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Source: (consider it) Thread: Mightbe Cyclist
Welease Woderwick

Sister Incubus Nightmare
# 10424

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I so agree! Getting my leg over [no, I don't mean like that] is getting increasingly difficult as I age and my joints seize up - my next bike is going to be a step-through.

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What part of Matt. 7:1 don't you understand?

Posts: 48139 | From: 1st on the right, straight on 'til morning | Registered: Sep 2005  |  IP: Logged
Curiosity killed ...

Ship's Mug
# 11770

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Bikes are stronger with the high bar. It's to do with triangles being a better form of construction unit - a high bar gives that main shape of the frame based on two triangles (the main frame and the frame for the back wheel). A step through bike is less rigid in the frame. Last bike I had was this sort of shape

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Mugs - Keep the Ship afloat

Posts: 13794 | From: outiside the outer ring road | Registered: Aug 2006  |  IP: Logged
balaam

Making an ass of myself
# 4543

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Which is why step through bikes tend to be heavier, and therefore harder to ride than a diamond frame. The extra needed rigidity is borne by having sturdier and heavier tubes.

For those interested in a Brooks saddle, Spa Cycles do their own equivalent saddles, named after Yorkshire rivers (Nidd, Calder etc.). Good for those in the UK, but check on the cost of postage for elsewhere.

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Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003  |  IP: Logged
Doublethink.
Ship's Foolwise Unperson
# 1984

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Ooh, those look nice, thanks Balaam I will seriously consider. Have just come back from my first post-pimpage ride, knowing I **must** change the saddle. Successfully adjusted ride height though [Smile]

(Oh and I ended locking my bike on the bike rank opposite a road going unicycle - this city is wierd.)

[ 08. June 2014, 14:46: Message edited by: Doublethink ]

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All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome. George Orwell

Posts: 19219 | From: Erehwon | Registered: Aug 2005  |  IP: Logged
balaam

Making an ass of myself
# 4543

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quote:
Originally posted by Doublethink:
Ooh, those look nice, thanks Balaam I will seriously consider.

Make sure you get the correct gender specific one, Dropping them an email would be a good idea. For me it is only a 50 mile round trip - just a ride away [Smile]

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Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003  |  IP: Logged
no prophet's flag is set so...

Proceed to see sea
# 15560

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I'm all about safety as I near 60. I have been hit twice. It makes me take a little longer and plan routes differently. Injuries were significant. T5 and T6 vertebral fractures (roughly shoulder blade level) in one, and 3 ribs in the second. Both were the car driver's fault, but I lost both times.

Indicator lights: No. But in the dark, which is essentially all winter to and from work, I wear an LED arm bands. Visibility and hand signalling. Link to arm lights

I also have a red light on my helmet which faces backwards and blinks. Front and back lights, and mini spare lights as well. Just in case.

I have a bell which I use mostly. If the bell is the right note, it often is well heard. But if I think people aren't seeing me or if there's a danger, I have a "Hornit" which is 140 dB. Enough that I don't want it pointed at me. I use it probably only once ever 2 or 3 weeks.

Ear phones and smart phones seem to have made many oblivious to everything. The illegality of phone use in cars aside.

Our local cycling advocacy association has helped a lot with these ideas.

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Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
\_(ツ)_/

Posts: 11498 | From: Treaty 6 territory in the nonexistant Province of Buffalo, Canada ↄ⃝' | Registered: Mar 2010  |  IP: Logged
Doublethink.
Ship's Foolwise Unperson
# 1984

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Man that sounds painful !!

That makes me think I must do more about visibility - will have a little think.

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All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome. George Orwell

Posts: 19219 | From: Erehwon | Registered: Aug 2005  |  IP: Logged
Curiosity killed ...

Ship's Mug
# 11770

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I've broken ribs and an elbow in separate incidents, also had to wear long enough skirts to cover up wrecked knees more than once. Trousers stuck.

I have a photo showing the difference in visibility of bikes here. Those shots were all taken within ten minutes of each other, all on the same corner in pretty grim conditions.

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Mugs - Keep the Ship afloat

Posts: 13794 | From: outiside the outer ring road | Registered: Aug 2006  |  IP: Logged
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061

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Route planning is your friend. My commute is almost completely on a dedicated bike trail; I'm only on streets with cars for half a mile or so. All the accidents I have had involved ice or other loss of traction. But being hit by a car can kill you on the spot.

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Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014  |  IP: Logged
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061

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Oh, and there are genders to leather saddles, really? I am going to be in London in August, and should buy one...

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Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page

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Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829

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quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:
But if I think people aren't seeing me or if there's a danger, I have a "Hornit" which is 140 dB.

I would add the caveat to your horn (fnarr fnarr) that if you use it on a canal towpath people may well think you are a boat coming! I know this, I had quite a heated few words with another cyclist I pulled out on round a blind bridge abutment, who'd sounded their horn and, yes, I'd thought it was a boat and therefore unlikely to be cycling on the towpath...

Pretty much every other situation I can think of it sounds like a cracking idea!

AG

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Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007  |  IP: Logged
Curiosity killed ...

Ship's Mug
# 11770

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I guess you really think we have cycle routes that allow us to travel around without going on roads. London and the UK is nothing like Holland for cycling. The main dedicated cycle route through London is *interesting*. I'm not sure how many cyclists have been killed on it this year, but it's a few.

The route I cycled into work was about 1 mile cycle track and 6 miles country lanes taking my chances with the cars because it was better than 6 miles on the main A road with a roundabout with a motorway access, taking my chances with buses, cars, lorries and the rest -a two lane road.

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Mugs - Keep the Ship afloat

Posts: 13794 | From: outiside the outer ring road | Registered: Aug 2006  |  IP: Logged
Doublethink.
Ship's Foolwise Unperson
# 1984

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Brenda, I would refer you to this article, alternatively, try googling "bicyclist's vulva".

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All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome. George Orwell

Posts: 19219 | From: Erehwon | Registered: Aug 2005  |  IP: Logged
no prophet's flag is set so...

Proceed to see sea
# 15560

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I go between 3 different offices each week. For one, I go on residential streets with "cut throughs" (also called cat walks) between houses which join various streets to make a more direct route for peds and cyclists, then to a dedicated trail. This is very happy trip.

For the second, I start on the same residential-cut through route, but then have to go alongside railway tracks, before carrying the bike over the tracks. All the while looking for trains. There is no other route. This route ends with a crossing of a busy 60 km/hr speed limit ped crossing which legally requires the trucks (mainly) and cars to stop, but they don't comply well. 4 lanes. Then I go through 2 parking lots before crossing a 6 lane as a ped. I get there faster cycling than I ever would in a car, but it is a "you can't get there from here" situation. --at the first ped crossing, have to be very careful. I had a car stopped for me in the curb lane a couple of years ago. and the car in the next land stopped suddenly, was rear ended and pushed about 40-50 feet. If I'd not hesitated, don't think I'd be typing today.

My third route involves some of those pretend cycling lanes, where they painted lines on the edge of the road with bike symbols and a lozenge shape. The cars enjoy whizzing past as close as they can.

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Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
\_(ツ)_/

Posts: 11498 | From: Treaty 6 territory in the nonexistant Province of Buffalo, Canada ↄ⃝' | Registered: Mar 2010  |  IP: Logged
Huia
Shipmate
# 3473

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quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:
My third route involves some of those pretend cycling lanes, where they painted lines on the edge of the road with bike symbols and a lozenge shape. The cars enjoy whizzing past as close as they can.

Christchurch is full of these, and now that the sewerage infrastructure is being repired there are many places where all the traffic is being squeezed into half the road (the vehicle and the cycle lane). Wherever I see the sign that says Cyclists Merging I have a mental picture of a cyclist mashed against the front of a bus. Many have taken to riding on the footpath in these areas in sheer terror - me being one of them. There are more cycleways planned in the next 5 years or so but I am not sure I will still have the nerve to ride by then.

Doublethink, thanks for that article. I had briefly discussed soft tissue injuries with the blokes at my local bike shop but I didn't really understand the bio-mechanics of them.

Huia

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Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002  |  IP: Logged
Macrina
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# 8807

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Huia, I very nearly did get merged in Christchurch cycling on Avonside drive. THAT cycle path is an absolute menace.
Posts: 535 | From: Christchurch, New Zealand | Registered: Nov 2004  |  IP: Logged
ecumaniac

Ship's whipping girl
# 376

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A friend is selling her tricycle and I went for a test drive today.

I really really want it!!!

I don't ride bicycles at all. I had exactly one terrifying lesson (about 2 months ago, at age 33) and concluded that two wheels aren't enough.

Does anyone have a trike? Are they a pain to park/secure where-ever you go? They are just bulky enough to make it almost impossible to transport in my car if required without virtually taking it apart. I can't imagine I'd be able to take it on a train easily, for example.

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it's a secret club for people with a knitting addiction, hiding under the cloak of BDSM - Catrine

Posts: 2901 | From: Cambridge | Registered: Jun 2001  |  IP: Logged
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061

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You might be able to get some kind of trailer or hitch for it, so that you could pull it behind your vehicle. Consider carefully also where you will store it at your house. Bicycles are bulky enough. A tricycle might call for its own bay in your garage or shed.

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Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page

Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014  |  IP: Logged
Arethosemyfeet
Shipmate
# 17047

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quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:

Does anyone have a trike?

Yep! I have a cargo trike though which is a different beast. I also never take it to the mainland so parking and security are largely irrelevant - I use the built in keyed parking brake to stop it rolling away and park it in whatever space is handy.
Posts: 2933 | From: Hebrides | Registered: Apr 2012  |  IP: Logged
HenryT

Canadian Anglican
# 3722

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I learned to ride a bike at age 33 or so, and bought my only new bike at 35. I am still riding it, twenty years later. To learn balance, you want a gentle slope with no traffic. I was and am fortunate enough to have the right slope and quiet traffic right outside my house.

Some people even take the pedals off, learning just coasting downhill. I didn't bother. I did buy a helmet and roller blade elbow cups, also gloves. It took about a week to learn the balance and go round the block. With a month I was commuting to work.

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Posts: 7231 | From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 2002  |  IP: Logged
no prophet's flag is set so...

Proceed to see sea
# 15560

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I was sent this rather interesting article

Cyclists should be able to roll through stop signs

It bases this on the fact that cyclists don't obey some traffic laws for good reason. They roll through stop signs and red lights if there aren't any cars coming.

The article says cyclists who disobey car laws are probably in the right, due to the energy required to go from stop to rolling, and that the laws, lights and signs weren't designed for them anyway. The article argues that it is probably safer and that bikes don't need the traffic calming methods required for cars.

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Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
\_(ツ)_/

Posts: 11498 | From: Treaty 6 territory in the nonexistant Province of Buffalo, Canada ↄ⃝' | Registered: Mar 2010  |  IP: Logged
mark_in_manchester

not waving, but...
# 15978

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quote:
Does anyone have a trike?
We have one which I turned into a kind of kid-carrier - two kids (now 6 and 9, but I can just about pull them!) sit abreast facing backwards behind the rider and between the 20" rear wheels. It's adaptable so smaller kids can sit in the same place facing forwards. Luggage basket also can be used, sans-kids.

It's a laugh - but bulky and a pain to store. It's a Pashley Tri-1 which folds a bit, but still too bulky to put in the (small estate) car - it'll go in my trailer.

I'm thinking of selling it on now kids are big, if anyone is interested!

cheers
Mark

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"We are punished by our sins, not for them" - Elbert Hubbard
(so good, I wanted to see it after my posts and not only after those of shipmate JBohn from whom I stole it)

Posts: 1596 | Registered: Oct 2010  |  IP: Logged
ecumaniac

Ship's whipping girl
# 376

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Too late, I have bought one off eBay!

Yesterday went to the local bike shop and got kitted out with helmet and locks and various other bits. Plan is to take it for a spin tomorrow evening...

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it's a secret club for people with a knitting addiction, hiding under the cloak of BDSM - Catrine

Posts: 2901 | From: Cambridge | Registered: Jun 2001  |  IP: Logged
Huia
Shipmate
# 3473

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I hope you have lots of fun with it ecumaniac [Yipee]

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Charity gives food from the table, Justice gives a place at the table.

Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002  |  IP: Logged
Qoheleth.

Semi-Sagacious One
# 9265

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Puncture question .... I've used puncture-resistant tyres for a couple of years with no problems. This morning I spotted that I'd picked up a hefty tack, which wasn't actually leaking at all. So far, so good. However, I thoughtlessly extracted it before leaving work in the evening, leaving a hefty hole, and a flat tyre.

Problem is that the 'slime' inside the puncture-resistant tube won't now allow a conventional patch to stick. Even if I carefully dry it off, the oozing slime from inside appears to be dissolving the adhesive, and the patch just slides off. Ideas, please?

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Posts: 2532 | From: the radiator of life | Registered: Apr 2005  |  IP: Logged
Karl: Liberal Backslider
Shipmate
# 76

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quote:
Originally posted by Qoheleth.:
Puncture question .... I've used puncture-resistant tyres for a couple of years with no problems. This morning I spotted that I'd picked up a hefty tack, which wasn't actually leaking at all. So far, so good. However, I thoughtlessly extracted it before leaving work in the evening, leaving a hefty hole, and a flat tyre.

Problem is that the 'slime' inside the puncture-resistant tube won't now allow a conventional patch to stick. Even if I carefully dry it off, the oozing slime from inside appears to be dissolving the adhesive, and the patch just slides off. Ideas, please?

I think this is the payoff. New tube.

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Might as well ask the bloody cat.

Posts: 17938 | From: Chesterfield | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
sharkshooter

Not your average shark
# 1589

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quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:
...

It bases this on the fact that cyclists don't obey some traffic laws for good reason. They roll through stop signs and red lights if there aren't any cars coming.

...

So, because they break the law, we should change the law?

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. [Psalm 19:14]

Posts: 7772 | From: Canada; Washington DC; Phoenix; it's complicated | Registered: Oct 2001  |  IP: Logged
Jane R
Shipmate
# 331

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no prophet:
quote:
It bases this on the fact that cyclists don't obey some traffic laws for good reason. They roll through stop signs and red lights if there aren't any cars coming.
And quite a lot of them either don't bother to look for pedestrians or don't bother to stop for them, with the result that pedestrians attempting to obey the Little Green Man and cross the road without jaywalking can't do it without taking their lives in their hands*.

Just because there isn't a car coming doesn't mean there are no other road users who may be endangered by your cavalier attitude to road safety.

*Yes, I know more cyclists are killed by cars every year. Does that make it all right for cyclists to kill or injure pedestrians?

Posts: 3958 | From: Jorvik | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
Carex
Shipmate
# 9643

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My bicycle has hung on a hook in the garage for over 20 years, but I've finally gotten it down now that I live close enough to work to commute on it. (The approach of winter may delay those plans somewhat, however.)

I will take it in to an LBS for their standard "overhaul", including inspection, regreasing, adjustment and replacing parts that need it. I have done it all myself in the past (like when I replaced the frame on my bicycle) but am happy to let someone else work on it now - that's probably the only way it will actually happen.

Bikes have changed a lot since I bought it (35 years ago?) Now mostly I see mountain/trail bikes with straight handlebars, but this is an earlier road model with the ones that curve under. The big question will be how much I've changed in that time - I may need a more comfortable saddle and/or a more upright posture. But just getting on the bike and being able to pedal it is the first step.


Fortunately no traffic circles on the way to work: one of my scariest experiences on a bicycle was getting forced into the inside lane of one somewhere on the west side of Christchurch and having to go around a couple of times before I was able to merge across to the exit lane.

Posts: 1425 | Registered: Jun 2005  |  IP: Logged
Piglet
Islander
# 11803

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quote:
Originally posted by Carex:
... I have done it all myself in the past (like when I replaced the frame on my bicycle) but am happy to let someone else work on it now ...

Like this bloke? [Big Grin]

Sorry - couldn't resist. As you were, troops, and best of luck with your new-found steed!

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I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music

Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006  |  IP: Logged
no prophet's flag is set so...

Proceed to see sea
# 15560

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quote:
Originally posted by sharkshooter:
quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:
...

It bases this on the fact that cyclists don't obey some traffic laws for good reason. They roll through stop signs and red lights if there aren't any cars coming.

...

So, because they break the law, we should change the law?
Not sure if you read the link, and I wonder if you cycle very much. Recreational cyclists are often uniformed about commuter cycling.

The issues are:

1. Car drivers often either provide false courtesy by trying to wave cyclists through, yielding their right of way when they should not. This is unpredictable and endangers cyclists. it is frankly infuriating. This is the game of 'chicken' that causes accidents.

2. Because of false courtesy re right of way, cyclists often slow down ahead of time before intersections so the car will get there first, and hopefully go. This endangers the cyclist from cars behind who get annoyed with the cyclist's slow speed close to intersections.

3. Bicycles take an incredible amount of energy to go from a full stop to just rolling forward, thus, allowing a rolling, slow speed stop with not feet on the ground is sensible from an energy conservation standpoint.

4. Bicycles are expected to obey signs and traffic planning created for cars. Which is silly. We don't make pedestrians obey traffic signs for cars. There should be signs and planning for bicycles.

5. Painting lane marks on roadways does not make a cycling lane. Where I live many cycling lanes are on the wrong streets, e.g., car traffic calming measures like yield and stop signs are not necessary for bicycles and drain cyclists' energy.

[ 27. September 2014, 17:19: Message edited by: no prophet ]

--------------------
Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
\_(ツ)_/

Posts: 11498 | From: Treaty 6 territory in the nonexistant Province of Buffalo, Canada ↄ⃝' | Registered: Mar 2010  |  IP: Logged
sharkshooter

Not your average shark
# 1589

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quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:
...

4. Bicycles are expected to obey signs and traffic planning created for cars. Which is silly. We don't make pedestrians obey traffic signs for cars. There should be signs and planning for bicycles.
...

I do bike, but not as a commuter. For a few reasons. One is the distance of about 30 km each way. Second is the problem of wearing a suit and tie on a bike or carrying it, and possibly a brief case or laptop bag, with me and finding a shower at work. Finally, the weather is not conducive to biking over half the year.

There are signs for bikes - the same ones as for all the other vehicles on the road!

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. [Psalm 19:14]

Posts: 7772 | From: Canada; Washington DC; Phoenix; it's complicated | Registered: Oct 2001  |  IP: Logged
Arethosemyfeet
Shipmate
# 17047

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quote:
Originally posted by sharkshooter:

There are signs for bikes - the same ones as for all the other vehicles on the road!

I think no prophet's point is that those signs are designed with motorised, full width vehicles in mind, not pedal cycles. In that sense, while bikes are rightly expected to obey them, they are not "for bikes". no prophet is suggesting a different, complementary set of rules and signs should govern cycle traffic, just as it does pedestrian traffic.
Posts: 2933 | From: Hebrides | Registered: Apr 2012  |  IP: Logged
sharkshooter

Not your average shark
# 1589

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quote:
Originally posted by Arethosemyfeet:
... no prophet is suggesting a different, complementary set of rules and signs should govern cycle traffic, just as it does pedestrian traffic.

Which makes no sense at all, unless they have their own roadways. Vehicles using the road obey one set of signs, those using the sidewalk (pedestrians - NOT bikes) have another. This is not that difficult.

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. [Psalm 19:14]

Posts: 7772 | From: Canada; Washington DC; Phoenix; it's complicated | Registered: Oct 2001  |  IP: Logged
Leorning Cniht
Shipmate
# 17564

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quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:

3. Bicycles take an incredible amount of energy to go from a full stop to just rolling forward, thus, allowing a rolling, slow speed stop with not feet on the ground is sensible from an energy conservation standpoint.

Living as I do in the land of the pointless four-way stop, this annoys me when I'm driving a car (and causes a measurable decrease in fuel efficiency). It annoys me even more when I'm cycling - particularly if I'm hauling the trailer containing the smallest Cnihtlet.

Most of the stop signs I go through on my way to work could be replaced with yield signs with no loss in safety and with an increase in efficiency of traffic flow - only one 4-way stop junction has dense enough traffic in rush hour that it's necessary to enforce alternating the priority.

So if cyclists treat stop signs as yield signs, do rolling stops and the like when there are no pedestrians in sight, it doesn't bother me.

Posts: 5026 | From: USA | Registered: Feb 2013  |  IP: Logged
no prophet's flag is set so...

Proceed to see sea
# 15560

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It's not my idea, it originated more than 30 years in Idaho in the USA. If you search "Idaho stop" in your favorite search engine, you will find quite a bit of information. Wikipedia about Idaho stop

I would advocate the "stop as yield" variation, where stop signs are yield signs for bicycles. Traffic lights are another matter. The rationale that it makes typical cyclist behaviour predictable at stop signs. I know some car people who either cycle not at all or only recreationally may not understand, but the data that prompted me from the local cycling advocacy organization persuaded me.

A parallel might be on our highways and freeways where we have posted speed limits of 100 or 110, but the traffic speed is typically 5 to 8 Km/hr over this posted limit. Those who adhere strictly to the posted speed and don't keep pace with the traffic cause dangerous motorist behaviour in terms of passing and line ups of cars behind the slower car. The reasons for the exceeding of speed limits as we understand them is that the speed estimates from police radar and lasers is within this limit of error and the courts don't enforce exact speed limits in consequence.

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Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
\_(ツ)_/

Posts: 11498 | From: Treaty 6 territory in the nonexistant Province of Buffalo, Canada ↄ⃝' | Registered: Mar 2010  |  IP: Logged
Dinghy Sailor

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# 8507

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You sound like something by Gazelle may suit you.

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Preach Christ, because this old humanity has used up all hopes and expectations, but in Christ hope lives and remains.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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Carex
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I finally have my bicycle back! Turns out that the LBS I had talked with originally had closed in the meantime, but there was a smaller operation just around the corner that did a complete overhaul for about the same price. (There was a bit of a delay when they had to order a special tool that was unique to French bikes from around the 1970s.)

Got a helmet with it (I've never used one before) and still need lock, lights, and some other accessories. Riding it 10km home from the shop made it clear that I will need to spend some time getting my body readjusted to riding, and a gel saddle may be a worthwhile investment.

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