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Tim, you rock too.
And I’m not just saying that because you give me free swag.

I’m guessing some of these were reported because 911 was called. And I’m further guessing 911 was called because the cyclist was bleeding (something I try to avoid).

It’s too bad that the numbers were collected in this manner, tracking bike accidents could be very useful.

Gotta check out how Spartacus is doing in the Not-So-Free Clinic, he needed some same day surgery,
ann

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Exactly. You rock.
I immediately threw out the collisions where no charges were filed, what could I possibly glean from them?
I only glanced at the locations but several pop up more than once. One of them is configured in a similar way to the Lynn Street/Lee Highway Intersection of Idiocy in Arlington.

I’m with you, these numbers are incomplete at best, reinforce negative stereotypes, and except for the list of locations, not useful.

I love numbers as long as somebody else does the actual math,

ann

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WTOP reported on these statistics this morning around 6:30. They made three points.
1. Reportable bike crashes/incidents are substantially up compared to last year. (Well, maybe we are doing a better job at reporting these events.)

2. There were no fatalities.

3. Cyclists were at fault 60% of the time.

To be picky, the fault rate is more evenly divided when you examine only the cases were charges were filed.

The last category will reinforce the public’s negative attitude towards cyclists. That’s unfortunate.

Happy trails from someone who is always at fault,
ann

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@jrenaut 5857 wrote:

My point about CaBi on the Mall is that it’s really hard to get down there now – public transportation doesn’t really get you that close to a lot of the attractions, and parking sucks. But I hear you about The Mall – even just dodging the jaywalkers on 7th NW is a PITA.

I agree. I love a good walk, especially as a way to explore a city but the stroll from the Capitol past the Lincoln Memorial is more like a hike. On a bike that would be fun. It would be faster and I’d hear less whining and complaining about the heat and humidity. Plus I could indulge in a guilty pleasure/flirtation with death and eat a hot dog off one of the hot dog carts.

I love tourists,
ann

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Oh, I’m fine. The concrete broke my fall- missed the sand. I think my howling scared the wildlife though.

I was vaguely thinking that if at least that line of traffic stopped it would be one less thing to focus on. All I’m trying to do is take one variable out of the equation. What strikes me about that intersection is there are so many moving parts. I swear it feels like being caught in the middle of a very poorly thought out ambush.

Sand is a useful exfoliant. Probably chock full of minerals too.

ann

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I may be completely misguided and looking for an overly simple solution but generally that sums up most of my life choices. For starters wouldn’t it help at least a little to have a NO RIGHT TURN on RED aimed at the people coming South from Lee Highway turning onto Lynn? Feel free to enthusiastically tell me this is a bad idea.

Still picking sand out of my teeth from a fall today when Spartacus collided with a sand dune. So maybe I’m not thinking straight.

ann

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@Mark Blacknell 5778 wrote:

Welcome to Washington, DC, acc.

It’s not impractical, but somewhat awkward and probably more expensive than folks might imagine. There’s just no practical way to share helmets (and seriously, would anyone – and look at all these sweaty disgusting people around you in DC right now – want to *share* a helmet?). So the alternative is cheap vending. That’s been the solution (well, attempted solution) in Melbourne, AUS, where helmets are mandatory. Hasn’t been working out all that well.

That’s understandable, but CaBi’s not really meant for day long rentals. Aside from it being cheaper to just rent for the day from some place like Revolution Cycle’s City HUB or Bike and Roll, CaBi’s model relies upon people using the bikes for short trips. Get it, use it, dock it. That way one bike can serve more people throughout the day.

I swear it’s exactly like talking to a hamster except the hamster has cuter fur. May I state for the record, this is entirely out of my experience zone but I think the tourists have a point. Helmets can and are rented all the time in the skateboard world. (Mr. Blacknell it’s a board with four wheels, very low to the ground, goes very fast. Their Lance Armstrong is Tony Hawk but without the unsavory allegations.) Stands at tourist attractions would be great, convenient, and oh my god I can’t believe I’m saying this — green.

Now please point me in the direction of Hains Point, I hear they have a band of Bib Short Tribesmen I need to gawk at.

ann

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After reading about Dirt’s experience, I just had to make a trip down there to experience that thrill ride of an intersection again. And I was not disappointed. Three cars coming up the hill on Lee Hwy all turned right into the crosswalk with the blinking “walk” sign of fate going gangbusters. Each car came a little bit faster trying to beat the cyclists/pedestrians in the crosswalk. It was very exciting. This is hands down the worst intersection I deal with on a semi-regular basis. If there are others, let me know. I’d like to start a summer tour of disaster and peril.

Playing dodgeball on a bike for fun and glory,

ann

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Done! Good luck.

ann

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Tim, I’ll take Saturday. I’m flexible with the hours, just let me know.

ann

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It was um, remarkable on so many levels…

But my suggestion to Purcellville is they need to add a little something to the end of the trail. It is kind of a let-down to make it all the way out there, over the river and through the woods, past the Horseshoe of Death, through the stroller obstacle course around Vienna, across the bowling lane adventure known as the Wiehle Intersection and then find out the W&O simply ends with a restroom. If this is a preview of heaven, I’m in big trouble.

I propose a cannon be added to the end of the trail set to go off each time a cyclist passes the little circle. Live ammo is not necessary, but would liven things up a bit.

Happy trails, I think I shall play on the DC Bridges for fun next week,

ann

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I confess and repent. I turned to the Dark Side. Today I broke every rule, every courtesy, and rode like a jerk. All I can say is I was in a group, fighting to hold my position and rode within my abilities. When I became too tired I dropped back to make sure I wasn’t putting anyone at risk. Probably won’t do that again but now I understand the thinking, it is a bit primal.

ann

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Not sure I’ve had all the necessary shots…

Oh for heaven’s sake- yes- it has been a hot frustrating week. I had trouble getting anything out of Spartacus (it certainly wasn’t my fault). I was lured into “extra” riding yesterday before the Chariot Races @ Wakefield and big surprise when I overheated like a freight train after the second hour. That was a foreseeable mistake. And I hate it when I screw up something simple.

And yes, we are all colleagues and in this weird world together. Emphasis on together.

Happy hot humid trails,
ann

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Oddly enough, long rides remind me of working long shifts in the hospital. We did not get many breaks, stood almost the entire time, ran up and down the hallways, etc. But with the bike the only blood is my own and I have the option of stopping, something I could not do in the middle of a shift.

CCrew, am I mistaken or did I detect fear of the route preventing you from signing up? Fear, there is no fear in cycling.

Have fun tomorrow, I believe I saw a slate of five “victims,” I meant to say ride buddies, for tomorrow’s romp in the woods. Should be a fun alternative to Thursday night Chariot Races @ Wakefield.

[acc]

I hope by next year I can get closer to going as fast as he wants to go. And thank you for your friendship.
ann

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