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Quote:

((If you are really concerned, just right “Winter Sucks” across your mask and then it is a first amendment issue))

Best idea yet! Sadly, no bill to get behind this year.

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We’d love to have crash type data for Virginia. Can/will Arlington make this available?

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In case the unthinkable happens:

http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Crash-Rights-Bicycle-Accident/dp/1595719474

If you need a bike crash lawyer, he’s local.

History buffs or anyone who’s spent time in SW VA might enjoy Fess Green’s book. He was a nice man. We miss him a lot. Listen to Fess on With Good Reason from 2004 (starts at 18:27).

http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Road-Odyssey-Cyclists-Journey/dp/0936015942

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Edited from my earlier post: I’ve pinged our VBF Board about statewide issues that could use support from local boards and councils. Apologies for not being more clear. Carry on! And thanks rcannon100.

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lordofthemark: Yes.

elbows: I’ll make sure Champe knows you’re asking. We’ll work on it.

Thanks!

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As I mentioned, we’re pretty sure Amtrak is onboard with this. They’re concerned with how it might affect their operations, delay trains at platforms or interfere with passenger movements. They don’t want any other passenger to be inconvenienced. So they have to go through the motions of testing every aspect. BTW platform height doesn’t seem to bother Amtrak as much as platform length, and the train having to make a double stop.

The bigger problem is that these routes serving VA also serve other states, especially in the Northeast. Amtrak has to provide what those states have specified and are paying for. They can’t just give up seats for bike racks, especially if those trains are selling out on some legs, such as NYC-DC. The train that looks half-empty on the way to Lynchburg may have been booked solid all the way from Boston to NYC to DC.

We need to get those other state DOTs onboard, which may actually not be too hard. Our own DRPT has been another story. So write to the CTB before Dec. 6. Tell them you want roll-on service on Amtrak, and explain why. We’ll have a new administration soon, and with change comes opportunity. Certain “obstacles” are likely to be gone.

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Folks,

Thanks for having this discussion.

The Richmond resolution is great. Let’s get them from every community on or near these Amtrak routes. The DC and Alexandria stations serve the entire region, as do National and Dulles airports. So yes, Arlington, please. Farifax County entities too.

Amtrak sees the value in this, but it’s more complicated than it looks. Right now, we think it’s Virginia’s DRPT (Dept. of Rail and Public Transit) that needs a push. Their oversight comes from the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), whose public comment period is now. A bunch of cities passing resolutions would send a strong message.

Some smart, tight messages from citizens would be powerful too. I’m confident this group could produce some. Stories like PotomacCyclist’s and commuterrider’s are great, along with:

• Last mile connectivity
• Reducing car trips and need for parking
• Key item to facilitate car-free lifestyles
• Making use of trains we already have, vs. giant, expensive new road projects

Please speak at the remaining CTB meetings, and submit your written comments by Dec. 6.

If you want more backstory, let’s have coffee!

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I agree with Tom Bowden, that like a lot of things, cycling is as safe as you make it. Here’s his Bike Summit talk:

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@JimF22003 66659 wrote:

No strobes on the trail please

And even with the steady light, be sure to dim it with your hand, or redirect it for oncoming traffic, especially when it’s completely dark.

Indeed. Depending on your night vision, you may not even need the highest setting.

Unfortunately, most lights in the US have simple, conical beams with no vertical cutoff, like a car headlight’s, to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. A few web dealers like Peter White sell Euro-brands like Busch & Muller that do.

But for dark places like Rock Creek Park, the conical MTB beams are great. Just beware of blinding people. I’m guilty of it myself.

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