Community service announcement: "Did you know that road rage is the leading cause of death among enormous douche bags?" [via GOOD Video]
Recommended read of the week
In his marvellously plain-speaking style, John Silvester on the crimes that are committed on the roads:
Like homicide squad detectives, they deal with unlawful deaths - although their targets often don't see themselves as criminals. So far this year they have 25 investigations under way, slightly more than the number on the homicide squad books.
The cases they deconstruct are rarely split-second mistakes but the results of behaviour honed over months or years. The drunks, chronic speeders and unlicensed drivers behind the wheels usually say the deaths and injuries they cause are just horrible accidents. ''They live in denial,'' says [Senior Sargeant] Smith.
Seriously, stop right now and read it.
Bucket list rides
I've just added Szosa Transfogarska in Romania to my bucket list.
Some of these 9 magical bike rides to take before you die might also get on the list as well.
Unhealthy commute
Killer commute: Why that hour in the car every day is a health hazard
Earlier this month, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine published a fascinating study that suggests long, passive commutes, such as those by car or airplane, represent not just wasted time but also a potentially deadly form of sedentary behaviour.
And while we're on the topic, the mandatory infographic: Killer Commute
Valet parking for the hoon
Getting tired of their local hoon driver, these Polish folks decided to park his car for him…up a tree. [twitterer]
Let's compare the numbers…
Cyclists jumping red lights 'cause road safety issue'. [twitterer]
Oh really? Mrs Pot, may I introduce Mr Kettle?
Psychology of the road
What drivers really think about bikers:
The conversation about "sharing the road" revolves around classes of "drivers" and "bikers" and "pedestrians," as if we are members of competing tribes…But in reality, a cyclist throws her Schwinn in the back seat and becomes a driver; a driver opens her door and becomes a pedestrian. So why does she sometimes open that door straight into the path of an oncoming cyclist?
Must-have
Must get me a bike lock like this one!
School for stupidity
Gilbert charter school Edu-Prize bans bikes:
"It is the parent's responsibility to provide in writing those who may transport their student from school," the policy adds. "Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, Rollerblades, skates, etc., should not be used as a means of transportation to and from school."
And at another US school, seniors were busted for a serious 'prank'…riding their bikes to school. [twitterer]
I don't know about you but I think it's a sorry state of affairs when riding bikes to school is seen as a dangerous prank in need of a police escort.
The one we've all waited for
Seth's folding cargo bike [twitterer]
Veloway? Oh, no way.
A rant about the cycle stupidway.
True champion
It was great to see Caroline Buchanan on the cover of the big paper the other day. And this was even cooler.
Taking the lane…and sitting down in it
Eager for public space, communities re-create their streets as temporary cafes, playgrounds, and bike lanes.
Touring
A bike tour is whatever you make of it. Take Justin and Jack's Bicycle Tour to Chicken Paradise. What a great idea.
Myki
Ah, Myki. A laughable parody of a transport ticketing system, a euphemism for failure. Herewith, Myki's best advice ever about Myki.
Comments
re: running red lights.
I think its important to not get into the "oh but [your group] does [thing X]!" as if that made it all better. Even if the other group is doing it.
The number of times I've said "bloody drivers, turning in front of me without indicating" and the response is "oh well, cyclists should wear lights" or something barely relevant, is pretty much... every time.
Cyclists running red lights is a safety issue, both theirs and other people's. Same with car drivers. Both should be treated as dangerous behaviour on the road.