hikers.

So what harm are they doing?

The rules of the road boil down to an essential principle: The big should look out for the little guy even when the little guy is in the wrong. The tractor-trailer truck driver should defer to the guy in the SUV; the SUV driver should let the woman in the small car merge; the motorist should look out for motorcyclists and bicyclists, who should in turn refrain from running over pedestrians.

Maybe the local clergy could find a sermon topic in this clash between motorized and human-propelled cultures.

How would Jesus drive? Would he buzz bicyclists or counsel us that blessed are the meek of vehicle?

Would the Buddha rage at delay or find good karma in driving gently?

Would Muhammad spur us to vehicular jihad or remind us that Allah prizes mercy over wrath.

Can't we at least agree that Moses and the authors of the Talmud would tell us to stop kvetching and obey the law already?

With Gov. Martin O'Malley planning to sign the bill, the 3-foot law will take effect Oct. 1. There's no reason under Heaven to wait until then to comply.

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Maryland Legislation Final Outcomes

By Washcycle

Some good news. Among other things, cyclist in Maryland will no longer be required to use the shoulder just because one is present. And while criminally negligent driving that results in a death won't be a misdemeanor, negligent driving that results in a death may result in a $1000 fine and a 180 suspension of a driver's license.

SB 189, suspension of driver's license for reckless or negligent driving that leads to a fatality:  Passed.

 
HB 282, Declaring that it is the policy of the State that the Maryland Department of Transportation shall work to ensure that there is an appropriate balance between funding for specified transportation projects for pedestrians and bicycle riders and specified highway construction projects and place increased emphasis on specified transportation projects:  Passed.
 
SB 624, removing the mandate that bicyclists ride on a shoulder when one is present and allowing a bicyclist to cross a street in a crosswalk when riding on the adjacent sidewalks is legal, and requiring vehicle drivers to yield to cyclists in a crosswalk:  Passed.
 
SB 870, Making it a misdemeanor for a person to cause the death of another as a result of the person's driving, operating, or controlling a vehicle or vessel in a criminally negligent manner:  Failed.

The last bill is the three feet passing bill. As Contrarian points out it's pretty weak. I don't agree that it makes things worse because of part 1 that still requires due care. But the exceptions make it worthless beyond the symbolism. There is now a 3 feet law, but it has no teeth.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the driver of a vehicle shall

(1) Exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter being ridden by a person; AND
(2) WHEN OVERTAKING A BICYCLE, AN EPAMD, OR A MOTOR SCOOTER, PASS SAFELY AT A DISTANCE OF NOT LESS THAN 3 FEET, UNLESS, AT THE TIME:

(I) THE BICYCLE, EPAMD, OR MOTOR SCOOTER RIDER FAILS TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IN CONFORMANCE WITH § 21–1205(A) OF THIS SUBTITLE (“RIDING TO RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY”) OR § 21–1205.1(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE (“ROADWAY WITH BIKE LANE OR SHOULDER PAVED TO SMOOTH SURFACE”); OR
(II) A PASSING CLEARANCE OF LESS THAN 3 FEET IS CAUSED SOLELY BY THE BICYCLE, EPAMD, OR MOTOR SCOOTER RIDER FAILING TO MAINTAIN A STEADY COURSE.

(III) THE HIGHWAY ON WHICH THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH TO LAWFULLY PASS THE BICYCLE, EPAMD, OR MOTOR SCOOTER AT A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 3 FEET.

So if the lane [Law says Highway, which is all lanes] is too narrow for safe passing, you can go ahead and pass in an unsafe manner. I'd like to see LAB not give them credit for this poor law. This is not a three feet passing law. It's a sham. Though I do like that the MSM is reporting it without caveats. It helps if people believe they always have to give three feet.

Legally, bikes do have a right to the roadways, in most cases in most jurisdictions. Those rights have been expanded in D.C. and Maryland where a 3-foot rule has been passed. That rule directs drivers to give cyclists a 3-foot buffer. Harrison cites that as a national trend.

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Three-foot rule won’t make bicyclists safer

The road bicyclists use the death of one of their own this week to lobby the state for a mandatory three-foot buffer from cars. These road bicyclists choose some of the worst roads to ride on, rural route roads like Falls Road and the side roads of Upperco in Baltimore County, where if the state of Maryland wanted to do anything rational, it would ban the use of bicycles on all rural route roads without shoulders because it isn't safe to operate bicycles on them.

These twisty, windy roads with blind corners and rapidly changing elevations and without shoulders are constantly used by commercial vehicles like horse trailers, farm equipment and people towing machinery, which many times extends beyond the lane they are traveling in. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction many times have to more off the road to allow these vehicles to pass. These cyclists expect to get a three-foot buffer on these roads? It is not possible.

Instead, these cyclists, who I see constantly without the proper safety equipment (rear-view mirrors on their bicycles or helmets and blinking lights on their bicycles) want to be given special treatment. Just using the picture in The Sun from Tuesday, not one of the people pictured atop a cycle is employing this equipment. They want to operate on roads where they are a danger to themselves and other motorists and constitute a public nuisance.

It is simply impossible to have a three-foot buffer for them on these roads. A three-foot buffer would require bicyclists to be riding on a wide shoulder or bike lane and the motorist to actually move about a foot into another lane to pass them. This is not possible on these roads, where the motorist would be required to cross over a double yellow every time a cyclist is encountered. Many times, due to the speed and the nature of these winding roads with blind turns, and the fact cyclists do not employ any safety equipment like blinking lights, the motorist will have to take this action suddenly because the cyclist will appear suddenly. Furthermore, because most cyclists do not use rear-view mirrors, they have no idea a car is bearing down on them and cannot even check for approaching cars. The motorists of the opposite side of the in this situation could easily find themselves in a head-on collision.

The fact is, this proposed three-foot buffer will probably encourage even more cyclists to use these roads because it is going to give them a false sense of security. This will probably sadly result in more cyclists being killed and worse road conditions on already dangerous roads for motorists.

- Daniel O'Neal Vona, Baltimore

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Cyclists ride to Annapolis to achieve passage of 3-foot rule

by Gene Bisbee

An organized bike ride from Baltimore to Annapolis by 85 cyclists on Monday may have ensured the passage of the 3-foot passing law in Maryland, as well as 3 other bicycle friendly measures during the last day of the legislature.

The Maryland Legislature became the 16th state body to pass the 3-foot bill, which goes into effect in October 2010 if signed by the governor.

On the last day of the session on Monday, cyclists rode to the noon rally in Annapolis in memory of bicyclist Lawrence Benksy, 43, of Owings Mills. He was killed April 6 when he was struck by a car as he rode his bike along the shoulder of a road in Baltimore County. Another cyclist also was struck in the rear-end collision.

Reaction

Reacting to passage of the bills, Carol Silldorff, executive director of One Less Car, exclaimed at the Maryland bike advocacy group's website:

"It is time to celebrate! I returned from Annapolis a few hours ago where four significant Bike/Ped/Transportation bills passed! The bicyclist’s show of support in regard to the bicycle safety legislation was meaningful."

Other bills

In addition to the 3-foot legislation, the legislature also passed:

-- A bill recognizing cyclists as legitimate road users. It also allows cyclists to ride on the shoulder if they choose to (they don't have to, though), pass on the shoulder, ride in crosswalks and ride 3-wheeled bikes on the shoulder;

-- A bill making it the policy of the Maryland Department of Transportation to ensure there is a balance between funding for specified transportation projects for pedestrians and bicycle riders and specified highway construction projects;

-- A transportation transparency bill that sets criteria for transportation projects, creates regional transporation impact review, and better tracking of transportation funds.

Much greater detail is available at One Less Car website.

Other 3-foot states

The other 15 states that require motorists to give cyclists a 3-foot wide gap when passing are Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi (effective July 15, 2010), New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

The Maryland bill --- SB 51 -- appeared to be pigeon-holed in a committee as the session rolled toward the finish, but it was voted out of the committee late last week. An amendment added by the House of Delegates, however, had to be approved by the Senate before it could become law.

The amendment says that motorists don't have to give 3 feet if the roadway isn't wide enough to pass otherwise.

The Baltimore Sun blog reports that the Baltimore Bicycle Club and the University of Maryland School of Law Cycling Club were among the rally organizers.

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New Legislation May Make More Room For Cyclists

Reporting Alex DeMetrick
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―

It was a coincidence no one wanted, but the death last week of a bicyclist in Baltimore County is giving new emphasis to legislation that would make more room for cyclists.

Alex DeMetrick reports a police escort was brought in to make room for dozens [X 4] of cyclists traveling from Baltimore to Annapolis. It was a journey with two purposes. First, it was a memorial ride for one of their own, but it was also last minute lobbying for a bill that might help keep other riders safe.

"Larry Bensky was killed on Butler Road last Tuesday at 4:30 in the afternoon," said bicyclist John Kelly. "It's a sad occasion and we want to remember that but we also want to take the opportunity to promote safer riding."

The legislation would make it illegal for cars to come any closer than three feet when passing a cyclist.

For roads not wide enough to allow three feet between passing cars and bikes, the existing rule still applies: a car may pass only when it is safe to do so.

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Release - Bicyclists Will Ride MONDAY to Annapolis in Support of Safer Roads

The Baltimore Bicycle Club
 
- AND -
 
The University of Maryland
School of Law
Cycling Club

 
- For Immediate Release -


Bicyclists to Ride to Annapolis in Memory of Last Week's Fatal Accident Victim, and To Support Passage of Road Safety Measure
 
ANNAPOLIS, April 11, 2010 -- In memory and honor of a Baltimore County bicyclist who died last week after being struck by a motorist,  a group of bicyclists will ride on Monday, April 12, from Baltimore to Annapolis to advocate on behalf of a bill that would make cycling on state roads safer. It is the last day of the 2010 legislative session.

Upon arriving in Annapolis, the riders and other advocates will hold a media availability at noon at Lawyers Mall, between College Ave., State Circle, Government House and the Department of Legislative Services. Afterward, some of the advocates will continue on to the State House to speak on behalf of H.B. 461/S.B. 51.
 
H.B. 461/S.B. 51 would require motorists to pass bicyclists and other certain road users at a distance of 3 feet in some circumstances. The bill, introduced in the House by Del. Jon Cardin and in the Senate by Sen. Jamie Raskin, had been stalled this year in the House Environmental Matters Committee until its vote Friday to report the bill favorably with an amendment. The bill must still pass the Senate. Attempts to pass laws similar to this have failed in recent years.
 
Lawrence Bensky, 43, of Owings Mills, died April 6 while riding his bicycle on Butler Road in Baltimore County. The accident remains under investigation. Bensky was married and the father of two children. His wife, Tamara, is among those expected to arrive Monday in support of changes in the law.
 
Tentative list of riders/supporters who will be available to speak to reporters:

  • Tamara Benksy, Lawrence Bensky's wife
  • Harry Campbell, chief organizer of Monday's ride, The Baltimore Bicycle Club
  • Alexander Obriecht - President - Race Pace Bicycles - 5 bicycle retail stores in the Baltimore area
  • Marc Lefkowitz, Vice President, Race Pace Bicycles
  • John Kelly, of Kelly Benefit Strategies and Kelly Benefit Strategies racing
  • Greg Simmons, law student and president, University of Maryland School of Law Cycling Club
 
Other riders from around the region are expected to join as a public display of support for the Bensky family and safer cycling laws.
 

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Cycling + Del Cardin on the RADIO TONIGHT

From Del. Cardin's office: "Del. Cardin will be speaking on the Marc Steiner Show, WEAA 88.9FM, at 6:45 tonight [Thursday]. Please spread the word if anyone is interested in listening to him comment on the recent bike accident and his efforts on HB 461 [aka, the 3-foot bill]." (my additions in brackets - gts)

For those unaware, there was a fatal daylight accident in Baltimore County on Tuesday, involving a car and two cyclists. One cyclist was killed while the other was in intensive care as of yesterday. The Sun has stories on it here:

- <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.bikers08apr08,0,3870432.story">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.bikers08apr08,0,3870432.story</a>;
- <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-accidents06,0,1953881.story">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-accidents06,0,1953881.story</a>;
- Photo of road where the accident occurred is here: <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.bikers08p220100407184823,0,2893562.photo">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.bikers08p220100407184823,0,2893562.photo</a>;

H.B. 461 would require motorists in most circumstances to leave three feet between themselves and cyclists (as well as Segway-like vehicles and motor scooters) when passing them going the same direction, although there are certain limitations on the law. I'm happy to fill you in further if you have questions. My bottom line is that cyclists would be safer with it, and by applying a more clear rule to the road, motorists and cylcists are less likely to have conflict on the road, and everyone would be happier - and safer - for it.

There are indications this bill still has a chance of passing before the session closes next week. Any public expression of support on its behalf would be one more push in that direction.

Best,
- Greg

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Driving laws appear to get green light in Annapolis

By Michael Dresser Getting there
....
It also seems likely that the state's bicyclists will get their wish as the General Assembly seems inclined to approve a bill requiring motorists to keep 3 feet of distance from our two-wheeled friends.

Drunken drivers, cell phone addicts, traffic scofflaws and folks who like to play Buzz the Bikes might disagree, but those proposals collectively represent significant advances in state law. The measures aren't nearly as aggressive as highway safety advocates might dream of, but each in its own way would improve upon the status quo.
...

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