[peterw_diy]

@Greenbelt 68192 wrote:

Agree, I think just a 3 or 4 foot plow strip with a little ATV plow like they have for sidewalks would suffice.

Was the county going to treat the trails with ice-melting chemicals, or just plow them?

Plowing alone is good for those of use who ride studded tires in the winter, but I think for many folks, treating the surface is perhaps more important than plowing snow.

[peterw_diy]

And here’s another, from a neighborhood civic association. I find the end especially interesting — the argument that having the city take its public roadway that’s currently paved & painted for free on-street parking and turn it into a bike travel lane might be considered an eminent domain taking. Some neighbors seem to literally be claiming they own the road next to their house.

Where’s WABA on this issue? I’m asking in earnest, having missed the last public meeting.

Quote:

Hello TRCA neighbors,
Thank you for participating in our annual Fall Meeting on October 16th. As you know we touched on a number of subjects, one of which was the proposed bike lanes on King Street. Please find the letter below that TRCA sent on Oct 19th to Hillary Poole (who is spearheading the project for the city). The city will be holding another meeting on the bike lanes Wednesday, October 30th at 7pm at Maury Elementary. We encourage you to attend if you would like to further participate in this subject and voice your opinions on the proposal and its alternatives.

Hi Hillary,
Thank you for taking an interest in the opinions of those in Taylor Run as you make decisions and recommendations concerning the proposed bike lanes on King Street. As expected, our members had A LOT to say about this topic at our annual Fall Meeting, held this past Wednesday, October 16. While there was no consensus on a single path to take, there were a few ideas that received warmer reception than others. It should be noted that the meeting was attended by residents of King Street as well as bikers and surrounding neighbors. Here is a brief synopsis of the evening’s opinions:

1. Everyone agrees that there is already to much traffic on King Street and we all want the street to be safer. They are extremely grateful for the Flashing Beacon at Upland, the pedestrian safety measures being taken at Highland as well as the speed board that may be installed.

2. Most people want to support biking and attested to the benefits to the environment and traffic flow. However, not everyone thinks that King Street is the place to do it.

3. There are some people (a minority) who think there should not be ANY bike lanes on King street at all. Many of these people live right on King and would be directly affected.

4. There are some people (mostly the bikers) who think there should be full bike lanes on both sides of King Street at all times

5. MOST of the people in attendance were in favor of a compromise solution that provides: An alternating bike lane/parking lane on the North side (climbing side) of King.

* Some people wanted to allow for bike lanes during Rush Hour and parking during all other times
* Others thought it would be best to have a bike lane during the day and parking at night (when it is not safe for biking on the street anyway).
* There were many bikers that were in favor of this solution—understanding full-well that this scenario involves being caught in rush hour traffic heading East/down the hill in the evening. (Note: Many of the bikers feel like they can not support a compromise solution, as it waters down their demands and they may end up with even less than the supported compromise).
* While there was not unanimous support for this solution, this alternative garnered the most support.

* The proposal to have parking limited to the 2500 block was favored in lieu of “No Parking” on King Street, but the following objections were pointed out:
* Seems unsafe to have bikers merge back into traffic
* Bikers might not expect cars to be parked there and be caught by surprise
* Would this make the turn onto Janney’s safer or more dangerous?

* Sharrows were widely supported by everyone. Explained that having some markings would make things safer than what has existed (having bikes in the lanes with no explanation).
* There were many complaints about the recent decision to allow bikers of all ages on all sidewalks through the city.
* Many people wanted this law should be revisited to allow bikers 12 and under on the sidewalks only.
* Some stated that they did not want to give bikers the roads AND the sidewalks
* There were requests that the City “be more creative” and reconsider alternative bike routes that would connect the King Street Metro to the new bike lanes on Janney’s Lane — perhaps going through the neighborhood(s).
* A path along the Masonic Temple road/parking lot and then on Hilltop to Putnam Place and out onto Janney’s Lane
* Creating bike lanes up to Upland and then directing traffic (North) down Walnut Street to the bike lanes on Russell Road or (South) across King Street at the new Flashing Beacon Crosswalk—up Upland, over HillTop to Putnam Place and then out onto the new bike lanes on Janney’s Lane

* There was a deep concern about the already congested streets neighboring King Street due to parking by Metro commuters.
* Can not accommodate additional parkers
* Already can not see around corners because of parked cars in spaces that should not allow parking
* Discussion of “Resident Only” permit parking took place. Perhaps a larger conversation on this topic will occur in the future

* Concerns about pedestrian safety due to the lack of continuous sidewalks
* Now pedestrians have to go into the road and battle bikes, cars and over parked cars
* Need sidewalks, especially at roads leading to King Street

* Many, Many complaints about the new bike lanes on Janney’s Place and concern that some of the same traffic pattern problems could erupt on King, if bike lanes are installed
* Street is not wide enough for Emergency Vehicles (coming through with two lanes of traffic and bike lanes)
* Parking lanes are not wide enough for SUVs/larger vehicles
* Makes entering the street more dangerous
* Makes turning onto other streets difficult
* I think the city may want to address some of these/or at least be aware that this will probably come up at the October 30 King Bike lane meeting

* The issue of taking the parking spots brought up discussion of “eminent domain” (already a concern down on the waterfront)
* TRCA encouraged everyone to attend your meeting at Maury Elementary on October 30th to get official answers to their questions as well as to hear all possible alternatives. TRCA promised to hold an online survey following the Oct 30th meeting. We will let you know the results.
You do not have an easy job, and we appreciate your time and attention to this important decision that will affect so many.
Please call me if you have any questions or if you would like me to clarify any statements,
Thank you,
L____
703-___-____

[peterw_diy]

Here’s a petition letter from one of the neighbors, to give you an idea what’s being said. I’ve partially redacted the residents’ names, etc. As you can see, the opponents are polite and willing to spend time writing Alexandria city staff. Those of us who want the bike lanes need to do the same.

Quote:

Hi,

Yesterday [note: I think this means Thu, Oct 24] A____, another neighbor on King Street, began a petition drive to collect names and addresses of those opposed to losing parking spaces on King Street. Distribution just began yesterday and she said she has already gotten responses raising even more concerns. I am attaching a copy of the petition and would appreciate it if you would share it with neighbors who might want to add their name and address.

Thanks so much.

L____

Oppose the Installation of Bike Lanes on King Street – Preserve the Parking Spaces

Quote:

Dear Neighbor,

My name is A___ ___________ and I live at 22__ King Street, Alexandria. As you are probably aware, there is a proposal to eliminate the parking spaces on King Street and install bike lanes instead. You may find more details on this proposed project at the following website: http://www.alexandriava.gov/localmotion/info/default.aspx?id=74320

I have spoken with some of my neighbors on King Street and we share a number of concerns about the proposed plans, including those listed below. If you are interested in adding your name and address to a petition to oppose the installation of bike lanes on King Street and preserve the parking spaces, please email me at ______@gmail.com by Tuesday, October 29. I look forward to hearing from you!

Please also plan on attending the meeting about the proposals for King Street on Wednesday, Oct 30, 2013 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Maury Elementary School, Russell Road.

Why King Street residents should oppose the installation of bike lanes on King Street:

· Loss of parking spaces on King Street would be a major issue for residents who need them for tradesmen, ambulances, moving vans, delivery trucks, mail delivery, guest parking (parties, open houses, etc.), as well as parking for their own cars.

· Loss of our parking spaces could impact the value of our homes.

· There is a concern for safety given that King Street is a major route to Alexandria from Arlington and Fairfax. Adding bicycles to heavy traffic on King Street is a lethal mix.

· Elimination of the parking spaces would not permit traffic to yield to emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances.

· It is highly unlikely that the installation of bike lanes will have a traffic calming effect. Rather, traffic calming measures such as speed cameras or curb extensions should be considered.

· The Police will no longer be able to park in the existing parking spaces on King Street to monitor traffic and conduct speed checks.

· Many of the local residents choose to ride their bicycles on other streets that are less steep than King Street. Therefore, it is not clear that there is a demand for bike lanes on King Street.

· The proposed bike lanes do not connect with other bike lanes, which could potentially be dangerous.

If you wish to send comments directly to the Alexandria City Manager for this project, email Hillary.poole@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4017.

[peterw_diy]

The city has posted an updated plan. In essence, it’s a compromise to some resident complaints. More sharrows, fewer feet of dedicated bike lanes.

http://alexandriava.gov/localmotion/info/default.aspx?id=74320

It doesn’t look too bad, but it’s not as good as the original plan. What’s the line from Empire Strikes Back — they have altered the plan, pray that they don’t alter it further.

At least the city is still talking about bike lanes along most of the uphill section (from W Cedar up to Highland — according to topo maps, Highland is pretty much the peak, about 20 feet higher than Upland). And the city is planning slightly wider bike lanes for the uphill section than the eastbound+downhill part (5′ going up, 4′ elsewhere), which seems smart. But the new plan calls for the bike lane ending abruptly at Highland, making room for a half block of onstreet parking before reverting to bike lane for another half block.

IMO it will be a clear improvement for cycling if “Concept 2” is adopted as-is, but I fear further capitulation to NIMBY residents if there isn’t enough in-person and written support for bike lanes.

[peterw_diy]

Thanks for the head’s up on this.

[peterw_diy]

Do you ever roll your bike around on just the rear wheel, e.g. to get through tight spots? If so, keep in mind that long rear fenders won’t allow that.

I’ve used SKS 45mm Commuter fenders the last couple years on my CX bike. They do a pretty good job — better than the 35mm PB fenders I had on my previous commuter — so I have not bothered to put a long mudflap up front to improve coverage (see Dirt’s dropbar orange Troll for an example of that). The SKS Commuter rear fender is pretty short, though. It’s perfectly adequate for me, but not trailer- or paceline-friendly like Longboards.

[peterw_diy]

@KLizotte 66697 wrote:

I’ve never used the Soho pedals and can’t comment on Nashbar branded quality. I did buy a generic version of dual platform pedals at HTO a couple of years ago and had to return them because the weighting of the pedals were all wrong meaning the clip side wouldn’t stay up when I stopped. They were also hard to clip in and out of. Fortunately HTO took them back when I complained. I then ponied up the money for the Shimano version (A530 I think) and have been very happy since. Very easy to clip in/out and they are properly weighted so which ever side you are using stays up when you stop.

I’ve used the Nashbar Rodeo pedals for commuting for years. They’re weighted so that they hang at an angle, with the clipless side to the back and below. I think this works really well. When using street shoes, you step down from in front of the pedal. With cleated shoes, you kick up & forward from below just like you would on classic Look clipless road pedals. Factory assembly isn’t great — the cones have been tight on half of the Rodeos I’ve used. If you don’t mind turning a wrench, they’re a good bargain. If you don’t have time, the Shimano pedals are probably worth the extra $15.

[peterw_diy]

Kool Stop salmon MTB work well on my cheap Tektro cantis. They are quiet if initially toed in well, gentle on the rims even though I’m an all-weather commuter who cleans them very seldom, and never need adjusting. They do wear a little quickly, but that’s the only downside, and I can accept that.

I also recommend fork-mounted front housing stops. I started using one when I installed interrupter brake levers (mostly for better housing routing), and between the Kool Stops and the fork hanger, the brake chatter has vanished. Having read Lennard Zinn’s explanation I find it disappointing that bike companies still spec housing stops that sit above the head tube.

[peterw_diy]

1) “Water resistant” is insufficient. All-weather commuters like me will rule it out immediately. Others will be pretty unhappy if the camera gets trashed in the first unexpected downpour. And you can’t expect riders to stash this in an Ortlieb when clouds appear; to be effective, a black box needs to stay on the bike at all times. More on water & rain below.

2) Crash detection sounds nice for the very rare serious crash use case, but it would be nice to have another button I could use to save a video on demand. Pressing the button should save a file going back about two minutes and going forward until I turn the camera off. I’d use this to stash video of close calls (for me or others!) or other interesting footage.

3) It would be great if it was designed to operate in groups of two or more cameras, with wireless connections. Push the on demand save button and have both front- and rear-facing cameras stash footage going back two minutes.

4) How easy is it to pull videos off the device? My commuter bike stays in the detached garage. Connecting a charging cable is easy, but pulling movies off the camera is a hassle. Rideye looks like a USB Windows-formatted disk drive to a computer, right? It should put “saved” videos in a separate folder, to make it easier to pull them off the camera. You could probably even write a pretty simple utility for PCs and Macs that would automatically recognize the Rideye & move its “saved” videos to the PC/Mac, so extracting saved videos would only mean waking up the PC/Mac, connecting the cable, and waiting for the utility to announce that it got everything it needed.

5) But don’t make it too easy to pull the videos off. As a commuter, I like gear I can leave bolted to the bike so it won’t get stolen. With cameras, it’s more than just the loss of a $100 device though, it’s also the value of the videos recorded on the device. Pull a video from one of my HD808s and you’ll see my route, my house, and learn which neighbors I wave to. My ideal black box camera would use good encryption so that a thief (or busybody with a laptop & USB cable) wouldn’t be able to do anything with the videos on the device.

6) Back to water resistance — that lens looks awfully exposed. Even if it were waterproof, the lens is bound to get pelted with rain, at best distorting the video. It needs a hood to keep the lens relatively dry. A lens hood should also help reduce glare problems from off-axis light, both natural and artificial.

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