Commuting | Yay Bikes! | Columbus, Oh

Do I have a sign that says all white cars try to hit me?
Author: PamGoesSplat :: Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:06 am Was nearly sideswiped yesterday coming and going to work--both times by white cars. The first one passed me within arm's reach (morning) and the second one within inches in the middle of an intersection (evening). Yeesh! Usually when I have terrorizing car encounters I deal with it by thinking evil thoughts about the driver for a couple seconds. The morning incident was somewhat gratifying; the car blew by and then turned into my place of work! I stood up on the pedals and chased her down. When she got out of her car, I told her she nearly clipped me--which started a witty "oh-no-I-dint" "oh yea you did" repartee. Finally she told me she was sorry if I felt "threatened" and I told her "don't be sorry, just try to keep your attention on the road!" I then rode off to my building in a huff. Then I nearly was nailed on e way home, and was back to my evil thought coping mechanism. That'a an awful lot of action for a five mile commute. (7) Replies

Do I have a sign that says all white cars try to hit me?

Author: PamGoesSplat :: Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:06 am

Was nearly sideswiped yesterday coming and going to work--both times by white cars. The first one passed me within arm's reach (morning) and the second one within inches in the middle of an intersection (evening). Yeesh!

Usually when I have terrorizing car encounters I deal with it by thinking evil thoughts about the driver for a couple seconds. The morning incident was somewhat gratifying; the car blew by and then turned into my place of work! I stood up on the pedals and chased her down. When she got out of her car, I told her she nearly clipped me--which started a witty "oh-no-I-dint" "oh yea you did" repartee. Finally she told me she was sorry if I felt "threatened" and I told her "don't be sorry, just try to keep your attention on the road!" I then rode off to my building in a huff. Then I nearly was nailed on e way home, and was back to my evil thought coping mechanism.

That'a an awful lot of action for a five mile commute.

(7) Replies

Bike Map Review and Commentary
Author: Steave :: Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 12:46 pm As we are all aware, part of the Bike to Work Week hoopla was distributing the long awaited Bike Map (The Map.) As many of us are aware, the present edition of The Map incorporates some real curiosities when it comes to marking streets in red, orange, or green. At the public forum, where quite a lot of regular cyclists sat down to make revisions to the first draft (generated by a computer model of bicycle suitability) the most frequent comment, both mine and those I overheard, was some variation on, "Red? I ride that every day, and it's not so bad!" Now that I have used The Map to identify and test a specific route, I will add, "Orange? That stretch would scare the spandex off anybody!" (Not that I ever wear spandex!) Overall, I feel that the project has had a successful beginning, but that's all it is: a beginning. That actual cyclists were even asked for their opinions is little short of miraculous; now that The Map is out on the street and we're smudging it with chain lube, there should be some really serious thought given to a second edition. What I hope can be accomplished with this thread is that as individual cyclists use The Map, they will post reviews of specific routes and alternatives, listing such considerations as whether or not anyone cares the proverbial south end of a northbound rat for the posted speed limit. Ideally, the process can be spread from Yay Bikes to other forums, such as the various cycling clubs, and the entire collective experience collated, perhaps using Bikely.com or Google Maps. Then, the project can be sent back to MORPC for refinement. Enjoy the return of warm weather, everyone! My first review/comparison will follow shortly, but I feel in need of a cold shower. Thinking about traffic engineers does that to me, somehow! (20) Replies

Bike Map Review and Commentary

Author: Steave :: Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 12:46 pm

As we are all aware, part of the Bike to Work Week hoopla was distributing the long awaited Bike Map (The Map.) As many of us are aware, the present edition of The Map incorporates some real curiosities when it comes to marking streets in red, orange, or green.

At the public forum, where quite a lot of regular cyclists sat down to make revisions to the first draft (generated by a computer model of bicycle suitability) the most frequent comment, both mine and those I overheard, was some variation on, "Red? I ride that every day, and it's not so bad!"

Now that I have used The Map to identify and test a specific route, I will add, "Orange? That stretch would scare the spandex off anybody!" (Not that I ever wear spandex!)

Overall, I feel that the project has had a successful beginning, but that's all it is: a beginning. That actual cyclists were even asked for their opinions is little short of miraculous; now that The Map is out on the street and we're smudging it with chain lube, there should be some really serious thought given to a second edition.

What I hope can be accomplished with this thread is that as individual cyclists use The Map, they will post reviews of specific routes and alternatives, listing such considerations as whether or not anyone cares the proverbial south end of a northbound rat for the posted speed limit. Ideally, the process can be spread from Yay Bikes to other forums, such as the various cycling clubs, and the entire collective experience collated, perhaps using Bikely.com or Google Maps. Then, the project can be sent back to MORPC for refinement.

Enjoy the return of warm weather, everyone! My first review/comparison will follow shortly, but I feel in need of a cold shower. Thinking about traffic engineers does that to me, somehow!

(20) Replies

"Drive Your Bike" from the Florida Bicycle Associa
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 8:35 am Found this while cruising Bike Forums today. Some good discussion and explanation of common traffic accidents. Handy illustrations as well. (0) Replies

Recumbent Trike Stolen - Please Help
Author: slightlymadscience :: Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 8:58 am Got laid off beginning of April, my dog just tore his ACL on his knee and had surgery, and now my $1500+ trike has been stolen. If someone sees it, please let me know any information you can provide. My email is slightly.mad.science@gmail.com I'm posting this here and Columbus Underground - if anyone knows of other places to post, let me know. I've filed a police report and will be contacting my insurance agent today. Trike Info: Model: Sun EZ3-USX (under seat steering) Trike Black Frame Front wheel has Wilderness Energy hub motor - thumb throttle is on right handlebar, batteries are on rack mounted behind rider's seat. Added silver handlebar stem to front, has pvc-mounted light. Black Fenders on front and back wheels - front fender is cut to make slot for front brakes. Toe clips on pedals. It was stolen from my garage between 9:30 pm the 15h and 8:00 am the 16th. Nothing else in my garage was taken (including other bikes, tools, and other equipment), so I'm presuming the was ridden off (it weighs over 100 lbs). Attached are pictures: (4) Replies

Recumbent Trike Stolen - Please Help

Author: slightlymadscience :: Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 8:58 am

Got laid off beginning of April, my dog just tore his ACL on his knee and had surgery, and now my $1500+ trike has been stolen. If someone sees it, please let me know any information you can provide. My email is slightly.mad.science@gmail.com

I'm posting this here and Columbus Underground - if anyone knows of other places to post, let me know. I've filed a police report and will be contacting my insurance agent today.

Trike Info:
Model: Sun EZ3-USX (under seat steering) Trike
Black Frame
Front wheel has Wilderness Energy hub motor - thumb throttle is on right handlebar, batteries are on rack mounted behind rider's seat.
Added silver handlebar stem to front, has pvc-mounted light.
Black Fenders on front and back wheels - front fender is cut to make slot for front brakes.
Toe clips on pedals.

It was stolen from my garage between 9:30 pm the 15h and 8:00 am the 16th. Nothing else in my garage was taken (including other bikes, tools, and other equipment), so I'm presuming the was ridden off (it weighs over 100 lbs).

Attached are pictures:

(4) Replies

Fun commuting calculator
Author: ScarletBegonias :: Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 12:13 pm There's a fun link on the REI site: http://www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive?gclid=CMuHwp2VqJoCFRKIxwodmC1A0w It calculates your calories burned, gas $ saved, and pounds of CO2 reduced. (0) Replies

Help with a route for B2WW
Author: Zdad :: Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:03 am They can check out the north map here: blog with suitability map links (PDF) The maps were preliminary but should help out. For speed I'd save the map to local hard drive and reopen it as the PDF is a pretty large file. EDIT: I commute to Polaris Mall, and if they can get to Sancus, take it south to Wilson Bridge then over to the MUT at the park/tennis courts before it turns downhill to cross the river. Another thing I do is to drive the route (except the MUT of course) at the time of day I would commute to check on traffic, lanes (width and quantity), ability of cars to pass safely, etc. Steve (4) Replies

Help with a route for B2WW

Author: Zdad :: Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:03 am

They can check out the north map here:
blog with suitability map links (PDF)

The maps were preliminary but should help out. For speed I'd save the map to local hard drive and reopen it as the PDF is a pretty large file.

EDIT: I commute to Polaris Mall, and if they can get to Sancus, take it south to Wilson Bridge then over to the MUT at the park/tennis courts before it turns downhill to cross the river. Another thing I do is to drive the route (except the MUT of course) at the time of day I would commute to check on traffic, lanes (width and quantity), ability of cars to pass safely, etc.

Steve

(4) Replies

Tripping a light....
Author: razzmatazz :: Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:41 am I know we've talked about this before, lots of times, but there was an article in the dispatch yesterday about how scooters aren't tripping the lights either. The article makes a couple of suggestions on where to stop, and Eagan Foster, a traffic engineer says to call the city and they will simply make the signal more sensitive. I've copied the last part of the article. (I'm seeing a number of requests heading for the 311 City site, eh?) "Foster showed her where to position her scooter at the intersection: She needed to get closer to one of the wires and to be on the inside of the loop, preferably near a corner. Bingo. The light changed. "He just showed me where I should stop," said Didier, 36, who recently opened Capital City Scooters near Summit and Hudson streets. "But of course, my scooter is metal, so that's the only one that's going to work on that light," she said. "Most of the modern ones are plastic, so that's not going to work at all." If someone wanted to attach a piece of metal to a scooter to help trigger traffic lights, Marsh suggests making it as wide as possible. The surface area, not the amount of metal, makes the difference, he said. If no other option works, report a troublesome intersection to the city, and Foster or another worker will simply turn up the sensitivity of the metal-detecting loop. The city doesn't want them to be too sensitive. A parked car "may actually set it off even though they're several feet away from it," Foster said." (2) Replies

Tripping a light....

Author: razzmatazz :: Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:41 am

I know we've talked about this before, lots of times, but there was an article in the dispatch yesterday about how scooters aren't tripping the lights either. The article makes a couple of suggestions on where to stop, and Eagan Foster, a traffic engineer says to call the city and they will simply make the signal more sensitive. I've copied the last part of the article. (I'm seeing a number of requests heading for the 311 City site, eh?)

"Foster showed her where to position her scooter at the intersection: She needed to get closer to one of the wires and to be on the inside of the loop, preferably near a corner.

Bingo. The light changed.

"He just showed me where I should stop," said Didier, 36, who recently opened Capital City Scooters near Summit and Hudson streets.

"But of course, my scooter is metal, so that's the only one that's going to work on that light," she said. "Most of the modern ones are plastic, so that's not going to work at all."

If someone wanted to attach a piece of metal to a scooter to help trigger traffic lights, Marsh suggests making it as wide as possible. The surface area, not the amount of metal, makes the difference, he said.

If no other option works, report a troublesome intersection to the city, and Foster or another worker will simply turn up the sensitivity of the metal-detecting loop.

The city doesn't want them to be too sensitive.

A parked car "may actually set it off even though they're several feet away from it," Foster said."

(2) Replies

Kentucky Vehicle Assault Bill (HB 88)
Author: Rod Rudinger :: Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:58 am Given the recent posts concerning bicycle and pedestrian deaths, I thought the bill being proposed in Kentucky may be of interest: (1) A person commits the offense of vehicular assault of a bicyclist or pedestrian if the person recklessly operates a vehicle upon a highway in a manner that results in contact between the person’s vehicle and a bicycle operated by a person, a person operating a bicycle, or a pedestrian. (2) As used in this section "recklessly" has the same meaning as in KRS 501.020. The offender may be charged with a Class C or B misdemeanor or a Class D felony (if the contact results in serious injury or death). Perhaps we can get a similar bill introduced in the Ohio Legislature (assuming that the current statutes are too weak). (0) Replies

Kentucky Vehicle Assault Bill (HB 88)

Author: Rod Rudinger :: Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:58 am

Given the recent posts concerning bicycle and pedestrian deaths, I thought the bill being proposed in Kentucky may be of interest:

(1) A person commits the offense of vehicular assault of a bicyclist or pedestrian if the person recklessly operates a vehicle upon a highway in a manner that results in contact between the person’s vehicle and a bicycle operated by a person, a person operating a bicycle, or a pedestrian.
(2) As used in this section "recklessly" has the same meaning as in KRS 501.020.

The offender may be charged with a Class C or B misdemeanor or a Class D felony (if the contact results in serious injury or death).
Perhaps we can get a similar bill introduced in the Ohio Legislature (assuming that the current statutes are too weak).

(0) Replies

COTA is free....
Author: razzmatazz :: Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:23 am Just a heads up, in case you get stuck somewhere, that in a level 2 or 3, COTA is free, all day. Any bus, any time. (1) Replies

rear cog not catching?
Author: buckeye_physics :: Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:36 pm hey folks, My first post, but I've enjoyed reading your commuting tips, especially winter. This is my second winter bike commuting about 3 days/week. (The other days I drive kids.) Anyhow, a question: On a cold day recently, I was pedaling, and the chain spun the rear gears, but did not engage the wheel. I.e. it was just free spinning. Eventually it caught, but it happened several times more. I'm told that the lubricant in the hub is gunked up and that this will keep happening in the cold, getting worse and worse so that it starts to happen even when it is 30 F. I am advised to buy a new wheel, since the hub of mine cannot be serviced. (Apparently, the higher-end ones can.) I must have been lucky in the past, since this is the first time I've encountered this. Have you guys had this problem? Thanks, mike (8) Replies

rear cog not catching?

Author: buckeye_physics :: Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:36 pm

hey folks,
My first post, but I've enjoyed reading your commuting tips, especially winter. This is my second winter bike commuting about 3 days/week. (The other days I drive kids.)

Anyhow, a question: On a cold day recently, I was pedaling, and the chain spun the rear gears, but did not engage the wheel. I.e. it was just free spinning. Eventually it caught, but it happened several times more. I'm told that the lubricant in the hub is gunked up and that this will keep happening in the cold, getting worse and worse so that it starts to happen even when it is 30 F. I am advised to buy a new wheel, since the hub of mine cannot be serviced. (Apparently, the higher-end ones can.)

I must have been lucky in the past, since this is the first time I've encountered this. Have you guys had this problem?

Thanks,
mike

(8) Replies

OhioBikeBuddies program helps find bike commuting partners
Author: mike reed :: Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 2:16 pm Ran across this site where you can find bike commuting partners in Ohio. No clue if it is useful here- ran across it in regard to something in Cleveland. (1) Replies

Alive! winter cycling tips
Author: miket. :: Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:58 pm i just read the winter tips for cyclists on the columbus alive! website that andrew mentioned in an earlier thread. they say to use the front brake becuase its the safest. i was under the impression that using the rear brake is safest on snow and ice. what does everyone else think? (3) Replies

Winter Shoe Recommendation
Author: Yethu :: Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:44 pm Warm, snow-proof, walkable, range of widths, generous warranty.... (I've used them for years where it was snowier, colder, wetter than Columbus....) $60.... LL Bean winter sneakers (1) Replies

Route Suggestion

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:29 pm

Quote:

Hello,

I am planning a credit card tour of the Ohio to Erie Trail this summer 09' and need some help with the route getting into downtown Columbus. The Ohio to Erie Trail is an incomplete bike trail from Cincinatti - Columbus-Cleveland using existing Rail Trails and Road Routes. Currently, the Ohio-Erie uses the Little Miami Scenic Trail which ends near London, Ohio on Wilson Road in Madison County.

The Ohio-Erie Trail website suggests taking a COTA bus at Broad St. to Downtown. I would rather find a more suitable route to Downtown. My plans are to stay in a hotel downtown that is in walking distance to the Columbus Clippers new stadium so that I can catch a ball game the night I am in town.

Actually, catching a ball game is kind of theme for the tour. My plans are to hit ball games in Cincinatti, Dayton, Columbus, Arkon and Cleveland.

I have check out bikely.com but have yet to find a suitable route.

Any Columbus commuters with good route suggestions?

Thanks, Gil

Posted at bike forums. I linked him to one route I found on Bikely. Any other suggestions?

(8) Replies

Bicycle Path Rage?
Author: djeffords :: Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:56 am http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/316889 WED., DEC 3, 2008 - 8:54 AM Bicyclist attacked after confrontation with two other bicyclists, police say GEORGE HESSELBERG 608-252-6140 ghesselberg@madison.com A bicyclist who suggested to a pair of fellow riders they should use lights when bicycling at night was rewarded for his concern with a beating, according to Madison police reports. The 51-year-old victim, Colin O'Brien, who owns Cronometro, a Williamson Street business that builds custom bicycles, was cycling home last Wednesday at about 6:30 p.m. along South Shore Drive when someone behind him alerted him he would be passing on the left. A man and a woman bicycled past, and as they did, O'Brien said "Get a light." The male bicyclist turned and asked what was just said, and O'Brien repeated, "Get a light." The couple yelled at O'Brien to "mind his own business," and the male bicyclist tried to run O'Brien off the road, police reported. The two followed him to the driveway of his East Side home, where the discussion continued and where the female rider commented that the "victim seemed to have plenty of lights and asked for one." O'Brien obliged, giving her a light, according to police, but the woman's companion, "still upset about the original comment, proceeded to clamp his hands around the victim's head, police said. "He twisted the victim to the ground, and kneed him in the ribs." The two bicyclists were last seen pedaling down South Shore Drive. O'Brien provided a detailed description of the bicyclists and their bikes: The man was white, about 6 feet tall, wearing a dark colored jacket and riding a Trek Time Trial bike with front-style handlebars. The woman was described as white, about 5 feet 4 inches tall, riding an Orbea Road bike with orange on the front. Attempts to reach O'Brien were unsuccessful Tuesday night, but Scott Wente, who works at Cronometro, confirmed the police report about his boss, and said that O'Brien has sore ribs but is otherwise OK. He said it would not be out of character for him to suggest to a bicycle rider at night to get a light. "Well, it was dark and the dude was in black clothing, come on," said Wente. An area bicycle news network was abuzz with the story and related commentary on its internet connection service Tuesday. Among the contributors was Robbie Weber, a Madison alderman and avid bicyclist, who wrote to the group: "Although we would all like to think that bicyclists wouldn't stoop to road rage and violence, there are stupid, aggressive, and unstable people in all groups. Some people just lose it when faced with the smallest criticism. Their choice of transportation vehicle doesn't change that." (2) Replies

Bicycle Path Rage?

Author: djeffords :: Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:56 am

http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/316889

WED., DEC 3, 2008 - 8:54 AM
Bicyclist attacked after confrontation with two other bicyclists, police say
GEORGE HESSELBERG
608-252-6140
ghesselberg@madison.com
A bicyclist who suggested to a pair of fellow riders they should use lights when bicycling at night was rewarded for his concern with a beating, according to Madison police reports.

The 51-year-old victim, Colin O'Brien, who owns Cronometro, a Williamson Street business that builds custom bicycles, was cycling home last Wednesday at about 6:30 p.m. along South Shore Drive when someone behind him alerted him he would be passing on the left. A man and a woman bicycled past, and as they did, O'Brien said "Get a light." The male bicyclist turned and asked what was just said, and O'Brien repeated, "Get a light."

The couple yelled at O'Brien to "mind his own business," and the male bicyclist tried to run O'Brien off the road, police reported.

The two followed him to the driveway of his East Side home, where the discussion continued and where the female rider commented that the "victim seemed to have plenty of lights and asked for one."

O'Brien obliged, giving her a light, according to police, but the woman's companion, "still upset about the original comment, proceeded to clamp his hands around the victim's head, police said.

"He twisted the victim to the ground, and kneed him in the ribs."

The two bicyclists were last seen pedaling down South Shore Drive.

O'Brien provided a detailed description of the bicyclists and their bikes: The man was white, about 6 feet tall, wearing a dark colored jacket and riding a Trek Time Trial bike with front-style handlebars.

The woman was described as white, about 5 feet 4 inches tall, riding an Orbea Road bike with orange on the front.

Attempts to reach O'Brien were unsuccessful Tuesday night, but Scott Wente, who works at Cronometro, confirmed the police report about his boss, and said that O'Brien has sore ribs but is otherwise OK. He said it would not be out of character for him to suggest to a bicycle rider at night to get a light.

"Well, it was dark and the dude was in black clothing, come on," said Wente.

An area bicycle news network was abuzz with the story and related commentary on its internet connection service Tuesday.

Among the contributors was Robbie Weber, a Madison alderman and avid bicyclist, who wrote to the group: "Although we would all like to think that bicyclists wouldn't stoop to road rage and violence, there are stupid, aggressive, and unstable people in all groups. Some people just lose it when faced with the smallest criticism. Their choice of transportation vehicle doesn't change that."

(2) Replies

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