http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes ColumbusUnderground.com Messageboard en-US Tue, 21 May 2013 14:24:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/search.php http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/9#post-461164 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:52:58 +0000 JeepGirl 461164@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>mrpoppinzs <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/9#post-461162">said</a>:</cite><br /> It sounds like a nut job driving around with a knife. I think he would have stuck it into anyone he thought wronged him...whether driving a Civic or pedaling a Cannondale. </p></blockquote> <p>This </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/9#post-461162 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:49:58 +0000 mrpoppinzs 461162@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>cbustransit <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/9#post-461152">said</a>:</cite><br /> I hate to start this up again, but when talking about the protective aspect of bike lanes, this disturbing story warrants some discussion:</p> <p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-police-search-for-south-side-bicyclists-attacker-652179/" rel="nofollow">http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-police-search-for-south-side-bicyclists-attacker-652179/</a> </p></blockquote> <p>It sounds like a nut job driving around with a knife. I think he would have stuck it into anyone he thought wronged him...whether driving a Civic or pedaling a Cannondale. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/9#post-461152 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:37:44 +0000 cbustransit 461152@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I hate to start this up again, but when talking about the protective aspect of bike lanes, this disturbing story warrants some discussion:</p> <p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-police-search-for-south-side-bicyclists-attacker-652179/" rel="nofollow">http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-police-search-for-south-side-bicyclists-attacker-652179/</a> </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/9#post-441305 Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:28:08 +0000 TomOver 441305@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>lifeontwowheels <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441209">said</a>:</cite><br /> <img src="http://stores.biketac.com/catalog/Blaster%20rack%20and%20hb.JPG"></p> <p><a href="http://stores.biketac.com/-strse-12/Bicycle-bike-horn-blaster/Detail.bok">$33, pretty lightweight, 114 db and runs on a 9v battery. You can splice in your own 12v system and get it louder. </a></p> <p>I just installed this on mine. Feel the money is a good spend for jackass insurance. </p></blockquote> <p>Thx </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441234 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 22:44:56 +0000 0Angle 441234@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>A very nice ride home from Dublin Rd. after Digfest. Saw zero cyclists on the way. Even with a good headlight, I ring the bell approaching intersections on the completely desolate bike path. Glow sticks attached to markers for the overnight <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/06/14/miles-of-smiles.html">Relay Around Columbus</a>. My day was plenty long without something like that at the end of it. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441211 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:55:21 +0000 lifeontwowheels 441211@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>It's loud. Just ask the baristas at the COJ downtown. I may have accidentally set it off inside. Need to remember to hit the off switch next time. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441210 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:53:04 +0000 thefiercelime 441210@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Right on! </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441209 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:44:26 +0000 lifeontwowheels 441209@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>thefiercelime <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441201">said</a>:</cite><br /> I try to make eye contact with the drivers waiting in the turning lanes of intersections if at all possible. Helmets are a must. People in cars are looking for other cars. It's easy to miss cyclists. People drive a lot and they do it in their sleep. There are a ton of distractions and they are far from perfect. I assume that they are all completely oblivious and that I need to be aware of them at all times. I feel fortunate to live in a place where I have close access to roads without a lot of heavy traffic and that are commonly traveled by lots of cyclists but I always kind of cross my fingers when I am flying through the intersection of Sunbury and Dempsey. A guy making a left off of Sunbury pulling a boat toward Hoover Dam almost turned right into me this morning but his window was down and I think he could hear me say "Coming through!" <strong>Maybe a loud horn would hel</strong>p. </p></blockquote> <p><img src="http://stores.biketac.com/catalog/Blaster%20rack%20and%20hb.JPG"></p> <p><a href="http://stores.biketac.com/-strse-12/Bicycle-bike-horn-blaster/Detail.bok">$33, pretty lightweight, 114 db and runs on a 9v battery. You can splice in your own 12v system and get it louder. </a></p> <p>I just installed this on mine. Feel the money is a good spend for jackass insurance. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441201 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:00:55 +0000 thefiercelime 441201@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I try to make eye contact with the drivers waiting in the turning lanes of intersections if at all possible. Helmets are a must. People in cars are looking for other cars. It's easy to miss cyclists. People drive a lot and they do it in their sleep. There are a ton of distractions and they are far from perfect. I assume that they are all completely oblivious and that I need to be aware of them at all times. I feel fortunate to live in a place where I have close access to roads without a lot of heavy traffic and that are commonly traveled by lots of cyclists but I always kind of cross my fingers when I am flying through the intersection of Sunbury and Dempsey. A guy making a left off of Sunbury pulling a boat toward Hoover Dam almost turned right into me this morning but his window was down and I think he could hear me say "Coming through!" Maybe a loud horn would help. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441198 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:06:05 +0000 alexs 441198@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I should dig the chain breaker out of the tool box and carry it in the car, it might save someone some walking. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441194 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:46:22 +0000 TomOver 441194@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>@ pedex: We should address the dangers, but not focus on them so much we lose sight of the rewards of cycling. It's a net gain, IMO. </p> <p>Come to think of it, this past winter was actually my 4th, overall, if I think back a decade or so. </p> <p>Plenty of times had ice sickles in my goatee and frozen water bottles. Know about changing a flat with cold numb fingers. Am OK with that, giving how motoring is bad on so many levels (climate change, air pollution, peak oil, the ethanol disaster, obesity epidemic, alienated communities, and wars for oil). </p> <p>But I realize even if we aren't the ones motoring, just about all of us rely on goods and services that require somebody else to do it. </p> <p>But we can do our best, according to our circumstances, to start a process of getting away from motor-vehicle transport--of people, and of goods and services.<br /> Doing that involves having perspective on the dangers and benefits (individual and societal) of cycling. </p> <p>IMHO, you're focusing too much on the dangers. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441179 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 14:29:37 +0000 alexs 441179@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I had my Dad's bike but I donated it. It wasn't sized for me anyway, too short; it felt like I was on top of the handlebars.</p> <p>I don't want to ride in traffic anymore, and now I'm on the other side, as the cager in a station wagon (which can carry a bike inside). I'm driving around Henderson - Bethel - Linworth etc., many of which are poor roads for bikes or pedestrians. The bikes I deal with are usually well-behaved and they know what they're doing, but you can also see kids texting while riding.</p> <p>One thing I like is having a big round convex mirror on the passenger side of the car, that lets me see when a bike is passing me on the right while I'm stopped or rolling slow. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441173 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:50:28 +0000 local champion 441173@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I don't think I could wear a helmet if i was a bicyclist. Those skateboarding type helmets I see the hipsters with look so dorky. I am also too scurrred to ride a bike anywhere near a busy road, so guess it doesn't matter. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441169 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 12:37:43 +0000 pedex 441169@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>you don't even know how many winters you have ridden? that's hard to believe</p> <p>last winter was basically a non winter, ride thru a few real ones and get back to me, last winter was my 13th on a bike every day</p> <p>and yes sometimes you gotta do some weird stuff to avoid trouble, most of that just comes from local experience, there are lots of dangerous intersections where drivers get jedi mind fucked and basically try real hard to cause accidents</p> <p>like north 5th and gay street where there is no east-west stop sign but drivers will stop dead in the middle of gay street there for no reason</p> <p>rich street and washington is another, hell the little alleyway north of that intersection has had two accidents in just the last two days</p> <p>then you have places like broad and high where law breaking happens like every minute by pedestrians and drivers</p> <p>Spend enough time on the street riding or driving and you will be involved in accidents, it is the nature of the game. I've got 1.1 million miles of driving in central ohio and over 100k worth of biking. You can be the most careful driver and still get hit. I've been broadsided 3 times, 1 my fault acda, been sidewiped by a car while riding my bike, right hooked twice while riding, almost doored a few times, had pedestrians get pushed off the curb in front of me twice one of which I nailed and put in the hospital, and I have been rear ended twice. 3 of the accidents the driver had no insurance, 2 of which destroyed my car. Don't even get me started on deer strikes LOL , been there done that. Spend time on the street and you will be involved in an incident, not a matter of if but when. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441088 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:15:39 +0000 TomOver 441088@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>pedex <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441053">said</a>:</cite></p> <p><blockquote>gonna ride on ice/snow in winter, wear a full face BMX helmet, might sound a bit extreme till you crash a few times.......beats having road rash on your face, a broken nose, or losing some teeth</blockquote></p> <p>What--mountain or road---and where do you plan to ride? This past winter was my 2nd or 3rd. Hasn't been a problem --yet :) </p> <p><blockquote><br /> Best protection of course is situational awareness and ride smartly avoiding situations where stupid crap can happen even if it pisses people off.</blockquote></p> <p>Don't know how you ride, but part of the problem for some younger, especially male folk is the apparent idea anything short of a full-exertion/me-against-the-world approach is a soul-crushing compromise. </p> <p><blockquote> Being in middle of a lane and letting them honk is better than being in the door zone and getting doored for example.</blockquote></p> <p>Being rudely yelled and honked at --which is becoming a more rare occurrence as awareness among non-cyclists seems to grow---is also better than being killed as a motorist reads a text or sorts thru his music library, not noticing you thru the right edge of his windshield. </p> <p> <blockquote>People are gonna honk anyway even when they have 4 lanes to pass you with and 200hp LOL, happens all the time, often 100 yards from a red light. If you are in a 25mph zone like civic center drive and you are doing the speed limit, do not move over and let people pass, same in the short north. Make them go left of center that way you can get out of their way and you have room to do so if needed.</blockquote></p> <p>Agree w/ the general rule of taking the entire lane when it doesn't seem safe to share it with motorists. The signs say "Share The Road," not "Share the Lane." </p> <p>However, cycling seems to require sensory acuity, reasonably good reflexes, and an intuitive/instinctual mix of self-preservation and good-will to others in the community. </p> <p>In some cases, this trumps general rules, such as taking the entire lane. On rare occasions, I veer left, look at motorists and wave them past. I might even stop at the side of the road to do this. That's rare, but I don't rule it out by rigidly following rules (or laws.) </p> </blockquote> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441074 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:37:26 +0000 TomOver 441074@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>The male cyclist in what looked to be a football helmet yesterday on High might be concerned about protecting his nose, teeth, and jaw. </p> <p>Reminded me of the guy--don't recall his name--- in a motorcycle helmet with big street construction lights shining yellow, wired to a car battery in a milk crated mounted on the back of his recumbent. </p> <p>Few years ago Meredith Joy who started Consider Biking and then Yay Bikes! gave a try to the lighting set-up which the guy called 'the bike box.' </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441068 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:26:02 +0000 TomOver 441068@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>groundrules <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/7#post-441021">said</a>:</cite><br /> 1) fact: helmets <em>are</em> disposable. even the good ones. they absorb energy by allowing the foam innards to collapse. They do this exactly once, and then the deformation will negatively effect the helmet's ability to absorb another hit. Replace 'em every once in a while. brittle isn't good. </p> <p>2) you need to be a better driver. </p></blockquote> <p>Thx 4 reminder. Mine's more than 10. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441063 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:06:44 +0000 groundrules 441063@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>pedex <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/7#post-441024">said</a>:</cite></p> <p>ever worn a decent BMX helmet or skateboarding helmet? football helmet? Lacrosse helmet? motorcycle helmet? </p> </blockquote> <p>sports helmets are of a totally different design and aren't particularly relevant to my point or this discussion- they're made of latex open cell foam or air bladders with the intent to rebound from multiple impacts. Motorcycle helmets however, are for the most part, one-and-done designs. The inner shell, which does most of the energy absorption is closed cell styrofoam, just like a bicycle helmet. MC helmets just have a little more robust outer shell to resist abrasion from a 70 mph slide. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441062 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:03:53 +0000 NerosNeptune 441062@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>any cycling helmet with certifications will be fine. you can find them cheap or expensive but they all have to pass the same testing. after that it's about weight/style/venting. i suggest going to a bike shop, asking questions, trying some things on, see what is comfortable and looks like it will protect you. </p> <p>I opt for one of the Bern skating-style helmets, they are hotter, but I feel more protected. I used to use one of the more racing-style helmets, but I have a huge head and it pretty much just sat on the very top of my head not doing anything for the sides or back. They have a pretty large selection to try at Paradise Garage if you're not sure what size to get. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441053 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:43:27 +0000 pedex 441053@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>geoyui <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/the-death-of-cyclist-jeffrey-stevenson-and-my-ambivalence-toward-bike-lanes/page/8#post-441047">said</a>:</cite><br /> so any helmet recommendations pedex?</p> </blockquote> <p>Ya, skateboard helmet with back and side protection. still won't protect your face but its better than nothing. Should come down over your ears a bit and cover the back of head where your neck and head meet. Bern makes em for like $40-$50. Sweat of course is an issue, wear a bandana under it, it does wonders. You can literally slam one of them into the road and they don't even get scratched.</p> <p>gonna ride on ice/snow in winter, wear a full face BMX helmet, might sound a bit extreme till you crash a few times.......beats having road rash on your face, a broken nose, or losing some teeth</p> <p>Best protection of course is situational awareness and ride smartly avoiding situations where stupid crap can happen even if it pisses people off. Being in middle of a lane and letting them honk is better than being in the door zone and getting doored for example. People are gonna honk anyway even when they have 4 lanes to pass you with and 200hp LOL, happens all the time, often 100 yards from a red light. If you are in a 25mph zone like civic center drive and you are doing the speed limit, do not move over and let people pass, same in the short north. Make them go left of center that way you can get out of their way and you have room to do so if needed. </p>