In the Wrong... Lane!

Wonder if you find yourself weaving down a one way street, narrowly avoiding cars, and just being a total derelict, no harm, no foul, right? Yet this weeks Tosh.O episode reveals otherwise. For those unfamiliar, Tosh replays Youtube highlights, accompanied by witty, peanut gallery remarks. I nearly lost it when this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=Ghs3Cr2gWTQ&feature=related appeared on the show, satisfying curiosities as to what happens when a careless cyclists and a portly pedestrian collide.

I typically give it up for the cyclist; however, point goes to the pedestrian today. If you notice, the cyclist is clearly going the wrong way. He carries a piece of paper in his right hand, causing him to hesitate on the back brake squeeze. Perhaps there’s no accident if the pedestrian crosses in the crosswalk, but never the less, two people walk away sore. Fortunately, no one got seriously injured, and both parties accepted blame, but what do you do if you find yourself in an accident?

Here in Boulder most people would help you up and cook you dinner, but if you hit an A#$h0!e play it cool. I’ve never resolved a situation in anger, so take a second, collect yourself, and refocus. If you are responsible, offer an apology and be mature.

However, if you get blindsided by a wondering space-cadet, take some action. Again, relax; check your bike for problems, if there’s an issue ask the person for an e-mail or phone number. If you’re hit by a car you should collect insurance info. Bicycles deserve street cred. Drivers assume hitting a bicycle is like running over a squirrel, as long as we limp into the woods and die peacefully, they’ll feel just fine.

Ultimately, it’s about awareness. I’ve never hit a car, pedestrian, cyclist, or skater, so when I hear stories about bikers getting hit, I question if their partially responsible. I’ve dodged thousands of accidents because I see idiots from miles away. Avoiding collisions requires keen senses, take out the headphones and tune into your surroundings, it’s no Kelly Clarkson jam, but you’ll survive the ride.

Bike Station Bicycle Guide, 2.0

The friendly folks at the Bike Station have released a handy one-page Bike Guide for those new to bicycles, based on common issues they face at the station.

Some Good Bike Blogs

Here's a short collection of bike blogs we've found out there, offering reads from dry bureaucratic planning to outrageous general mockery.

Bike Sharing Blog
Bike Snob NYC
Bike Hugger
Bike Denver
Bike Portland
Community Cycles
Cyclelicious
Fat Cyclist
Salvagetti Bike Shop, Denver

Enjoy!

I’m going, going, back, back to Cali, Cali

Let's start crashing into elected officials.

When I left Los Angeles I swore I’d never return, well, I’m eating my words. Last week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa suffered a near fatal bicycle accident, sounding the alarm to improve cycle-structure. Fortunately, Villaraigosa only shattered his elbow, however, the accident (caused by a car) enlightened the mayor, and may be a blessing in disguise. Villaraigosa’s response shocked L.A. residents, calling for nearly 1,600 miles of bicycle lanes and a heightened awareness for cyclists. Seems outrageous in a town known for traffic jams and air pollution?

Although I’m amped on L.A.’s goal, I remain skeptical. Let’s pray my cynicism is misplaced; L.A.’s prime cycling terrain and if some changes occur I may be going…going…back…back… to Cali…Cali.

L.A. currently trails Boulder by roughly two hundred miles of bike paths. As the second largest city in North America, they only boast three-hundred and fifty miles, yet they maintain over seven-thousand miles of automonster lanes. L.A. (with the help of G.M.) pioneered the derailment of public and sustainable transportation. For anyone who needs a history lesson, ask an old person, they love talking about the 1950’s. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stance on infrastructure changes encourages the idealist in me, yet shall we trust a politician? Can one shattered elbow flex L.A. into a transportation revolution?

Villaraigosa set aside 3.2 million dollars for improving cycling and pedestrian lanes, but money alone won’t save L.A. We don’t just start riding bicycles because lanes exist; it takes a shift in consciousness, and further, a commitment to get over the hump. In order for cycling to work, offices must provide showers for commuters, bike shares need support, and the overall pace of life ought to slow down. These are things the mayor can’t control. He can build a field, but it doesn’t mean Kevin Costner’s will realize his dream.

I see Villaraigosa’s plan as baby steps. North America needs work, and what better city than L.A.? Cyclists need to feel safe on the roadways, our presence matters, and we demand space. New bicycle lanes, accompanied by education and a shift in consciousness may help L.A clean up their smog, but more importantly, bring me back to the Cali.

THINK about the rules you follow.

Alright, I've just about had it with "traffic engineers" and auto operators and bicycle "advocates" and whomever else thinks they're SO responsible and telling me to follow traffic laws while I'm riding on the streets.

Here's how I see it. [Auto] drivers bend the rules all the time: rolling stops, not using signals, texting, talking on the phone, speeding, rolling stops, running red (they think yellowish ) lights, rolling stops, rolling stops and of course rolling stops. I have a new favorite as of this morning: NOT passing me with a 3 foot margin (that's a new Colorado state law, by the way!).

So don't honk, shout, fuss or pout at me when I roll through my stop because I'm actually powering myself with muscle not an arbitrary pushing of a gas pedal. If I blow through a stop sign at full speed, I'm going roughly as fast as the damn driver who so graciously "slows" at a stop.

And don't wave your fists at me when I take up the whole lane because I don't want my total physical safety to be at the mercy off a driver's estimation of "acceptable" passing buffer.

When a driver of a car is careless and inattentive, or aggressive and abandons the rules, their consequences are comprised of bending metal, sore neck muscles and bruised knees. Their impact to what they hit is near total destruction. Go ahead and play bumper cars with each other, but as long as I'm on the road I'm not playing that way. You can keep creeping behind me, or pick a new road.

Tea Party Rides Overboard

Let’s cut to the chase, Dan Maes you’re an idiot. I wonder if the gubernatorial candidate knows he’s in Colorado, because his recent comments suggest he’s in Lala Land? For anyone who didn’t hear, Dan Maes attacked Mayor John Hickenlooper, claiming his promotion of B-Cycle (Denver's bicycle share program) was “threatening to our personal freedoms.” Maes fears Denver may be catering to a U.N. treaty, and in process, encouraging other cities. Oh no Maes, we may actually be cooperating globally, what’s next: removing landmines in Vietnam, ending wheat traps in Nigeria, won’t someone think of big business?

I feel sorry for Maes. Perhaps his party spiked his tea, or he never learned to ride a bicycle, either way his image looks worse than a sweaty Nixon. I mean really Maes, what’s the deal? Did you get some kickback from GO Automotive, or was the report you barely read about the International Council for Environmental Initiatives too radical? I’m shocked that such ignorance graces the gubernatorial primary campaign; let’s just hope Maes goes no further in politics.

Maes you’re not Joseph McCarthy, not even close, but I’m honored that a politician suggest the bicycle as a socialistic and communistic vehicle. Big Karl’s my boy, so I’ll take the insult as a compliment; the bicycle is all about the proletarian. Cyclists elude insurance, licensing, and age requirements, a vehicle for the average man, seems like Maes would support such little government.

I’m totally stoked to see Maes crash and burn like a NASCAR racer, however, in November, John Hickenlooper needs our support for governor. I’ve had coffee with Hickenlooper and find him extremely knowledgeable and progressive. He’s genuinely moving Colorado towards a sustainable future. So remember, pedal your bicycle to the polls, or mail in your ballot, because Hickenlooper’s riding our state in the right direction.

Pirates Threaten Florida

Have you lost your faith in bike gangs? Wondering if they’re just not cool anymore? Well good news, Florida’s bringing them back. A recent story out of Manatee County, Florida completely restores my faith in bike gangs.

According to the local Sheriff, three men riding bicycles approached a woman requesting a lighter. As she reached for her bic, a man riding a silver bike and wearing a hat snatched her purse. The silver bike bandit and his two unidentified accomplices remain at large, presumably roaming the mean streets of Manatee County, using their innocent appearance to rob little, old ladies.

I give these men credit, they’re environmentally conscious thieves. They certainly could steal enough purses to afford a car, instead they keep it green. I wonder if their bikes are suped up for get-away chases, Bonnie and Clyde style?

God bless bicycle gangers. You’re a special breed, the type of kids who refused to come home at sundown. Bicycle gangers resemble pirates; they lack institution, order, and decency, but more than double the fun. I’m comforted knowing I live in a world where pirates and bike gangs still exist.

Remember, if you see a man wearing a hat and riding a silver bike contact Manatee County’s Sheriffs Office.

Reality is always stranger than fiction. Read the story at: http://www.bradenton.com/2010/08/03/2477267/three-men-on-bicycles-snatch-purse.html

How to Bike from Boulder to Denver!

Biking from Boulder to Denver is not only a super fun, pretty moderate ride, but also a very cool statement...hey, you don't need a car to leave Boulder!

So here's how:

First, get on the Broadway bike path going South. Follow it past Tablemesa and the Southern Sun until it swoops left underneath Broadway. You'll see a sign that says "To Marshal Drive" before it goes under, and that's the road you'll be aiming for.

When you get underneath Broadway, go right on that little road called Lashley. This will eventually run into Marshal Drive. Just stay on the path when Lashley ends. You'll go past a Quest building on your left, and in a little bit, you'll hit Marshal Drive.

Take a left on Marshal Drive. This is the little back road that shoots you into Louisville/Superior, by the shopping center that has Costco and things in it. You'll be on Marshal for about five miles, and you'll go over rolling, easy-sloping green hills. It's gorgeous.

Let Marshal carry you through that shopping center until it curves left and you hit McCaslin Boulevard. Take a right on McCaslin.

There's a few tricky bits on McCaslin, because it's essentially the climb out of boulder. There are two big hills, but if you just crank your gears down and stick through them they're not so bad. The first one is called "The Hump" and the second is "The Wall". When you get to the top of The Wall, and trust me, you'll know which one it is, you'll be at 120th avenue. Take a left.

You'll get cruising down the back of the plateau of The Wall, so make sure you don't miss your next turn...it's a little back road called Simms Street.

Take a right on Simms Street. You'll really get flying down Simms, and it'll carry you all the way down to a small reservoir and your next turn.

That next turn is 100th avenue. Take a left on 100th. Take this all the way to Wadsworth.

Take a right on Wadsworth. This is where the road gets a little tricky again, because Wadsworth has some heavy traffic. But just keep to the right and before you know it, you'll be at 80th street.

Take a left on 80th. Take a right at the very first little stoplight, and in about a block or two there'll be an entrance to the Little Dry Creek Path on your left. (It may also be referred to as the Clear Creek Path, but you can't miss it either way.) Hop on that little creek path and cruise it for a long time until it takes you underneath I-25.

Eventually this little path will go by the factories and things that are before Denver, so keep your eyes peeled for a huge, brown bridge. You'll be on the left side, so take that bridge over the river to get on the South Platte river path. This path will take you straight to the REI at Confluence Park in Downtown Denver.

Have fun, and WEAR A HELMET. Seriously. Some of those plateaus get you really flying, and it would be completely catastrophic to take a spill. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water and wear some sunscreen. See you down there!