Re: Commuter innovation

On 3/27/2024 2:33 PM, Zen Cycle wrote:

On 3/27/2024 11:16 AM, Frank Krygowski wrote:

On 3/27/2024 8:47 AM, AMuzi wrote:

https://nypost.com/2024/03/27/us-news/atlanta-man-alex-benigno-uses-bike-with-giant-magnet-to-remove-410-pounds-of-screws-nails-sharp-metal-off-streets/

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That illustrates that street sweeping isn't the cure that some people claim.
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And related, I wonder what percentage of his bike mileage is within bike lanes?
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As I've said, IME bike lanes retain debris far, far longer than normal traffic lanes.
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 I don't know that I've ever heard anyone claim street sweeping is a cure for anything. Certainly diligent and frequent use is quite helpful, but "cure"?

As I recall, Roger was claiming that London had frequent sweeping of bike lanes that prevented accumulation of debris. He seemed surprised that our bike lanes have debris, and that our roads are swept just twice per year.

 I remember finding a really nice almost new 8" Vice-Grip brand locking pliers on the side of the road once (I still have it). A former teammate of mine once rode home with a waffle iron balanced on his handlebar that he found on the side of the road. He claimed it worked.
 I don't think a street sweeper would have been very effective on either of those.

I've got a pretty large collection of tools I've found while riding. The best was a complete set of sockets with ratchet handle and case, sprinkled all over the road. My worst miss was an $80 Leatherman that I rode past but my touring buddy behind me nabbed.
I don't expect street sweeping to suck those tools up. They occur rarely enough that they're not a problem. Gravel, broken glass and other odd trash is more of a problem.
BTW, back when we were discussing this I took a couple photos of the newest bike lanes in our area. I mentioned that after just a week, they were filled with debris. They still are. Here are links to a couple shots:
https://flic.kr/p/2pFTMe3
https://flic.kr/p/2pFSwnV
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- Frank Krygowski