Madison's most dangerous intersections for bicycles, mapped

Check out this interesting, interactive map: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/where-are-madison-s-most-dangerous-places-for-bike-car/article_4b381884-1a63-11e3-998e-001a4bcf887a.html

Driver who killed Wisconsin cyclist receives 1 year in jail, 500 hours community service

A driver who killed a 46-year-old bicyclist while texting on her phone in Outagamie County was sentenced to one-fifth of the maximum allowable 5 year prison sentence under Wisconsin law (she will serve a year in jail instead).  She will also serve 500 hours of community service.

The Wisconsin Bicycle Federation is gathering input about whether the sentence is appropropriate.

Link: http://wisconsinbikefed.org/2013/08/21/does-1-year-in-jail-500-hrs-james-weiss-life/

Madison ped/cyclist death count rises to Six in 2013

Two bicyclists and four pedestrians have been struck and killed by drivers in 2013 so far.  The city is aiming to prevent more loss of life by issuing more tickets.  The city should also encourage people to drive less, in my opinion.

Link: http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=3993

Pedestrian struck and killed in downtown Madison

A 50-year-old female pedestrian was run down by an East-bound car at the intersection on E. Washington and S. Hancock, near Madison's Capitol, on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8th.  The woman died today from injuries she sustained - the fourth pedestrian to die this year alone due to being hit by a car.  A citation has not yet been filed against the driver.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/madison-woman-hit-by-car-died-in-hospital/article_07ad31bf-6be0-5603-9920-d67b5bcc0383.html

Drunk driver who killed cyclist gets only 90 days of jail, with work release

This is a really sad state of affairs.  You can drive drunk in Wisconsin, kill someone, and still avoid serious jail time.  There is a possibility this will change, but in a state where the Tavern Association is one of the most powerful lobbying groups, the penalties will be incremental.

I imagine this story is also influenced by race and privilege.  If the driver had been black and not as well connected, I'm sure the sentence would not be as light.

Link: http://www.jsonline.com/news/crime/bicyclists-death-puts-owi-law-in-spotlight-b9966392z1-218316911.html

Sheboygan cyclist killed by distracted driver

The bicyclist, Allen Redensek, was the 8th person to die while bicycling on Wisconsin's roads this year.  The Wisconsin Bike Fed looks at the risks.  One should not assume that being a victim equates with doing something dangerous.

Link: http://wisconsinbikefed.org/2013/08/01/another-fatal-crash-why-we-care/

Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin seeks new Executive Director

Wisconsin Bike Fed is looking for a new Executive Director.  If you or someone you know might fit the bill, please let them know.  A position description is available here: http://www.madisonbikeblog.com/2013/07/dear-friends-and-colleaguesbicycle.html

Another bicyclist killed in Dane County

A man in his 20's died this morning after coming into contact with a sport utility vehicle at the intersection of E. Washington and 1st on Madison's near east side.  My thoughts go out to the young man's friends and family.

Link: http://host.madison.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/bicyclist-killed-in-collision-with-suv-on-east-side-police/article_de7415b3-d2d7-589b-a807-a0afcd4062c3.html

American bicycling from a Dutch perspective

From:  Madison Bike Blog - http://www.madisonbikeblog.com/2013/07/blog-post.html

Studies link automobiles to health problems among cyclists

No surprise that auto emissions may be harming bicyclists.  I am finding more and more that cars do very little good, if any, at all.  I do actually drive a car... sometimes.

Link:  http://madisoncommons.org/?q=content/new-studies-describe-risks-that-cars-pose-to-bikers

Madisonians interested in sustainable transportation solutions can give input

The city of Madison, Wisconsin, is looking for input related to public transportation and sustainability.  I personally would like to see more high speed busses on major thoroughfares and fewer neighborhood routes in exchange for increased paratransit options and bicycling.

Link: http://madisoncommons.org/?q=content/the-bus-stops-here-riding-the-bus-is-part-of-a-sustainable-madison

RIP Bobby Cann, young Chicago bicyclist

I get exasperated by people who argue that bicyclists need to obey the law more.  Automobile drivers are the ones who are figuratively (if you believe in Global Warming) as well as literally (in the case of Bobby Cann) killing us off.  No amount of law abiding will bring back this young bicyclist, who was struck by a drunk driver high on speed and adrenaline, while on his way home after work recently. Penalties for drunk, distracted, and negligent driving, especially when involving the loss of life are WAY too mild.  I'm not saying that we need to lock people up and throw away their keys.  Rather we need to make sure that the debt to society that be repaid include the permanent loss of driving privileges.

Link: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130601/old-town/100k-bond-for-man-charged-with-dui-cyclists-death

Thumbs up for rock and roll... and cycling [Video]

So Cute!

#RideTheDrive is today from 10-3 pm

Madison, Wisconsin, is hosting its main cycling event today centering on John Nolan Drive.  A family friendly event, Ride the Drive aims to get more people-powered transportation to increase health and wellness and to combat global warming.

Link: http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/ridethedrive/

Video: Bike to Work Week in Madison

Link: http://host.madison.com/video/featured/video-it-s-bike-to-work-week-in-madison/vmix_eace5078-f4ac-5d68-b068-8ddd7ba7e92f.html

National Bike to Work Week May 13-17, 2013

Biking is so good for you, your community, and the world.  Why not bike everywhere, including to work?!

Link:  http://wisconsinbikefed.org/events/bike-to-work-week/

Free bike repairs at Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on Monday, May 13

Kicking off Bike to Work Week in style, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is sponsoring free bike repair work at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on Monday, May 13th from 7-9:45 a.m.

Link: http://www.news.wisc.edu/21765

@CityofMadison issues handy 10-point pedestrian crossing guidance

Is it just me, or does this patronizing post on the City of Madison's website provide a little too much guidance to pedestrians on how to cross a street?  I think it's something most of us can do by age 12.

But the problem here is not really that people are causing accidents by walking.  It is that cars are a much greater danger pedestrians (and bicyclists) due to their habits - going too fast, low visibility, increased noise, etc.

I think simple crosswalk etiquette is best.  If a car is coming and you can reasonably expect that it has enough distance to stop or slow down, then by all means, go ahead and walk (or roll) through that intersection.

Let's face it - drivers generally don't care about your intrinsic health or right to exist.  They care about how they would feel if they hit you.  They care about what might happen to them legally or financially.  If drivers really care about how you would feel about getting hit by a 1-5 ton flying piece of metal and rubber, they would slow the hell down for you.

Link:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=3844

Happy National Bike to School Day!

We did it.  Did you?

Link: http://wisconsinbikefed.org/events/event/national-bike-to-school-day/

Dave Cieslewisc: "When did bikes become the problem?"

Well said, 'Mayor' Dave!  Drivers are a bunch of whiners, not to mention that they are the problem and not the solution to our long term transportation needs!

Link: http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=39848

Happy National Bike Month!

"National Bike Month is here!" http://feedly.com/k/10tMOQs

National Bike to Work Week is May 13-17

Learn more about how to get involved at http://wisconsinbikefed.org/events/bike-to-work-week/

Madtown FBC - Full Moon Bike Ride video

Bicycling at night on a full moon with a bunch of people is one of the most fun things to do on two wheels.  Here's a video from last month's meetup.  Lots of cities have full moon bike clubs.  Here's where to find information about Madison's group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11082849349

2013 Endomondo National Bike Challenge

Reposting:

2013 Endomondo National Bike Challenge: This 3rd annual FREE bike challenge begins May 1, 2013 and goes until September 30, 2013.  Look for a very strong Griessmeyer Law team this year.  This challenge began in Wisconsin only but has spread throughout the country.  Griessmeyer Law has had a team for each challenge.

Sign up for the challenge and log your bike miles with your phone or on your computer after you ride.  Compare your rides, meet and chat with people all over the country.
Sign up here

In NYC, most pedestrian injuries occur while in crosswalk with right of way signal

As someone who has been hit by a car in a crosswalk, when I had the right of way, this doesn't surprise me much.  

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/nyregion/study-details-injuries-to-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-new-york-city.html

Inventor uses a Raspberry Pi and lasers to project bicycle speed with headlamp

I want this!

2013 Bicycle Lobby Day-Tuesday April 9, Madison, Wisconsin

Just passing along the following announcement from the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin...

2013 Bicycle Lobby Day-Tuesday April 9, Madison, Wisconsin:

From the Bike Fed: "As the state budget is being debated later this spring, 2013 is a critical year for securing vital bicycling funding and passing Vulnerable Users’ legislation. Join with hundreds of bicyclists from across Wisconsin to continue to push pedaling and celebrate 25 years of bicycle advocacy!"

Intense fog on Lake Monona today

Visibility was about 50 feet.  Temperature was in the low twenties with high humidity...  Thus, freezing fog.  This was taken just off John Nolen Dr. In Madison.

New legislation in Wisconsin to benefit insurance companies and negligent drivers at the cost of bicyclists

This is really a fascinating area that I know nothing about...  A Republican lawmaker in Wisconsin, who incidentally has penned legislation protecting municipalities from lawsuits related to potholes, is now hoping to protect insurance companies and negligent drivers from liability during car accidents via Wisconsin Assembly Bill 29.  The idea is basically that medical compensation for injuries will be at the insurance company negotiated rate of the bad driver, even though the injured bicyclist has been paying full premiums.  The injured party would not be able to bring up that fact in court, or to seek damages in that respect.  Wisconsin has Republican control of all its branches of government, so it's possible that this legislation will be signed by Governor Scott Walker.  When it happens, it will be a bad day for us bikers.

Link: http://www.madisonbikeblog.com/2013/02/proposed-wisconsin-bill-will-benefit.html and http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/critics-say-bill-would-reward-negligent-drivers-while-providing-little/article_9525a118-85e0-11e2-a27f-001a4bcf887a.html 

New map shows U.S. cities ranked by traffic congestion

Our little town of Madison, Wisconsin, even made the list!

Link: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/map_of_the_week/2013/02/traffic_congestion_map_d_c_los_angeles_san_francisco_have_worst_traffic.html

Bicyclists deserve equal rights, especially in poor conditions

It doesn't surprise me anymore when drivers of two-ton automobiles drive within the prohibited 3-feet of clearance they are required to give me under Wisconsin state law.  But when they think that poor driving conditions give me even fewer rights to 'share the road' I simply don't know what to think.  As the individual in the article cited below complains about a 'Bike Reich' and a lack of common sense among cyclists who enjoy biking in snow and ice, I am struck by his lack of understanding that staying active and reducing the impact and dependence on transportation infrastructure is somehow a bad thing.  It is not.  Bicycling is good for health, it is good for the environment, it is good for building community, it is good for pretty much everything.  The only harm a bicyclist poses is to a driver of a car who seeks to shorten his or her commute by a matter of 20 or 30 seconds - the time it would take to safely pass or give a cyclist the right of way.  Safety was also brought up by this driver, particularly the assumption that being present on a bicycle 'causes' automobile collisions.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  It is unsafe auto driving that puts us all at risk - as evidenced by the thousands killed by cars every year and the lack of any deaths caused by bicyclists. My advice to drivers who don't like to share the road with bikes:  they should take the bus, and give us a break.

Link:  http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/story-on-icy-streets-dredges-up-driver-cyclist-animosities/article_770b4c9a-7547-11e2-8a4d-001a4bcf887a.html

Link: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and bicycling

I sure don't know if MLK was into bikes, but I know he supported public transportation!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and bicycling: How do we build a coalition for bike justice?: