Comments on: Biking in Richmond: a stupid and expensive thing to do http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/ Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:46:25 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Cyclist forgiven for getting hit by police « Urban Richmond~ http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1421 Cyclist forgiven for getting hit by police « Urban Richmond~ Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:39:18 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1421 [...] forgiven for getting hit by police The police have decided not to charge the cyclist for getting hit by one of their squad cars.  [...] [...] forgiven for getting hit by police The police have decided not to charge the cyclist for getting hit by one of their squad cars.  [...]

]]> By: Scott Burger http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1407 Scott Burger Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:06:49 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1407 I agree with the above comment also- I see too many kids riding up one way streets. I posted the following on this neighborhood site as well: http://hillsandheights.net/news/2007/12/13/rpd-vs-the-cyclist/#comment-795 http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/12/rfid_lights_up.php RFID Lights Up The Blind Spot by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 12.17.07 CARS & TRANSPORTATION (bikes) Now that the Green RFID guy has stopped posting, it's up to us to give good examples of RFID technology in the sustainability realm. The Danish city of Grenå will pay to install battery-driven RFIDs (battery life is supposed to be about 6 years) in the steering columns of 300 residents' bikes, and put receivers at seven intersections considered to be the most dangerous. When a cyclist approaches, the RFID sends a signal to the traffic light which turns on a flashing 'cyclist' sign at eye height to warn drivers, especially drivers of big rigs, that they should check for bikes before making a right-hand turn. The move is part of the Danish government making good on its promise to have cyclists both feel and actually be safer. The system, called "See Mi" was designed by Danish company Idzone. At the same time, by early next year the Copenhagen city government is installing light diodes and sensors at dangerous intersections - the diodes start blinking beside and ahead of drivers when a cyclist passes the sensors. It's considered cost-effective to keep cyclists safe, as each serious accident or cyclist death costs the state as much as 1.7 million Danish crowns (US$300,000). Installation of the diodes and sensor at an intersection costs about 200,000 crowns (US$38,000). Via ::Ecoprofile (in Swedish) I agree with the above comment also- I see too many kids riding up one way streets.

I posted the following on this neighborhood site as well:

http://hillsandheights.net/news/2007/12/13/rpd-vs-the-cyclist/#comment-795

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/12/rfid_lights_up.php

RFID Lights Up The Blind Spot
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 12.17.07
CARS & TRANSPORTATION (bikes)

Now that the Green RFID guy has stopped posting, it’s up to us to give good examples of RFID technology in the sustainability realm. The Danish city of Grenå will pay to install battery-driven RFIDs (battery life is supposed to be about 6 years) in the steering columns of 300 residents’ bikes, and put receivers at seven intersections considered to be the most dangerous. When a cyclist approaches, the RFID sends a signal to the traffic light which turns on a flashing ‘cyclist’ sign at eye height to warn drivers, especially drivers of big rigs, that they should check for bikes before making a right-hand turn.

The move is part of the Danish government making good on its promise to have cyclists both feel and actually be safer. The system, called “See Mi” was designed by Danish company Idzone. At the same time, by early next year the Copenhagen city government is installing light diodes and sensors at dangerous intersections – the diodes start blinking beside and ahead of drivers when a cyclist passes the sensors. It’s considered cost-effective to keep cyclists safe, as each serious accident or cyclist death costs the state as much as 1.7 million Danish crowns (US$300,000). Installation of the diodes and sensor at an intersection costs about 200,000 crowns (US$38,000). Via ::Ecoprofile (in Swedish)

]]> By: Jeff E. http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1397 Jeff E. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:26:23 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1397 Richmond cyclists tend to have their share of idiots as well. Driving down Cary St. the other day I was startled when I noticed a guy on a ten-speed with ear phones on riding in the 3 foot gap between me and the car driving along next to me. Natural selection may very well have its way with him. The only viable, long-term answer is building some costly but safe and effective dedicated bike roads. Richmond cyclists tend to have their share of idiots as well. Driving down Cary St. the other day I was startled when I noticed a guy on a ten-speed with ear phones on riding in the 3 foot gap between me and the car driving along next to me. Natural selection may very well have its way with him. The only viable, long-term answer is building some costly but safe and effective dedicated bike roads.

]]> By: RVA Foodie http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1390 RVA Foodie Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:38:49 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1390 Cops are supposed to be good drivers. By that I mean, skilled and conscientious, despite their above the law status. 40mph through an intersection as the light turns green is a bad call to begin with and a homicidal decision considering that the police officer behind the wheel must have seen the vulnerable bicyclist in their path. Anyhow, I don't doubt that he cop experienced some remorse (and if you're a heaven/hell believer, there's more in store for driver), so I don't mean to rub it in. However, this is what they call a TEACHABLE MOMENT. Richmonders need to increase their awareness of bicyclists. How about some sensational stories about the humanity of two-wheeled travelers rather than the irony of levied fines? Cops are supposed to be good drivers. By that I mean, skilled and conscientious, despite their above the law status. 40mph through an intersection as the light turns green is a bad call to begin with and a homicidal decision considering that the police officer behind the wheel must have seen the vulnerable bicyclist in their path. Anyhow, I don’t doubt that he cop experienced some remorse (and if you’re a heaven/hell believer, there’s more in store for driver), so I don’t mean to rub it in. However, this is what they call a TEACHABLE MOMENT. Richmonders need to increase their awareness of bicyclists. How about some sensational stories about the humanity of two-wheeled travelers rather than the irony of levied fines?

]]> By: John http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1387 John Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:37:37 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1387 This is ridiculous. Back in the day, China used to shoot dissidents, then <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article432450.ece" rel="nofollow">sent the bill for the bullet to the surviving family</a>. Oh Richmond, oh Richmond. What the fuck is your problem? This is ridiculous. Back in the day, China used to shoot dissidents, then sent the bill for the bullet to the surviving family. Oh Richmond, oh Richmond. What the fuck is your problem?

]]> By: Scott Burger http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1386 Scott Burger Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:37:29 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1386 It is crazy. I would be more inclined to ride my bike if a) local drivers were not so hostile and b) there was actual places to ride on streets like Three Chopt. It is crazy. I would be more inclined to ride my bike if a) local drivers were not so hostile and b) there was actual places to ride on streets like Three Chopt.

]]> By: el guapo http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1383 el guapo Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:50:32 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1383 Richmond drivers are deadly, so biking or even operation a motorcycle or small car around main streets may continue to be a death wish regardless of how much we try to accomodate it. I feel forced to ride my bike as though I were a pedestrian rather than a bicyclist. Richmond drivers are deadly, so biking or even operation a motorcycle or small car around main streets may continue to be a death wish regardless of how much we try to accomodate it. I feel forced to ride my bike as though I were a pedestrian rather than a bicyclist.

]]> By: Richard Layman http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1380 Richard Layman Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:11:17 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1380 If she entered the intersection on a green light, then it is difficult to see how she could be at fault, especially if the police car was originally in the other street lane, when the light was red. I don't know if there's a good bicyclist-lawyer out there, but sue the b*st*rds. If she entered the intersection on a green light, then it is difficult to see how she could be at fault, especially if the police car was originally in the other street lane, when the light was red.

I don’t know if there’s a good bicyclist-lawyer out there, but sue the b*st*rds.

]]> By: adamandjeremy http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1379 adamandjeremy Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:42:20 +0000 http://richmondva.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/biking-in-richmond-a-stupid-and-expensive-thing-to-do/#comment-1379 Boo Richmond! I was a long time resident of Richmonds country neighbor Chesterfield and I can tell you that bicycling in the city may be scarry but at least no one is cheering if they actually kill a bicyclist like they do in the counties. Boo Richmond! I was a long time resident of Richmonds country neighbor Chesterfield and I can tell you that bicycling in the city may be scarry but at least no one is cheering if they actually kill a bicyclist like they do in the counties.

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