Another Accident

Well now I've been on both sides of an accident. I can tell you that it sucks to be hit as much as it does to do the hitting.

While visiting family in Colorado, some of us decided to drive up to the small mountain town where my great-grandmother was born. So the five of us piled into my great-grandmother's car (my wife and I, my mom, my great-grandmother and my great aunt who was driving). We get about 30 minutes down the road (small back country highway) and see a kid on a bike up ahead. (a teenager on a BMX style bike). He wasn't keeping a real straight line but we gave him a bunch of room and went on to pass him. As we passed he swerved wide to the left and slammed into our front fender.

We, of course, called 911 and went to check on him and make sure that other cars didn't come by and make the situation worse. Fire and the ambulance were there awful quick and the State Patrol arrived a short bit afterwards. My aunt was very shook up. She basically broke down into tears on three different occasions. This type of thing being almost old news to me, I was able to calmly change the tire on the car and take pictures of the scene (in case it is needed for insurance purposes).

I believe the kid will be alright. His left elbow was pretty beat up. It collided with the windshield and broke it (leaving a good bit of flesh). He had some road rash up his back and a cut on the right side of his head (not from the car, probably from falling off his bike). He was not in a helmet.

(I should take a moment to point out my stance on helmets. I always wear my helmet. I do not wear my helmet to protect me from cars, but rather to protect me from my own stupidity. Sometimes I don't unclip soon enough or I'll unclip the wrong foot, or I might hit a bad bump and fall over. The helmet protects me from falls. I know that a piece of styrofoam is not going to protect me from a moving vehicle and I don't let it give me a sense of invincibility on the roads.)

The police noticed the skid marks from our braking showed that the passenger side tires were just a foot to the right of the center line at the time of the accident and decided not to cite her. The insurance company is (we believe) treating this like an accident with an uninsured motorist and is covering the cost of the body repairs to my great-grandmother's car.

I am thankful that this situation did not end worse for anyone involved. The insurance is covering the damage and my aunt was not cited. My aunt's wits were shot for the rest of the day but she will probably be fine. The kid hopefully has insurance that will at least cover most of his medical expenses (the EMTs determined that he should be transported to the hospital). His injuries looked very similar to those Emily suffered when she fell three weeks ago so I trust that somewhere between learning the joys of vicodin he will take stock of his riding and try to be a little more aware of what is going on around him. (I just hope he doesn't give up cycling.)

The lesson? I guess to be aware of vehicles on the highway when you are riding and hope that everyone else is doing the same. Otherwise, it was just an unfortunate situation for everyone involved (I got a sunburn on my head because I left my hat in the car).

Be careful out there!

-Matt






Direct link to REI Cycling store

My New Commute

As I sit here on the Coaster writing an update about my new commute, I am happy for three things. First, I'm happy to be able to write on my commute instead of my lunch break. The second reason is a just a small word at the beginning of this post, sit. On the trolley I was supposed to stand with my bike and only occasionally was the car empty enough for me to justify sitting down. The 1.5-2 hours I spend commuting is much better if I don't have to stand the whole time I'm on the train. Finally, I'm happy that I see the same faces everyday with their bikes on their way to work or on their way home.

My commute works out like this: Ride from my residence to Old Town using surface streets. This part of the trip is not yet finalized. I'm not real happy with the route I'm taking (which happens to be the most direct route). I have a few other routes I need to try out, but they involve writing up a direction sheet, which I haven't had time to do.

Once in Old Town, I jump on the Coaster and hangout, either chatting, catching up on podcasts or coming up with some delicious word meat for you all to chew on. I get off the train in Carlsbad where the worst/best part of my commute takes place. Due to the fact that there were so many transit options between my house and my old job, I was able to slack off and only ride the easy parts. This means that I was not in shape for this last leg of my commute. My office is 4 miles from the station, three of which are false flat (see Sheldon Brown's definition of false flats to see why they are evil) and the other mile is a climb.

The trip home would sound good, what with the 4 miles of downhill cruising at the start, but there is often a pretty good onshore flow that becomes a headwind for me once on shore. This part of my ride might be my favorite however, because it is the first time I've commuted on a road that gets so backed up that I am going faster than the cars are going. There is something truly satisfying about that.

I jump on the Coaster home, where I discover that not only are you allowed to eat and drink (not allowed on trolley or buses) but you can enjoy and unwind with an alcoholic beverage. I was actually stunned at the number of people that stop at the liquor store on the way to the train station to pick up something to help them unwind. (Not to mention people headed to the baseball game getting some of their tailgate parties started).

Currently I'm taking the trolley home from the Coaster because my legs are pretty much destroyed from my morning climb and I'm often in a hurry to get home. But this can be augmented to a pretty nice tailwind of a ride along a route that I take sometimes just for fun.

As much as it kicks my a**, I love my new commute. I started bike commuting for two reasons: exercise and money. This commute costs the same as my old one as a percentage of what I would be paying for driving. The exercise is the kicker though. While I feel like I'm only barely going to make it to work, I know that in a month or two I will have gotten to the body I was looking at getting all along.

-Matt

Direct link to REI Cycling store

I want to ride my bicycle!

For those of you like me and my wife stuck driving to work on a Monday:

-Matt

Direct link to REI Cycling store

Unwritten Rules of Bicycle Commuting

This is an article I wrote for bikecommuters.com. Read it, then head over to their site and check out all the great resources they got over there. Tons of great info for newbies and oldies alike.

**********

I've been giving this some thought and have realized that there is an unwritten code of commuting by bicycle. No one else discusses this code and I cannot find a reason why it should remain shrouded in mystery. These aren't rules to keep you safer or save you time, just things that make this whole bike commuting thing fun and worthwhile.

1. The first rule is probably the easiest. When you pass another cyclist going the opposite direction, give a quick wave or a nod of the helmet. This small act of acknowledgement helps to build community among cyclists. It is just an easy way to say "way to go, buddy" to others out on the road.



2. If you are passing someone going the same direction give a short acknowledgement of their presense. Base it on how much faster you are going. If you are speeding by, a simple "howdy" is fine (after a "on your left" to let the know you are coming). If you are not blazing past them you can use "great weather for a ride" or "XX more miles to go."



3. Similarly, if you are getting passed, give them a "hello" back and let them pass you. The last thing anybody wants is to fight over positioning, especially on busy or dangerous roads.



4. If you pull up to a stop light or sign with another cyclist, talk to them. Ask them where they are headed, what routes they like, anything. If they have a piece of gear you've never seen or have been meaning to try, ask them about that. Nobody likes to sit awkwardly at a light next to someone when you could easily be talking.



5. Don't draft behind someone you don't know without taking a turn at the front of the line. Nobody likes a wheel sucker.



6. Don't work real hard to pass someone if they are going to have to pass you again in a block or two. Passing can be a pain and on certain busy roads is dangerous. So don't pass unless you are traveling at a faster speed. A better option is to link up and bike pool. You can pull each other through the wind and maybe even strike up a conversation.



7. Always, always stop or slow down when you pass another cyclist who is having equipment troubles. Ask if they need a hand or a certain tool. You never know if they lost their tire pump or their flat repair kit is with their wife (thankfully we have put together a second kit).



8. And finally, the rule I have the most trouble with, take time to check stuff out. By that I mean, if you see something that would make a great photo, stop and take the photo (if you carry a camera with you). If you see something curious, want to check out a new shop that has opened on your route or just wonder where a road leads, take the time to go look. The amount of time it takes will be amply made up for the by the times you discover something wonderful.
   

Do you have any rules to add?

Direct link to REI Cycling store

New Job!

I'm happy to announce that I have gotten the new job in Carlsbad. The strange thing is that of all the great things about this job, benefits, being back in my field, the thing I am most excited for is my daily trip on the Coaster.

Perhaps I'm building it up too much and will soon not enjoy it. If that is the case, you'll be the first to know. I should be more regular with my posting as I will be able to enjoy my coaster ride while putting down my thoughts on cycle commuting, green living and life in general.

In other news, only two more days at this job and only one more trip cycling down the dangerous and debris filled 905 freeway!

-Matt




Direct link to REI Cycling store

Super Late BTWD Wrap-up

This picture goes at the end, but I am dumb and lazy. These are the lovely people from the Sweetwater School District in Chula Vista along with a representative from Bike Warehouse. They talked me into entering their drawing. I suppose I didn't win.

This is the first stop from my trip at the San Diego Zoo. I apparently left too early for the Adams Ave. Bike Shop people. They weren't open yet. The Zoo had a pit stop open in their parking lot. this is Skink Floyd. He is a skink from Australia (I forget which type). These are the folks from the RECON Environmental sponsored pit stop. I believe they are dressed up as 4 of the threatened local species they are working to protect. Had a good time at this pit stop.
Even when they made me pose with them for a photo.
I didn't get any pictures from the Ridelink sponsored site. I did get to speak with someone from Ridelink about the new Sprinter service in north county. She told me that they have been overwhelmed with bicyclist and that they are working on figuring out how to have this brand new service work better for cyclists. That is the kind of thing I like to hear.

These great ladies work at the Hard Rock Hotel. They had a great spread and were real excited to be hosting this event. It was their first year doing it so hopefully they will do it again next year.

From there I got on the trolley and rode 4 stops into Chula Vista (since I was starting to run late to work). Went to the REI sponsored stop at the BFGoodwrench Aerospace complex. They had a mechanic out doing minor repairs and adjustments on bikes. Plus, free water bottles and tire levers. Good times.
Then I headed down to the first picture and then broke a spoke on my way to the bus (see Bike to Work Day Bummer).

All in all, I'd say the day went pretty well for the city. More sponsors it seems, now we just need more cyclists. Or I need to ride where the cyclists are riding. One of the two.

-Matt

Direct link to REI Cycling store

News Stories I like to read:

Today I must be in a good mood. Instead of being snarky and wanting to blast a fat NO DUH! at these newspaper writers, I am just happy that the stories are being published and hoping that it might help to convert a few more people.

Today, it is three stories that say: "Save gas, Bike to work"

The Economic Times - (perfect name for a paper to run this story)
The Newark Advocate
Galesburg's The Register-Mail

-Matt





Direct link to REI Cycling store

Bike to Work Day - San Diego

I'd be remiss if I weren't to at least acknowledge that Bike to Work Day is tomorrow. I'm fond of Bike to Work Day because it has been, over the last two years, the day where I finally take the plunge and skip the car or public transit and make the ride to work on my own power. It is incredibly liberating. I also like it because, much like the number of visitors to this blog after a link from Commute by Bike, the number of riders on the street jumps up dramatically.

The link for San Diego information is here via Ridelink
If that doesn't work work your way through the Ridelink page

Here is the list of all the rest stops in San Diego: (pdf file)

I'll have photos from my trip tomorrow!




Direct link to REI Cycling store

The Zen of Fixing a Flat

I was thinking today about the simplicity of changing a flat. How, at a point, it no longer requires a thought from you. Your eyes seem to speak to your hands without bothering to wake the brain up from its nap.

I had forgotten to repair a slow leak in my front tire so I knew that on the trolley ride home I would want to pump some air in to make the ride up out of downtown easier. About 25 pumps in, I cut the valve stem and that inner tube was toast. Luckily, I carry an extra tube with me when I ride. So I flipped my bike over, took off my wheel and sat in the empty seat at the back of the train.

Then I zoned out and found inner peace in the act of flat repair.

Then I wore my arm out trying to pump 60 psi of air into my tire with my crappy frame pump. Still, totally worth it.

ps: My wife got a new point and shoot camera for her birthday so I've taken the old, crummy one into my bike bag as a way to bring more photos to you, my loyal readers.

-Matt

Direct link to REI Cycling store

Street Parking?

Photo courtesy of Flickr

I've been mulling over the idea of cities making street parking illegal. It think it would make people rethink driving everywhere they go and owning more vehicles than they need (since they would need to park on their own property at home. It would also add space for cars and bikes to use the roadways, adding at least a lane if not two to each road, without any cost to the city.

The actual act of traveling down these roads will also be safer and faster. Cyclists won't have to worry about parked cars opening their doors in front of them (a major cause of bicycle accidents). Drivers could count on not getting stuck behind a driver trying to parallel park and is blocking the entire right lane, or worry about the daredevil driver who thinks they can get out of their parking spot, up to speed and into traffic in the 4 car length space between them and the driver in front of them.

Sure, this plan will likely mean that more real estate in urban areas will be devoted to parking structures and many metropolitan areas are not designed to park the number of cars that would be required initially while people get used to not driving. (Although based on some mid-day trips through downtown San Diego I would say there are enough empty spots in pay lots to make a dent in the number of cars coming off the streets.

Turns out that a city is considering doing this, but only on selected streets. The Sentinel in Woodbridge, NJ reports that their township council is considering it and the mayor hopes to have it in place by July 1st. Of course, their concern is more about people parking in front of residences (I'm guessing the locale isn't very urban), but could still give evidence to whether this is a good idea.

I know where I stand as a biker and someone who dislikes vehicle traffic but I can't decide which side I come down on as a taxpayer and citizen. On one hand, I don't think that my tax dollars should be subsidizing storage of personal property, which, let's be honest, isn't really all that great for the city anyway. (Imagine a car-less city...heaven.) People should be required to keep their vehicles on their own property and if someone (person or business) wants them to visit by auto, they should find a place for them to put that car. (Supermarkets and malls already do this.)

On the other hand, I recognize that the government is a representation of the people. If people want to have cars and store cars on the road, the government should honor that desire.

Clearly it would take great foresight from a city council or mayor to get this even onto a ballot much less passed. I do believe, however, that while there would be complaining on the outset (quite a bit of complaining actually) that people would be quick to adapt and find other, better ways to travel in urban areas.

Direct link to REI Cycling store

Wallet lost...and found!

If this is going to sound a little like a bus driver and transit person lovefest, so be it.

I need to say a great big THANK YOU! to people involved in San Diego and Chula Vista Transit.

Back story:
Yesterday I mentioned that when I tried to get on the bus yesterday I couldn't find my wallet. The driver of that bus let me ride anyway (thank you). I got home, hoping that it had never made it into my bag (and would be somewhere in my apartment), which it was not. I called the country transit info line where a very friendly and helpful Victoria gave me the numbers I would need to call to get ahold of the people who would know if my wallet had been found (thank you). I called the trolley 'emergency' line (which is number I was told to call) to ask if it had been found yet. After giving me a little bit of grief (which I deserved) for taking so long to report it the operator there said she would look into it and call me back. She actually called me twice (my phone was on vibrate) which was very helpful, although my wallet hadn't been found. She gave me the number for the transit store, which is where the general lost and found is for all of the county's trasit (thank you).
Apparently, I had dropped my wallet somewhere between the trolley and the bus that morning and some unknown person (thank you!) gave it to a bus driver to have him take it to the lost and found. Later that afternoon that bus driver and one of the supervisors (whose name I believe was Christina) looked through my wallet to try and find some way to contact me. Luckily, my sister-in-law had written me a check this weekend and that was still in my wallet with her phone number, which they called (thank you). My mother-in-law called me and gave me their number and the good news that my wallet was found (thanks!). So today I rode my bike to the Chula Vista Transit office to pick it up from where they were holding it. (Thanks to the supervisor working there this morning.)

Wonderfully, it appears that everything in my wallet is still there. We only cancelled one credit card, ironically because it is the one we use the most and wanted to have it available the soonest.

So the big news in all of this is that for the first time I rode my bike the entire distance to work! A little over 19 miles plus the big hill in the last mile (nearly 400 ft in elevation game). And it was wet too, not actually raining, but the kick up from the tires of my bike and the cars was pretty good.

Today is already looking much better than yesterday!

Matt





Direct link to REI Cycling store

Macy's Green Washing

I've been meaning for two weeks now to post an irate response to a Macy's ad (above via Streetsblog). I was going to rail about how hard it is to actually lock up a bike at Macy's or how the the only thing remotely related to bikes that they sell are dress shoes (with "bicycle toe" what ever that means).

But I can't.

I just can't seem to get upset at this apparent corporate green washing. Maybe it will convince someone to commute by bike. Could the money from this ad campaign have been better used outfitting low-income families with proper protective equipment or creating an education program that tries not to let kids fall into the driving culture of their parents? Sure, but I'm just not able to get upset about it any more.

I think, my time is better spent hoping it doesn't rain on my on my way home.

Direct link to REI Cycling store

Bicycle Month

As you may know May is Bicycling Month. To honor this (and to try to make amends for not posting much in the last week or so). I am pledging not to drive for the entire month of May. Also, I'm doing this to make up for the fact that I drove to work on Monday, Tuesday AND Wednesday this week. Monday I had a good reason (wife's birthday), Tuesday I made a good reason (worried about being late to an alumni group meeting) and Wednesday I pretended that I had a good reason (decided to get my leg checked out again - it is okay). Too much driving this week, so I'm taking a break.

Unfortunately, this doesn't mean I will not ride in a car (I have in fact already done that). Only that I will need to justify every car ride in public on this blog. All other trips will be taken using my feet, my bike or public transportation (or more likely a blend of the three). I suggest any of you that can, try this out and see how one month can change your life. (He says in a cheesy TV commercial voice.)

So to start here are my justifications for yesterday's automobile trips:
1. I rode with my boss to lunch because he was going there already and I could help get the orders of my other co-workers.
2. I got a ride home from work from a co-worker because he was headed to a hospital (to pick up his dad from a doctors appt.) that is in my area. I accepted the ride because I had already missed the bus that only comes every half-hour and only wanted a ride to the bus station.

On a good note:
I rode to the movies last night to see the "This American Life," 'live' show (it wasn't live on the west coast). Found a place to lock up my bike at the mall that wasn't crazy far away (found a back alley inside the mall and locked it to a handrail) and didn't get any grief from the ticket taker in the theater about bringing in my handlebar bag.





Direct link to REI Cycling store