Take a stand for something...yes indeed. I hereby state that I agree with you Snobby, we SHOULD stand for something! There...done and done. Whew...I'm kind'a tired now, think I'll take a nap now and ponder what my standing with you on your stance of taking a stand will involve.
"Schools are closed today and I have to go do the parenting"? Around here if schools are closed it's like a day off for me too (until SWMBO gets home). None of the getting ready,transport or prepping for the afternoon return.
It's all good unless the house suddenly gets quiet like they aren't here.
Thanks for another excellent Outside article. I have been trying to summon up the intestinal fortitude to attend some of our local council meetings after they spent $16,000 to remove part of our one tiny stretch of green painted bike lane because the drivers whined about it. But as you say, even if we don't advocate directly, if we just keep riding and make it look normal and pleasant, that's something.
Not sure if this belongs under "Be a Role Model" or in its own section, but it's important to demonstrate safe/courteous behavior to drivers. Yes, their behaivor is as bad as/worse than ours. But also yes, their vehicle is heavier than ours.
Pissing off drivers does us no good. Blowing through stop signs and lights is bad. Idaho-stopping through stop signs (and even lights) isn't so bad--it demostrates safety and awareness.
At a recent conference (not about cycling), a speaker reminded the audience that it takes a long time to build trust and an instant to destroy it. The only way we potentially build trust /rapport with motorists is by being good examples when we're out on bikes (and politely calling out bad cycling examples when we see them).
On my city commute in the Boston area, I rarely see bad cycling behavior. Sure, it's there, but in general, there's a pretty good equilibrium. But when one bad cycling apple dangerously blows a red light in the presence of a driver who's already frustrated by being stuck in traffic, it might be me that he/she takes it out on.
Down here, I just give money to WABA and let them do the hard work. I'll write the odd email, but really, that whole advocacy thing is just draining to me. Rather go for a ride.
Head's up for NYC-based fat cyclists, the 5 Boro Pizza Challenge is coming up (9/22). That's the one where you have to eat one slice in every boro in one day. It is not specifically a bike thing, but it's pretty fun to do on a bike. I'm riding solo (i've never been good at adjusting my pace either up or down). My "team" name is Cheesus Crust, Soppressata Star. Come ride and eat pizza. It's not as cramp-ridden as it sounds.
But when cars turn right-on-red at 5-15mph it’s not called anything. Whereas bikes going this speed are blowing thru shit!? Ample examples. Traffic engineers are paid to keep shit moving: fast is good slow is bad, get out the way or your ass is had.
The last time I rode my bike in "normal" clothes was 5 years ago when I had to drop my car off, and pick it up, for an oil change. It's different riding to shop in the suburbs. Everyone is driving at 45-50 mph, and the roads that you have to be on, to buy anything, are four lane with curbs and a 2 inch shoulder.
There's an irrefutable continuum of cycling consciousness we all pedal along. How far along in the ride a cyclist gets depends on factors like skills, saddle time, environment, luck, diversity of riding experiences,traffic exposure, cohort, etc ad nausuem but i see a distinct common core along a path toward enlightenment among all the riding brethren. Your latest outside column addresses some of the core elements adroitly. More riders needs the feels. It's not about the bike. Although some of the can rustlers are pretty zen in their riding pursuits. Kudos on yet another fine article.
I rode in regular clothes to the liquor store the other day, but this isn't San Diego so generally it doesn't work. 80% of the time it's either raining, threatening to rain, hot, or cold, and the other 20% it's usually longer rides, so regular clothes don't work. But sometimes downtown I see people riding in a suit, skirt, or dress, and I loves it.
@Beck the Biker "More riders needs the feels?" "...can rustlers?" I have to admit, I couldn't really follow all of your comment, but I found myself nodding along anyway.
@Phildefer Oh yeah. I'm not saying comment less or not at all. Actually I'm kind of tickled at the phenomenon of just kind agreeing with a comment because of its vibe. Often on the internet, only following something about halfway will lead to negative understandings of what was meant, but I'm 100% on board, I think. I'm also 100% serious: what's a can rustler? Sports bras? They arguably rustle "cans." Doesn't work in context though. The guys on walmart bikes who collect cans? They are without a doubt some of the most relaxed people you see on the road. So it's them, right?
@ Beach Fred -- I've got many bathing suits, my favorite ones are the ratty decades old ones that are sunbleached and thread bare.
The most comfortable barefoot pedals are flat plastic ones that one typically associates with beach cruisers. However, sometimes, I enjoy the feeling of Triple Traps on my barefeet, but that nearly rules out standing and pedaling. I haven't worn "real" cycling clothes in several years.
You seem to be in Daddy Mode. Don't tell me what I'm supposed to do in order to self-identify as a cyclist. Thanks.
I know being a columnist means you have to write things in order to garner an emotional response, but if you have trouble making sense doing so, well, I think it starts to really suck.
Sorry. But there's plenty of reasons not to read Outside, but now I think I'll stick to your blog.
Outside chance of a podium
ReplyDeleteAmazing how much writing a snob can accomplish once the kids are back in school.
ReplyDeleteShanah Tovah snob.
ReplyDeleteTake a stand for something...yes indeed. I hereby state that I agree with you Snobby, we SHOULD stand for something! There...done and done. Whew...I'm kind'a tired now, think I'll take a nap now and ponder what my standing with you on your stance of taking a stand will involve.
ReplyDeleteWolfing Hour blogulations.
ReplyDeleteI realized this morning that Strava allows me to Cat 6 myself via the Segments feature.
Podium?
ReplyDeleteWEED!
ReplyDelete"Schools are closed today and I have to go do the parenting"? Around here if schools are closed it's like a day off for me too (until SWMBO gets home). None of the getting ready,transport or prepping for the afternoon return.
ReplyDeleteIt's all good unless the house suddenly gets quiet like they aren't here.
Parenting = Father/son bikeride?
ReplyDeleteObvious to you maybe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another excellent Outside article. I have been trying to summon up the intestinal fortitude to attend some of our local council meetings after they spent $16,000 to remove part of our one tiny stretch of green painted bike lane because the drivers whined about it. But as you say, even if we don't advocate directly, if we just keep riding and make it look normal and pleasant, that's something.
ReplyDeletewell said
ReplyDeleteArticle read now. Well said, but I stand by my original statement. Will keep my chamois clean from now on.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if this belongs under "Be a Role Model" or in its own section, but it's important to demonstrate safe/courteous behavior to drivers. Yes, their behaivor is as bad as/worse than ours. But also yes, their vehicle is heavier than ours.
ReplyDeletePissing off drivers does us no good. Blowing through stop signs and lights is bad. Idaho-stopping through stop signs (and even lights) isn't so bad--it demostrates safety and awareness.
At a recent conference (not about cycling), a speaker reminded the audience that it takes a long time to build trust and an instant to destroy it. The only way we potentially build trust /rapport with motorists is by being good examples when we're out on bikes (and politely calling out bad cycling examples when we see them).
On my city commute in the Boston area, I rarely see bad cycling behavior. Sure, it's there, but in general, there's a pretty good equilibrium. But when one bad cycling apple dangerously blows a red light in the presence of a driver who's already frustrated by being stuck in traffic, it might be me that he/she takes it out on.
My favorite bike riding outfit is a bathing suit and no footwear : )
ReplyDeleteYou want me to smile, and mumble about making a stand? I’m on it
ReplyDeleteDown here, I just give money to WABA and let them do the hard work. I'll write the odd email, but really, that whole advocacy thing is just draining to me. Rather go for a ride.
ReplyDeleteHead's up for NYC-based fat cyclists, the 5 Boro Pizza Challenge is coming up (9/22). That's the one where you have to eat one slice in every boro in one day. It is not specifically a bike thing, but it's pretty fun to do on a bike. I'm riding solo (i've never been good at adjusting my pace either up or down). My "team" name is Cheesus Crust, Soppressata Star. Come ride and eat pizza. It's not as cramp-ridden as it sounds.
ReplyDelete@jeff sigh, do we have to have this argument again? It doesn't belong anywhere. Infrastructure and laws with teeth come before "trust/rapport".
ReplyDeleteBut when cars turn right-on-red at 5-15mph it’s not called anything. Whereas bikes going this speed are blowing thru shit!? Ample examples. Traffic engineers are paid to keep shit moving: fast is good slow is bad, get out the way or your ass is had.
ReplyDelete@HDEB What bathing suit you running?
ReplyDeleteI find flip flops more comfy than bare feet but maybe I'm using the wrong pedals.
The last time I rode my bike in "normal" clothes was 5 years ago when I had to drop my car off, and pick it up, for an oil change. It's different riding to shop in the suburbs. Everyone is driving at 45-50 mph, and the roads that you have to be on, to buy anything, are four lane with curbs and a 2 inch shoulder.
ReplyDeleteThere's an irrefutable continuum of cycling consciousness we all pedal along. How far along in the ride a cyclist gets depends on factors like skills, saddle time, environment, luck, diversity of riding experiences,traffic exposure, cohort, etc ad nausuem but i see a distinct common core along a path toward enlightenment among all the riding brethren. Your latest outside column addresses some of the core elements adroitly. More riders needs the feels. It's not about the bike. Although some of the can rustlers are pretty zen in their riding pursuits. Kudos on yet another fine article.
ReplyDeleteI rode in regular clothes to the liquor store the other day, but this isn't San Diego so generally it doesn't work. 80% of the time it's either raining, threatening to rain, hot, or cold, and the other 20% it's usually longer rides, so regular clothes don't work. But sometimes downtown I see people riding in a suit, skirt, or dress, and I loves it.
ReplyDelete@Beck the Biker "More riders needs the feels?" "...can rustlers?" I have to admit, I couldn't really follow all of your comment, but I found myself nodding along anyway.
ReplyDelete@Beck the Biker
ReplyDeletePlease comment more often
@Phildefer Oh yeah. I'm not saying comment less or not at all. Actually I'm kind of tickled at the phenomenon of just kind agreeing with a comment because of its vibe. Often on the internet, only following something about halfway will lead to negative understandings of what was meant, but I'm 100% on board, I think. I'm also 100% serious: what's a can rustler? Sports bras? They arguably rustle "cans." Doesn't work in context though. The guys on walmart bikes who collect cans? They are without a doubt some of the most relaxed people you see on the road. So it's them, right?
ReplyDelete@ Beach Fred -- I've got many bathing suits, my favorite ones are the ratty decades old ones that are sunbleached and thread bare.
ReplyDeleteThe most comfortable barefoot pedals are flat plastic ones that one typically associates with beach cruisers. However, sometimes, I enjoy the feeling of Triple Traps on my barefeet, but that nearly rules out standing and pedaling. I haven't worn "real" cycling clothes in several years.
You seem to be in Daddy Mode.
ReplyDeleteDon't tell me what I'm supposed to do in order to self-identify as a cyclist.
Thanks.
I know being a columnist means you have to write things in order to garner an emotional response, but if you have trouble making sense doing so, well, I think it starts to really suck.
Sorry. But there's plenty of reasons not to read Outside, but now I think I'll stick to your blog.
Lemme do it MY way,
ReplyDeleteDo me a favor, don't read the blog either.
--Tan Tenovo
You're both a wielrenner AND a fietser.
ReplyDeleteHow do you do it?
What ever happened to that "Hey Bike Snob!" guy from years ago?
ReplyDeleteWas he really that kooky, or was it a setup?
One thing that baffles me, however, is why on-street, bi-directional cycle tracks are actually being promoted and implemented.
ReplyDeleteFor clarity, when I saw "on-street, bi-directional" I mean the creation of one lane for bicycles separated by a line, allowing for two-way traffic - on city streets. I am not referring to a two-way path through a park or other areas free of motorised vehicles.
In Denmark, the on-street, bi-directional facility was removed from Best Practice for bicycle infrastructure over two decades ago. That in itself might be an alarm bell to anyone paying attention.