Yet, that is exactly how many pages the City of Minneapolis used when they published “Bike Lane Basics” complete with diagrams just in case the text doesn’t do it for you. Here are all the different types of bike lanes a driver is likely to encounter in Minneapolis.

Nine different types of lanes. Nine different rules. Tons of ways to get a ticket.

It gets better. At intersections, they have something called “shared space” where the cars are supposed to yield to a cylist on his right when making a turn. Yet, the cyclist is instructed to, “use caution and assume turning or merging motorists
do not see you.”

Gee, I wonder why they wouldn’t see you. After all, you are in the bike lane which is supposed to make you safe from those evil cars that are trying to kill you.

I can assure you that motorists have absolutely no trouble seeing me when I am in the middle of the lane and crossing the intersection with the cars rather than staying way over to the right.

There is more to this publication, but you really have to read it to believe how complicated trying to comply with the law gets and how hard it will be to educate drivers and cyclists on how to use these things. We can’t even get cars to use all-way stop signs properly, but drivers are supposed to learn that,

Before turning across a cycle track, look over your right shoulder
and check for bicyclists approaching the intersection. If a bicyclist
is approaching the intersection, you must yield and let them pass
before turning. Bicyclists may be more difficult to see because they
could be coming from behind parked cars.

Emphasis mine.

Here is a beautiful, poetic description of what makes The Dance work… and why it’s so easy for a self-assured woman.

From the new blog, own the road:

Role-models of distinction

Confidence in their own status enables them to claim a share of the common land we call streets. They know they own the road. Their cheerful conduct is easy for others to interpret and react to.

Before you can share something, you need to possess it. When you travel by bike owning the road is what allows you to be generous to those less fortunate or imaginative than yourself.

Read the rest here.

From the “Road Warrior” column in the The Morning Call (Allentown, PA 12/29/11 by Dan Hartzell

I have nothing to add.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Like most adults, I hadn’t ridden a bike in years. During a vacation to Mackinac Island in 2006, I rented a beach cruiser and took an eight mile ride around the perimeter of this “car free” getaway. After returning home, I researched bikes and selected an Electra Townie 7D. Not an electric bike, the “Electra Bicycle Company” is the manufacturer of this hybrid / comfort bicycle. I took it out for a spin now and then around the neighborhood; but unfortunately the bike stayed in the garage most of the time.

In January, 2010 I received some news that was rather unsettling. I was informed that a tremor that in my left hand had been diagnosed as a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It only seemed logical to make an effort to improve my level of fitness, so I began spending a bit more time on my bike. That was fun until I smacked my shoulder into a steel guard rail while attempting to make a sharp turn onto a narrow bridge. I told my neurologist about the accident and also shared the fact that narrow sidewalks made me uncomfortable. He recommended limiting my cycling to a stationary bike in a gym. I immediately dismissed that advice and simply used more caution during my rides.

In November, 2010 I enrolled in a Cycling Savvy class. The twelve hour program consisted of four hours of classroom training which emphasized the best ways to avoid hazards, followed the next morning with bike handling skills training, and finished with a four hour riding tour of Orlando. We rode a total of 25 miles that day, much further than I had ever traveled on a bike. That class equipped me with the skills and confidence to ride whenever and wherever I chose. I applied those skills by taking part in group rides, personal trail rides, and began to rent bikes in cities around the country while on business trips.

I began hearing about others riding significant distances. A college friend and her husband had done 500 miles in ten days during a trip to the Northeast. I met a person who regularly rode in “ultra-distance events” of 200 miles or more at one time. The number “500” began to sound possible and I set it as an “objective,” but one without a specific time limit. I would be pleased to simply ride that far “eventually.”

Around February, 2011 I viewed a movie trailer for a documentary film called “Ride with Larry.” The video focused on Larry Smith, a person who has lived with Parkinson’s for twenty years, and was planning a 300 mile ride across South Dakota. He would be riding a Catrike recumbent bike and accompanied by a core group of supporters. Other riders were invited join Larry on the final day’s 65 mile push to the finish line. I decided to take part and began working out the logistics and training to build up my endurance. By the time I traveled to Sioux Falls, SD in June, I had amassed over 500 miles. With my son, Brian, riding by my side, I experienced “The Most Exhilarating Ride of My Life.”

Larry and John - Front Row

A major sponsor of the “Ride with Larry” was the Davis Phinney Foundation, founded by Olympic Medalist and Tour de France stage winner, Davis Phinney. He was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s when he was just 40 years old. His Foundation supports research to find a cure, but also provides information for people living with Parkinson’s on “how to live well today.” I became part of their “Victory Crew” and have raised close to $ 5,000 this year to support the cause.

Victory Crew Celebration - John and Brian

I slacked off a bit in July and August, but then made the decision to set a personal goal of riding 1,000 miles before the anniversary of the Cycling Savvy class. With two weeks remaining, I was up to 875 miles and just had 125 miles to go. It was doable, but would require dedication. I mentioned my plan to Charles Badger, a Cycling Savvy Instructor. He offered to help me reach my goal by joining me on two rides during the final week. By the way, Charles was the ultra-distance rider I mentioned earlier.

Boys and Girls Club Ride

We met at the AAA headquarters on Sunday (11/6/11). We would be accompanying riders from a company Charles knew. He went over the route and asked me to take the lead. He would follow behind and “shepherd our flock”. Being asked to “Lead the Dance” was a big honor and even a larger responsibility. The phrase was coined by Keri Caffrey, Founder of Cycling Savvy, and is best understood through this video as a way to ride with confidence.

Our group of 25 riders consisted of representatives from a finance company, their clients, family and friends. I noticed that two of the ladies were riding bikes similar to mine.. When I asked them about their bikes; they acknowledged that they “hadn’t taken them out of the garage in more than a year.” This was going to be a long day for them, but they did well throughout the ride.

We started along International Parkway. I quickly discovered that a disadvantage of “riding point” was contending with headwinds and carving a path through the wind for the rest of the riders. We seemed to be riding directly into the wind much of the day. However, we had a pleasant tailwind as we rode along the south side of Lake Monroe. We made our way through the town of Sanford. It was a beautiful day.

Much of our 30 mile ride was through back country roads and everyone appreciated the scenery and the opportunity to converse with one another. I started a mini stampede when I rang my bell as we passed a pasture full of horses. All in all, it was a good way to spend time together and support a good cause.

During the midpoint rest stop, I saw Michael Cottle, owner of OutSpoken Bikes – the shop where I had purchased my bike. He was surprised to see me leading the group on my Townie. Many cycling friends have recommended that I “move up” to a road bike, but for now the current transportation has been a great ride and served me well for many miles. I love my bike!

At the last stop, Charles asked me to explain the chalk drawings that he had made on the pavement describing how to handle the remaining interchanges. It was gratifying to share my cycling knowledge with the group. I also thanked them for helping me move closer to my goal and shared the fact that I had Parkinson’s disease, explaining the benefits of cycling as therapy for Parkinson’s patients.

After navigating the Country Club Road, Lake Mary Blvd. and Reinhardt Road sections, we finally approached the bicycle / pedestrian bridge over I-4. Charles rode up next to me and I admitted, “I got nothing left for the bridge”. My new mentor immediately shot back some words of encouragement which was just what I needed. I executed the first turn onto the ramp by going down to my second gear, but the 180 degree turn was too much, so I dismounted and let the group pass. I admit to “walking” my bike up to the apex of the bridge, but sailed off the downside ramp at about 20 mph and rejoined the group at the point where they had gathered and was met with a round of applause from “my peeps”. I resumed my spot up front and brought the herd back to the starting point.

Boys and Girls Club Ride

We were each given a medal upon our return. Later I realized that it read “Century Ride,” recognition for completing the 100 mile route. I’m all for being honest, but rationalizing that I would soon be reaching my goal of the equivalent of “Ten Centuries” so I proudly placed the medal around my neck.

Veteran’s Day Ride – Final Push

Charles showed up Friday morning at the meeting spot behind the Peach Valley Cafe. He was accompanied by a co-worker, Ryan Warner, who was wearing a U.S. Marines Corp logo on his jersey. It was very fitting to be doing this ride on Veteran’s Day (11/11/11) with a veteran. Ryan, thank you for your service to our country!

I only needed 18.42 miles to reach the goal. Charles had mapped out a 35 mile route. We again passed the AAA building as we rode up International Parkway. However, we quickly encountered 16 mph winds which slowed our progress.

When we reached 17-92, we crossed the Old St. John’s River Bridge. Halfway up the ascent I elected to walk my bike to avoid pulling a muscle. Charles and Ryan waited patiently at the top. We took a moment to catch our breath and pose for a few photos with the I-4 Bridge in the background.

We turned onto the Spring to Spring Trail. It wound through a tree-lined path providing protection from the wind. Ryan saw a wild pig and Charles pointed out several deer in one meadow. Along the way we took in views of Lake Monroe with the mid-morning sunlight dancing off the waves.

We left the trail at Dirksen Drive. After a mile on that busy road, we turned onto Main St. through the town of Enterprise, a perfect example of old Florida with restored buildings dating back to the late 1800′s. Next we turned left onto Enterprise Osteen Road. It offered several miles of live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, which provided a lush canopy of greenery. We were rapidly approaching “the goal.”

I began calling out the countdown as we completed each remaining mile. My companions allowed me to ride alone up front to savor the moment. Five, four, three, two ….. With one mile to go, we passed a house with an American flag flying proudly in the wind. My countdown became “tenths:” and then we were there. Goal accomplished – 1,000 miles in one year!

Davis Phinney would celebrate every cycling victory by sitting up in the saddle and raising his arms into a “V” for victory. One of his Foundation’s mottos is “Every Victory Counts”. Achieving my goal was indeed a victory for which I am very proud. It was a pleasure to raise my arms up in celebration and to be photographed with my “Ride with Larry” shirt, which Davis Phinney had personally autographed for me at the Grand Rapids Victory Summit.

Reaching this personal goal didn’t earn me a medal or have any significant meaning in the grand scheme of things. It did, however, prove to me that I can take on challenges and work steadily towards achieving them. I don’t know how Parkinson’s will affect me over time, but I am doing my best to fight back. The goal was personal, but achieving it was a “team victory” due in large part to a tremendous amount of support, encouragement, and love that I’ve received from family, friends, and complete strangers.

Charles, John, and Ryan

We resumed our ride and savored the beautiful fall day, smooth pavement, and the satisfaction that comes from “crossing the finish line”. After winding around the east side of Lake Monroe, we headed west along Lake Mary Blvd. back towards our starting point. The final “feature” of the day was crossing the I-4 interchange on Lake Mary Blvd. It was a fitting way to complete our “Victory Lap.” That major interchange once was a major obstacle for me. Two weeks after completing the Cycling Savvy class last year, I navigated it for the first time. Keri Caffrey coached me through it and video-taped the original ride.

These 1,000 miles were made up of many small victories along the way. I plan to continue to cycle as long as I can. Some of the future miles may be difficult, but they will all be a source of joy.

Daily Mile Log 11/11/11 -

Central Park - New York City

Business travel offers the opportunity to visit many wonderful cities. Often, however, that simply means flying in, taking a taxi to a hotel, and “touring” the inside of yet again another all too familiar lobby and set of meeting rooms. Then it’s a quick dash back to the airport in another cab and jetting off to the next destination.

The “spirit” and philosophy of “Bike Speed” is to make a conscious effort to carve out time for yourself to actually participate in the environment where your travel takes you. Your company paid for you to attend the event and expects you to devote your efforts to meeting with clients and learning from presentations. The conference agenda may be jam packed, but with a bit of advance planning or flexibility, it is possible to make the trip much more meaningful. You can get your work done and still find time to enjoy the hidden gems in the surrounding area.

From October 8-10, 2011, I was in New York City to attend a customer’s annual convention. Their theme was “Taking the Stage” and the backdrop for the general sessions resembled a look down Times Square and marquees from all the famous plays. Broadway performers provided a break between speakers and they had marvelous voices. One entertainer had performed the role of Mustafa in the Lion KIng over 3,000 times – he sang the Impossible Dream and everyone had goose bumps.

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band

Entertainment after dinner one evening was provided by Gary Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band (yup, the same person who played Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and is now starring in CSI – New York.) The band performs about 50 – 75 shows per year for the troops around the world and here at home. They covered a wide range of songs and were a lot of fun to see in person.

Central Park Bicycle Shop / 315 W. 57th St.

When I checked into the hotel, I saw a sign for bike rentals. I was staying at the New York Hilton which was only a few blocks south of Central Park. I gathered some information and made plans to return the following day. Unfortunately, when I went back about 4:00 pm on Sunday, the counter was closed for the day. I grabbed my iPad and quickly Googled up bike rentals in the area and found the Central Park Bicycle Shop, which was just five blocks away. I quickly made a reservation and earned a discount for booking online – paying just $8.00 for a one hour rental. The shop was two blocks south of Central Park. I should have taken more time selecting the bike, since it wasn’t the greatest ride. I’ve experienced that problem in the past, so I should create a “checklist” to guarantee a better experience. Sure wish I could use my own bike when I travel – may have to invest in a folding travel bike one day!

I started off by heading east on 57th Street, then turning north on 8th Avenue. That took me to Columbus Circle (built in 1905), a major New York City landmark. I used the techiniques learned in my Cycling Savvy class and easily navigated this four lane round-about. Traffic was reasonably light since it was a Sunday afternoon. But nonetheless, it was still “Columbus Circle” – that was “crazy exciting!” Here’s a view that I snagged from Wikipedia of a photo taken of the Circle from within the Time Warner Building. For those who watch “Anderson” (Anderson Cooper’s new show), his set looks out on this same view.

Central Park West Entrance

I then proceeded north up Central Park West in the bike lane with taxis whizzing by on my left. I entered Central Park at 67th Street. If I’d done a bit more advance research, I would have gone on to the 72nd Street entrance instead, which leads directly to “Strawberry Fields,” the garden containing the Imagine mosaic honoring John Lennon – after all, the day of my ride was October 9th, John Lennon’s birthday.

I joined the parade of horse drawn carriages, cyclists, roller bladers, and pedestrians on the one way loop around the park. While it was slightly “organized chaos,” everyone was in a great mood due to the perfect Indian Summer day – not a cloud in the sky, temperature in the high ’70′s to low ’80′s. With my interest in stopping here and there to take pictures, I was probably criss-crossing traffic more than most. Every level of rider was represented from true novices, to families crusing along together, to “serious” cyclists in full kit. It was a fantastic, and eclectic, gathering. The picnic areas and public lawns were full of people sitting on a blanket and simply enjoying each other’s company. The mood and merriment evident throughout the park’s 843 acres that day must have been exactly what the designers had in mind when they first opened it back in 1857.

Carousel in Central Park

Rolling along Center Drive, I passed the Carousel. The original carousel burned in a fire, but was replaced by the current one in 1950 – a year before I was even born – now that’s old! I manuevered my way to the side of the road and took a photo. After reading more about the carousel and the park, in general upon my return, I wish that I had taken more time to investigate this classic piece of artwork more closely. On a previous trip to New York, I had purchased a book entitled “Central Park, An American Masterpiece” by Sara Cedar Miller. It would have been well worth my time to study up a bit more prior to my visit to Central Park. Yet, I only had an hour, so I pressed on.

Loeb Boathouse / San Remo Building

I made a stop at the Loeb Boathouse, a popular spot for lunch and renting boats. While I was reviewing the menu, I looked up the lane and an entire wedding party was making their way around the boathouse to pose for photos. In spite of all the people in the park that day, I’m sure that their photographer was able to capture some beatiful images since the park looked fantastic and the lighting was perfect. Off in the distance were the twin towers of the San Remo Buidling, a 27-story luxury apartment building. The names of some of its past and present residents would be rather familiar – Stephen Sondheim, Donna Karan, Stephen Spielberg, Steve Jobs, Demi Moore, Glenn Close, Dustin Hoffman, Bono, Steve Martin, Eddie Cantor, Hedy Lamarr, and Rita Hayworth. Nice neighborhood.

While I didn’t have time to stay for dinner, the menu at the Loeb Boathouse was rather enticing with dishes such as Heirloom Tomato Salad, Boathouse Steak Tartare, Oxtail and Leek Terrine, Kabocha Pumpkin Raviolis, Roasted Scottish Salmon, Muscovy Duck Breast, and Pepper Seared Loin of Venison to name a few of the delicious offerings. Instead, I pressed on and continued my loop around the park.

I passed the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and turned west above the North Meadow, rejoining the West Drive headed south. Even though it was approaching dusk, plenty of people were still enjoying their ride on rented boats or strolling along the water’s edge. Over the course of a single hour, the light had changed the atmosphere from midday to the promise of a romantic evening setting.

Controlling my lane on 7th Avenue approaching 57th Street

It was getting close to the time to return my rented bike, so I exited the magic of Central Park onto 7th Avenue. I rode two blocks and turned right back onto 57th Street, crossed Broadway and cruised up to the Central Park Bike Shop. I was right on time. Even though I’d only been out for an hour, I’d taken in so much in that short period of time.

New York City’s motto is “I Love New York.” I was fortunate to snap this photo from my hotel room on the 27th floor looking down onto the Avenue of the Americas and catch this statue framed in a sunbeam. It perfectly captured my feeling about this trip and the wonderful city that I had the privilege of visiting.

Next trip I might spend a bit more time planning the area where I will be riding to make sure that I don’t miss anything. I will also be more selective about the bike that I choose for my journey – and welcome any suggestions from my readers on how to do just that. But most of all, I am so very glad that I took one hour out of an active business trip to see Central Park – at Bike Speed. I hope that you get to do the same one day.

Rosalind Avenue through downtown Orlando has a designated bike lane.  While it’s next to on-street parking, it is wide enough for a cyclist to stay out of the door zone, and in the morning there are very few cars parked there anyway.  Since Rosalind is one-way, there is no concern about left-cross conflicts and crashes.

Relatively few motorists make right turns from Rosalind in the morning, as most of the large office buildings are on the left.  Still, I always keep an eye open for right-turners.  I’d have a very tough time making the case to a police officer or judge that staying in the bike lane at that time and place would put me at risk, and of course we now have a mandatory use law…

As I approached Church Street this morning I saw a van coming up in my mirror, right turn signal flashing.  Seeing we would be reaching the intersection at about the same time, I placed all my attention on that vehicle.  The signal had been green a while, and wouldn’t be changing soon.  Moving out of the bike lane was not an option; she was too close.

As we both came to the intersection, sure enough, the driver turned right across my path.  A bit of braking on my part averted a collision, though at nowhere near the level of an emergency stop.  I yelled out “Hey!,” but saw not the slightest hint of a reaction from the driver.  She pulled into a parking garage and I figured it wasn’t worth my time to pursue her further.

There was no other traffic around for her to be concerned about.   No pedestrians, no potential conflicts with other vehicles.  It wasn’t even one of those situations in which the cyclist is going fast, the motorist passes, get well ahead, misjudges the cyclist’s speed, and assumes the cyclist is well behind.  No, we reached the intersection at virtually the same time.

My presence was simply irrelevant to her intentions at that moment.

Matt Reed: It’s time to let cyclists join traffic on Pineda Causeway

A bicyclist braves traffic on the Pineda Causeway. The state's two-year pilot project to test the feasibility of bike crossings might start later this year, at the soonest. / Photo by Malcolm Denemark

I don’t think I have ever read anything like this in a newspaper before.

Lacking a reasonable alternate route over the Indian River Lagoon, they risk tickets by disregarding a few small white signs that warn of a ban that makes no sense.

Total bicycle fatalities on the four-mile span during 10 years, according to the state Department of Transportation: One (1).

In 2002, a pair of 14-year-old boys were riding to the beach before dawn when they were run over by a drunken driver in a pickup truck.

and  . . .

To the press, people act like it doesn’t happen. But I watch it daily. The safety records say as much about today’s levelheaded drivers as it does the safe bicyclists.

“We really don’t have any record of bike accidents on the Pineda,” said Leigh Holt, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization program manager.

So, by all means, let’s get on with a pilot project we already know will work.

Did I get that right? Did he actually say that riding on a highway wasn’t as dangerous as people think it is? I don’t think he convinced whomever writes the photo captions.

I didn’t intend to have a mindset change or get this involved.  All I wanted to do was ride my bicycle back and forth to work to save on fuel costs and ride for fun.

My Beginning

Flashback to my start, My Own Ignorance for those that may need the history.  This was a time of personal growth for me.   Bicycling  is fun, enjoyable, and liberating.  Finding the right people to show you how is the key element.  I’ve found quite a few here on this blog and more on many others.  What a GREAT community we have here on CommuteOrlando!

There is an abundance of information to be had by surfing the internet or by simply asking.  Taking the initiative to overcome my perceived fear of cycling in the road, my self-education has helped me to gain a much better understanding of the dynamics of bicycle transport and created a lifestyle change for me.

A Change in Thinking

Being fortunate to work at the airport, I would ask coworkers to drop me at the terminal to catch a flight to visit my family in GA.  Having family working close to the Atlanta International Airport was great.  A ride was just a phone call away.  Except when it was their telecommute day(s).  Talk about an inconvenience for me and for family to drive nearly an hour to pick me up  and/or drop me off.

Coming back to Orlando one time, a coworker was unable to meet me upon my arrival as we had prearranged.  Not knowing, I hired a shuttle to take me to my vehicle parked at work.  The relatively short 4 mile trip ended with the fare of $18.  OUTRAGEOUS, I told myself.  There had to be a better way.

Multi-Modal Transportation

Discovering our local bus transport system, LYNX, I expanded my self reliance beyond the bicycle.  I read about multi-modal transportation and decided if such would work for me.  Finding out that timing is the key was the first hurdle to overcome.  I first tested the waters when visiting my family in GA two years ago.

Sure enough, after some digging, I found it was possible to get myself to the airport, make my flight, take the light rail, then catch an express bus and vice versa back  home while traveling multi-modal.  Family would have to spend nearly two hours of their time getting to and from the airport.  Using the public transportation system(s), I could get to a park & ride lot near them (either 3 or 4 miles away) in half the time.

Since then, I have done quite a bit of bike and bus trips locally.  Sanford, Lake Mary, Casselberry, and Altamonte Springs are easily reached.  Gaining an understanding of using various forms of transport increased my desire to help others learn the ease and enjoyment of getting around.

I Don’t Consider Myself an Advocate

Although I don’t professionally claim to be a cycling advocate, my actions, beliefs, and intentions define me as such. I now have several opportunities to get the news out, especially for those who seek to have this knowledge which include instructor capacities for the Florida Safety Council, the Florida Bicycle Association and working with Florida Department of Transportation’s ride share program.

Alternative Transportation Education

The ultimate goal of the Alternative Transportation Education (ATE) course is to provide education to individuals regarding various types of commuting options.  Often times these individuals do not have access to a vehicle or do not have the ability to drive.

The ATE course was designed for individuals utilizing methods of transportation other than personal vehicles. The ATE course outlines and describes alternate transportation options and identifies their benefits and limitations.

• Benefits and limitations of using the transit system.
• Benefits and limitations of walking.
• Traffic laws and the meanings of traffic signs and symbols.
• Limits of perception.
• How to cross safely.
• Benefits and limitations of bicycling.
• Crash types and avoidance.
• Seeing and being seen.
• Making signals turn green.
• Interchanges.
• Riding in bike lanes.
• Public transportation issues and opportunities.

Cycling Savvy

I was honored to be selected as one of the inaugural Cycling Savvy Instructors (CSI) this past February.  A fun-filled, extensive, and exhausting weekend gave us CSI’s the in’s and out’s of teaching others the skills needed to become a more empowered and confident cyclist.

reThink Your Commute

I have recently expressed an interest in becoming the Employee Transportation Coordinator using the reThink Your Commute program.  Long way to go to be up and running on this one.

Social Rides and Workshops

CommuteOrlando started organizing social rides a couple years ago.  This has been a boon to those who feel uncomfortable riding in the streets.  The group setting adds to the comfort level and also creates social atmosphere.  Add the wonderful destinations and end activities, and we show just how enjoying and safe cycling can be.

Workshops are being planned to increase the use of bicycles with trailers to take on our S-Cargo rides.

Build the community – Fund local transportation systems

Transportation funding is quite the buzzword of late.  One common complaint about bus service is the route structure and not available 24/7.  I was surprised myself to hear that LYNX and others are not self-sufficient.  They rely on government (state, city, and federal) subsidies to operate.  How many of our readers know this fact?

SunRail will enhance our transportation system(s).  Currently, the infrastructure is not in place to begin this growth and with funding and time it will be.  We must change our thinking about the highly wasteful use of the automobile.  I’m looking into car sharing programs now.  For $60 a year, you can have access to a motor vehicle on an hourly or daily (rental) basis. Many of these users (ZipSters) have reduced their need for an auto down to 5,500 miles per year.  Other research indicates that operating an automobile comes with an average out of pocket cost $8,500/year.

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) was initially funded by the Federal Government.  The surrounding counties were asked then if they wanted to be included.  They refused.  Now some years later, these counties are trying to play catch-up with feeder bus systems.  What an opportunity missed!

Fund the transportation systems for multi-occupant vehicles and not the single-occupant motor vehicles.

When opportunity knocks and you don’t answer, it goes somewhere else.  Guess we should have went and answered the door!  Let’s not miss another opportunity.

Quinn sought the change after reading a March 21 Chicago Tribune story. The article reported on a long-standing IDOT policy to exclude dooring crashes from annual state traffic accident statistics because the motor vehicles involved in such collisions are not moving.

I don’t know if Florida even has a policy one way or the other.

IDOT officials expressed concerns that such a requirement would burden police with additional paperwork and that there were few complaints from the public about doorings.

Uhhhmm. So which is it?

“We hope to use the data to obtain funding for education safety so drivers as well as bicyclists know what the risks are and what the factors are to create safer roadways,” said Dan Persky, director of education at the alliance.

Talk to me! I know how to avoid getting doored.

Here are two things I saw just in the last week that made my jaw drop.

From The Suncoast News titled NPR police targeting jaywalkers to reduce carnage

During two enforcement sweeps in January along U.S. 19, officers wrote 34 citations to pedestrian violators, five warnings, six moving violations and one nonmoving violation, according to a report from Sgt. Erik Jay, the department’s traffic supervisor. . . .

Most citations were handed out to pedestrians who failed to cross at marked crosswalks. If a pedestrian safety brochure doesn’t convince violators to change their habits, $62.50 traffic tickets might persuade them. . . .

The worst spot for pedestrians seems to be U.S. 19 at Green Key Road, Pascalli said while watching the intersection from an unmarked Dodge Charger. Walkers tend to dart among the U.S. 19 traffic, about a block north of Main Street, to get to restaurants and a small motel. . . .

“People don’t understand that’s a violation,” Pascalli said about jaywalking. “A lot of people don’t understand the law.” Pedestrians usually tell an officer that they have to walk too far out of the way to get to a marked crosswalk. . . .

I don’t know if the reporter blew the quotes or the police don’t understand the law.

Then, there is this one from a Tampa TV station where an attorney redefines where cyclists must ride. I’ll give you a hint. It is not “possible.” He has made up a new one that I’d not heard before.

Florida is a dangerous place to ride a bicycle. Dr. Robert Niedbalec was just killed riding his, along Fletcher Avenue.

His death marks the 12th since last July, of cyclists killed on our roads.  Niedbalec was apparently doing everything right; he was in the bike lane, and going with traffic.

His death brings more questions and frustrations.  Attorney Brian Harrington joined Good Day to discuss what can be done to make roads safer. Harrington is also the former president of USA Triathlon.

The best part is at the end, where the reporter, in incredulous voice asks him point blank what motorists are to do about these obvious scofflaws.

Wasn’t there anyone from the FBA in that area available to appear on TV?

It doesn’t take a lot of work to see many more examples, but the question is what can be done about it?