[Bunjabi]

MCL1981: Yes, the reason these comment sections exist is to drive Web hits, especially when they make it easy to comment anonymously. It’s distasteful, and I guarantee no reporter there likes it. That’s a business decision, not an editorial one.

I say ignoring them is an easy to way simply ignore the problem of bad media coverage of cycling, though. Those sections will be there whether or not you comment. It’s the same as saying you don’t like a candidate for office, so you won’t vote. Someone still gets elected, and you don’t get a say. In this case, they still cover the news, but they don’t have your insight, so it continues without nuance.

Posting a thoughtful comment on a thread like like sticks out to a reporter and has the chance to affect how they view future stories. Letting it devolve into a rabid post fest featuring only the more base views of society guarantees the coverage stays the same and all the people who hear the story get the same anti-bike schlock because no one with a brain spoke up.

Little chance of success is better than no chance at all in my opinion.

[Bunjabi]

This is a very sad story. Also sad for me (a news reporter in a different medium) is the hateful slew of comments on this story over at ABC 7 (http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/05/bicyclist-dies-after-maryland-crash-75567.html)

I took a minute to offer some constructive comments on the board and to refute some of the anti-bike rhetoric thereon.

A note: On stories like this, reporters often monitor the comments sections to see what type of play the story is getting in the community. Putting a pro-bike comment on there is a simple gesture that can stick in the mind of a reporter for the next time they cover something bike-related. As ineffective as it may sound, I encourage you to post a pro-bike comment (or condolence for the cyclist) on any story you see on this topic.

[Bunjabi]

Thanks guys! This Two Wheel Gear bag sounds like what I need. I’ll check it out.

[Bunjabi]

Been fighting a cold all week, today was my first day riding this week. Glad I made it in. What a gorgeous day!

Now, let’s hope I didn’t exacerbate my cold.

[Bunjabi]

You have to wonder which editor at @WUSA9 got buzzed on his way to work Wednesday morning….

This kind of shoddy, lazy reporting makes me mad because it gives drivers an excuse to harass and ignore bicycles on the streets. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone doesn’t “accidentally” hit a cyclist because “(s)he broke the law. I saw it on TV.”

Now why not do a story on pedestrians ignoring “Walk/Don’t Walk” signs? There’s a real scourge on society

[Bunjabi]

As a commuter who almost met the high-speed traffic on the Mount Vernon Parkway head-on thanks to an especially zealous/dangerous passer coming at me Friday morning, I concur with this post.

There are a lot of blind curves on the MVT where I use it. Should there be signs at those places? I didn’t recognize the guy who almost sent me flying, so maybe he was new to the trail. I notice that new commuters definitely do not know the ins and outs of this route like I do, so signage might definitely help them avoid dangerous decisions. Whether there’s a will (or the bills) to put up such is unlikely, though.

At times during my commute in nicer weather, I internally curse all the walkers and joggers on the MVT. Then I remember that it’s a multi-use trail and that, if I want to use it, I have to share it. Delays are OK. They just let you be on your bike longer, right?

[Bunjabi]

Update!

This morning (2/3) it started again, but this time with the other gear set (front). I have a feeling the temperatures have an effect on the cables (contracting in cold weather?). We’ll see how the ride home goes.

[Bunjabi]

Thanks for all the replies!

I fiddled with the bolt and looked at the cables. Apparently, all I needed to do was look, because the problem has stopped… for now. Not sure what I did, but it seems fixed.

I’m guessing the cables need a replacement anyway. Chain seems fine, no rubbing; derailleurs working fine as well.

If it starts again (or the chain explodes or something) I’ll apply the suggestions here en force.

Thanks!

[Bunjabi]

So, I knitted my own buff for super cold wind/weather (it’s merino wool), but it still hasn’t been cold enough besides that one horribly windy day back in early January. Making this kind of stuff makes you feel very self-reliant, but it takes awhile. By the time I finish some mittens, winter will be over

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