Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
I appreciate the comments, all. Note that this was posted by Dr Robert Shanteau, a traffic engineer in Monterey who has also been a tireless cyclist advocate since the 70s in the SF Bay Area. Please welcome Bob Shanteau to Cyclelicious.
Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 10:35:00 AM
Monday, November 12, 2007
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
Too many traffic engineers fail to incorporate variables that are difficult to measure into their analysis for obvious reasons.
The auto and truck industries are well represented while independently minded cyclists are easily overlooked. Recreational bike paths are being funded while critically needed bike lanes, wider streets, proper signs, drivers' education,... are being ignored and unfunded.
Cities that have successfully integrated more cycling in their tansportation system are great examples of what works. Why some cyclists continue to deny the obvious is hurting all cyclists.
Jack
Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 10:01:00 AM
Too many traffic engineers fail to incorporate variables that are difficult to measure into their analysis for obvious reasons.
The auto and truck industries are well represented while independently minded cyclists are easily overlooked. Recreational bike paths are being funded while critically needed bike lanes, wider streets, proper signs, drivers' education,... are being ignored and unfunded.
Cities that have successfully integrated more cycling in their tansportation system are great examples of what works. Why some cyclists continue to deny the obvious is hurting all cyclists.
Jack
Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 10:01:00 AM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....
Jana Eggers has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":
Hi, Carlton,
Yes, the graphics are different. Our partners submit graphics, and they decide where they want to sell. I can check on the bicycle graphic and see if it can be brought over.
The Trigema selection isn't available here. Trigema isn't popular in the US, and we don't have an outlet to get them wholesale.
We did try some similar jackets in the US, but they were not popular. We are adding some additional athletic wear for North America in January, but no jackets are planned.
Thanks,
Jana
Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 09:23:00 AM
Hi, Carlton,
Yes, the graphics are different. Our partners submit graphics, and they decide where they want to sell. I can check on the bicycle graphic and see if it can be brought over.
The Trigema selection isn't available here. Trigema isn't popular in the US, and we don't have an outlet to get them wholesale.
We did try some similar jackets in the US, but they were not popular. We are adding some additional athletic wear for North America in January, but no jackets are planned.
Thanks,
Jana
Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 09:23:00 AM
Sunday, November 11, 2007
[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.
cafiend has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":
Yeah, I thought they were pretty much bullshit myself, but then I read something that made me think they might have some value. They don't really get people to share the road any more than people willingly floss their teeth or quit smoking, but at least the signs remind them that they SHOULD.
I just forget what I read or where I read it. Anyway, they can't hurt...except when some redneck saws one down and drops it on you.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:51:00 PM
Yeah, I thought they were pretty much bullshit myself, but then I read something that made me think they might have some value. They don't really get people to share the road any more than people willingly floss their teeth or quit smoking, but at least the signs remind them that they SHOULD.
I just forget what I read or where I read it. Anyway, they can't hurt...except when some redneck saws one down and drops it on you.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:51:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":
Most cyclists know from experience that STR signs are a waste and ineffective.
Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:47:00 PM
Most cyclists know from experience that STR signs are a waste and ineffective.
Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:47:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....
cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
My key word was "usable" cycling infrastructure. In other words, not the usual sidepath to nowhere, that amounts to a concentration camp for cyclists and forces them to use their bike as a toy, separate from the practical portion of their lives. The industry just wants to sell bikes, true. But they are the only deep pocket on the cycling side of the equation. Where else would funds come from? Advocacy groups? I can't afford to belong to one. When I did, they ignored my letters to them and barraged me with requests for more funds.
The best cycling advocacy an individual cyclist can perform is to go out there and ride, relentlessly. Recruit other people to ride.
Our local rail trail gets lots of traffic, even though it is lame. So the industry is right that if people believe they have a safe place to ride, they will do so. This may not appear as a jump in sales, because a lot of people own bikes already. And they aren't as in love with technology and new new new stuff as the industry has been trying to believe.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:35:00 PM
My key word was "usable" cycling infrastructure. In other words, not the usual sidepath to nowhere, that amounts to a concentration camp for cyclists and forces them to use their bike as a toy, separate from the practical portion of their lives. The industry just wants to sell bikes, true. But they are the only deep pocket on the cycling side of the equation. Where else would funds come from? Advocacy groups? I can't afford to belong to one. When I did, they ignored my letters to them and barraged me with requests for more funds.
The best cycling advocacy an individual cyclist can perform is to go out there and ride, relentlessly. Recruit other people to ride.
Our local rail trail gets lots of traffic, even though it is lame. So the industry is right that if people believe they have a safe place to ride, they will do so. This may not appear as a jump in sales, because a lot of people own bikes already. And they aren't as in love with technology and new new new stuff as the industry has been trying to believe.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:35:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....
Ed W has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
I've been working through the Thunderhead Benchmarking Report. Now, realize first that a good deal of Thunderhead's funding comes from the industry, and the manufacturers exist to sell more bikes. In their view, anything that helps sell more bikes is a Good Thing. In their conclusions, TA simply says,
"Examples abound and local advocates and officials
know that a new trail or path built where few biked and walked
before more often than not will dramatically increase bicycling
and walking in that particular corridor. Results of this study
suggest what these advocates and officials know to be true:
when you build it, they will come."
The underlying assumption is that the 'build it and they will come' approach will help to sell more bikes. There is no evidence to support this, of course, and in reality things have worked out quite to the contrary. Bicycle sales have been essentially flat while public spending on bicycle and pedestrian facilities went from $22.9 million in 1992 to $394.9 million in 2006. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying that money was wasted, but it may be disingenuous to suggest that on a national scale spending more money leads to more cyclists.
Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:21:00 PM
I've been working through the Thunderhead Benchmarking Report. Now, realize first that a good deal of Thunderhead's funding comes from the industry, and the manufacturers exist to sell more bikes. In their view, anything that helps sell more bikes is a Good Thing. In their conclusions, TA simply says,
"Examples abound and local advocates and officials
know that a new trail or path built where few biked and walked
before more often than not will dramatically increase bicycling
and walking in that particular corridor. Results of this study
suggest what these advocates and officials know to be true:
when you build it, they will come."
The underlying assumption is that the 'build it and they will come' approach will help to sell more bikes. There is no evidence to support this, of course, and in reality things have worked out quite to the contrary. Bicycle sales have been essentially flat while public spending on bicycle and pedestrian facilities went from $22.9 million in 1992 to $394.9 million in 2006. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying that money was wasted, but it may be disingenuous to suggest that on a national scale spending more money leads to more cyclists.
Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:21:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....
cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
Sad but true: sponsors of research tend to get the results they're paying for. This is my cynical and unverified assertion, but I bet I'm right.
Has anyone in the bike industry tried to get studies done to support the establishment of usable cycling infrastructure? Does any advocacy group have the funds to bankroll such studies? If not, you'll get what you're getting now: highway and traffic research paid for by motor vehicle interests to support their desires.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 05:27:00 PM
Sad but true: sponsors of research tend to get the results they're paying for. This is my cynical and unverified assertion, but I bet I'm right.
Has anyone in the bike industry tried to get studies done to support the establishment of usable cycling infrastructure? Does any advocacy group have the funds to bankroll such studies? If not, you'll get what you're getting now: highway and traffic research paid for by motor vehicle interests to support their desires.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 05:27:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.
cafiend has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":
Bike lanes don't educate people. Education educates people.
"Share the Road" signs do remind motorists that bikes are out there and have a legal place on the road. Driver education that includes the rights and responsibilities of cyclists will educate all road users about the cyclist's place among them.
I have had numerous brushes with misinformed law enforcement officials, but have also had some wonderful support from others in that profession.
A police officer once pulled me over on a state highway and told me I wasn't supposed to be on it because of its speed limit. He was wrong, but I didn't have time to argue, because it was also late in the day and I needed to get home before sunset. He grudgingly allowed me to continue, but only if I rode at the far edge of the debris-strewn shoulder. I did this until he was out of sight. Then I sprinted back up to 25+ mph at the right edge of the travel lane, as I had been before.
After this incident I always carried at least one copy of the state laws pertaining to cyclists, so I could hand it to the next well-meaning but poorly-trained peace officer.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 05:18:00 PM
Bike lanes don't educate people. Education educates people.
"Share the Road" signs do remind motorists that bikes are out there and have a legal place on the road. Driver education that includes the rights and responsibilities of cyclists will educate all road users about the cyclist's place among them.
I have had numerous brushes with misinformed law enforcement officials, but have also had some wonderful support from others in that profession.
A police officer once pulled me over on a state highway and told me I wasn't supposed to be on it because of its speed limit. He was wrong, but I didn't have time to argue, because it was also late in the day and I needed to get home before sunset. He grudgingly allowed me to continue, but only if I rode at the far edge of the debris-strewn shoulder. I did this until he was out of sight. Then I sprinted back up to 25+ mph at the right edge of the travel lane, as I had been before.
After this incident I always carried at least one copy of the state laws pertaining to cyclists, so I could hand it to the next well-meaning but poorly-trained peace officer.
Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 05:18:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":
Further proof that bike lanes and associated infrastructure are necessary. Not only for space, but as a means to educate and constantly remind law enforcement officials and the public of cyclists' rights.
Thanks for making this obvious!
Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 04:32:00 PM
Further proof that bike lanes and associated infrastructure are necessary. Not only for space, but as a means to educate and constantly remind law enforcement officials and the public of cyclists' rights.
Thanks for making this obvious!
Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 04:32:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on What a pretty bicycle, she said.
Shanerh has left a new comment on your post "What a pretty bicycle, she said":
Thanks for the link! Saw the original video via a link from your site and was inspired to make a version myself. It helped get me started on a bigger project.. taking the 4500 photos and hundreds of video clips and turning them into a movie.
Posted by Shanerh to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 04:28:00 PM
Thanks for the link! Saw the original video via a link from your site and was inspired to make a version myself. It helped get me started on a bigger project.. taking the 4500 photos and hundreds of video clips and turning them into a movie.
Posted by Shanerh to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 04:28:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....
Eccentric guy on a bike has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
Critical thinking is dead. Arguing that correlation does not imply causation is seen as negative cynicism these days, even in higher education. A "researcher" who doesn't arrive at the correct conclusions isn't likely to get more funding for further research.
The Mike Judge movie "Idiocracy" might be realized even in our lifetimes. Today, soccer moms are driving diesel powered monster trucks that barely fit in existing lanes or parking spots, so they're widening. But a handful of eccentric guys riding bikes who don't spend a lot are a whole lot easier to ignore.
Posted by Eccentric guy on a bike to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 10:51:00 AM
Critical thinking is dead. Arguing that correlation does not imply causation is seen as negative cynicism these days, even in higher education. A "researcher" who doesn't arrive at the correct conclusions isn't likely to get more funding for further research.
The Mike Judge movie "Idiocracy" might be realized even in our lifetimes. Today, soccer moms are driving diesel powered monster trucks that barely fit in existing lanes or parking spots, so they're widening. But a handful of eccentric guys riding bikes who don't spend a lot are a whole lot easier to ignore.
Posted by Eccentric guy on a bike to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 10:51:00 AM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....
Ed W has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":
Thanks for posting this, Fritz. I've forwarded it to the state and local advocacy group, as well as a knowledgeable planner and an engineer.
Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 08:30:00 AM
Thanks for posting this, Fritz. I've forwarded it to the state and local advocacy group, as well as a knowledgeable planner and an engineer.
Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 08:30:00 AM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....
Carlton has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":
Thanks for the feedback, Jana.
I couldn't find the bike symbol on the US site. The graphics are different.
Also, there wasn't the same - or similar - Trigema training jacket.
Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:37:00 AM
Thanks for the feedback, Jana.
I couldn't find the bike symbol on the US site. The graphics are different.
Also, there wasn't the same - or similar - Trigema training jacket.
Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:37:00 AM
Saturday, November 10, 2007
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....
Jana Eggers has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":
Hi, Carlton,
Sorry for the confusion. The number of text colors between the US and EU are the same. We do have differences in colors, based on apparel selection and suppliers. Which ones were you missing specifically? I can't promise we'll get it, but the feedback is helpful.
You can add graphics after text is added. Not sure what went wrong. The designer is the same between the US and EU. It must have been a click path. If you can tell us what it was, I'd appreciate it. (I tried to find it, but probably know too much.)
Thanks,
Jana
Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 11:39:00 AM
Hi, Carlton,
Sorry for the confusion. The number of text colors between the US and EU are the same. We do have differences in colors, based on apparel selection and suppliers. Which ones were you missing specifically? I can't promise we'll get it, but the feedback is helpful.
You can add graphics after text is added. Not sure what went wrong. The designer is the same between the US and EU. It must have been a click path. If you can tell us what it was, I'd appreciate it. (I tried to find it, but probably know too much.)
Thanks,
Jana
Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 11:39:00 AM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....
Carlton has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":
Wow, thanks again, Fritz.
It's really odd how the cool features in the Euro-version of Spreadshirt don't seem to be on the US version. The text colours are not as broad and there doesn't appear to be a way to add extra graphics after text has been applied. Prices are a lot less, mind.
Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 09:49:00 AM
Wow, thanks again, Fritz.
It's really odd how the cool features in the Euro-version of Spreadshirt don't seem to be on the US version. The text colours are not as broad and there doesn't appear to be a way to add extra graphics after text has been applied. Prices are a lot less, mind.
Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 09:49:00 AM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Top 100 lifestyle blogs.
Will has left a new comment on your post "Top 100 lifestyle blogs":
Congratulations!
Here's My Cycling Blog for your top 100 list consideration
www.cycling-challenge.com
A new challenge every year while cycling legendary climbs in the French and Swiss Alps.
Regards
Posted by Will to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 03:35:00 AM
Congratulations!
Here's My Cycling Blog for your top 100 list consideration
www.cycling-challenge.com
A new challenge every year while cycling legendary climbs in the French and Swiss Alps.
Regards
Posted by Will to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 03:35:00 AM
Friday, November 09, 2007
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE jackets and shirts.
Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE jackets and shirts":
Sue, that's way too subtle and eggheadish for my little literal minded brain...
Jana, thanks for the note about Spreadshirt USA. Do you normally read Cyclelicious? Or do you have a blog alert set up for mentions of your company name?
Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 05:08:00 PM
Sue, that's way too subtle and eggheadish for my little literal minded brain...
Jana, thanks for the note about Spreadshirt USA. Do you normally read Cyclelicious? Or do you have a blog alert set up for mentions of your company name?
Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 05:08:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on NYMEX light sweet crude price.
Warren T has left a new comment on your post "NYMEX light sweet crude price":
Fritz linked my haiku
He lives by the rules he's set
Thank you much, my friend
Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 04:58:00 PM
Fritz linked my haiku
He lives by the rules he's set
Thank you much, my friend
Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 04:58:00 PM
[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE jackets and shirts.
Jana Eggers has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE jackets and shirts":
Hi, folks!
I have some good news... Spreadshirt does deliver to the US... actually North America!
Y'all just need to set-up a shop on Spreadshirt.com. You'll have the same functionality. There is some difference in apparel selection, due to availability and styles in the two continents.
Enjoy! Happy to have you with us!
Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 03:50:00 PM
Hi, folks!
I have some good news... Spreadshirt does deliver to the US... actually North America!
Y'all just need to set-up a shop on Spreadshirt.com. You'll have the same functionality. There is some difference in apparel selection, due to availability and styles in the two continents.
Enjoy! Happy to have you with us!
Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 03:50:00 PM
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