0 comment Thursday, July 3, 2014 | admin
Official traffic mapScott from Salvagetti had an interesting post on this a few weeks ago, and it got me thinking about Denver cyclists' practice of running red lights (because we occupy the moral high ground or whatever reason we usually come up with).
This morning, it came up again. I ride west on 12th Avenue on my way to work, and I will admit I don't wait at most of the lights if I can help it. If there's a car already waiting at the light, I usually just hang out behind them and wait for the light to change, because the lights on 12th are really short.
Of course, today, I came up on two vehicles waiting at the light at 12th and Downing. I said what the hell and decided to go around them to the right. Of course, just as I got to the right rear tire of the back vehicle, the light changed, so I stopped, not wanting to cause an awkward/dangerous situation when the guy would have to give me room to get around the parallel parked cars on the other side of the intersection.
Well, he just sat there, because oops, I was in his blind spot. I waited, he waited, probably expecting me to pass him. Finally, he slammed on the gas and went. I felt dumb, as I probably should have. Of course, I passed him about four blocks later at another red light, and probably infuriated him further.
I'm sure everyone's got their own take on this situation. Although it doesn't make it legal, I've actually followed Denver bike cops through red lights before.
Labels: Bicycle, Traffic Law
0 comment Friday, April 18, 2014 | admin
Here's something I think you should do. Call your state senator and ask them to support SB - 148, sponsored by watermelon farmer, Cat-3 cyclist, and State Senator, Greg Brophy.
There are some great parts to this bill, one under threat of being cut is the mandatory 3-foot passing space when a driver is passing a cyclist. The other parts deal with stricter penalties for throwing objects at cyclists or other endangering behavior, and simplifies rules regarding two abreast riding (which Josh and I have blogged about before).
I have a horror story regarding bad motorist behavior. When I was about 19, riding in Las Vegas, I was stopped at a light waiting for the change, when out of nowhere some creep in a panel van hucked a half eaten buffalo wing at me. Sadly, it hit me square in the chest, and I was revolted. If I'd had a gun on my bike, as Brendan has proposed in the past, it surely would have ended badly. I would have at least liked to know that had they been apprehended, there would be some stiff penalty and jailtime awaiting them.
So call your state senators, and tell them to vote for this, and together we can put an end to buffalo wing related bicycle violence.
Here's the Plea:
Please Contact Your State Senator
-Proposed 3 feet-to-pass under attack-
The 2009 Colorado Bicycle Safety Bill will be voted on by the State Senate possibly as soon as this Friday, Feb. 13. This bill will help protect bicyclists on roads and makes it easier for motorists to pass bicyclists safely. Opponents are trying to remove the 3 feet safe passing distance.
Here's how you can help:
1. Call or email the State Senator from your district:
Suggested points to put into your own words-
-I encourage you to support Senate Bill 148
-Please keep the 3 foot safe passing distance
-I believe this bill will improve road safety
**This is a State Bill, please do not contact Federal Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet**
2. Forward this message to riding friends, family, and people who care about road safety. Include this on your blog/club website/networking site.
Colorado Bicycle Bill Passes First Vote
On Tuesday, February 10, Senate Bill 148 passed the Senate Transportation Committee on a 6-0 vote! The Larimer County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado Road Carriers Association (trucking) testified against giving bicyclists a safe distance of at least three feet. We expect an amendment on the Senate floor to try to strip the 3 foot buffer out of the bill. Your help can make the difference to keep 3 feet alive. Please follow the steps above.
About Senate Bill 148
Bicycle Colorado is leading efforts to improve safety on Colorado roads. Senate Bill 148 will help accomplish this goal. Sponsored by Senator Greg Brophy (R) and Representative Michael Merrifield (D) and a host of bipartisan co-sponsors, the bill makes it easier for motorists to safely pass bicyclists, allows bicyclists to ride where it is safe, simplifies the two abreast rule, and creates penalties for dangerous actions directed at bicyclists. Full details and text of the bill are on our website.
There are some great parts to this bill, one under threat of being cut is the mandatory 3-foot passing space when a driver is passing a cyclist. The other parts deal with stricter penalties for throwing objects at cyclists or other endangering behavior, and simplifies rules regarding two abreast riding (which Josh and I have blogged about before).
I have a horror story regarding bad motorist behavior. When I was about 19, riding in Las Vegas, I was stopped at a light waiting for the change, when out of nowhere some creep in a panel van hucked a half eaten buffalo wing at me. Sadly, it hit me square in the chest, and I was revolted. If I'd had a gun on my bike, as Brendan has proposed in the past, it surely would have ended badly. I would have at least liked to know that had they been apprehended, there would be some stiff penalty and jailtime awaiting them.
So call your state senators, and tell them to vote for this, and together we can put an end to buffalo wing related bicycle violence.
Here's the Plea:
Please Contact Your State Senator
-Proposed 3 feet-to-pass under attack-
The 2009 Colorado Bicycle Safety Bill will be voted on by the State Senate possibly as soon as this Friday, Feb. 13. This bill will help protect bicyclists on roads and makes it easier for motorists to pass bicyclists safely. Opponents are trying to remove the 3 feet safe passing distance.
Here's how you can help:
1. Call or email the State Senator from your district:
Suggested points to put into your own words-
-I encourage you to support Senate Bill 148
-Please keep the 3 foot safe passing distance
-I believe this bill will improve road safety
**This is a State Bill, please do not contact Federal Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet**
2. Forward this message to riding friends, family, and people who care about road safety. Include this on your blog/club website/networking site.
Colorado Bicycle Bill Passes First Vote
On Tuesday, February 10, Senate Bill 148 passed the Senate Transportation Committee on a 6-0 vote! The Larimer County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado Road Carriers Association (trucking) testified against giving bicyclists a safe distance of at least three feet. We expect an amendment on the Senate floor to try to strip the 3 foot buffer out of the bill. Your help can make the difference to keep 3 feet alive. Please follow the steps above.
About Senate Bill 148
Bicycle Colorado is leading efforts to improve safety on Colorado roads. Senate Bill 148 will help accomplish this goal. Sponsored by Senator Greg Brophy (R) and Representative Michael Merrifield (D) and a host of bipartisan co-sponsors, the bill makes it easier for motorists to safely pass bicyclists, allows bicyclists to ride where it is safe, simplifies the two abreast rule, and creates penalties for dangerous actions directed at bicyclists. Full details and text of the bill are on our website.
Labels: Bicycle, Traffic Law