m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • Ride of Silence: Good intentions, wrong message

    Just a reminder that all posts on this bike advocacy web site belong to those of m-bike.org. ?They do not necessarily represent the views of other bike advocacy groups such as the LMB or MTGA.

    Last year we noted that events like the Ride of Silence do not encourage more people to ride bicycles. Rides modeled after funeral processions aren’t going to get more people riding. It reinforces the perception that bicycling is dangerous.

    And discouraging cycling makes it less safe for everyone — studies show there’s safety in numbers.

    It’s clear to see just how discouraging this event is when you compare it side to side with another event: the Race for the Cure. Their message is absolutely positive, which explains their explosive growth through the years. The first Detroit race was in 1992. In 1998 they had over 21,000 participants. ?Over 30,000 are expected for their race this Saturday at Comerica Park.

    The Race for the Cure color? Pink.

    The Ride of Silence color? Black.

    And this year cyclists can honor those killed by motorists by riding not riding on the road. One can ride on the velodrome in Rochester Hills, but presumably not at the prescribed 12 MPH.

    If you truly want to improve local cycling conditions in Michigan, call your state representative and ask them to support House Bills 6152 and 6153. There’s more information on these at www.michigancompletestreets.org.

    Don’t be silent.

  • Doing it on the Dequindre Cut

    Have Detroit greenways jumped the shark?

    Moosejaw’s Summer 2010 catalog lists the best places in Detroit to “do it.” And according to the catalog, there’s “no better place to do it than Detroit.”

    Among their “favorite spots around the city to make love” is:

    #8. Any Underpass on the Dequindre Cut

    Apparently there’s more than graffiti along the Cut. Doesn’t Moosejaw know about the security cameras?

    (via Model D)

  • Detroit Greenway construction photos

    Here are some photos from Sunday which show greenways under construction (in all senses) throughout Detroit.

    The Dequindre Cut to RiverWalk connector looks nearly complete
    Midtown Loop construction north of the DIA along Kirby
    Midtown Loop construction north of the Detroit Public Library’s main branch
    The Dequindre Cut is “under construction” at the Larned bridge

  • Detroit bikes to work

    There are three bike-to-work rides scheduled for this Friday in Detroit

    • Woodward Ave ride (Royal Oak/Ferndale/Midtown) to Campus Martius
    • Jefferson (Grosse Pointe/East Side/Rivertown) to Campus Martius
    • Michigan Ave ride (Dearborn/Mexicantown) to Campus Martius

    All of the ride information, including the stops along each route, are included on the Detroit Synergy web site.

    Information on volunteering for this event is also on the web site.

    There’s are also bike-to-work events scheduled across Michigan. The Michigan Municipal League’s Let’s Save Michigan site has a good listing of those rides. You can also sign their pledge, though it’s unclear just what that does for you.

    And, this Saturday is a Henry Ford bike to work day. As you may know, Ford was an active cyclist. In fact, he was the first bicyclist in Detroit to Share the Road with a motorist — Charles B. King. He often rode his bike to work as his house in the Boston-Edison neighborhood was conveniently located near both his Highland Park and Piquette factories.

    This Saturday ride — as the flyer wisely notes was a work day back then — starts from Ford’s house and ends at the Piquette plant where the Model T was invented.

  • AAA says, “Share the Road with Bicyclists”

    The Automotive Association of America (AAA) has issued this press release that is difficult to criticize. Will they stand behind Michigan’s Complete Streets legislation?

    AAA Encourages Motorists to Share the Road with Bicyclists

    America’s largest motor club promotes careful commuting whether your ride has two wheels or four

    WASHINGTON, May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — May is National Bike Month and with a growing number of bicyclists on roadways, AAA encourages all motorists to respectfully share the road with cyclists. Most Americans continue to ride bikes for recreation, but many people use their bikes as a means to commute to work, improve their physical health and to reduce their overall carbon footprint. In recognition of National Bike Month, AAA reminds both motorists and cyclists to be vigilant about sharing the road, and to exercise caution year round.

    “It’s important for roadway users to remember that cyclists are granted the same rights and are expected to obey the same laws as motorists,” says Jake Nelson, director, AAA Traffic Safety Policy and Research. “AAA appreciates the continued efforts of stakeholders and transportation officials towards making roads safer for motorists and cyclists alike.”

    As May’s warmer weather lures more cyclists onto roadways, AAA urges motorists to exercise exceptional caution when approaching bicyclists with whom they share the road, and offers the following tips:

    • Allow three feet of passing space between your car and the cyclist. Tailgating or honking can startle or fluster a bicyclist, causing them to swerve further into the driving lane.
    • Be patient. Remember, cyclists are moving under their own power and can’t be expected to go the same speed as cars.
    • Pay special attention to blind spots. Due to their size and the location of bike lanes, bikes can often get lost in a car’s blind spot, so double check before changing lanes, making right-hand turns or before opening your car door on the traffic side when parked.
    • Be attentive on side streets and neighborhoods. Children are especially at risk in residential areas. Follow the speed limit, avoid driver distraction and always be aware of your surroundings. It is particularly important to be cautious when backing out of a driveway and onto the street.
    • Use good common sense. For example, in inclement weather, give cyclists extra room.

    As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.