Tearing out my rose garden to put in a cemetery really cut into my free time. What with the zombies, skeletons, and electric chair, not to mention wiring fog machines and strobe lights, I haven’t had time to read much, let alone write. So I guess I better come up with something interesting.
I was going to write about the new Corima tubeless road bike wheel, then I realized that most people, outside a few hardcore roadies, will just yawn. So I’ve provided a link, and will move on to something more important.
I’ve been pondering this article for the last few days. For a lot of cyclists, Oregon is the yardstick by which all other cities can be measured when it comes to being bicycle-friendly. But I think they’re missing the mark with “bike boxes”. A little paint or thermoplastic isn’t going to do the job. Motorists are uneducated about cyclists rights, and this would only add to the confusion. They’re also too distracted these days. After handling auto claims for 10 years, I still have to wonder what people are doing that they can honestly say “I just didn’t see them” when they’re referring to the 4,500lb SUV they just crashed in to. If a motorist can’t be bothered to notice a Suburban next to them, a cyclist hasn’t got much of a chance.
On that note, cyclists could use a bit of education as well. Assuming that a motorist has seen them, or that they’ll give them a bit of room, has been a deadly mistake for too many cyclists. There is no way they should consider allowing a few markings on the road to be reason to let their guard down, even for a moment.
I’m curious to see if Portland comes up with a meaningful solution.
