Re: A Bicycle Safety Parable

On Sun, 21 Jul 2024 20:53:28 -0400, Frank Krygowski
<frkrygow@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

On 7/21/2024 8:03 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:

 
If you're having problems convincing the local government to install
bicycle infrastructure, perhaps virtual infrastructure in the form of
street art might be useful.  Instead of temporary chalk, paint the 3D
drawing with something more permanent.

>
My problem is the opposite: Convincing local government _not_ to install
bicycle infrastructure.

Sorry.  My mistake.  I was splitting firewood with an axe all day.  30
min of splitting with 15 to 30 mins in between to recover.  I really
shouldn't be posting when I'm that tired.  Apparently, my chain of
thought was somewhat derailed and slipped a gear.  I've been speed
reading RBT for about 2 weeks and ignoring articles that mentioned
guns, infrastructure and politics.

In our suburban village, some consulting group proposed installing a
bi-directional bike path on the library side of main street. The
library's parking exit is a bit difficult, and downhills approach that
driveway from both directions.
>
I pointed out to my friend the police chief that given the downhills,
bicyclists would be moving fast (I normally exceed 25 mph), and the
"wrong way" ones would be in serious danger from motorists looking only
for vehicles moving in the proper direction. The chief said he
understood exactly, but that I shouldn't worry, that the proposed
facility would never be built.

Is there any type of bicycle infrastructure, which you consider
acceptable, that could benefit from a 3D simulation on the pavement?
Offhand, I can't think of any.  Maybe simulated cobblestones?  Painted
broken glass, beer cans and debris near the road edges to remind
riders not to ride too close to the edges?  Maybe a long linear sign
with "Eyes ahead, not down"?

I felt confident that his influence would prevent its construction. But
then he died suddenly and unexpectedly. I don't know the thoughts of the
current chief, nor the village administration.

Good luck.  Our radio club enjoyed good relations with a local fire
chief who allowed the club free use its radio tower.  When the new
fire chief arrived, he demanded rent for the tower space.  We moved to
a different location.


--
Jeff Liebermann                 jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272      http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
Skype: JeffLiebermann      AE6KS    831-336-2558