This is an article ran in the Michigan State University newspaper.

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/04/bicyclists_need_to_stay_on_sidewalk

Bicyclists need to stay on sidewalk by Zack Colman

Black 2001 Saturn SC2. That’s the car I drive — and if you’re a bicyclist on the road but not in a bike path and you see my car, I hope you’re wearing a helmet, because I might run you over.
Maybe not intentionally.
But you see, with all these things I can do in my car nowadays, such as choose a different song on my iPod, send a text message while driving or fall asleep at the wheel because I had to wake up for a worthless 8 a.m. biology lab, I might not notice you.
And, considering you are where you should not be, I might hit you.
The simple fact of the matter is, MSU has so kindly provided sidewalks for people on foot and Rollerblades, and MSU’s ordinance should be revised to require bicyclists be there too. The university has outlined bike paths on certain roads, but bicyclists can’t just create imaginary bike paths like they do.
I cannot drive my car on the sidewalk, so why must you ride your bicycle where I drive?
Many of my friends ride bicycles on campus, so I’m not trying to berate a whole demographic of students. I appreciate bicyclists who advocate environmentalism, since they are making up for the damage I do with my car.
I respect bicyclists who use bicycles as a form of exercise, since people certainly can never get enough fitness in their everyday routines.
But for as much as I respect and appreciate bicyclists, I will not hesitate to honk at them when they are interfering with the roads.
My concern is not merely about inconvenience.
Bicyclists on the road are a driving hazard to people in automobiles, since many bicyclists make turns without using hand signals and ride too close to other vehicles when there is no designated bike path.
For example, I was driving to work Tuesday when a bicyclist pulled up in front of my car in the right lane on Farm Lane going northbound where it intersects with Shaw Lane. There is no bike path at this portion of the road, and I needed to be in the right lane to avoid the left turn only lane, but the bicyclist was in the way.
Instead, I had to speed ahead and veer away from the fast-approaching rear end of the car in front of me, just barely making it into the right lane.
Some will say I could be more patient on the road.
But roads are for cars, not bicyclists. The bicyclist should not have been in the car lane.
It’s possible some bicyclists are trying to live out their dreams of being Lance Armstrong, and the smooth terrain offered by the roads where big, people-killing cars are designed to travel on are more desirable than the sidewalk pavement.
I get it, bicyclists — you’re in the Tour de France. Well, in your head at least.
But in reality, my gas-guzzling, carbon footprint-leaving car is trying to get around you, the bicyclist. And you, the bicyclist, prefer to coast, not along the side of the lane but in the exact middle.
Maybe in your head you are actually driving a car. Maybe that’s why you believe you should be behind a pickup truck and in front of 15 other cars trying to pass you.
And maybe you are Armstrong, so talented and in shape and able to pedal so, so fast. But Armstrong’s average speed in the 2001 Tour de France was 24.9 mph, which is 0.1 mph less than most of the speed limits on and around campus.
Plus, I’ve had difficulty finding students who actually obey the speed limit anyway.
It’s common for motorists to drive at least 5 mph above the speed limit, which makes your task to out-pedal Lance Armstrong all the more daunting. And considering you’re not actually Armstrong (even if you do wear a skintight yellow bicycle uniform), you likely are not going 24.9 mph.
And, oh yeah, Armstrong is competing when he is bicycling — your leisurely ride through campus might not even register on a police radar.
But, hey, snap out of it. You’re not Lance Armstrong.
And those are the headlights of my black 2001 Saturn SC2 bearing down on you.
Zack Colman is the State News opinion writer. Reach him at colmanz1@msu.edu.
Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2009

I am continually astounded at the ignorance that pervades my species. I am not sure if shake my head at embarrassment for this man, or the horror he commits.

"Someday, I visualize a world when motorists will know beyond a doubt that they will encounter two-wheeled people. When cyclists will ride in safety, at any time of day, and not worry for their lives, but rather in pursuit of their own well being, and their own dream, uncompromised, and untarnished. I have a dream!"
Chris Phelan, with acknowledgements to Martin Lurther King’s "I have a dream."

(Tim Potter, 1979 Bike Trip. Today he is the web master for The Ride Of Silence.)

February 20, 2009


EXCITING NEWS !!!

The Ride Of Silence has expanded beyond anyone’s expectations, riding on the same day at the same time, throughout the world, …FOR FREE! It’s really something amazing and thrilling for each organizer to be part of and proud of.

But, this giant memorial ride that is like no other event in the world takes resources to run, both locally (permits, signage, advertising) and globally (web site, legal costs). It has been with a LOT of consternation the board has decided to offer something that we think its time has come. A bike shirt.

I have been asked many, many times over the years about shirts and the use of the logo (trademarked), and have even seen a R of S shirt illegally produced. It got to the point where either we were going to be on the train or run over by it, and lose “our shirt.’ (Sorry.)

So, at this link: http://heatedink.com/rideofsilence.html, you will see a few items we have gone to great lengths to keep tasteful, yet unique; something you’d feel proud wearing. Let me emphasize, this is official merchandise. Nothing underground, or looted. After all, it’s to help spread the word about sharing the road and remembering our biking brothers and sisters.

Thank you.
Thank you, very much!

c

WELCOME TO THE 2009 RIDE OF SILENCE…

Run - bike trail in New York City

What started off in 2003 as a singular voice in Dallas, TX, has spread across the state, country, continent, and the world.

Each year the ride and, more importantly, the consciousness of sharing the road, has grown, awaking sleepy motorists, insurance companies, authorities, city planners, and city governments to the ramifications of a bike friendly city, both fiscally and statistically. (Ironically, Dallas, TX for two consecutive years has been listed as the worst place to ride a bike in the U.S.)

Nevertheless, we have much to do using our peaceful and quiet demonstration of the needless killing taking place on our roads.

As a defacto clearing house for the loved ones left behind a cyclists killing, we hear a very similar, yet surprising story each time. The scenario is this: a lone cyclist is hit from behind on an otherwise quiet road by a lone vehicle.

Though it happens in other ways as well (because of the staggering amount of cyclists kill each year, there is a wide variety to how motorist hits the cyclist), this similar scenario is surprising because it does not occur among speeding traffic who can’t see the cyclist, but rather in full view of their windshield. Tragic. And as inexcusable as if the motorist hit another motorist wrapped in a metal capsule. Yet, according to Bicycle Magazine, most motorists get off without so much as a traffic ticket. Sad.

I think there are two reasons for this gross injustice.

First, the cyclist is dead, and therefore can’t defend himself. When the police show up, and later in court IF it goes that far, there is only one side to the story of how the cyclist was hit and killed.

Second, IF the case gets to court, I believe that most people hearing the case (judges, jurors) are unable to identify with the cyclist because they don’t cycle. Those doing the judging are unable to know what it is like to ride within inches of vehicle passing them, and may even see cyclists as only a nuisance, a child’s toy that needs to not travel beyond the drive way.

There will be people taking part in this years ride to bond all the living cyclists (defined as ANYONE who can straddle a non-motorized, two-wheeled vehicle), who will not make it to the end of this year. They will be innocently killed, unable to match a ton of metal moving four times faster then the cyclist. The dead cyclist will follow all of the laws and yet will get none of its protection.

Do not be fooled that this cyclist can’t be you.

Let the silence roar this year on May 20 at 7 pm through the world, as cyclist ride less than 12 MPH for an hour in procession, in honor, in memorial of those that have ridden before.

Go to the web site, find your nearest location (or start one in your home town), straddle a bike, and join the thousands on this day to remember.

c

Make Roads Safer For Bicyclists

MAKE ROADS SAFER FOR BICYCLISTS

BRIAN DIRKS
seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/362140_bikesafety08.html

You have seen us along rural roads, city streets or riding off a ferry: groups of bicyclists moving like a winding ribbon of metal and muscle in silvery helmets, bright-colored garb and blinking lights.

Cyclists want you to spot them. They share a love of the road, great Washington scenery, cheery camaraderie, a zeal for a healthy environment and good personal health.

We have our own language. If we see shattered glass or a pothole, down waves the hand. If a vehicle is coming, an alert of "car back" is yelled up the line to ride single file. Organized rides have a designated "ridemaster" whose job is to guide, educate and keep cyclists safe.

Even so, a few bicyclists die in this state and hundreds more around the country each year. Many more are injured from car-bike accidents. According to official statistics, there were 50 cycle fatalities on Washington roads from 2003 to 2007. Those numbers may be slight relative to the 2,578 who died in motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents over the same period, or the 343 pedestrians killed in auto-related collisions, but there aren't as many cyclists.

Slapdash motorists aren't always to blame. Sometimes the fault is traced to road conditions, mechanical issues or even the carelessness of the rider.

Some motorists would like laws to restrict cyclists from using roads for which they claim they pay with their tax dollars. That driver ignores that most cyclists are also drivers who share the tax costs of the roads. Our family fuels four vehicles and, with daily van pooling, I log more than 20,000 motor miles a year.

While the majority of motorists are courteous and provide safe distance, most road cyclists have stories of near misses. Last year a motorist lobbed a water bottle within inches of me, then circled back to yell obscenities. While pedaling in rural Pierce County last summer, a vicious dog charged while its owner stood by -- it was all I could do to outrace the beast. I now keep mace handy.

Years ago, my 72-year-old grandfather died from head injuries from a bike spill in West Seattle. It is in remembrance of him and other fallen cyclists that I will join Seattle's Ride of Silence on May 21. This is a national event organized locally three years ago.

In 2005 and 2006, nearly 1,000 riders took to Seattle streets to ride silently in memory and honor of cyclists killed and injured. In a recent article, Seattle ride organizer Gary Strauss wrote the Ride of Silence "builds awareness that cyclists have a legal right to share the roads and acknowledges the tremendous courage it takes for bicyclists to share the road."

The evening Ride of Silence is open to all. The ground rules for participation are simple: Show up and ride at no more than 12 miles per hour. There are no shirts or registration and no fees. You can get more details of the Seattle, Tacoma and other area rides by going to local bicycle club Web sites or bike shops.

We in the bicycling community hope these Rides of Silence will raise public awareness and make our roads a little safer for the thousands of adventuresome and well-meaning cyclists in our communities, for our kids, for our environment and health.

Seattle native Brian Dirks lives in Federal Way and is a recreational cyclist.

“Rules of the Road” for Safe Cycling*

(Mike Gibson and Chris biking through Costa Rica, Jan '07. Photo by Michael Montgomery.)














Below I am repeating something straight from the R of S web site. But it beares repeating. And note the source. (Three days and counting!)
c

"RULES OF THE ROAD" FOR SAFE CYCLING*

1. Always Wear A Helmet A helmet will not prevent a bike crash but it is good, cheap insurance that may allow you to walk away from one. Make sure your helmet fits and is adjusted properly.





2. Follow The Rules Of The Road Obeying the same traffic laws that apply to motorists allows safe and efficient travel for all. Cyclists who make up their own rules are in great danger.





3. Ride On The Right With Other Traffic Some people were taught to ride on the wrong side of the road so they can “see traffic coming”. This is dangerous and it is illegal in all 50 states. Pedestrians walk facing traffic so they can sidestep off the road, if necessary. But you cannot sidestep on a bike. The accident rate for wrong-way cyclists is 3.6 times as high as for cycling the "right" way. Other drivers look for traffic coming from the usual direction. They usually are not looking for wrong way traffic.





4. Be Visible! Other drivers will not hit you IF they can see you. Bright clothes make you easier to spot in the daytime but they are useless at night. Riding without lights in the dark is a very dangerous mistake. About thirty percent of cycling crashes occur at night although only about four percent of cycling is done then. The reflectors that come with new bikes are grossly inadequate for nighttime safety. Always use a headlight and taillight when you ride in the dark.





5. Learn Proper Lane Position Beginners usually “hug the curb” and then wonder why cars pass so close. Experienced cyclists let traffic pass when they can but they “take the lane” when needed for safety. If cars are passing you too close, move a bit left to signal to passing drivers that they must use another lane to pass. If you collect a string of cars behind you, try to find a safe way to let them pass. It takes practice to learn to ride effectively in traffic.





6. Be Predictable Ride a good, straight “line”, signal turns and generally look like you know what you are doing. How can you expect other drivers to avoid you if they cannot tell where you are going?





7. Be Courteous Act like an adult and share the road with other drivers. If others act like jerks, keep your temper -- don't descend to their level.





8. Keep Your Bike In Safe Condition Give your bike an occasional tune up. Before hopping on your bike, give it a quick check, making sure that wheels are tight and properly inflated and squeeze the brakes hard to see that they work and that cables are not about to snap.





9. Learn From Experienced Cyclists Experience can be a harsh teacher and it is a slow one. It takes at least 10,000 miles of cycling in traffic to become confident if you try to learn on your own. Joining a good cycling club is an effective way to learn the ins-and-outs of safe cycling.





*Courtesy of the Mountain State Wheelers Bicycle Club, West Virginia’s largest bicycle club (with slight modifications by the RoS webmaster).

HAVE YOU CALLED THE POLICE?

Have you called the police?

Really, have you called and invited the local police departments in your area to take part in The Ride Of Silence?

Most two-wheeled divisions are thrilled to be asked and take part in such rides. It gives them exposure, AND…it gives the ride credibility and a certain level of assurance. Plus, it’s more people on bikes for your ride.

The print and TV media especially like capturing officers on bikes. Again, it works both ways: both get exposure.

Consider calling the cops. I think you’ll be surprised when they say “yes.”

It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…
This is the time to contact the media (TV and newspapers, local and national) to bring attention to your ride. Type in the station into your search engine and get to the station’s web site. Then go to “contact us.” Be sure to give them the following:

World-wide, one day, one time
Date, time, location of your ride
The R of S web site to cross reference your ride
Purpose of the ride
Your name and contact information

They may or may not get in touch. You never know. But at least you’ll be prepared.

Less than a week to go!

GO!!

(The above picture was taken in 2004, the second year for the Dallas Ride Of Silence. Two-thousand cyclists attended. It was the first year the ride went beyond Dallas. Fifty locations from Hawaii to Montreal took part that year. As nothing was planned for an ending, what you see above was the first time the cyclists lined up, forming a hallway of bikes on their own, and waited for the last cyclist to finish. It was EXTREMELY touching.)

C

NOT!

April 28, 2008, 8 PM

NOT!

(I have a ton of things to get done. I bet I’m two weeks behind on everything. But The Ride Of Silence rolls on. It’s coming whether I’m ready or not.)

As of today, there are 163 Ride Of Silence locations in the world, with only 10 U.S. states not reporting a site (Utah, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, Mississippi, and Arkansas). That’s good. …so far.

Yes, I’m happy about the locations so far. But, my psyche pulls at me. “Why are there 10 states that do NOT have rides?” Alaska I could understand. But even they are in. (Thank you Alaska!) But these 10 are part of the “Lower Forty-Eight?” Why?

I am struck year after year why our ride is so strong in some places and not in others. Austin, Texas, four hours away in the state where the ride started, the home of Lance Armstrong, biking Mecca for many, struggles every year. There have been years when there was NOT a Ride Of Silence there, while last year there were 300 other sites that were successful. Go figure. I shake my head.

Tami, this year’s organizer tells me, “We have done a Ride of Silence in Austin in the past, but with not a huge turnout – I am told. A few of us are trying to get the message out this year for a great turnout. A couple of my friends met this weekend and were up met with some road blocks.” Why? Road blocks? Really! The doors should fly open for the city to host the ride. FLY OPEN. Geez. I don’t get it.

This year Louisville, Kentucky is throwing in the towel. The organizer says the local cycling community doesn’t support the ride, doesn’t come out for the ride. I am shocked. Why? How can it NOT?

What we ride for affects all of us. You can NOT come up with a demographic the bumper of a motorist doesn’t avoid. The bumper doesn’t care who you ride for, or what’s on your jersey. Blood and life seeps through them equally. Your bike jersey will hold a dead body as well as a live one, and in most cases without you having a choice.

Upset? How can you look at The Ride Of Silence Memorial Page and NOT be. Did you read the Bicycling Magazine article on the damage being done on the roads? It was one of the most profound bike articles I have ever read. It was stupefying in its list of those hit, and killed, where the motorist walked. How can one NOT be upset when someone passes up the chance to light a candle, to assemble peacefully, and stand in silent defiance? How can someone be that callous, preoccupied, or worse, ignorant? NOT.

The above picture was taken before I arrived at the back of the pack the second year our ride was held. This is the end of the 2004 Ride Of Silence. There was about 2,000 that year. That year was the first year it went outside of Dallas, TX. That year at least 50 locations from Hawaii to Montreal talked me into organizing the ride beyond my own city. It was then I began to gain insight into and an appreciation for, The Ride Of Silence, and just how many of you are out there with no closure after losing a loved one who was innocently riding his or her bike. How could I NOT help organize the largest single day free event of the world?

Some days, it just doesn’t matter how busy you are. You just can NOT say, “NOT.”

Go get'em!

c