SD Bike Commuter - Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities Sun, 26 May 2013 02:13:19 -0700 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.1.9 Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=703#Comment_703 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=703#Comment_703 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:44:32 -0700 Protorio

" Copenhagen Video"]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=707#Comment_707 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=707#Comment_707 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:05:06 -0700 surlygurl
Did anyone else notice the lack of helmets? I think there were 3.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=710#Comment_710 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=710#Comment_710 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:33:13 -0700 Protorio Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=718#Comment_718 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=718#Comment_718 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:46:48 -0700 Velo Cult
on the same note, has anybody heard of Ciclovia? watch this whole video, if Colombia can do it why can't we??

" Ciclovia"]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=729#Comment_729 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=729#Comment_729 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:41:56 -0700 surlygurl
http://www.yakkay.com/index.html

Well, the girls do, I don't think guys would wear them. At least you can add a little style when riding.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=730#Comment_730 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=730#Comment_730 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:09:25 -0700 Velo Cult Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=735#Comment_735 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=735#Comment_735 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:03:07 -0700 svelocity surlygurl:Speaking of helmets, we need some like this:

http://www.yakkay.com/index.html

Well, the girls do, I don't think guys would wear them. At least you can add a little style when riding.

Definitely for the ladies, but they are good looking.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=764#Comment_764 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=764#Comment_764 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:05 -0700 Endorphin Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=767#Comment_767 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=767#Comment_767 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:10:07 -0700 uno-speedo
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=777#Comment_777 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=777#Comment_777 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:42:05 -0700 Velo Cult Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=779#Comment_779 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=779#Comment_779 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:55:16 -0700 Tom@VC
Its silly to complain instead of taking action though so I will stop there.

My grandma on my moms side is Dane though so maybe I'll see if we have any relatives left over there.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=795#Comment_795 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=795#Comment_795 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:28:10 -0700 surlygurl

chiccyclist.blogspot

ridingpretty.blogspot

velovogue.blogspot

urbancyclechic

ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bicycles/

flickr.com/groups/velocouture/pool/]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=808#Comment_808 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=808#Comment_808 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:56:02 -0700 surlygurl
the slow bicycle


(I obviously have too much time on my hands today)]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=823#Comment_823 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=823#Comment_823 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:04:47 -0700 Protorio Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=1086#Comment_1086 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=1086#Comment_1086 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:11:27 -0700 Sam Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=1090#Comment_1090 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=1090#Comment_1090 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:00:19 -0700 Velo Cult Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=8320#Comment_8320 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=8320#Comment_8320 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:26:17 -0700 markphilips Velo Cult:great to see all those city bikes being used for daily chores. anyone notice how fit the citizens are??
on the same note, has anybody heard of Ciclovia? watch this whole video, if Colombia can do it why can't we??
" Ciclovia"


San Francisco had there Sunday streets (Ciclovia) last summer. I heard LA is planning to have one for 2010. A Facebook group was created for San Diego Sunday streets. Join the group and spread the word.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45215003750&ref=ts]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=8344#Comment_8344 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=8344#Comment_8344 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:58:41 -0700 Velo Cult Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=8787#Comment_8787 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=8787#Comment_8787 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:29:44 -0700 markphilips A City of Citizen Cyclists from ABillionBikes. Notice Copenhagen's Cycle Policy in encouraging cycling for daily transport and other benefits. To top that they spend an equivalent of 3M English pounds a year for cycling infrastructure.

That is roughly $4.8M USD!
Does anybody know the funds set aside for San Diego's cycling infrastructure?
PDX is $500K
LA?

Part 1 Part 2
Part 3 Part 4
Part 5]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=9274#Comment_9274 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=9274#Comment_9274 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:33:36 -0700 Sam
The bike messengers as usual have a special place in my heart. Little rascals that they are.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=9279#Comment_9279 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=9279#Comment_9279 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:52:30 -0700 Serge

Amsterdam, Copenhagen, even Davis and Portland (and SF to the extent that cycling is gaining popularity there), are all examples of the popularity of cycling achieving the political momentum and will to invest resources towards bike-specific travel facilities. They are not examples of facilities that created a cycling culture. What's exciting about San Diego is that we seem to have an organic cycling culture starting to grow, despite the big hurdles of relatively long typical trip distances and relatively hilly terrain. It's not Copenhagen of 2009 or 1937, but it is a cycling mecca in its own way. We just have to get the word out! Serge]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=9295#Comment_9295 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=9295#Comment_9295 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:32:41 -0700 markphilips
I like the fact the early on the European cities above put people and sustainable transportation and improving the mobility of bicycling first then automobiles second. Check out the latest video from Streetfilms on Copenhagen's Climate Friendly, Bike Friendly Streets

]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15563#Comment_15563 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15563#Comment_15563 Sat, 01 May 2010 22:37:16 -0700 markphilips
Amsterdam 1965


Netherlands 1950s



LINKER to FLIKR
A typical Monday morning commute in Amsterdam Nov 2009]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15627#Comment_15627 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15627#Comment_15627 Mon, 03 May 2010 18:41:06 -0700 jeff_mills svelocity:
surlygurl:Speaking of helmets, we need some like this:

http://www.yakkay.com/index.html

Well, the girls do, I don't think guys would wear them. At least you can add a little style when riding.


Definitely for the ladies, but they are good looking.

Both me and my fiance have one, although I do alternate my Yakkay and my Bern. Definitely NOT just for the ladies.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15923#Comment_15923 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15923#Comment_15923 Wed, 12 May 2010 23:46:52 -0700 markphilips
Bicycle rush hour in the Netherlands. Some of the snow covered bikes reminded me of one Toronto winter where it snowed so much I had to dig out my bike from so much snow.

Fellow San Diegans, what's your excuse for not riding your bike?

]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15924#Comment_15924 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15924#Comment_15924 Thu, 13 May 2010 00:38:20 -0700 billd markphilips:Fellow San Diegans, what's your excuse for not riding your bike?I bike commute every day, so I don't need to make an excuse. I don't let the rain stop me. We don't get snow, but I don't think I'd let it stop me if we did.

Nice video. It's nice to see that it wasn't just a few hardy individuals but all sorts of people.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15966#Comment_15966 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15966#Comment_15966 Fri, 14 May 2010 12:10:58 -0700 Bev markphilips:Fellow San Diegans, what's your excuse for not riding your bike?
Migraines, not enjoying riding through the ghetto at 8pm after 9 hours of work and no lunch, hard to ride my bike & carry my dog, ALWAYS running late, my lights suck so that I manage to hit every pot hole possible, I could go on for days......]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15974#Comment_15974 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=15974#Comment_15974 Fri, 14 May 2010 14:28:30 -0700 bikingbill markphilips:

Fellow San Diegans, what's your excuse for not riding your bike?



Only when I have to fly somewhere for meetings ... and I'm working (Brompton) on that.

Two years of taxis will pay for it.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=16006#Comment_16006 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=16006#Comment_16006 Sat, 15 May 2010 23:00:11 -0700 markphilips
]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=17875#Comment_17875 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=17875#Comment_17875 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:38:31 -0700 Sigurd Copenhagen bike video podcast: I enjoyed it particularly because most of it is filmed with snow on the ground - leaves us San Diegans with no excuses to not ride because of the weather!]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=17879#Comment_17879 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=17879#Comment_17879 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:31:34 -0700 Stephan Njord Noatun:Yet another Copenhagen bike video podcast: I enjoyed it particularly because most of it is filmed with snow on the ground - leaves us San Diegans with no excuses to not ride because of the weather!

The biggest challenge thrown down by this video came in this statement: "The cycling infrastructure should come to you when you need it. You shouldn't be looking for it or need a map to find it."]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18786#Comment_18786 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18786#Comment_18786 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:08:08 -0700 markphilips ]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18791#Comment_18791 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18791#Comment_18791 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:41:39 -0700 bikingbill Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18793#Comment_18793 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18793#Comment_18793 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:07:00 -0700 bikingbill
The VC folks are already posting about how bad this system is.

Lies, dammed lies and statistics.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18795#Comment_18795 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18795#Comment_18795 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:04:43 -0700 Velo Cult
That video focused on two points which are a mainstay in my bicycle discount program. 1) If everybody rides bikes than the drivers will act like cyclists 2) If everybody rides bikes than the politicians will also be riding bikes.

Cool video.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18796#Comment_18796 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18796#Comment_18796 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:15:32 -0700 cobraeverde Velo Cult:

That video focused on two points which are a mainstay in my bicycle discount program. 1) If everybody rides bikes than the drivers will act like cyclists 2) If everybody rides bikes than the politicians will also be riding bikes.



straight-up logic.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18797#Comment_18797 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18797#Comment_18797 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:17:46 -0700 Sigurd
The ideal of VC - no facilities - has been thoroughly tested for the last 50 or 100 years and has -- again by the above measure -- proven a resounding failure: Time to try something else!

bikingbill:I didn't see any fat people in that video.
The absence of corn syrup in their day to day nutrition helps, too!:face-monkey:]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18799#Comment_18799 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18799#Comment_18799 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:03:37 -0700 billd Njord Noatun:The ideal of VC - no facilities - has been thoroughly tested for the last 50 or 100 years and has -- again by the above measure -- proven a resounding failure: Time to try something else!Vehicular cycling can't fail if it isn't used in the first place, which it mostly isn't. Most people don't even know what it is. The vast majority of bicyclists don't know what it is.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18804#Comment_18804 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18804#Comment_18804 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:46:27 -0700 bikingbill Njord Noatun:The success of cycling in the overall transport mix has to be measured by what proportion of the total transport need is covered by bicycles: Clearly, cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam are heads and shoulders ahead of most cities by that measure

The ideal of VC - no facilities - has been thoroughly tested for the last 50 or 100 years and has -- again by the above measure -- proven a resounding failure: Time to try something else!

bikingbill:I didn't see any fat people in that video.
The absence of corn syrup in their day to day nutrition helps, too!:face-monkey:

So well put. Thank you.

On the corn syrup ... now that it's been tied to pancreatic cancer, let's see if the feds stop subsidizing it.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18806#Comment_18806 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18806#Comment_18806 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:04:29 -0700 cobraeverde On the corn syrup ... now that it's been tied to pancreatic cancer, let's see if the feds stop subsidizing it.

funny joke!]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18808#Comment_18808 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18808#Comment_18808 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:26:27 -0700 slobiker billd:
Njord Noatun:The ideal of VC - no facilities - has been thoroughly tested for the last 50 or 100 years and has -- again by the above measure -- proven a resounding failure: Time to try something else!
Vehicular cycling can't fail if it isn't used in the first place, which it mostly isn't. Most people don't even know what it is. The vast majority of bicyclists don't know what it is.

I'm one of those people who don't know what VC is. Wikipedia defines it as: "Vehicular cycling (also known as integrated cycling, integrated traffic cycling, cooperative cycling, and bicycle driving) is the practice of riding bicycles on roads in a manner that is visible, predictable, and in accordance with the principles for driving in traffic."

So if I'm reading this right, the people who advocate vehicular cycling are opposed to the Copenhagen example because of its emphasis on bike lanes and related infrastruture focused on only bikes rather than a system that integrates bikes and car traffic?]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18811#Comment_18811 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18811#Comment_18811 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:49:07 -0700 bikingbill
The thing is, I'd rather cope with Copenhagen's system and the majority of cyclists would as well. You can use stats to 'prove' how bad it is, but I don't buy it.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18813#Comment_18813 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18813#Comment_18813 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:12:18 -0700 billd
Bicycling Street Smarts is a good introduction to vehicular cycling. It's relatively short and has lots of pictures. It's also available online for free.

There are certainly some vocal vehicular cyclists who do oppose separate bike facilities. They do this based largely upon the feeling that separate bike facilities reinforce the idea that bikes shouldn't be in the road. I believe that more education about bicyclists rights and sharing the road can take care of that.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18816#Comment_18816 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18816#Comment_18816 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:14:02 -0700 akasnowmaaan
I am good at riding with traffic, but I'm relatively young, healthy, and a very, very big dude. I get a lot more respect in traffic than someone half my size, unfortunate but true. I'll most likely never know what it's like to be a 5' tall female having to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove. Also, when I get older and more frail, I'll definitely moderate where and when I ride to limit my risk much more.

Big societal changes happen mostly with government intervention. Things like the 'free market' only actually exist in an environment of oversight from parties outside that market, so the idea that society will just think it into place doesn't really work when you have a huge conglomerate of financial interests that profit mightily from cars and choking infrastructure.

Cyclists belong, and IMO 'sharing the road' is only an unfortunate necessity due to current infrastructure and city planning. Unless we get cyclist awareness in driving education, money, governmental action, etc. cyclists will stay in the roads. I'd much rather have a car lane, a bike lane, and a sidewalk.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18819#Comment_18819 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18819#Comment_18819 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:51:33 -0700 bikingbill Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18823#Comment_18823 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18823#Comment_18823 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:38:20 -0700 billd akasnowmaaan:I would much rather never have to share my riding with multi-thousand pound vehicles than could squash me to a pulp.Reality is though that there will never be enough separate facilities for everyone to get everywhere they need to go. We're lucky that we get any.
I'm relatively young, healthy, and a very, very big dude. I get a lot more respect in traffic than someone half my size, unfortunate but true.
It's true. I'm almost 6' tall but I'm kind of thinly built and big guys do seem to be the ones most likely to try to intimidate me. Two have actually gotten out of their trucks and tried to chase me on foot. I'm pretty sure that steroid rage was involved in both cases.
Big societal changes happen mostly with government intervention. Things like the 'free market' only actually exist in an environment of oversight from parties outside that market, so the idea that society will just think it into place doesn't really work when you have a huge conglomerate of financial interests that profit mightily from cars and choking infrastructure.
We do need to find a way to get cycling education into drivers education programs. If anyone has any idea how to go about doing that, please let me know.]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18828#Comment_18828 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18828#Comment_18828 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:22:59 -0700 bikingbill Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18832#Comment_18832 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18832#Comment_18832 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:52:25 -0700 Kathy akasnowmaaan:I would much rather never have to share my riding with multi-thousand pound vehicles than could squash me to a pulp.

[snip] I'll most likely never know what it's like to be a 5' tall female having to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove.

I know I'll probably jinx it now, but I haven't had to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove. I think being a 5'3 woman actually makes people treat me with a little more kindness than they would a 6' man. Sure, occasionally someone honks or says something, but they're usually just clueless, not threatening (at least that's how I choose to take it).]]> Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18833#Comment_18833 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18833#Comment_18833 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:57:37 -0700 Kathy Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Other World-Class Bicycling Cities http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18834#Comment_18834 http://sdbikecommuter.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=47&Focus=18834#Comment_18834 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:37:18 -0700 bikingbill Kathy:
akasnowmaaan:I would much rather never have to share my riding with multi-thousand pound vehicles than could squash me to a pulp.

[snip] I'll most likely never know what it's like to be a 5' tall female having to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove.


I know I'll probably jinx it now, but I haven't had to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove. I think being a 5'3 woman actually makes people treat me with a little more kindness than they would a 6' man. Sure, occasionally someone honks or says something, but they're usually just clueless, not threatening (at least that's how I choose to take it).
Kathy:
akasnowmaaan:I would much rather never have to share my riding with multi-thousand pound vehicles than could squash me to a pulp.

[snip] I'll most likely never know what it's like to be a 5' tall female having to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove.


I know I'll probably jinx it now, but I haven't had to face down a chauvinist asshole with something to prove. I think being a 5'3 woman actually makes people treat me with a little more kindness than they would a 6' man. Sure, occasionally someone honks or says something, but they're usually just clueless, not threatening (at least that's how I choose to take it).


I don't know if a shorter man would fare as well.

I've never been harassed when riding my bike. Fear, it seems, must work to some extent.]]>