06/05/2008




Something that really annoys me, as i use bicycle trails to commute to work. They have installed 15mph speed limit signs in area trails. And cops are out there with radar detectors stopping bicyclists.

Okay, im totally against it. But i understand the reasoning, but their reasoning is misguided. The reason is that we have had a few bicycle to walker accidents. Bicycles are much faster than joggers. So if a bicycle is traverling at 25mph and the walker at 5mph, its going to hurt. But generally the trail has dividing lines, and bicycles behave alot line cars. Slow down when people are around, and pass on the left with a nice audible sign for the jogger.

But the problem is that walkers blame the bicyclists and not themselves. Most of the joggers are out there with ipods and totally unware of their sorroundings, they use most of the width of the trail to walk with their friends an just a pain to pass.

Some walkers even go a little bit ahead and put nails on the trail so bicyclists get flat tires.

The real problem is that d.c. does not want to fund bicycle trails which would be great to relieve some congestion in the area. We have limited amount of trails going into d.c. where most people work.

Get this, it takes me about 30 minutes by bicycle to commute to work. About 1 hour and a half by car. And the length by car is only 15 miles!!!!

We should be making good infostructure for bicycles, not putting up speed limit signs. Amsterdam, Paris, Aveiro etc.. have an excellent bicycle trail program. We should look at their systems so we can benefit.

Riding a bicycle improves us.

wassup