Discussion on how I am a "fucking moron"

Ok I apologize for profanity in the post title but let me explain.  I suppose I should consider myself lucky in the first place.  I have not really had any problems bicycling around Boston/Cambridge except an almost dooring about a block from my apartment and the interaction today.  To set the stage:  I don't run red lights (sometimes yellow but rarely) I don't run over pedestrians, I don't travel at a high rate of speed, I have brakes and gears and I try not to act like an idiot, I am just going (or coming) from work leave me alone.

Apparently my interpretation of right-of-way laws must be out of date.  Apparently you are always suppose to yield to the man compensating for something by driving a large pickup truck and turning left at an intersection.  No matter what, you yield to the pickup driver.  I must have missed this in driver ed/bike training.  Needless to say I did not yield to the large truck who was trying to make a left turn at the intersection of Harvard and Brighton Ave..  I was going straight on with the green and he was turning across my path from the other direction.  I was clearly being uppity wanting  the right-of-way; clearly.

He stops and creeps forward, I slow down presuming he will be turning in front of me, no he does not.  He clearly sighs and waves me through, yelling out his window to my back as I clear the intersection that I am a "fucking moron."  My pathetic response "right-of-way buddy, come on" I am sure was lost in all the V-8 power rush rush I delayed him 6 seconds macho truck he was driving.

It is good practice to not play chicken with a pickup or a truck of any kind and usually a good idea to let them do their thing and hold back.  However, in this case I presumed there was a car moving straight that was to my left in the auto lane, I was not looking in my mirrors but I did hear a car back there.  I was not sure if he would yield or gun it across, which is why I slowed down.

Oh well, I was never in any danger we stopped maybe 30 feet from each other with a clear sight-line.  I guess I will continue to watch out for large pickups which are clearly at the top of the yielding hierarchy, meaning everybody and grandma better yield to them or else.

In other news I saw a pedestrian almost get creamed by a Mercedes driver moving way too fast in central square while the pedestrian was crossing in the cross walk.  The car came within a couple inches and the younger man in a suit smacked the trunk of the car a couple times before he continued on his way home (presumably).  The driver did stop for a minute or two but then proceeded on.  I am sure the driver was shaken up and likely not paying attention, but come on its central square.  If you think you can do anything but look at where you are biking/driving/walking you really have another thing coming because that is just asking for trouble.  The pedestrian did not have a helmet on, so clearly he was at fault.  (No earphones either, nor was he on the phone/texting!  Ok I take it back, clearly not a Cambridge pedestrian, must have been a foreigner)

UK Canal Path Photos: Part 10

To see the other posts in this series Click Here or click on the label "Leeds-Liverpool Canal at the bottom of this post (or any other in the series).

This is part 10 of the series taken along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Enjoy!

Google Maps Link

Another four locks and some cyclists taking a break.

Google Maps Link

The tour jumps quite a distance to this image most because there was really nothing terribly interesting that I decided to take a picture of.  Though overhead wires are not that exciting either really...

Google Maps Link

Just entering the more urbanized area of the town of Shipley, Saltaire is just on the other side.  The stone bridge on the left leads to the abandoned stone building you see without a roof.  I explored a little bit but there was not much to see unfortunately.

We are almost at Saltaire!  I will not regal you with pictures of my return since it was more of the same but I will mention some more about Saltaire once we arrive.

Until next time thanks for viewing.  If you would like larger copies of any of the pictures in this series please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License

Update on Dover Parking Meters

I figured it was time to do another update on my post from last year regarding the parking meters in downtown Dover.  (to see the original post Click Here) I created a Google Map of the meter locations last year.  It is now updated with new meters and locations.  The city did put together a map (caution PDF) which is what I used to place the markers.  It is however, hard to figure out specifics, especially if you are not a resident.  I figured a better map was in order.

(this map can be used as is or click below for a larger version in a new window.)

View Dover, NH Parking Meter Locations in a larger map

First, charging for parking is a great idea.  This is the public space (not the motorists space) and if you are using it for the storage of your private vehicle than the space is limited for other uses, and thus a price should be payed for that use.  One could argue that bicycles should pay too, however the amount of space a bicycle takes up vs the amount of space a car takes up makes that sound ridiculous.  A typical bike coral placed in a car parking spot can hold 12-16 bikes, that is 12-16 people (yes cyclists are people too!) vs the average of 1.8 people per car. (ok when was the last time you saw a 12 passenger van parked full of people?).  I understand the point and in The Netherlands a number of long term facilities charge for parking, but these are usually guarded and have bike shops on site.  Some places in the US charge for parking in bike lockers to recoup the high cost of installation, this makes sense.

None the less there are proper ways to charge for parking, ways that get community support and positive engagement.  Dover did not do it properly, and instead have dedicated revenue after meter infrastructure payments toward the building of a parking facility in the downtown.  This is to be fair, the most idiotic idea ever.  At $10,000-$20,000 per space (give or take) a parking structure is a colossal waste of money.  A good bike rack costs $120 and parks 2 people (bikes).  If you want to go crazy and install covered secured parking, the costs very but the Bike Hanger model from the Netherlands runs $5,000 and holds 5 bikes.   Even at $1,000 per space we are not coming anywhere close to the $10,000/space of an auto parking facility.

Due to the lack of proper engagement and proper revenue dedication, there has been some noisy push-back from some area residents.  Threats to never shop downtown again, to the downtown is a ghost town, to the city councilors being godless communists (ok ok they were not called that as far as I know).  That culminated on Wednesday night with a proposal from the youngest councilor on the removal of the meters.  He had "promised his constituents that he would bring it up for a vote."  Thankfully it was killed 8-1, but I doubt we will hear the end of it at least for a little while longer.

How could Dover have avoided this or partially avoided this?  I will take from Donald Shoup the renowned parking expert and professor at UCLA (speaking of godless communists...).  His idea is that in many places the market can handle a price for parking, but that the funds raised should not go toward general budget things or revenue for other projects.  It should instead go back to the neighborhood or district being tolled.  Ideally separated out by street.  It could go towards beautification projects like trees, benches, trash/recycling.  It could go toward street or sidewalk repairs and infrastructure improvements like lighting.  It could go toward small grants for business or home improvements that benefit the streetscape, like a new porch or new business awning.  It could also be used toward paying interest on or subsidizing low/no interest loans for business or home upgrades. For a video of Dr. Shoup talking about his ideas with the great folks at Streetfilms Click Here.  For another great video on parking from Streetfilms Click Here

Image from  theexpiredmeter.com

A number of communities have gone this route and if a town or city wanted to, I am sure with a bit of research they could figure out the legal requirements needed to be able to do that.

It makes more sense too.  When you use the revenue and invest back in that street or block you get support.  You get support because individuals can see the benefit and know that it is going right back into where they work or live.  When something is far off or nebulous you start to encourage the naysayers.  Once people start seeing the benefits (and it can be small at first, new flower pots or benches) they will support the project even more, that gives it a broad base of support within the community which allows it to expand to new areas and allows other residents to successfully counter the naysayers, instead of the city or planning department having to defend the initiative.

It is not too late for Dover, the council can shift where the funding will go (revenue is still being used to pay infrastructure installation and purchase costs).  It can work with the planning board and planning department to develop street zones for dispersal of revenue.  It can work with the Chamber of Commerce and local credit unions/banks to set up a loan or grant structure for businesses and residents.

This is seen as a negative by a number of vocal opponents, however it does not have to be.  I encourage Dover to do research and find some mechanisms that will work to the benefit of everybody, I don't know what that would look like but I can tell you a parking structure is not it.

UK Canal Path Photos: Part 9

To see the other posts in this series Click Here or click on the label "Leeds-Liverpool Canal at the bottom of this post (or any other in the series).

This is part 9 of the series taken along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Enjoy!
Google Maps Link

Google Maps Link (approximate)

There are a number of these markers on the trail, a photo can not do it justice you simply have to find one and look at it up close.  It also gives distances to nearest cities along the route (cycle route 66 in this case) We are going to Shipley, another 4 miles.

Google Maps Link

Without a doubt this is the worst section of the trail.  Not because it is bad or dangerous but because it runs next to a sewage treatment facility.  You can see the fence over to the right, but technically it is on both sides of the canal.  The place sticks!  Zoom out a bit in Google and you will see what I mean.  I recommend passing through her are quickly as possible, seriously it was pretty bad.

Until next time thanks for viewing.  If you would like larger copies of any of the pictures in this series please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License

UK Canal Path Photos: Part 8

To see the other posts in this series Click Here or click on the label "Leeds-Liverpool Canal at the bottom of this post (or any other in the series).

Part 8 of the series taken at the end of May 2009 along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Google Maps Link

Google Maps Link

Google Maps Link

Another section of British Waterways operated locks up head.  There is a rest and filling station for boats, with water and electricity available on the other side of the locks.  It is also one of the branch offices for British Waterway which I imagine they use to dispatch personnel to open various locks in this section of the canal.

Until next time thanks for viewing.  If you would like larger copies of any of the pictures in this series please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License

UK Canal Path Photos: Part 7

To see the other posts in this series Click Here or click on the label "Leeds-Liverpool Canal at the bottom of this post (or any other in the series).  To keep excess text down I will not be linking directly to other parts of the series in each post but will instead post the link to the appropriate label with which you can browse through the entire series.  I imagine there will be quite a number of posts in this series so hopefully this will help in finding them a bit.

Now on to part 7!

Google Maps Link

This section was rather rough if you were riding anything less than a full mountain bike.  The bike I used had front suspension so it was not bad.  This was the worst "improved" section I came across on this trip.

Google Maps Link

Quack.  Yes British ducks still say quack.

Google Maps Link

The path becomes nicer and opens up again.  Note the two horses on the right and the just turning yellow fields of Rape Seed on the upper left.  If you look into the distance to the right of the cyclists in front you can see a couple masses of people coming along the trail.  I didn't get any pictures of them but they seemed to be on some kind of fundraising/awareness walk.

Until next time thanks for viewing.  If you would like larger copies of any of the pictures in this series please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License

20mph/30kph Zones

Quite a bit has been written in regards to the English "20" mph zones.  These are typically residential or commercial areas of low auto traffic and low speed by design.  What auto traffic there is, is required to travel at not more than 20mph.  These zones are typically dead end or limited access for drivers and so are self fulfilling in terms of reducing auto trips, however they commonly maintain through routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and sometimes transit.

These zones can be found all over Europe and even in the US. NYC is experimenting with 20mph zones and is slowly rolling them out.  Article on the progress in NYC from Streetsblog Here.  England has been rolling them out for a number of years under the "20 is plenty [for us]."

However, the undeniable champion and proponent of these low speed streets has been the Netherlands and their Woonerf (Living Street, or Home Zone).  I will pass you over to David at "A view from the cycle path" and his article about these zones so you can read up a bit more on them.  A second article from "A view".

These zones are typically connected with 20mph (18kph in metric countries) roads which are clearly marked as such and designate entry (there is no mistake or I didn't see the sign here).  In The Netherlands these are residential areas and very limited access, but usually provide quick connections for bikes and folks walking.

These are great and need to be implemented here but it is typically harder since the roads in these "Home Zones" need to be designed for "walking speed" and I am pretty sure that would blow the head off many engineers and planners on this side of the Atlantic.

The point of all this is not just to let you know about these areas and there benefits (of which there are tons!) but to showcase an example in Spain.  I visited my girlfriend as she was teaching in northern Spain back last April.  This is Santoña, a small village to the east of Santander.  She worked at a school here back in 2010.  This was installed between the time I visited here in 2010 and when I came back in 2011. Their main commercial area had already been pedestrianized with limited access but this was new, I will have more on their commercial center in the near future.

Sign roughly translated:  "Shared/coexist zone with preference given to pedestrians" 

I love this sign.  The main commercial corridor for the town is just after this section and within the shared zone.  There is a school just a bit out of the photo too.

Here is a raised crossing of a different surface with clear "give way" lines in red and white.  I love the sign the most though, basically I translate that to "attention, kids playing in the street"  12mph max and pedestrians(people) have the right of way.
This is a one way section that use to be two way and was converted as part of the redesign.  You can visit it on Google Maps Here (warning: bad imagery and no streetview so not so useful)

We need to implement 20mph zones in the US, every community across the country can benefit from these. However, we also need to do more since implementing a 20mph zone does not really cut it or equal what the Europeans are typically doing.  We need "Living Streets" areas that are designed for walking speed where kids are free to play and separation by mode is not needed.  Areas that provide pleasant connections for residents as well as others walking and bicycling through. Safe areas for everybody.

Yes we need to get good pedestrians and bicycle infrastructure on the main roads that is critical, but quite a bit can be done by focusing on these "living streets" that can get people out and moving.

At the end of the day that is what is critical, getting people outside going places under their own power; safely.


If you would like larger copies of this picture please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License

UK Canal Path Photos: Part 6

Part six in the series.  As a reminder these photos were taken at the end of May 2009 on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.  The previous parts of the series can be found below.


Part 1          Part 5
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Google Maps Link 

In certain areas the path becomes very wide and smoothly surfaced, it was always nice when that happened.  This approaches one of the major boat tie-up areas which you can see in the background.

Google Maps Link 

One of the narrow boats approaching a bridge.  They will have to pull up and have somebody jump off to move the bridge out of the way manually.  Also note one of the many idiotic gates to prevent cars/motorcycles from using the paths, these things are the bane of many UK cycle campaigners and are uniquely a British thing.

Google Maps Link

It is always slightly depressing when the trail changes to little more than a smoothed dirt path.  This was one of the better sections, it gets worse at other points along the trail.  Note the sketchy tied plastic bag on the fence...

Until next time thanks for viewing.  If you would like larger copies of any of the pictures in this series please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License -John

UK Canal Path Photos: Part 5

Part five in the series.  As a reminder these photos were taken at the end of May 2009 on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.  The previous parts of the series can be found below.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Google Maps Link

Some of the wildlife seen along the path, mostly birds or aquatic animals.  In this case I am not sure what bird species this is, but it is Heron or Egret like. 

Google Maps Link

Street View of the bridge

The canal bridge actually serves motor vehicle traffic and is on a pivot.  The right side swings around to provide clean passage through the canal, see the street view link above for a better view.

Google Maps Link

The canal obviously does not just go through idyllic countryside, it does go through towns, cities, and in this case a small commercial district facing an A-class road on the other side of these buildings

Until next time.  If you would like larger copies of any of the pictures in this series please send me an email or add a comment and I will gladly provide.  All images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License -John

MBTA Budget Calc! Not just for Boston residents

MBTA Green Line D-train Credit Adam E. Moreira Wikipedia Commons

For those of you who follow this blog in the Boston Metropolitan area (ok like maybe one of you, hi dear! (dear being my wonderful girlfriend))  This is of worthy note.

Actually now that I think about it, even if you don't follow in the Boston area this is of note.  Many transit agencies around the country are dealing with budget issues, many have suggested all-or-nothing far increases and service cuts which will impact thousands of those cities workers, poor disabled, students, not to mention tourists etc.

In that light, I present the recently released (as of this morning) MBTA Budget-O-Matic (thanks Universal Hub for the title)

Fix The T Budget Tool from MAPC

Fill it out!  Each option has a small description of what it means and you get to choose any combination of possibilities to help fix the issues with the T (many of which will help fix the longer term funding issue as well)  You can easily submit your proposal into the database at the end with an email address.  At which point you can see what choices every body else has been making.

I suggested something similar to my contact at the MBTA and MAPC(Metropolitan Area Planning Commission) in my position with the City of Cambridge.  I also passed my suggestion around the office.

 This was based on something I noted on some blog (maybe Bikeportland.org?) which showcased a tool used by Portland's TriMet agency (now closed but you can see the suggestions) to allow citizens deal with its budget issues.  The issues at TriMet were very different but the idea is the same. I would like to think that a very small part of the creation of this was as a result of my forwarding on the tool they used. (I can dream right?)

If your transit agency is dealing with issues (be you in Germany, Canada, US etc) pass this information along, get a local newspaper, popular blog, planning agency, or city to take up the issue and put together a tool like this that allows folks to make changes, rather than just complaining at a meeting.