[EasyRider]

@cvcalhoun 163479 wrote:

Well, the CCT has a 15 mph speed limit. Enforcing that would be more useful than limiting the class of vehicle.

I rarely even notice whether a bike has e-assist. I can tell only if I look at the wheel, not by its speed or the noise it makes. So why should I care whether they are on the trail?

I don’t know why you should care, but here’s why I do: in the very near future, e-bikes will have a very large impact on MUPs in this area. Ten years from now, I think the paths are going to be loaded with sub-$1,500 e-bikes going 20 mph+, and most of them won’t be piloted by pregnant women and senior citizens. That’s gonna suck. I completely agree that enforcement would be more desirable than limiting a class of vehicle, particularly since e-bikes are designed to go unnoticed and unheard. For example, I could support speed limits — 15mph during commuting hours 6-9am, 4-7pm, and 11-4 on weekends. But enforcement is not feasible. Actual traffic cops would need to do it and I don’t see that happening.

BTW, a Puch Maxi had a top speed of either 20 or 25 mph, and had pedals. It was the e-bike of the 1970s, designed, as e-bikes are, to skirt existing regulations.

[EasyRider]

Obviously, I’m not saying some people should be allowed e-bikes and others not. I’m merely voicing support for e-bikes with regard to those who might find them particularly useful. And my mention of the Gearcrusher was with regard to that individual’s behavior, not his bike. I think we’re all familiar with his antics.

Which brings me back to my previous (rhetorical) question. If it’s the behavior, not the bike, why not allow gas-powered moped?

[EasyRider]

@Starduster 163469 wrote:

I did that once… playing cards clamped to fork with clothespin.

Said at the risk of giving your kids ideas…

Yup! 1987 Topps baseball cards worked pretty well for me

[EasyRider]

I’m totally down with e-bikes for pregnant women, seniors, and moms and dads. But my personal, anecdotal, unrepresentative sample of one says, every time I see one on a MUP, its a Gearcrusher. I would really like to see actual market research on who is buying e-bikes.

[EasyRider]

@dasgeh 163461 wrote:

If federal law required non-e-bikes to emit the sound of a two-stroke Puch Maxi moped, would you support allowing their use on multi-use paths?

Now, now, I asked first.

[EasyRider]

Thought experiment: if federal law required e-bikes to emit the sound of a two-stroke Puch Maxi moped, would you support allowing their use on multi-use paths?

[EasyRider]

I for one welcome our new robot overlords.

Just kidding. Seriously though, I’m looking forward to them for the same reason as mstone — there are so many bad, careless drivers out there who face almost zero consequences for their actions. On the other hand, “blameless” technology is it’s own problem, and I’m skeptical that automated cars won’t require new concessions from non-users.

[EasyRider]

As I was coming over Memorial Bridge last night, I could see sheets of rain over Rosslyn and headed my way, so I hurried across, and then took a breather under the big oak tree next to the park bench just south of the bridge. A pleasant place to watch the showers pass, and stay somewhat dry. Thanks, tree.

After a few minutes, I looked down and noticed a used syringe on the ground next to my foot. I know this bench is a popular spot for cyclists and runners take a break, stretch, and fix a mechanical issues, so for safety’s sake, I thought I should mention it here.

[EasyRider]

My thinking on this has evolved a bit since February. Kinda interested in the B&M Ixon IQ Premium described on Peter White’s site. Battery powered and has a cutoff beam. Not cheap at ~$100, but seems like it’d be a step up from the Cygolite 300 I’ve been using the past few years. Anyone using one of these?

[EasyRider]

Not always, but it is the basket’s highest calling.

[EasyRider]

@mstone 162670 wrote:

Bike Lanes!

Nothing so clever. Just restoring some patio furniture.

[EasyRider]

Great pics. I regret skipping this! I think I’ll try for the non-competitive event next year. I’m sure I could finish the classic course – I do 90+ miles a week, between commuting and weekend rides. But I’ve never raced. I’d probably be in others’ way by going too slow on the grassy decline. That is, if everyone hadn’t already passed me

[EasyRider]

@KWL 162597 wrote:

Nice fender lines and I love the Solo lowrider rack plus front basket.

Thanks! The fenders are Planet Bike 29ers, and were pretty easy to set up on a 650b x 47 wheel and tire. I just had to make the stays a little “swoopy” to clear the brake caliper.

It’s a spry bike unloaded, but a good little packhorse too. Here it is with front panniers holding ten cans of spray paint, a bottle of Simple Green, and a quart of milk, plus a typical basket load.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]15111[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]15112[/ATTACH]

[EasyRider]

edited, sorry

[EasyRider]

I ordered this frame last October and didn’t expect it to arrive for a year. About a month ago, Elephant Bikes emailed to say several people on the waitlist ahead of me had bailed, and the bike was mine if I was ready. I really wasn’t, but if I had said no, I’d have dropped to the end of the list, and it’d be another year for me to get older and slower. I’m glad I said yes

[ATTACH=CONFIG]15103[/ATTACH]

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