For those of you in Oklahoma, please be aware that the state is soliciting ideas. I've seen one that recommended lengthening the school day, one to make I-44 into a 6 lane highway across the state, and some truly goofy ones. Here's the website:
http://100ideasok.blogspot.com/
But if the state can do it, why can't we copy the idea and come up with a list of things to improve cycling? Better bikes? Better roads? What ideas do we have?
I guess nobody has any ideas. I'm a little surprised Paul hasn't contributed about a hundred of his own.
ReplyDeleteOh, sure, there's the easy stuff like signals that detect bicycles reliably, or building codes that mandate bicycle parking, but there have to be other, more obscure but more innovative ideas. Maybe I'll stick with the 100 Ideas as a recurring theme.
ReplyDeleteEverybody, all together now, SING it:
ReplyDeleteI'm biking alone with my butt at home
Thinking of ideas till it hurts
I know you hurt too but what else can we do
Tormented and torn apart
I wish I could carry your smile and my heart
For times when my life feels so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesn't really know, doesn't really know
Chorus:
I 'm all out of ideas, I'm so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I 'm all out of ideas, what am I without you
I can't be too late to say that I was so wrong
I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from this long lonely nights
I'm reaching for you, are you feeling it too
Does the feeling seem oh so right
And what would you say if I called on you now
And said that I can't hold on
There's no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me or I'll be gone, I'll be gone
Chorus
Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
Here's one I've heard of: to encourage police enforcement of traffic code on cyclists, reduce the fine/punishment when the infraction is committed on bike. Many cops (well, outside of Tulsa, anyway) are reluctant to hassle cyclists because they don't think it's worthwhile to stop a biker from running a stop sign an inflict a $300 fine or whatever. A more reasonable fine like $20 or so makes cops less of a bad guy.
ReplyDeleteFritz, Tulsa cops do NOT hassle bicyclists. They are only showing some LOVE. Santa and TPD Santa Task Force, ONE big happy FAMILY!
ReplyDeleteA bicycle-related violation in Tulsa, or for that matter, all of Oklahoma, will net you a $25 fine plus court costs. It's possible the court costs will be more than the fine. I don't know 'cause I haven't had a ticket for well over 20 years. Maybe Paul can help out with more recent information.
ReplyDeleteBut what if the fines were more draconian, like those proposed in Virginia, where a traffic ticket can cost you $1000 or more? If running a red light could cost you a weeks pay, would you think twice about it?
Or what about the proliferation of traffic cameras like they have in the UK? They watch intersections and major highways for offenders. And since they've been implemented, traffic deaths in the UK have diminished by half. Do the benefits out weigh the loss of privacy? I'll admit being conflicted over this one.
Or how about something simple, like bicycling education in the schools as a part of driver's ed? I'd rather a kid started learning some critical judgment skills from the seat of a bicycle long before he ever got behind the wheel of a car.
Talk amongst yourselves, I'm gonna go have a cookie.
Give cyclists the right of way and the benefit of the doubt like they do in Europe.
ReplyDeleteEd, I kinda like the idea of draconian penalties for motorists. Hey, how 'bout plugging DUI cases with a 357? And, one of my fav plugees: the cute chatty blonde rolling Hummers WHILE on the CELLPHONE.
ReplyDeleteWith draconian penalties like that, who NEEDS county jail?
Something we've been discussing in Columbus is making a traffic law class (or a similar unit in a government/civics class) required in public schools, which would cover bikes, pedestrians, transit, personal automobiles, etc. Then drivers' education could consist of just operation and car-focused information. This way, every student would be taught the rules of the road, even the ones who don't take drivers' education.
ReplyDeleteSome random thoughts from a London commuter:
ReplyDeleteEducate children
Educate car drivers
Educate professional drivers
Educate cyclists
Educate townplanners
Educate government
Educate non-cyclists
Educate, educate, educate ...
In any crash between a cycle and car/bus/lorry, assume that the cyclist is NOT to blame
Tax cars to subsidise bikes
Give bikes away to commuters and schoolchildren
Take paint off roads (ALL paint)
Stop at red lights, smile, say Hi to your neighbour
Cycle frequently, cycle often
Enjoy cycling
Thanks, Dreamer! I couldn't put it more succinctly than that.
ReplyDeleteEducate
Educate
Educate