Category: clippings

“Be a Roll Model” launches in Verde Valley


Last year, through a grant funded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, ADOT announced a program to raise bicycle safety awareness in Arizona.

The program was designed by bicycle advocates, law enforcement officers, government representatives, and the Gordley Design Group of Tucson.

Bicycle advocates included members of the ADOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee, the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, and the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition…

— Bicycle Safety Awareness Program takes off in Verde Valley, the Verde Independent, Nov 19, 2008

Cycling rises like a Phoenix in the Sun City

Other efforts by the city to encourage cycling include the creation of 38 miles of new bike paths – a mix of paved and unpaved – along its vast canal system. The canal path in South Phoenix was resurfaced just last year, says Bob Beane, president of the Coalition of Arizona Bicycles, who adds that the current budgetary and political climate could mean tough roads ahead.
“We’re making limited progress in Phoenix proper,” says Beane, “but have had much more progress in recent years in the East Valley of communities of Scottsdale, Tempa, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.”
…read the rest from bikeradar.com.


The Bicycle – a Gift of Independence

Mike Craver is a developmentally disabled employee at the Cottonwood Safeway that volunteers identified as needing a bicycle for transportation. I sent out a request, and Jimmy at Bike & Bean immediately stepped up and offered a BRAND NEW BIKE to help Mike out. Bike and Bean, led by Jimmy and helped out by his employees, pitched in and donated the bike to the VVCC (Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition), who in turn donated it to Mike.
Mike and his brother Larry came over on Monday night. I showed ’em how the gears work, got the bike adjusted, and gave ’em a safety presentation.
You wouldn’t believe how grateful they are!!
Just shows what can happen when we all work together… You Guys Rock!!

Valley 101 on Bicyclist’s rights

Arizona Republic “Valley 101” tackles bicycle laws in today’s column. In Valley 101, columnist Clay Thompson offers his look at life in Arizona, and answers questions about living here.

I am confused about the rights of bicyclists on the road where there is no bike path. I always thought that when cycling, you should ride single file, especially when there is no bike path and there is a lot of traffic. I am amazed that many of these groups ride all over the road in their groups, not heeding traffic.
This is a tad confusing.
First of all, the rules of the road say that bicycles should be treated pretty much like any other vehicle on the road, but they also pretty much have to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles.
However, Arizona law — ARS 28-815 — says bicyclists travelling at less than the current normal speed “shall not ride more than two abreast” unless they are on bike paths or sections of road especially set aside for bicycles.
There also is a statute that says if you are going much slower than the normal flow of traffic on a two-lane road and at least five other vehicles back up behind you should pull over as soon as possible. But that rule does not mention bicycles.
Here’s what I think:
First of all, keep your eyes open around bicyclists, just as they need to keep their eyes open around you.
Secondly, I see bicyclists riding more than two abreast, but I’ve never seen them doing so on a two-lane road.
Assuming you’re not in labor or bleeding copiously, what’s your big hurry?
Life is short. Stay chilled and you’ll get around them sooner or later.
Reach Thompson at clay.thompson@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8612.

Letter: Bicyclists should ride facing traffic

The following letter to the editor was published in the Arizona Republic Jun. 1, 2010, under the heading “Bicyclists should ride facing traffic“:

Once again, it has happened – another bicyclist run down. This time an 8-year-old girl is in serious condition.

I want to know why the law hasn’t been changed to have bicyclists ride facing traffic so at least they can see if the car is being driven erratically, giving them a chance to avoid being hit. This type of accident will surely increase as warm weather approaches. I have lived here since 1959 and come from a state where this has always been the law – and I don’t remember any bicyclist being hit there.

This letter, of course, shows a profound misunderstanding of traffic safety, so Gene Holmerud, our VP of education, penned a short response letter that was published June 7:

Regarding Ms. Hilliard’s letter “Bicyclists should ride facing traffic”.

I am glad for the writer’s concern for the safety of cyclists and desire for cycling to be a legitimate mode of transportation in our state. The latest comprehensive study of bicycle crash and injury incidents shows only one-third involve a motor vehicle. Of those incidents that do involve a motor vehicle, the largest single category of causes is the error of riding against traffic, nearly five times the motorists’ error of being hit from behind.

The League of American Bicyclists and the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists present fact-based classes for cyclists and motorists on how to “Share the Road” safely and effectively. State laws are an important part of the program, none of which condone riding against traffic. We encourage participation in these classes.

Gene Holmerud
Educational Vice-President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
League Cycling Instructor #1193

…

Scottsdale cyclist’s death shows problems with law

Thanks to PMBC member and Arizona Republic reporter, Jane Larson, for connecting us and allowing the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists to contribute to this article.

But Arizona bicycle advocates are concerned that the state law mandating that motorists give bicyclists 3 feet of safe passing distance is inconsistently enforced.

“It seems more law-enforcement officers are aware of the law, but I think there is still some confusion on what the law is and how to apply it,” said Bob Beane, president of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists.

The group would like to see increased awareness of the law, increased penalties and a clarification of how the law applies if designated bike lanes are not suitable for riding, he said.

Scottsdale cyclist’s death shows problems with law,4/23/2010, The Arizona Republic

…

Bikes on light rail

… light-rail trains contain hooks on the ceiling inside the cars. Bikers must hang their bikes vertically inside a car rather than load their bikes on the front exterior the way they do on a bus.

Rich Rumer, chairman of the Arizona Coalition of Bicyclists, said most cyclists he has talked to like the idea of bringing their bikes on the train. “The bike community as a whole is excited about it because it’s an intermodal thing, and that should be the goal,” he said.

— Loading bike on train requires feat of strengh, The Arizona Republic, Dec 27, 2008

Pedaler should ride light rail: Bicycling on it is a danergous choice

The following guest editorial published Dec 10, 2008 Arizona (Phoenix) Republic was in reply to a “Letter to the Editor” (see comments for original letter).

Mr. Wilson advocates the use of Light-Rail Right-of-Way for cycling. I am very glad he touts the clean and healthy effects of our great sport and mode of transportation. As a League Cycling Instructor and a specialist in rail-bicycle issues, I am aghast at his disregard of his own safety and the legitimate users of Light-Rail (L-R) and the streets. Let me detail the dangers he creates.
L-R trains have been running in our streets for over a year now and will soon be running almost around the clock. “Not-yet-in-use” is a fantasy that is clearly self-destructive to one’s life.
“Pothole free” is one of his claims. In fact there are two holes in the road for every track. They are a bit more than an inch wide and miles long. They are the flange groves of the track itself that can grab a wheel in a split second. The next split second, the cyclist’s body will collide with that smooth concrete, or whatever is nearby. I have such a picture in my safety materials.
L-R vehicles are fast and very quiet. Mr. Wilson may be temporarily away from automobiles, but he will encounter trains, whether he sees or hears them, or not. I say temporarily since there are intersections regularly. These intersections do have traffic lights to protect against close encounters of automobiles, pedestrians, L-R trains, and bicyclists following the rules of the road. For cyclists in the L-R Right-of-Way, there is no protection. Do we need to coin a new term here, namely Jay-rider?
Mr. Wilson claims, albeit tongue-in-cheek, that he is not “driving” on the tracks, and therefore not breaking the law. Aside from the few seconds that that argument might last before a judge says otherwise, driving a bicycle is exactly what we teach in our effective cycling classes. Riding is a passive approach that lets things happen to you. Driving is actively taking the responsibility of one’s own actions while keeping in mind the rules of the road and how to anticipate and avoid mistakes of others, 100% of the time!
The irony of this argument is that our L-R system is “Bicycle Friendly”. There are twice the Federally required number of bike racks on each vehicle. Additional space in the entryways may be used during non-peak hours. Lockers are provided at the park-and-ride stations. Metro Light-Rail has reached out to the cycling community recognizing that these modes of transportation go hand-in-hand. Each extends the destination horizons of the other.
My suggestion to Mr. Wilson: Drive your bicycle to the L-R station, then ride the train. Above all, “Watch Your Back, Keep Off the Track”.

Gene Holmerud
PE (AZ, Electrical, retired)
Rails-to-Trails Member #6246510
League Cycling Instructor #1193
Vice-President for Rail Safety and Access, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
Operation Lifesaver Presenter