[Steve]

Just so I’m clear on this, I do not like AAA. I think they are aggressive and dismissive, etc, and generally bad for the things I like. That being said, I think they are doing the job that MOST of their members want them to do, and so I understand it. They are an association as basically lobbying group for people who want to drive places. Perhaps their tactics are overly agressive, but that’s lobbying.

What makes me more mad than AAA being the way that are is that LAB isn’t more assertive.

[Steve]

@dasgeh 86965 wrote:

It is also in motorists’ interest to get as many people on bikes as want to be, because often, those on a bike are not in a car, reducing demands on the roads (which then need less maintenance, allow cars to drive with less delay, etc, etc).

I get this in theory, but most people don’t feel this way, and AAA is supposed to represent the desires of its members. Most of its members would rather resources be used on driving than cycling, plain and simple. You can blame AAA for that, but I blame its members. If its members wanted something different, they would leave. While some people here avoid AAA, most people don’t.

[Steve]

@mstone 86964 wrote:

It’s possible to not advocate for something without advocating against it. AAA Mid-Atlantic does much to drive the “war on cars” meme, and they don’t have to. (Other AAA chapters manage to advocate for motorists and amicably coexist with cyclists.)

Perhaps. But you can only advocate “for” and not “against” to a certain extent. At some point, you are fighting over the same resources (money, space, etc.), and like it or not, that does mean you’re advocating “against.”

I’m not saying that AAA is good, or even that they don’t go too far, but they consider fighting for their resources as their job. I’m not sure I totally fault them for that.

[Steve]

Am I the only person not outraged at the fact that the American Automobile Association does not support cycling?

[Steve]

@hozn 86875 wrote:

I don’t think I will ever have even 1/8th that much space for bikes or bike-related workspace!

Please don’t use 1/8’s name in vain. This is a family freindly site, after all.

[Steve]

Just some info, especially for the risk averse crowd…..The sidewalk on the West side of Maine (closest to Water St) avenue between 9th and 7th is surprisingly wide, smooth, and easy to ride. It’s not very crowded with peds either, at least not in my experience. So for me heading south, riding Water to 9th, down the sidewalk to 7th, and then back on Water until it ends has actually been fairly simple and easy. Just a little info if you want to avoid riding on Maine.

[Steve]

@cyclingfool 86261 wrote:

You: My chain. “Squeak squeak”
Me: I’m sorry. I’ve been meaning to clean and lube you for a few days, and the wet ride home yesterday was apparently enough to force you into enough of a rage to take to publicly embarrassing me. I’ll clean you tonight, I promise!

The worst part of winter ending you wonder? For me it’s not having something over my ears (to keep them warm), and no longer being able to pretend that my bike isn’t making the sounds that I know it’s making.

[Steve]

@creadinger 86087 wrote:

Well, I sort of asked for it. Yesterday evening the closed sections were blocked by 10ft. fences forcing everyone onto Maine Ave, or the sidewalk along Maine Ave. I think I’ll modify my commute a little bit now to smooth things out. I really don’t like riding on sidewalks unless I absolutely have to.

I come from P, and I think I’ll just start taking 4th up to I to 7th to Maine to 9th or the Case Bridge, just depending on my mood. The only thing I hate about this is it always seems to take a while and be a cluster when crossing M on 4th. I guess there’s not much you can do about it.

[Steve]

As I was reading the map, I was doing basically the exact same checklist that rcannon was doing. I think all things considered, you have to really credit the NPS for really improving things and addressing those major issues. One that I would add is that NPS listened to people (even if it took a while) and improved the crossings at Memorial Circle. It’s not perfect, but much improved and they continue to try other improvements.

[Steve]

@UrbanEngineer 85746 wrote:

my significant other isn’t pressing the issue

Sounds like a keeper.

Thank god this is a little small for me. I don’t even want to think about how uncomfortable that explanation to my wife would be.

[Steve]

@dasgeh 85614 wrote:

Hmmmm, that tree wasn’t there at 8:59am…

Sounds like a helmet commercial in the making…

[Steve]

Back in my day, it was called the Loveland Bike Trail, not the Little Miami Scenic Trail. It will always be the Loveland Bike Trail to me.

[Steve]

@KelOnWheels 85254 wrote:

Can it be 60F and misty every morning? That was most excellent.

I think one of the things that really enjoyed about becoming a bike commuter is how much more in tune with the weather I am, and how much better I notice things. Because of cyling and clothing choices, I really pay attention to the weather now. A lot of people think 60F is 60F, but we know that 60 and sunny is MUCH different that 60 and dark. And 60 with humidity feels completely different that 60 with mist (I felt cold this morning). I also know exactly what time the sun rises, as many probably know exactly when it sets, and can really tell when the seasons are changing based upon the sun coming up 15 minuts earlier in my ride. You can smell your allergies coming, not just fell then, and in the last few weeks, I’ve really noticed the birds have returned (because I hear the chirping and at first thought my bike was making noise).

It’s nice to feel a little more connected.

[Steve]

Around 0615, give or take. Which is early, but it’s actually pretty much light out by then.

[Steve]

Updates from this morning (Heading from the Fish Market, due south):

1. From the Fish Market to 9th is now just two lanes, with a fence blocking what were previously the other two lanes. No impact, just a little less room.

2. From 9th to 7th was CLOSED to traffic. The closures signs were easy to ride around, so I did so. It was about 0615, so very quiet. I’ll be interested to see if there is enforcement ever, especially in the afternoon. They didn’t try to close the sidewalk at all, and so they’re not preventing people from walking thru that area. I’m hoping they treat it the same way Ohio Dr. is during the Cherry Blossoms, where they let peds and bikes thru with no problem, but not cars.

3. From 9th St. to the Police Station is open as normal.

[Author]

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