Archive for December 5, 2012

Jurupa Valley rider killed in rear-end collision

December 5, 2012 / / 3 comments

It’s been a bad several days for Inland bike riders.

According to the Press-Enterprise, 47-year old Riverside resident Aristeo Vallardares was hit from behind while riding on the 5900 block of Limonite Avenue in Jurupa Valley at 7:31 pm. Witnesses performed CPR until paramedics arrived and transported Vallardares to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 8 pm.

The satellite view shows a wide, divided roadway with little or no shoulder — exactly the sort of road that forces riders to compete for space with high-speed traffic.

Yet once again, there’s no word on how the collision occurred, other than it was a rear-end collision — a pattern that seems to be common in Riverside and San Bernardino County bicycling deaths.

There’s no mention on whether he was using lights, or why the driver failed to see a bike rider who was apparently on the road directly in front of him.

And as usual, no mention of who the victim was beyond the most meagre description. No word on what he did for a living, whether he had a family or if there is anyone besides his fellow bicyclists to morn his death.

This is the 71st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, one more than last year’s already too high total. It’s the 13th cycling death in Riverside County, two above the total for last year.

And Vallarades is the third rider to die in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in just the last five days, and the 4th killed in Southern California in the past 10 days.

My deepest condolences for Vallarades and all his family and loved ones.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , ,

21-year old Ontario cyclist killed Sunday night

December 3, 2012 / / 3 comments

The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that 21-year old Ontario resident Pascual Antonio Garcia was killed last night while riding in Ontario.

According to the paper, Garcia was riding on Mountain Avenue south of Flora Street when he was struck by a southbound car at 8:38 pm. He was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

The driver reportedly stopped and called for help.

Once again, there is no information on how the collision occurred, whether the victim was using lights or riding in an unsafe manner, or whether the driver was intoxicated, distracted or otherwise careless.

You’d think the life of a human being would be worth more than three paragraphs and four short sentences.

This is the 70th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, which equals the total for last year. It’s also the ninth in San Bernardino County, a 50% increase over the six cycling deaths in the county in 2011.

My deepest sympathy for Garcia and all his loved ones.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , ,

A heaping mound of hot bike links for your Monday edification

December 3, 2012 / / 3 comments

Lots of news piled up in my inbox over the weekend, resulting in a massive link backup that took the entire morning to clear up.

So lean back, put your feet up and click away.

It’s Monday, it’s December, it’s raining. And no one really wants to work anyway.

………

I received an email recently from Brian Work, an Ojai cyclist and beginning screenwriter working on new a bicycling comedy. According to Brian, he’s got some interest from a major producer, and is looking for sponsors as well as a more experienced writer to partner with on the script.

If you’re interested on either count, email him at info@banzaiinojai.com.

………

Just in time for holiday shopping, Forbes offers a gift guide for bike riders. Or how about a balance bike made from reclaimed beetle-killed Colorado pine trees for the pre-pedaling set?

Meanwhile, bicycling appears to be reaching lower case critical mass as H&M discovers men’s bikewear — sorry ladies, but your money just isn’t good enough for them, evidently — and Target once again offers a designer bike. And staid Cole Haan introduces a line of high fashion hi-viz women’s footwear.

Although personally, this is what I call hi-viz biking attire. And I double dog dare any driver to claim he doesn’t see it.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more altruistic places for your disposable funds, here’s a somewhat dated list of bicycling charities.

And I hope to have a few suggestions on what else you can do with those excess piles of cash begging to do a little good a little later this week.

………

Ex — not former — Tour de France winner Alberto Contador says he’s worn out; you’d think he would have gotten lots of rest while he was all too briefly briefly banned for doping. And speaking of Contador, the man who supposedly delivered the supposedly tainted meat that allegedly got him banned is elected president of the Spanish cycling federation. Couldn’t be a payoff for taking the alleged fall, could it?

Meanwhile, a three-member panel will investigate ties between cycling’s governing body and recent doping scandals.

And not only does America’s only official Tour de France winner Greg LeMond join other pro bike leaders in calling for real racing reforms, but he’s planning to run for president of the UCI.

Funny how the fallout from l’affaire Lance has changed LeMond’s public perception from a whiner pointing the finger at everyone but himself to the one true voice speaking for much needed reform of pro cycling.

………

A couple of good reads from Rick Bernardi on Bob Mionske’s Bicycle Law blog.

First up is a look at red light running cyclists and the scofflaw drivers who hate them. Which is followed by an examination of whether biking under the influence should be treated the same as driving under the influence.

The two stories may not seem to have a lot in common. But both offer a similar theme focusing on the question of relative harm.

As in, a bicyclist who blows through a red light poses far less danger to others than a driver who does the same. And a drunk on a bike is a danger primarily to him or herself, while a drunk behind the wheel is a danger to everyone in the vicinity, on or off the road.

The law should reflect that.

And in some states — including California —it does.

………

A new Glendale Hyperion bridge could provide better access to the L.A. River bike path; how about designing in separated bikeways the full length of the bridge itself while they’re at it. The joy of fenders. Flying Pigeon hosts their monthly Spoke(n) Art Ride this weekend. As a apparent holiday gift to motorists, Santa Monica police are targeting bad bicyclist behavior this month. Boyonabike! celebrates the new ownership of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia. Maybe it’s just me,  but it seems like bikes hardly ever crash into churches when it rains — or knock them down if they do. By the pricking of my thumbs, something muddy this way comes, courtesy of Will Campbell and his Malibu Creek State Park encrusted mountain bike. And speaking of muddy, how ‘cross is changing women’s cycling. Center Line Rule says goodbye to 40-year framebuilder Brian Bayliss.

After a Santa Ana man is mugged for his bicycle, he gives vainly gives chase on a borrowed bike. The Orange County Register looks at OC’s new women’s bike shop. A San Diego toddler is injured when a suspected drunk driver Jerry Browns his mom’s bike; a day earlier, another suspected drunk hit a cyclist but was arrested when she came back to watch the damage she caused. Bakersfield wants the public’s input on how to improve the city’s bikeways. Cyclelicious reviews Elly Blue’s Everyday Bicycling. A San Francisco newsman takes on bike lane blocking drivers.

A graphic guide to bicycling hand signals, although they leave out what seems to be the most popular one. How to move a Christmas tree by bike; I assume the directions would work just as well for a Chanukah bush. Use of specialized bicycle traffic signals spreads across the U.S. A Loveland CO city councilmember is seriously injured in a left cross collision; fortunately, it looks like he’ll be okay. A Montana man reminisces about buying a bike on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. Wisconsin residents want free parking, not bike lanes. Chicago cyclists are about to get their first two-way protected bikeway, but is that enough to protect them from victim-blaming hit-and run cops? New bike helmet signals your stress level; do you really want passing motorists to know just how stressed out you are? Bikeshare appears to be booming in Beantown, but people ride in winter, too. A bike’s eye view of New York. Austin TX cyclists demand safer streets. LSU police crack down on campus cyclists, but not, apparently, in coordination with Santa Monica PD. Miami’s Critical Mass riding LeBron James is named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year; you’d think the story might mention their Sportswoman of the Year, as well, but you might be wrong.

An Alberta driver was three times the legal limit for alcohol when he ran down and killed a cyclist last summer. A Winnipeg driver says he panicked after killing a cyclist, and he’s really, really sorry he ran away so he could dump a case of beer before getting caught; and yet, they still manage to blame the victim. London plans to spend nearly £1 billion — roughly $1.6 billion — on bikeways over the next 10 years. The Independent says cyclists need a code of conduct and a new mindset and license plates, while The Mail calls us arrogant, abusive and oh-so smug; the last time I encountered something like that last link, I had to scrape it off my shoes. A Very British Dude offers a far more readable and rational response. Brit bicyclists prepare to be ambushed by the BBC; brief excerpts are offered here — including “If I can touch your cab, you’re too close.” Amen, brother. Tired of bikes being stolen from their clientele, a UK pub rents bike locks to its customers. What good is a bike lane if taxis — and police vans — are allowed to park in it; then again, there’s more than one way to block a bike lane. A planned bike lane in a Scot roundabout is panned as a cyclist blender. India prepares for its first pro tour.  An Aussie cyclist is punched by a passing motorcyclist. And you thought parked cars were a problem; a Borneo cyclist is nearly decapitated by a steel cable anchoring telephone pole in the middle of a bike lane.

Finally, a Bay Area woman attempts to stop a bike thief with bear spray and a wooden Japanese training sword. Courtesy of Marvin Davis, a reminder that we ride because bicycling is beautiful, warts and all.

And in honor of the recent weather, it looks like those old dry L.A. rivers aren’t so dry anymore.

Category: General / Tags: , ,

38-year old cyclist killed in Palm Springs

December 2, 2012 / / 4 comments

Evidently, we couldn’t escape November without another cycling fatality after all.

Details are still sparse, but The Desert Sun reports that 38-year old La Quinta resident Corey Holley was hit by a car at South Palm Canyon Drive at Avenida Palmera in Palm Springs at 9:07 pm Friday.

According to the paper, Holley was in the right lane when he was struck by a southbound Ford Thunderbird. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:20 pm.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators; drug or alcohol use is not suspected to have been a factor.

No other details are available at this time.

There’s no word on whether Holley was riding with or against traffic, or if he may have been crossing the roadway when he was hit. And no information on how he was dressed or whether he was using lights after dark.

There’s also no mention of whether the driver may have been speeding, using a hand-held cell phone, or been otherwise distracted or driving carelessly in some way.

All we know is that a rider who should have been visible to those around him evidently wasn’t, for whatever reason.

And now a man is dead because of it.

This is the 69th bicycling fatality in the seven-county Southern California region this year, one behind the total of 70 for all of last year. It’s also the 12th cycling fatality in Riverside County, which is one more than last year.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Holley and all his loved ones.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , , ,

Busy bike weekend with Tour de Taste, CXLA and the Grand Opening of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia

December 1, 2012 / / Comments Off on Busy bike weekend with Tour de Taste, CXLA and the Grand Opening of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia

One thing I love about bicycling is the people I get to meet.

Granted, there are some jerks on two wheels, just like there are on four. But since I’ve been active in the cycling community, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most friendly, caring and committed people Southern California has to offer.

And Carlos Morales, founder of the Eastside Bike Club, certainly fits that description.

If it wasn’t for this blog, and our mutual involvement in the LAPD bike task force, I probably never would have met Carlos. We live and ride in different parts of town, and it’s unlikely our paths would have crossed.

Which means I never would have discovered just how big a heart he has. Or heard his story of how taking up bicycling helped him lose 200 pounds, saving his own life and making him a respected leader in the cycling community.

And not just on the Eastside.

Today, he’s a Committee Member of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, the annual bike ride that raises funds for diabetes research.

And the proud new owner, along with his friend of over 20 years, Leonids “Leo” Jurkevics, of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia, founded by Stan Pitts, a fellow Tour de Cure Committee Member, in 2000.

According to a press release issued by the new owners,

Morales and Jurkevics plan to continue what Pitts has started in Monrovia, and evolve “Stan’s Bike Shop” to the next level, by not only providing quality service to this community, but also provide educational seminars and training on safe riding.  Other changes include; a larger variety of bikes, including City Cruisers, BMX, Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Single Speed Bikes, Hybrid Bikes and Trikes.  The repair shop has been moved and provides easier accessibility to our clients bringing in their bikes in for repairs.  A Pro Shop will be established within the store, that will be separate from the family cruiser and kids bikes.  Other plans include, building a Women’s Cycling Apparel section.  Morales stated, “There are more female cyclist taking on this sport and until now they have had very limited choices for cycling apparel.  Our shop will offer women an alternative to unisex clothing, women want to look good while riding, and we will provide attractive and affordable choices.”

The shop will host its Grand Opening today at 880 S. Myrtle Ave in Monrovia, with a ribbon cutting at 11 am, and a visit from Santa Clause from 11 am to 1 pm. In addition, raffles will be held throughout the day, along with sales on bikes, jerseys and shorts 30% off, and helmets on sale for 25% off.

I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. And it’s worth a trip if you’re not.

After all, we can’t have too many good bike shops, or good people running them.

And knowing Carlos, I have a feeling this will be one of the best.

………

Bike Talk airs every Saturday at 10 am; listen to it live or download the podcast from KPFK.

Bike Long Beach hosts Bike Saturdays every weekend; ride your bike to participating local shops and business throughout the city to get special offers and discounts.

A new support group is forming for people who have been involved in a bicycle collision. Everyone is welcome to share your experiences, gain insight and understanding into your emotional state and develop new coping strategies. The group will meet Saturdays from 11:30 am to 1 pm at 6310 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 401. Current LACBC members receive a discount. To learn more, contact Aurisha Smolarski at 323/203-1526 or email aurisha.smolarski@gmail.com.

When’s the last time a cycling world championship came to Los Angeles? That’s what you’ll find when the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships unfolds this Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd, at the Los Angeles Historic State Park. The championship unfolds in conjunction with the SoCal Cross UCI CXLA Weekend: Cross After Dark Finale.

Flying Pigeon hosts their monthly Brewery Ride on Saturday, December 1st. Riders meet at the Flying Pigeon LA Bike Shop, 3404 N. Figueroa St, at 3 pm, ride to a local brewery or beer-centric pub and back by 5:45. That will be followed by the Spoke(n) Art Ride on Saturday, December 8th, and the Get Sum Dim Sum Ride on Sunday, December 16th.

Few things go together better than bikes and beer, which is what you’ll get with the Stone Brewing Company Brewcyclers Ride on Saturday, December 1st. Riders will meet at Stone Brewing, 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido at 8:30 am, departing at 9 am sharp on a 20 mile roundtrip loop.

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition’s Tour de Taste: Holiday Edition is scheduled for Sunday, December 2nd, offering a unique combination of bikes and great food. The day starts with a guided bike ride from Culver City to Marina del Rey on the Ballona Creek bike path, followed by some of the best food Culver City has to offer. Registration begins at 9 am at Culver Town Center near the Culver Hotel; just $20 for LACBC members and $30 for non-members, with a discounted membership and registration for $55. This is one you don’t want to miss; the event will go on rain or shine.

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition’s Civic Engagement Committee meets at 6:45 pm on Wednesday, December 5th at Johnnie’s Pizza at Museum Square, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. This month’s meeting will focus on finalizing questionnaires for L.A. Mayor and City Council candidates in the March election, as well as a possible debate for Mayor and candidate forums for City Council candidates. Email bikinginla at hotmail dot com with questions or to be added to the email list.

The LACBC is hosting Ride Lankershim for a people-friendly North Hollywood on Saturday, December 8th to support bike improvements on Lankershim Blvd called for in the 2010 L.A. bike plan. Riders meet at Metropolis Bikes, 4660 Lankershim Blvd at 10 am.

The first Santa Monica Family Bike Fest will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 8th at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street. The free event will feature a bike swap, skills training, test rides, route planning, information and food.

The international ARTCRANK exhibition comes to Los Angeles from 6 to 11 pm on Saturday, July 8th, at Orange 20 Bikes, 4351 Melrose. The free exhibition will feature bike-inspired posters hand-made by 31 SoCal artists, with signed copies available for sale for just $40 each. In addition, craft beers by Widmer Brothers Brewing will be available, with the proceeds going to benefit LA Streetsblog.

The first phase of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk opens to the public with a special ceremony at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 12th

CORBA (the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association) invites riders to meet at the Hub in Topanga State Park on Saturday, December 15th (postponed from November 17th due to rain) to celebrate their 25th anniversary and show that mountain bikers can co-exist with others on off-road trails. Riders will meet at 10 am, with a group photo and cash prizes starting at 10:30.

You’re invited to celebrate the engagement, and sadly, the impending departure of long-time L.A. bike advocate, creek freak and artist Joe Linton on Sunday, December 16th at Eco-Village, 117 Bimini Place. The party to honor Joe and fiancé Carrie Lincourt will start with a 1:30 pm with a bike ride to the L.A. River, followed by a party from 4 to 7 pm; the suggested $5 donation will benefit LA Streetsblog.

Also on the 16th, Brewcyclers will host their Bruery Holiday Lights Ride from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. The ride begins at the Bruery, 715 Dunn Way in Placentia, followed by a 10-mile route to take in the holiday lights, and returns to the Bruery for a little holiday cheer.

The High Desert Cyclists will hold their Christmas party on Monday, December 17th at the Texas Cattle Company, 44206 10th Street West in Lancaster. You can buy a $40 raffle ticket for a chance to win a $600 Bicycle John’s gift certificate; the raffle ticket includes a free one year family membership to the HDC.

Registration is now open for a six-day ride through San Diego and Riverside Counties between the holidays. The HI-USA Christmas Trip, which has rolled every year since the mid-1950s, starts in San Diego on December 26th and returns on December 31st, with five overnights in between. Total mileage runs between 360 and 400 miles, with terrain ranging from urban to rural, mountains to desert. Thanks to Marvin Davis for the heads-up.

Brewcyclers is planning a post New Years Ride at L.A.’s Golden Road Brewing on Saturday, January 5th; the 30 – 40 mile ride assembles at Golden Road Brewing, 5430 San Fernando Road West, starting at 8 am, with a 9 am departure, and returning to Golden Road around 3 pm.

C.I.C.L.E. is hosting a Tweed, Moxie and Moustaches Ride on Saturday, January 19th. The ride departs from 200 Westpark Drive in North Hollywood at 10 am, returning at 1:30 pm, with stops at SPARC’s Great Wall of Los Angeles and KPFK.

Make your plans for the Malibu 7-Canyon Ride on Saturday, March 23rd with rides of 100 mile, 100 kilometers and 50 miles. The fully supported ride will begin at Zuma Beach, and pass through Latigo, Encinal, Decker, Mulholland, Little Sycamore, Yerba Buena and Deer Creek Canyons, with over 9,000 feet of climbing on the century ride. The first 200 people to register before November 15th will get a 15% discount; enter the code First200 on the registration page.

Category: Bike Events / Tags: , , , , ,
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