Pavement art as speed control…Or just shove cyclists to the ground.

Things like this have been going on for quite awhile, and my jury is out on if its a good idea or not. I just wish the artwork itself was of higher quality, I dont know that its enough to fool anyone, though possibly from a distance. In addition, the article says:
“The majority of cyclists share the space amicably. However, there are a handful who refuse to slow down. That’s why we commissioned this art – we hope it will shock.”

shocking!

If there are only a few cyclists who are riding dangerously, and either see this article or ride over this once its purpose is all but lost.

Although im certain it will terrify people that have sight issues for years to come.

I think that alligators or a lion would be much more effective, or tried and true traffic calming devices such as this policeman:

Yes, shoving cyclists to the ground certainly does slow them down considerably.

Columbus Named to League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community.

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/

This is entertaining at least, im not sure where they are getting the information from but…Columbus is the only city in Ohio named, and it got one star for “encouragement”.

I suppose if horrible road conditions and some of the most uptight yuppie drivers of any city I’ve lived in are “encouraging” then sure it is. At least campus is a nice place for hipsters to do track stands…

It’s not all bad, but it has a long way to go to be a viable biking community, but i’d be willing to wager that its just another trend like everythng else in this city. The upside is that there is barely any traffic which makes riding on most roads really nice, if the roads are rideable anyway, the city is perpetually under construction so there is that to deal with and many of the roads arent terribly well cared for, but thats probably too much to ask. Once you get out of the city and sprawling suburbs its even nicer with less traffic but not much to see or do.

The mayor is sympathetic to bicyclists but depending on voters and the economy he may have a tough road ahead of him for furthering the cause.Columbus has a great potential if people are willing to invest the time that it will take to get it where it can go.  Hopefully that is the case but I’ll believe it when I see it.

Independence

Its probably fitting that i started this today just after getting the new bike. Its a good chance to stand on my soapbox and rant about the independence and freedom that a bicycle affords. Not affording a bike, thats another story. I wish more people would give cycling a chance and stop relying on autos so much. Seriously its faster during rush hour to ride a bike than to drive a car. I love overtaking stopped or slow moving cars in traffic queues and getting home, eating and relaxing as those same people are still stuck in traffic, stressed out. Whats better is when someone drives borderline recklessly to pass me just before a light, and they have to stop however many cars back just to have me pass them by as they are waiting there. LOVE IT.

Not depending on fuel for a car is another of my favourite things. My fuel is food. People are always suprised by how much i eat. CONSTANTLY. If more people cycled they could save literally hundreds of dollars a month if they rode as much as i do. I put over 200 miles a week on the bike and its not that much really, less than 40 miles a day and 2 days off if you want. Thats about a quarter of a tank a week.

Although maybe i don’t want more people out cycling as i have enough to worry about with cars as it is. Or people on the bike paths/trails…there is enough of that too.

So nevermind, everyone just ignore what i wrote and keep driving your pollution machines to work everyday, stressed out and beating on your steering wheel, ill be riding past you as you are stuck in traffic laughing at me because i ride a bike and you had enough sense to not look silly wearing a helmet and gloves with the fingers cut off. Have fun!