Good Afternoon. Don't forget to vote (unless you live in Virginia, then you're too late or too early).
- A 3rd CaBi station opened on the Mall yesterday, near Smithsonian Castle. The other two Mall stations have consistently been among the top 15 busiest. "The Mall stations are most heavily used by casual users, not long-term subscribers. That means more money for the system, which already has made enough to cover its operating costs in the District. So far, data show, casual users have outnumbered subscribers at those stops by more than two to one."
- More about the Daily Rider bike shop on H Street.
- New CaBi stations are also being installed on the R-B corridor - along with more bike parking.
- Bike sharing is feasible in Reston.
- "The first span of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Dulles Toll Road at Wolf Trap Farm Park was installed last night." The final span will be installed tonight.
- Bike Snob's latest book reviewed by the Post.
- Another article on the public perception of cyclists.
What I didn't like in the linked story:
Seeing cyclists blow stop signs and ride with their hands off the handlebars really irks [Andy] Clarke [ president of the League of American Bicyclists]. “It doesn’t help our cause to be seen as scofflaws.”
Surely the president of the bike league knows that riding hands free isn't against the law -- and that there's a difference between what's illegal and what's annoying to others.
Posted by: contrarian | April 03, 2012 at 08:28 PM
In DC, I believe that riding hands free is illegal. Not sure about Maryland.
Posted by: washcycle | April 03, 2012 at 10:09 PM
What irks me are scofflaw drivers. Not everyone but a significant minority. Plenty of car drivers blow through stop signs, speed up to beat the red light, speed on local roads, and text while driving.
Some people get apoplectic over a scofflaw cyclist. (Admittedly there are more than a few.) But they will ignore the fact that just as many car drivers engage in dangerous and illegal behavior.
Posted by: Michael H. | April 03, 2012 at 10:10 PM
what DC law says is:
No person shall operate or ride a bicycle while carrying any package, bundle, or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand on the handle bars.
You can ride hands free, you just can't be carrying anything.
Posted by: contrarian | April 03, 2012 at 11:31 PM