The bike rider / car driver quandry is just that. I recall a town in Italy - Ferrara - where all townsfolk seem to be bicyclists. Also Amsterdam. I think about those places when I’m driving patiently at 10 mph behind a biker on Baker Bridge Road which is treacherous for bicyclists. Yes, I do go very slowly and carefully out of respect for them. Then, once it’s safe, I’ll pull out and pass them at a ridiculous speed (which is probably never safe).
I often muse about the days when one could ride a bike wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Recently I drove in Cambridge … for me as a car driver, it was a bit intimidating watching out for the bike lanes, the bus lanes, etc., etc. We do need to come together and work toward some practical ideas with respect for all involved. Together we can solve problems; it’s not either or / black or white … we will have cars (which will evolve to electric) and we’ll see driverless cars dealing with cyclists too… Probably none of us are old enough to remember when cars used to bother the horses who were drawing a buggy… but there you are. Kathy Madison > On Sep 1, 2023, at 11:21 AM, Sara Mattes <[email protected]> wrote: > > Speed bumps that do not meet established safety criteria are illegal. > It’s complicated. > There are no simple answers to this complex and regional issue. > We ALL need to be more careful, including bike riders. > > If we are to include bikes as legitimate and equal partners on the roads, > perhaps licensing is a good path to pursue. > > When you leave our area, not much past Sudbury and certainly past Worcester, > you appreciate that car and truck culture is here for a long while. > In fact, as I drive back and forth across country every summer, I have come > to appreciate the importance of cars and trucks to the survival of small > towns and rural folks…and our economy. > > But, that does not say we cannot do better in how we manage our roads and > their use. > > Let’s come together, through regional communities and work toward some > practical ideas that respect the limitations of geography and each other. > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Sep 1, 2023, at 7:55 AM, Sam Melton <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> >> Having speed bumps on curvy roads seems like a small price to pay when >> cyclists are dying. In Lincoln, we can choose to make the decision to reject >> the fossil fuel consuming, dangerous, and expensive norm of car culture. >> >> Would a speed bump that encourages car use at the speed limit (as opposed to >> above it) really be so evil? Is it such a bad thing if a car cutting through >> to Weston scratches their bumper on a speed bump when they whiz by a >> pedestrian at 15 mph over the speed limit? Why are we giving cars the >> priority? >> >> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 11:22 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> The use of spreed bumps is limited by topography and sightline. >>> Somerville g=has wide, straight streets, unlike Lincoln’s narrow , winding >>> country roads. >>> And, speed bumps maybe not be the best for bikes >>> ------ >>> Sara Mattes >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> On Aug 31, 2023, at 10:49 PM, gail o'keefe <[email protected] >>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi John and all, >>>> >>>> I'm curious why your list of ideas didn't include increased enforcement on >>>> our road, or speed bumps? It wouldn't take much to reinstate the >>>> reputation of Lincoln as being strict on speed. Bakers Bridge Road is >>>> another to add to the above list of Sandy Pond, Weston Road, Tower Rd and >>>> Lincoln Rd. >>>> >>>> An article in the Globe just highlighted the extensive use of speed bumps >>>> in Somerville. Towns are catching on that the car culture has run its >>>> course. >>>> Gail >>>> >>>> >>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 2:40 PM John Mendelson <[email protected] >>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>> Here's a handful of ideas: >>>>> >>>>> Come to the next BPAC meeting >>>>> <https://lincolntown.org/1083/Bicycle-Pedestrian-Advisory-Committee> on >>>>> September 28 at 7:30pm on Zoom. >>>>> >>>>> Speak to your friends and neighbors about the need to slow down and focus >>>>> only on driving when behind the wheel. >>>>> >>>>> Encourage your local and state representatives to prioritize public and >>>>> alternative forms of transportation. >>>>> >>>>> Volunteer as a crossing guard during Walk, Bike, Roll to School Week in >>>>> the Spring. >>>>> >>>>> Walk back and forth along Lincoln Road between Town Hall and the 5 way >>>>> between 7:45-8am to observe how many people are on their phones behind >>>>> the wheel. >>>>> >>>>> Attend an RTC meeting >>>>> <https://www.lincolntown.org/152/Roadway-Traffic-Committee> and voice >>>>> your support for infrastructure improvements that lower speeds and >>>>> prioritize walkers and cyclists. >>>>> >>>>> Try to eliminate 1 vehicle trip per week and walk or ride instead. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks, >>>>> >>>>> John >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 2:21 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] >>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>> This is terrible. >>>>>> It should NOT be happening…but, I for one will do whatever I can to >>>>>> protect myself, including wearing that ugly vest. >>>>>> At this time, that is all I can do. >>>>>> We can come together, as a region, and discuss how we might be >>>>>> proactive, as communities. >>>>>> How can we turn outrage from finger-wagging and furor into practical >>>>>> constructive actions? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> ------ >>>>>> Sara Mattes >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> On Aug 31, 2023, at 2:12 PM, John Mendelson <[email protected] >>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> People, a SCHOOL BUS hit a cyclist in broad daylight. This is not >>>>>>> about what anyone should be wearing but rather about the fact that >>>>>>> driving entitlement is reaching epidemic proportions here in Lincoln >>>>>>> and all across the country. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Much like gun-violence, there is plenty of outrage and lots of thoughts >>>>>>> and prayers and high-vis clothing suggestions but until we are willing >>>>>>> to confront the fact that traffic safety is a uniquely American problem >>>>>>> and a result of high vehicle speeds, larger cars, and road structure >>>>>>> deficiencies, nothing will change. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-11-03/why-us-traffic-safety-fell-so-far-behind-other-countries >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The US underperformance in road safety is especially dramatic: 11.4 >>>>>>> Americans per 100,000 >>>>>>> <https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2020-traffic-crash-data-fatalities> >>>>>>> died in crashes in 2020, a number that dwarfs countries including >>>>>>> Spain (2.9 >>>>>>> <https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/spain-road-safety.pdf>), >>>>>>> Israel (3.3 >>>>>>> <https://www.timesofisrael.com/virus-lockdowns-help-cut-israels-2020-traffic-deaths-by-15/>) >>>>>>> and New Zealand (6.3 >>>>>>> <https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/spain-road-safety.pdf>). >>>>>>> And unlike most developed nations, US roadways have grown more deadly >>>>>>> during the last two decades (including during the pandemic >>>>>>> <https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/u-s-road-deaths-rise-at-record-pace-as-risky-driving-persists>), >>>>>>> especially for those outside of cars. Last year saw the most >>>>>>> pedestrians killed in the US in 40 years >>>>>>> <https://www.ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/GHSA/Ped-Spotlight-Full-Report22#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20D.C.%20%E2%80%93%20Drivers%20struck%20and,Highway%20Safety%20Association%20(GHSA).>, >>>>>>> and deaths among those biking rose 44% >>>>>>> <https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/u-s-road-deaths-rise-at-record-pace-as-risky-driving-persists> >>>>>>> from 2010 to 2020. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 2:01 PM Laura Koller <[email protected] >>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>> I’m also a long time road cyclist, and I feel much more visible since >>>>>>>> I’ve added front (white) and rear (red) blinkers to my bike. Passing >>>>>>>> cars seem to give me much wider berth. It’s an extra step but seems >>>>>>>> very worthwhile. I also wear a day-glo green helmet. Visibility really >>>>>>>> does make a difference, imo. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Laura >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 1:54 PM V Saleme <[email protected] >>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> As a cyclist who resides in this town and accrues on average 250 >>>>>>>>> miles a week between trails and the road, I believe it’s important to >>>>>>>>> devise a way of getting out of this echo chamber and speak to the >>>>>>>>> broader group of people who, let’s face it, use this town as a cut >>>>>>>>> through. They are the problem, not the local residents. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> If I had to hazard to guess, they’re (non Lincoln residents) not on >>>>>>>>> Lincoln Talk and as they execute twice the speed limit minimally, on >>>>>>>>> Tower Rd., Deerhaven Rd., Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln Road, Bedford Road >>>>>>>>> (where there’s an actual sign that states “cyclists may use entire >>>>>>>>> lane” if you can believe it) thus head nodding amongst ourselves is >>>>>>>>> not going to be effective. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Vic >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 1:41 PM John Mendelson >>>>>>>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> And I would strongly urge drivers to slow down, obey the law, >>>>>>>>>> <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c90-ss-14> and >>>>>>>>>> pay attention to what is in front of them at all times when behind >>>>>>>>>> the wheel of a large, powerful object capable of inflicting terrible >>>>>>>>>> injuries to walkers, cyclists, and other drivers. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> There is no clear consensus that high-visibility clothing makes a >>>>>>>>>> difference for pedestrian nor cyclist safety so let's please avoid >>>>>>>>>> any potential victim-blaming. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> See: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2023/08/21-03_ca_hi-vis_brf_1.pdf >>>>>>>>>> (includes multiple peer reviewed studies) >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/bikes-and-biking/hi-viz-clothing-cyclists/ >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Thanks! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> John >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 1:21 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] >>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> I would strongly urge all walkers and bikers to wear some sort of >>>>>>>>>>> neon/ reflective safety vest. >>>>>>>>>>> They are lightweight and cheap and they really help drivers see us. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Dark clothing, esp at dusk or in mottled shade, makes us disappear. >>>>>>>>>>> ------ >>>>>>>>>>> Sara Mattes >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Aug 31, 2023, at 12:47 PM, Lynne Smith <[email protected] >>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Fascinating article! As a helmet and goggle wearing cyclist, I’m >>>>>>>>>>>> now going to be extra careful since some drivers might not >>>>>>>>>>>> recognize me as human! >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Lynne Smith >>>>>>>>>>>> 5 Tabor Hill Road >>>>>>>>>>>> Lincoln, MA 01773 >>>>>>>>>>>> 781-258-1175 >>>>>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On 31 Aug 2023, at 11:24 a.m., Ginger Reiner >>>>>>>>>>>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Julianne, >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> That was me. I actually was hit by the school van in the >>>>>>>>>>>>> interaction although I stayed upright and am not hurt. Thanks for >>>>>>>>>>>>> reaching out and I’d love a witness statement. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> To the rest of LincolnTalk, I write this as a reply-all because >>>>>>>>>>>>> people on bikes are sometimes viewed as “less human” or seen as >>>>>>>>>>>>> being “not from Lincoln” (which shouldn’t matter), and I hope >>>>>>>>>>>>> that attaching my name to Julianne’s story might help to >>>>>>>>>>>>> counteract both of those impressions. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847823001018 >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Ginger >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 8:59 AM jsug--- via Lincoln >>>>>>>>>>>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi There, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> If you are the cyclist who was nearly hit by the school van on >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Lincoln Road this morning just before 8 am, and you were hoping >>>>>>>>>>>>>> to report this, I wanted to let you know I would be happy to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> provide witness statement if needed. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Best, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Julianne >>>>>>>>>>>>>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>-- >>>>>>>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>> >>> >>> -- >>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>> Change your subscription settings at >>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>> > -- > The LincolnTalk mailing list. > To post, send mail to [email protected]. > Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. > Change your subscription settings at > https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >
-- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
