Still more on helmets and hi-viz.
You know you’ve been waiting for Cycling in the South Bay’s Seth Davidson to check in with a typically tongue-in-cheek take on SB 192, the proposed mandatory helmet and hi-viz law.
Well, I have, anyway.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s Bike Advocate weighs in with why the law would be a bad idea. But the Contra Costa Times says cycling is dangerous, and the answer is to force riders to wear helmets, rather than attempt to tame dangerous traffic.
You did sign the petition to oppose it, right?
……..
Great turnout for last weekend’s Love Ride through South LA; the photos make it look like a mini-CicLAvia.
Aside from all those cars, of course.
……..
The candidates opposing incumbent councilmember Jose Huizar in LA’s 14th council district — particularly termed-out County Supervisor Gloria Molina — have attacked Huizar over a perceived lack of outreach, especially regarding bike lanes on Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock.
So the president of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council has responded by detailing the lengthy process and numerous meetings that led to approval of the project.
As usual, it looks like if anyone wasn’t informed in advance it’s because they didn’t care enough to get involved.
……..
Let’s clear out the latest press releases clogging my inbox.
First up, LA’s Pure Fix Cycles has unveiled the upgraded Wallace single speed/fixie.
You’ve got one week left to sign up for a new membership or renew an existing membership with Gold’s Gym, and maybe win a special edition gold bike from Martone Cycling Co. Martone is also providing the consolation prizes for Academy Award nominees; I think I deserve one just for listening to the endless news helicopters filming installation of the red carpet this week.
And for anyone who dreams of riding in a genuine Italian gran fondo, here’s your chance with the 45th annual Granfondo Milan-San Remo Cicloturistica.
……..
Local
The Source is looking for nominations for Metro’s Golden Pedal Award, for “individuals who take the bicycle, deny perceived limitations and demonstrate the true potential of riders and their machine.” Or how about those who just write about it?
Work begins on the new 6th Street bridge as the old viaduct prepares for demolition, forcing bike riders onto less-than-bike-friendly alternatives during construction.
The Venice Neighborhood Council calls on the county to widen and illuminate the excessively popular beachfront bike path.
Santa Monica’s Main Street is quickly becoming e-bike central.
CiclaValley somehow manages to attend two Valley CicLAvia meetings being held at the same time; somehow, there always seems to be at least one business owner who fails to grasp the opportunity.
StreetsblogLA looks back on seven stupid things that might have happened if they hadn’t been here; then again, if they hadn’t been here, I wouldn’t have my name on an LA Press Club Award. And there’s still time to sign up for their 7th birthday party tonight.
The man behind London’s newly bikeable future will be speaking at a Monday conference on shared mobility.
State
LA-based Bike Shield promises to help prevent bike collisions, if the driver has the app installed and if the riders do, too. Or people could, you know, just pay attention when they drive.
An Eastvale hit-and-run driver leaves a 15-year old bike rider lying in the street.
Good news from Caltrans on finally completing the high desert gap in the Bike Route 66.
A 16-year old Fresno driver plays the universal Get Out of Jail Free card after killing a cyclist while driving up to 70 mph, as police say he just didn’t see the victim due to minimal lighting. Oh, well okay then. Thanks to John McBrearty for the heads-up.
A multi-millionaire Silicon Valley entrepreneur says cycling is the sport of choice for young professionals. Seems to be pretty popular with the older ones, too.
A red light-running San Francisco driver sends a bike riding mother and toddler daughter to the hospital, thankfully with non-life threatening injuries. But bikes are the problem, right?
National
The Times talks with America’s only remaining Tour de France winner.
Seattle becomes the latest major US city to adopt a Vision Zero plan; LA is also on that list, though you wouldn’t know it by looking at our streets.
A Utah driver faces trial for intentionally running down a man on a bike following a dispute, then ramming him again when the victim tried to run away.
The Wall Street Journal goes fat biking through the Colorado ski country.
Wisconsin’s governor kills funding for bicycling and pedestrian projects in an apparent attempt to maintain automotive hegemony in the state.
A Virginia writer says improving safety for bikes is good for drivers, too.
International
Grist offers six reasons why cargo bikes are the next big thing.
Caught on video: A Brit driver repeatedly tells a bike rider to F-off after a dangerous pass.
New Zealand can’t seem to keep a killer driver off the roads, license or not.
Finally…
I don’t care how rude or unwilling to share the road he might be, don’t punch a 78-year old driver in nose. Looks like you can forget bike-through fast food service in Utah.
And a drunk Yuba County man carrying a loaded shotgun on his e-bike shoots himself in the ass when he falls off his bike.
But hopefully, he was wearing a helmet.
