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@DismalScientist 21803 wrote:

This is a lot like the issue of running red lights when the coast is clear. The standard argument is that because it is safe, bicyclist should can just do it. Of course, a driver could also check cross traffic and run the light because it would also be safe. The argument that a bicyclist should be able to run reds reduces to “because we can,” with the danger that drivers would develop the same attitude.

Looking around and slowly moving from a stop on a bike is simply not the same as looking around and slowly moving from a stop in a car. I’m much less likely to miss something on the bike (less visual obstructions, and much better ability to hear surroundings) and even if I were to obliviously run into a pedestrian while starting my bike, I’m extremely unlikely to kill them (even if I were to completely run over them–I’m just not that heavy, and I’d be hard pressed to muster that much torque anyway). This “same rules should apply” meme is a crock until they start making 2000 pound bikes that start moving when you take a foot off a pedal.

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@acc 21762 wrote:

Oak Marr Recreation Center in the Oakton area of Fairfax County is offering two weeks of Bike Riding Camp for children ages 6-12.
…
Bring a road bike or trail bike with at least 12 speeds.”

Wow, where do you find a 12 speed road bike for a 6 year old?

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@PotomacCyclist 21693 wrote:

Actually I’m hoping that at least a few people (forum lurkers) might read this and either rethink what they do. Or it might start up a real-world conversation somewhere that an aggressive jaywalker might overhear, and that conversation could lead to some self-reflection and consideration of their road behavior. It’s part of developing a more responsible road culture, among drivers, cyclists, runners, walkers, dog walkers, roller bladers and others. One comment might not change a lot, but many comments over a period of time might help to improve matters. Same thing with texting while driving, aggressive driving, red light running (by drivers and cyclists), crossing over the dividing line to pass on bike trails, etc.

Nope, not a chance. Everyone is convinced that their own behavior is correct and will not be convinced otherwise.

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@americancyclo 21633 wrote:

I’m more than happy to email/twit/facebake any reps or organization leaders. I usually get intimidated though, because I only really know my personal pain points, and find that others have a better grasp of the situation at large and can better articulate our position to the decision makers in terms that resonate well. That’s why I love point and click advocacy. If any templates could be made, I’d be happy to follow through, both from my personal and .gov emails.

You’re less likely to be immediately ignored if you’re not using a form letter. Point and click advocacy is easy, but the recipients know how little effort it takes and weight it appropriately.

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you’ll never find a new bike that has exactly what you want, so you’ll be component-swapping anyway.

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Less the size of the tire than the design, probably. Knobs are slow, it’s like going up a little hill each time you hit one. Pick out a 42mm tire optimized for on-road and it’ll be much faster.

[mstone]

@Dirt 21258 wrote:

Cowbell is soooo ubiquitous. I’m thinking of going for a tambourine.

Perhaps you could rig a gong on the dummy? Gongs are always appropriate.

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I’ve been pretty happy with the Continental Contacts.

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@Certifried 21068 wrote:

thanks! I had done a search for “convert road bike” and didn’t find too much. ^^ perfect links

DaveK – the seat post is carbon The Trek site says it has fender mounts, I just haven’t noticed them. I’ll take a closer look tonight.

Fortunately, I’m not in a suit and tie. Just some dockers and golf-shirt type of shirt, no tie. By the time I have the dockers, shirt, socks, undergarments, belt, shoes, towel for the shower and toiletries… my messenger bag is stuffed! We have a gym in our building, but they don’t have a “lockers only” membership. There’s also a small building locker room where I can shower, but the lockers aren’t overnight. So I have nothing real convenient for storage other than desk drawers. I can’t offend my neighbors with smelly wet clothes lying around but luckily there’s already another topic on that! lol

See if you can at least find a place to stash some shoes & a belt. They’re about the biggest and bulkiest part of the package, and if you can skip that the rest is much easier. As posted in another recent thread, also look for a microfiber backpacker’s towel (much smaller & lighter than a puffy cotton one).

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@pfunkallstar 20928 wrote:

Biking isn’t proper without a tie. Albeit, said tie can be cinched firmly around the forehead region thus killing the proverbial two birds with one stone of multitasking. Disclaimer: said tie will be ruined.

For those of us who are men of a certain age, the tie doesn’t also help with sunburn the way the headsweats do

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@Greenbelt 20876 wrote:

I think we had discussion on this last summer, but worth repeating in my opinion: headsweats or “halo” headbands work great to keep the sweat from pouring down your face at stoplights (or just on really hot days period).

I thought the headsweats were a stupid gimmick, then I tried them. You couldn’t pry mine away now in the summer.

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@PotomacCyclist 20792 wrote:

The worst thing about my ride yesterday was the dumb bug who had the nerve to fly right into my eye. And stay there until I fished him out. Ouch.

I managed to inhale bugs Saturday and Monday. I think the other people on the W&OD wondered what the TB patient was doing on a bike.

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@KelOnWheels 20649 wrote:

So why ARE bar-end shifters better/mechanically superior/more fixable than brifters?

Me, I know nothing.

It’s a simple pully on a single axis, without the combination of multiple functions into a bunch of moving parts.

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@Terpfan 20563 wrote:

Most of the survey options included “better bike pathways or sidewalks” in discussion commutes. I got the impression they were looking at wholestic ways to reduce traffic and improve transit. I suggested better bike pathes via widening, more dedicated bike lanes, and a real big wish list item a pressured air pump station along MVT haha (and I realize it’s fed property, but eh I can dream).

yeah, they had things like “better bikeways”, but in the context of “would this make you ride transit more”. For me at least, the answer is no–it would just make commuting by bike more pleasant.

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I don’t get it–it’s a transit survey. If you don’t use transit, it’s irrelevant. Yes it would be nice if needs of all modes were considered, but this isn’t the survey that does that.

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