What started as a simple request for improving a small stretch of street for cyclists ends with bitterness towards ODOT.

 

My meeting with city transportation officials and MORE! March 12, 2009 by columbusite  Got back from a meeting with transportation officials Nick & Steve with the city of Columbus about improving visibility for cyclists on the bridge north of Nationwide and the hill south of it. Hoping to get some signage up, since large “bike route” stencils on the road itself would have to go through a dozen bureaucracies, but could be done if you want to wait a decade. The signage would advise drivers that cyclists use this road (standard “share the road” signs), and surprisingly several cyclists were using the road while we were discussing it. I suggested signage advising traffic not to pass approaching the incline, since you can’t see traffic coming over the hill very well on the two-way stretch of Front. Hopefully we’ll get something. I suggested grooved speed humps on the inclines which would slow cars but not bikes or EM vehicles, but that’s an ODOT controlled road, so there’s no way. In the vast majority of cases only residential streets can have those installed, despite this road being a bike route.

If you know of any roads that could use improvements and know what you’d like to see, I’d suggest contacting Nick: [email protected] or just call 645-3111 for the transportation division.

FYI, we’re not going to see sharrows until sometime in 2010 and any traffic calming measure requires several studies before implemented, which after a bit of thought makes no sense really. Just follow a formula like roads that are X ft wide + X number of lanes which are X ft wide + length of road without a stop = traffic going at an average of X MPH. Do we have some upside-down roads or loop-de-loops that I don’t know about which would throw that equation off?

I was also struck by just how many roads ODOT has control over. Virtually all streets Downtown along with several other streets. That means Downtown will never become a cyclist and pedestrian-friendly place. Ever. Period. Unless, of course, city officials were to *gasp* oppose the all-mighty ODOT. Based on their actions however, that’s not at all likely. The only hope would be grassroots.

Even streets that are residential, like King Ave. as I was told, function as arterials (they connect to the highways, you see) so my desire for traffic calming on King likely won’t be considered until a permanent speed limit is finalized. ODOT wants all of King to be 35, because drivers should be able to at least run over a couple of cyclists on their rush to 315. The city is trying to appease their bloodlust by compromising at 30 while residents want to maintain the current limit of 25.

So this means it is ODOT who dictates urban development on their streets, not city planners, and if they want to lower property values on a street like King and make streets attractive only to car oriented development, they can if they want. After all, an ODOT rep explained that the reason they’re tearing down Carabar and ET Paul is because there would be traffic. I guess it makes sense. Let’s spend lots of money so that drivers don’t have any traffic (hah!), even though it is well-known that drivers choose to put up with insane amounts of traffic at no additional cost.

To summarize; the most cyclists will get on bike routes is a bigger, more visible sign, which is better than nothing, and on any of ODOT’s roads you can forget about 25MPH speed limits, traffic calming,  basically anything that would provide a safe environment for cyclists and pedestrians, since the city lets them have the final say in designing this city. And we wonder why east and west coasters aren’t flocking to Columbus.

 

Bike vs. Car vs. Transit

Transportation Alternatives held its 7th annual Commuter Challenge pitting cyclist, driver, and bus/subway rider in the ultimate showdown of which mode of travel can be quickest (and cheapest!)

 

In the end, the bike proved swiftest over the 4.5 mile course which began in Brooklyn's Fort Greene and ended in Manhattan's Union Square. Jamie Favaro rolled up in just over 16 minutes and took home the gold and a bouquet of flowers for her efforts. Driver, Emmanuel Fuentebella (22 minutes) parked his car and sprinted to a surprise second place finish. Shortly after, disappointed MTA rider April Greene came in last at 29 minutes. But, as Wiley Norvell noted at the finish line, Transportation Alternatives also measured the carbon footprint of all the the riders and Greene came in a close second behind the cyclist.

 

Watch the video here:

http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/bike-vs-car-vs-transit/

Contra-flow Bike Lane - Boulder, CO

Boulder, Colorado recently achieved the creme de la creme - Platinum bike status from the League of American Bicyclists so Streetfilms decided to pay the city a visit to get the scoop. Among the many bicycle amenities the city can boast, none spoke to us more than the contra-flow bicycle lane that runs three city blocks, connecting their popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall to a vital link of interconnected greenways. Streetfilms was impressed - and a little bit obsessed - by it.

 

Marni Ratzel, the Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Planner for GO Boulder met up with us to talk about the art of contra-flowing.

 

Watch the video here:

http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/contra-flow-bike-lane-boulder-co/

The NY Times is going to be running a column on urban bicycling, called "Spokes".  Here is the first installment:

 

March 24, 2009, 2:37 pm

Before Hitting the Road on Two Wheels

By Sean Patrick Farrell

 

The ice cream trucks are out, there are bulbs poking up in the parks and cyclists are again flocking to the city’s paths, bridges and new on-street lanes. Last year was a bumper year for New York City bicycling, particularly for commuters. Starting today, City Room will explore all aspects of urban cycling with a regular feature, Spokes.

 

 

Spokes is a new City Room feature about cycling in New York.

I've got a sad story to pass along -- some kids from my brother's high school were on rented bikes on spring break pedaling around on dedicated bike trails in Destin FL last week.  Two of the kids collided in the dark, both went to the hospital, one was airlifted and went into a coma.  He's expected to have permanent brain damage and the other kid broke his jaw, injured his eye, etc. 

 

Apparently there was no alcohol involved and this was an honest accident, but you have to wonder why these bike rental places don't have lights on the the bikes.  Basically this wouldn't have happened with lights.  Also, it points out what I've been saying for a long time -- that bike trails and lanes give bikers a false sense of security. 

 

Also, riding at night can be safer in a way since we can see headlights coming out of an alley or side street and since there is less traffic individual cars can be heard more clearly.  But the bigger issue is rough pavement and that's why you need a light and need to ride more slowly, especially downhill. 

My experience was in the seventies, but relevant to what Jake just posted. I spent a vacation on and around Mackinac Island. I took my own bike to the island on the ferry. Almost immediately after walking it off the pier and starting to pedal down the street, I was hit by two girls careening out of control on a tandem they had just rented. Fortunately there were no injuries or damages.

 

I liked riding on the road around the island at night, seeing the moonlight on the water and smelling the pine trees. It was quiet and very dark on the road with no streetlights. I had a light, but encountered several riders who did not. Some were going in the opposite direction and not riding carefully, assuming that since there were no cars, they had nothing to fear. I speculate that if I had not had a light, I might have been hit.

 

All the rental bikes back then were cantilever-framed, ashtabula-cranked, balloon-tired tanks, and the rental companies had mechanics on staff who could do "road service" for people who wrecked or broke down. Among the tools in the baskets on the back of their bikes, there was always a sledgehammer. Probably for straightening a bent wheel, although I would have been inclined to apply it to some of the riders.

Lexington is really at the forefront of a lot of innovative cycling ideas. Several years ago, the city launched the Yellow Bikes program that allows anyone to basically take a bike for a spin around downtown. During the first year, they recovered ~70% of the bikes because some had stolen the bikes and repainted them for their personal use. Or took them out of the city centre and the city lost track of them. All that was required was a deposit and you got a key. For the second year, they required a credit card for verification and to recoup costs if the bike you checked out was stolen. It's good to see the program evolve and perhaps head to the next step --

 

Humana of Louisville has electronic bike parking for its employees. And they have a rack full of bikes for their employees to check out during the day. And it seems that this is something Lexington will soon adopt!

 

BTW, if anyone is a cyclist, take up the Horsey Hundred! It's one fun ride!

 

Tom Eblen: UK rethinks bicycle plan, and other two-wheel news

By Tom Eblen, Herald-Leader, April 9, 2009

 

Many people at the University of Kentucky were surprised — and not especially pleased — when officials Tuesday announced a new $15 fee and registration program for bicycles parked on campus.

 

Full story: http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/756496.html

Wow, i am at such a loss for words right now for this pr*ck. Give me an effing break dude.

 

 

Bicyclists need to stay on sidewalk

 

Zack Colman

Last updated: 04/08/09 7:03pm

 

Black 2001 Saturn SC2. That’s the car I drive — and if you’re a bicyclist on the road but not in a bike path and you see my car, I hope you’re wearing a helmet, because I might run you over.

 

More at statenews.com:

 

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/04/bicyclists_need_to_stay_on_sidewalk

^That article was just confusing.  At times it seemed like a poorly written attempt at satire, at other times it seemed like he was presenting what he sees as a valid opinion.

^That article was just confusing. At times it seemed like a poorly written attempt at satire, at other times it seemed like he was presenting what he sees as a valid opinion.

 

It's the sort of high-quality pass/fail journalism university-sponsored newspapers are famous for.

And now for some real news:

 

Bike the C-Bus Bicycle Tour

 

Bike the C-Bus is September 5, 2009.

 

Final rider count for Bike the C-Bus 2008 was 195. We hope to top 500 riders for 2009. Spread the word...

 

The Long Street Tour's “Bike the C-Bus” is a fun way to get fit and check out a few of the neighborhoods in and around Columbus. Experience segments of the King Lincoln District, Woodland Park, Downtown, Short North Arts District, Italian Village, University District, Harrison West, Victorian Village, Arena District, Franklinton, Brewery District and German Village.

 

The entire ride will cover approximately 30 miles over 4 segments and will feature stops that highlight change that is occurring in our neighborhoods. Each stop will be sponsored by businesses and community groups and provide snacks, drinks and entertainment for the riders. The ride is configured to allow cyclists to complete segments if they do not feel comfortable riding the entire route.

 

The ($25) registration fee includes an official 2009 “Long Street Tour” t-shirt and wristband along with drinks and food at designated rest stops, plus a free lunch at the hospitality tent.

 

Our goal will be to make “Bike the C-Bus” into the region's premier cycling event celebrating design, health & fitness, and urban lifestyles. “Bike the C-Bus” is considered a ride and not a race and will offer a variety of course options to accommodate everyone from recreational riders to hard-core fitness enthusiasts.

 

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

Got a pair of NY Times articles this morning on bike transportation, with the added angle of "looking sharp" during your commute and eschewing the carbon-fiber rocket for the upright stateliness of the old fashioned Dutch bike.

 

While I find the articles really twee, there is something to be said about riding in your suit and tie on a fendered bike.  I do this as much as I can once the ice subsides, and it's rather comfortable.  Also, the ladies don't seem to mind it one bit, no sir.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/fashion/16CODES.html

Riding the It Factor

By DAVID COLMAN

 

THE Great Downturn may have its first real status symbol.

 

It has plenty in common with recent extravagances. Like the Range Rover or the Sub-Zero fridge, it has a solid frame designed for function. Like a Louis Vuitton trunk, it has a chic design and a patina of history stretching back to the 19th century. And like a bottle of San Pellegrino, it evokes that genteel way of life that Europeans are always going on about.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/fashion/16CBOX.html

How City Bikers Look Sharp

 

FASHION and bicycling have not ridden in tandem in more than 100 years, not since the golden age of cycling in the 1890s, when the modern “safety” bike was perfected and stylish people began to ride the expensive new toys around town. But with the bike long considered the conveyance of the nerd with a helmet (see “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”) or off-the-grid, fixed-gear maniacs, there hasn’t been one good style model for the man who simply wants to look like a cool, well-dressed grown-up on a bicycle.

Favorite quote from that article:

 

" 'I use to think that car culture was the problem, but now I think it’s bike culture,' he said. By that he meant that the discourse about city biking is dominated by cycling zealots who don’t have the desire, or the skill, to attract people who don’t see themselves as cyclists, just as people who ride a bike to work."

 

I completely agree that the spandex set is the biggest impediment towards the US adopting the bike as an actual tool of mobility.  In fact I'll go one step further and say that many don't only lack the desire or skill to attract new, non hardcore cyclists, but would rather not have anyone who isn't hardcore on a bike.

The road biking guys almost never want to chat and almost never wave on trails.  The hipster fixie guys are just as bad and a lot of times aren't in as good of shape as they project.  Most of those guys have never ridden more than 30 miles. 

^^ Seconded.

 

^ And a related (repeated) observation, biking would be far more popular if bike shop guys weren't such insufferable d!cks.

I completely agree that the spandex set is the biggest impediment towards the US adopting the bike as an actual tool of mobility. In fact I'll go one step further and say that many don't only lack the desire or skill to attract new, non hardcore cyclists, but would rather not have anyone who isn't hardcore on a bike.

 

Far, far too true, judging from how difficult it is to get "club cyclists" to turn out to support "transportation cyclists."

There is no lack of bike trails in Trumbull County

By RON SELAK JR. / Tribune Chronicle POSTED: April 27, 2009

 

There's an effort under way in Trumbull County to get people riding bicycles more; luckily, there's no shortage of locations for people to pedal.

 

Full story: http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/521215.html?nav=5021&showlayout=0

 

Fact Box

Take a hike!

 

Trumbull County walking, hiking and biking trails:

 

n Bolindale-Deforest Park, 3403 Ridge Road, Howland - 330-369-4845

 

n Canoe City, 75 N. Leavitt Road, Leavittsburg - 330-675-2480

 

n Churchill Park, 4316 Belmont Ave., Liberty - 330-759-1315

 

n Covered Bridge Canoe Livery, Newton Falls - 330-872-9977

 

n Foster Park, Newton Township - 330-675-2480

 

n Girard-Liberty Park, 100 Mosier Road, Girard - 330-545-4625

 

n Howland Township Park, 1000 Rosegarden Drive, Howland - 330-856-2340

 

n Kinsman Township Park, Kinsman - 330-876-6235

 

n Lordstown Village Park, 6001 Tod Ave., Lordstown - 330-824-2500

 

n Mosquito Lake State Park, 1439 state Route 305, Cortland - 330-637-2856

 

n Packard and Perkins Park, Mahoning Avenue, Warren - 330-841-2641

 

n Stevens Park, N. Crandon Ave., Niles - 330-544-9000, Ext. 175

 

n Tod Park, 1000 Lawrence Ave., Girard - 330-545-4625

 

n Waddell Park, Niles - 330-544-9000, Ext. 175

 

n Western Reserve Greenway, parking available at state Route 305 and Hyde Oakfield Road - 330-675-2480

 

n Woodland Park, McDonald - 330-530-5472

^ And a related (repeated) observation, biking would be far more popular if bike shop guys weren't such insufferable d!cks.

 

How true. The one shop I always liked, locally, just went out of business. They lost focus and sunk too much of their capital into home-gym exercise equipment, and weren't prepared for the upsurge in interest in bikes. They always treated me, an old guy who rides old bikes not very fast, in old clothes for transportation and pleasure, with respect, and they were good at providing utilitarian accessories.

 

That leaves me at the mercy of an outfit that really only wants to deal with people who will spend a bundle on trendy stuff. The guys inthe shop are a bunch of racers and single-track jocks who all but curled their lips in disdain when I rode up on my road bike, hand-built 30 years ago with a custom frame and then-top-of-the-line components. I was looking for a small part, and one of them told me that rather than spend money on that old bike I should buy a better new one. He proceeded to try to get me to look at some $400 thing that wasn't nearly so well made as mine. Looks like I'll be going on-line or out of town for my biking needs.

 

It's a shame that what should be everyday utility transportation has gone all trendy, but that's the American Way, I guess. The good, common-sense, utility and commute bikes mostly went extinct, crowded out by fenderless bikes with uncomfortable drop bars and no chain guards bought by people who wanted something that made them look like cycling athletes. Raleigh (not Raleigh USA) quit making the DL-1 classic English roadster in 1976. Its 28-inch wheels, 24-inch low-angled frame, long wheelbase, and upright bars make it a comfortable yet reasonably agile ride that handles brick streets and rough pavement without jarring my innards. At 35 pounds it's no lightweight, but it rolls surprisingly easily and will out-coast a lot of fancier bikes. The Sturmey-Archer three-speed hub gives plenty of range for riding here in the flatlands. I bought it new for less than $100 back in the day, and I've not had to replace anything more than tires and brake pads.

Rob I think part of the problem with biking is that there has been a steady movement toward using racing bikes as commuter bikes.  Because road bike tires can get caught in sewer grates and streetcar tracks, it's given bikers a whole bunch of stuff to get all activist over when it's unrealistic to expect city bike plans to cater to the finicky demands of racing bikes.  I bike commute all the time and saving 1-2 minutes isn't worth the trouble that comes with road bikes or the increased danger from riding significantly faster.   

I would bike extra slow just for him. (last page)

I bought a bike towards the end of last summer. I made an investment, so I want to keep it in good condition. Is there anything I should do maintenance-wise for the new season?

My tips:

 

- Maintain tire pressure to avoid pinch flats.

- Invest in a chain cleaner and some degreaser ($15 total) and fresh lube ($5-10) and clean and replenish once a month.

- Make sure everything that needs to be tight (handlebars, seatpost, fenders, etc.) stays tightened and,

- Make sure everything that needs to spin/move (cones, bottom bracket, cranks, pedals, deraileurs, chain, chain rings, etc.) stays lubed.

- Do not, I repeat DO NOT use WD40 as lube. Use one of the many silicone/wax-based lubes you can get at your local shop.

- Invest in a basic socket set and a multi-tool (Crank Brothers makes good ones)--a $30 total investment that'll pay for itself again and again.

- Consider joining a bike co-op as a way to tap into knowledge and access to more specialized tools.

- Short of that, Youtube has TONS of how-to videos. I recommend the vids on thebiketube channel most of all.

KOOW speaks truth.  Ohio City Bike Co-op has maintenance classes that are well worth the small outlay of cash.  Taking the classes gets you access to their shop and tools.  If you work on your bike there you can get the many knowledgeable folks there to help you out if you're stuck.

 

http://www.ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16-repair-classes

I wish we had a bike co-op on the east side.

I just took my bike in for a tune up at Cain Park Bicycles on Lee Road.  The cost was only $20, plus they fixed a broken spoke for me.  They were very friendly and were not "insufferable dicks."  I would recommend them if anyone is looking for a tune up on the eastside.

^I've found the guys at the Bike Source in Clintonville to be pretty cool. The Baer Wheels guys however...

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work).  Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause?  I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation.  Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

As I rode the bus across the Detroit-Superior bridge this morning, we all got to witness another bicyclist put unfathomable effort into causing a tragedy.  He was weaving all over the road, ignoring the bike lanes, riding too far out from the shoulder, darting in front of the bus so that it had to brake sharply going downhill... the whole nine yards.  He then zipped through every traffic light like they didn't exist and continued to weave erratically until he was out of sight.  I implore all regular bikers to pass the word around that everyone needs to respect laws, lanes, and traffic.  Absolutely no one wants to run anyone over.  Life is not a video game.  If you want to get where you're going that freaking fast, cars exist for a reason. 

For every complaint you have about bikes making it hard for drivers I have 3 about drivers violating my rights to the road as a bicyclist.  Yes, there are a handful of irresponsible bicyclists and those are the ones you notice. But the fact remains: the road belongs to both bikes and cars. As long as we all keep this in mind, we'll all stay safe.

 

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work).  Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause?  I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation.  Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered?  Did you fill out a CPD incident report?  My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work). Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause? I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation. Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

I know that, in the southwest part of Cleveland, Mitch at Shaker Cycle in Tremont is the guy to see.  Apparently, kids and adults try to sell him stolen bikes all of the time.  You can at least put him on notice that, if someone comes in to try to sell it to him, he can keep an eye out.  You might want to do that with some other bike shops in the area.

I'm not talking about bikers making it hard for drivers.  I'm talking about bikers violating the law dozens of times in a 30 second span, putting themselves in grave danger.  I don't want anyone to get hurt.  The people in the cars and buses won't be the ones getting hurt.  My concern isn't for them.  You would lose your license if you pulled even one of the dozens of suicide moves this guy pulled this morning-- in a car.  That's why you don't see it being done a whole lot-- by people in a car.  Doing it on a bike doesn't make the act of ignoring traffic laws any better.  But I see it almost every day.  There is a gap in respect for (and enforcement of) traffic laws between SOME bicyclists and the average driver.  In no way am I trying to paint all bikers with the same brush.  It's probably only a small minority who do this.  But I see it almost every day.  I'm not proposing new restrictions on bikers.  I'm gently suggesting that bike shops maybe hand out flyers, or cities put up signs, reminding bikers that when we share the road we share the responsibility of keeping it orderly.

^^Good call. You might also want to alert the local bike co-ops and keep an eye on Craigslist.

I'm not talking about bikers making it hard for drivers.  I'm talking about bikers violating the law dozens of times in a 30 second span, putting themselves in grave danger.  I don't want anyone to get hurt.  The people in the cars and buses won't be the ones getting hurt.  My concern isn't for them.  You would lose your license if you pulled even one of the dozens of suicide moves this guy pulled this morning-- in a car.  That's why you don't see it being done a whole lot-- by people in a car.  Doing it on a bike doesn't make the act of ignoring traffic laws any better.  But I see it almost every day.  There is a gap in respect for (and enforcement of) traffic laws between SOME bicyclists and the average driver.  In no way am I trying to paint all bikers with the same brush.  It's probably only a small minority who do this.  But I see it almost every day.  I'm not proposing new restrictions on bikers.  I'm gently suggesting that bike shops maybe hand out flyers, or cities put up signs, reminding bikers that when we share the road we share the responsibility of keeping it orderly.

 

Did you get a good look at the guy?  If so, why not report exactly what you witnessed to the police?

I was behind him the whole time, so no.  Hipsterish with a tan backpack.

I'm not talking about bikers making it hard for drivers.  I'm talking about bikers violating the law dozens of times in a 30 second span, putting themselves in grave danger.  I don't want anyone to get hurt.  The people in the cars and buses won't be the ones getting hurt.  My concern isn't for them.  You would lose your license if you pulled even one of the dozens of suicide moves this guy pulled this morning-- in a car.  That's why you don't see it being done a whole lot-- by people in a car.  Doing it on a bike doesn't make the act of ignoring traffic laws any better.  But I see it almost every day.  There is a gap in respect for (and enforcement of) traffic laws between SOME bicyclists and the average driver. In no way am I trying to paint all bikers with the same brush.  It's probably only a small minority who do this.  But I see it almost every day.  I'm not proposing new restrictions on bikers.  I'm gently suggesting that bike shops maybe hand out flyers, or cities put up signs, reminding bikers that when we share the road we share the responsibility of keeping it orderly.

 

You've expressed an anti-bicyclist bias here before, even going as far as suggesting barring bikes and cars from sharing the same roadway, an idea, by the way, which is 100% contrary to a healthy urban transportation mix. Obviously we all need to share the same road, but by going out of your way to bitch about this one stupid cyclist, you are, in fact, wielding a certain paintbrush.

I was behind him the whole time, so no.  Hipsterish with a tan backpack.

 

So you did nothing, but "vent" here?  I mean, if in the moment, and you are worried about safety, wouldn't it have been in the riders best interest to whip out your cellie and call the police?  Just putting it out there.

I was behind him the whole time, so no. Hipsterish with a tan backpack.

 

So you did nothing, but "vent" here? I mean, if in the moment, and you are worried about safety, wouldn't it have been in the riders best interest to whip out your cellie and call the police? Just putting it out there.

 

Well, it's only been a couple hours and I was on my way in to work... so you are correct.  I've essentially done nothing so far.  However I have dealt with Cleveland police before, and unless I'm in the process of being stabbed I'm not anxious to deal with them again.  But that's for another thread. 

I was behind him the whole time, so no.  Hipsterish with a tan backpack.

 

So you did nothing, but "vent" here?  I mean, if in the moment, and you are worried about safety, wouldn't it have been in the riders best interest to whip out your cellie and call the police?  Just putting it out there.

 

Well, it's only been a couple hours and I was on my way in to work... so you are correct.  I've essentially done nothing so far.  However I have dealt with Cleveland police before, and unless I'm in the process of being stabbed I'm not anxious to deal with them again.  But that's for another thread. 

 

Then honestly, based on what you yourself have written here, you've done nothing and wont do anything.  How is that going to help the situation and improve safety for all?

 

I'm not singling you out, but you did bring this up.

I was behind him the whole time, so no.  Hipsterish with a tan backpack.

 

So you did nothing, but "vent" here?  I mean, if in the moment, and you are worried about safety, wouldn't it have been in the riders best interest to whip out your cellie and call the police?  Just putting it out there.

 

Well, it's only been a couple hours and I was on my way in to work... so you are correct.  I've essentially done nothing so far.  However I have dealt with Cleveland police before, and unless I'm in the process of being stabbed I'm not anxious to deal with them again.  But that's for another thread. 

 

Then honestly, based on what you yourself have written here, you've done nothing and wont do anything.  How is that going to help the situation and improve safety for all?

 

I'm not singling you out, but you did bring this up.

 

I posted it in the Great Bicycle Thread on a forum that many avid bikers read.  Beyond that... I am quite busy.  Terribly sorry.  I don't get paid enough to fly around in a cape saving people.

 

For those who do bike to work:

 

I may be potentially (hopefully) moving to a downtown office location where biking would definately be an option for me.  What is the best way to handle your "biking attire" vs. "work attire"?  Do you just pack clothes in a backpack?  Wear some kind of removable jogging pants over dress pants?  I would love to be able to bike to work, but I am likely going to have to wear a suit each day and am trying to get an idea of how practical this would be.

^ To add to that, how do you folks who bike to work prevent yourselves from feeling sweaty all day? 

I live close enough to Downtown (Tremont) that I frequently bike in my work attire, including suit.  But, when it is too warm to do this comfortably, I neatly fold my shirt and suit and place them in a pannier.  It might be easiest for you to keep your dress shoes at work.

 

Much of this depends on how far your commute would be, but it can be quite practical.  I wouldn't wear pants over your dress pants (it will be quite warm), but if you do, Columbia makes a nice semi-breathable pair of rain pants that have velcroed cuffs.  You can get them at Dick's or some other place.

For those who do bike to work:

 

I may be potentially (hopefully) moving to a downtown office location where biking would definately be an option for me.  What is the best way to handle your "biking attire" vs. "work attire"?  Do you just pack clothes in a backpack?  Wear some kind of removable jogging pants over dress pants?  I would love to be able to bike to work, but I am likely going to have to wear a suit each day and am trying to get an idea of how practical this would be.

 

I have employees in CHI, NYC and DC that bike to work.

 

What they do:  Monday bring work attire.  They keep an outfit or two in the office so they can ride to work in something athletic, "clean up" then change into work attire.  On Friday they bring the clothes home.

 

The guy in Chicago, has his dry cleaning delivered to the office as he uses a dry cleaner midway between the office and his home that will deliver to both.

 

Just a suggestion.

^ To add to that, how do you folks who bike to work prevent yourselves from feeling sweaty all day?

 

I pretend that I'm French.

 

Actually, if I don't have time to shower at work (and I usually don't), I do a 2 minute sponge-off before putting on the work duds.  It's not always really convenient, though.

Some good ideas...although I did get a "Ace Rothstein slipping on his pants before meeting with the county commissioner" image with the idea of leaving clothes at work.

 

I guess I would want to do this almost year round and need to work around wet roads and walking into the building in biking gear.  I guess I would just have to get over that part.  But even on sunny days, I would be leary of getting bike grease on my pants, etc.  I think I could get by with my pants in a pannier and swapping them out when I get to work.

Some good ideas...although I did get a "Ace Rothstein slipping on his pants before meeting with the county commissioner" image with the idea of leaving clothes at work.

 

I guess I would want to do this almost year round and need to work around wet roads and walking into the building in biking gear.  I guess I would just have to get over that part.  But even on sunny days, I would be leary of getting bike grease on my pants, etc.  I think I could get by with my pants in a pannier and swapping them out when I get to work.

 

the guy the works with me in this office, he bikes thru the park, then down CPW.  He wears a sweat suit.  Parks the bike in the bike room.  He goes into the mens room and comes out in a suit.

 

I presume you'll need to try out a few things to see what is more comfortable & easiest for you.

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work).  Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause?  I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation.  Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered?  Did you fill out a CPD incident report?  My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

 

Yes it is registered and I did fill out a police report.  Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  I'll check with Shaker Cycle and a few of the other bike shops in the area.  If anyone sees a Blue Schwinn Frontier GSX with a rear seat bag and the License #0419 please let me know.  :)

I bike to work a couple of times a week, and yes, the keep-a-change-of-clothes-at-work thing definitely works. Just give yourself a few minutes to cool down before switching into your work duds, and yes, the washroom is your friend.

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work).  Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause?  I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation.  Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered?  Did you fill out a CPD incident report?  My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

 

Yes it is registered and I did fill out a police report.  Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  I'll check with Shaker Cycle and a few of the other bike shops in the area.  If anyone sees a Blue Schwinn Frontier GSX with a rear seat bag and the License #0419 please let me know.  :)

 

You filled out a police report with RTA Police or RTA and CPD?  I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that you had to report to both.