More comments about children riding bikes

From Cape Story Neighborhood Watch:

I received the following responses from other residents. The first one is really scary.

#1. I have to respond as I also saw these children riding to the playground 3 weeks ago, and one was nearly struck by a car. I ran out in front of the oncoming car while yelling loudly, to stop the car so it would not hit the child, who looked to be about 3 years old, and was with 3 other kids aged 4-7. If I see these children again I will try to find out who their parents are, as it was a very near miss (and not the car's fault, in my opinion, though cars need to be cautious), and children this young should not be unsupervised.

#2. Where are the parents?....the child does have the right of way but the child staring and
daring is not an accepted part of the formula, child or not.....get out of car, ask them
where they live and tell the parent.....simple solution, or call social services.....that always work

#3. The parents of these children need to accept responsibility for the safety of their children.

I prefer not to publish any additional comments regarding the safety of these children. Hopefully some of these children's parents will see these emails and react accordingly. No one wants to have a child in danger.

Artwork by Anna Miranda

From VBF's post "Bring on the Love: Cyclist & Pedestrian Awareness Week":

Teach kids about bike safety, please!

From Cape Story Neighborhood Watch:

"Dear Neighborhood Watch,

I understand that our children really need a place to play and ride their bikes. However I am very worried that we may have a repeat bike accident as we had on Beech about a year ago. I need for everyone to know that there are some very young children about ages 4-7 riding their bikes in an unsafe way without supervision on Beech St. On Saturday one of these children about age 4 or 5 years old steered their bike in front of my moving car. I had to slam on the brakes. Then he stayed there daring me to move forward. I am really very worried that someone else may not see them or stop. So parents would you please watch your very young children when they are out on the street and give them instruction on bike riding safety? I am sure we can work together to make this a safer neighborhood for everyone.

Thanks, A concerned resident."

David Byrne on cycling

An article today at WSJ:

As someone who has used a bicycle to get around New York for about 30 years I've watched the city—mainly Manhattan, where I live—change for better and for worse.

And his designs for bike racks:



An article in NY Times in May:

Full disclosure: I’ve ridden a bike around New York as my principal means of transport for 30 years, so I’m inclined to sympathize with the idea that a cycling revolution is upon us, and that it’s a good thing.

His book, Bicycle Diaries, is out soon:

...and the radical new ways that some cities, like his home town, are becoming more bike-friendly — all conveyed with a highly personal mix of humor, curiosity, and humanity.

Hampton Roads area now has three new League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors

Congratulations to the new certified instructors!

After considerable effort including passing a rigorous course in bike-ed hosted by Greensboro, NC’s planning district commission, the Hampton Roads area now has three new League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors (LCI for short):

Tommy White- Norfolk
Bruce Drees- Virginia Beach
Stephanie Smith- Williamsburg

Here is a brief description of the L.A.B. education curriculum.

In addition to starting up some courses to help bring about safer and better cycling, one of our first goals is getting more instructors certified to teach in our area. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact me!

Leave a comment if you want to help with a clinic on Shore Drive whether it's help sponsoring one, or volunteering.

Article about cyclist who went off Pungo Ferry Bridge inspires many comments

Read & comment at Pilotonline.com:

The 18-year-old cyclist took a tumble off the concrete span Sunday morning, falling what rescuers estimate was 35 to 50 feet to the marsh below. He came out of it with a fractured shoulder blade - and not much more.

As of 11:03am it is the most read and most commented article at Pilotonline.com.
That should help raise more awareness for Cycling & Pedestrian Awareness Week!

Report on Biking and Walking Resources in Virginia

From BikeWalk Virginia:

BikeWalk Virginia just completed research to provide the first ever comprehensive picture of the current state of biking and walking planning, resources, accommodations, and safety in the State of Virginia.

And:

In all, study findings supports that more work needs to take place to include biking and walking into the transportation picture. Injury and fatality data shows that more can be done to improve the safety of Virginia roadways for non-motorized users. Not only is inclusion of biking and walking an important part of the transportation needs of Virginia, it is also beneficial for the health of both residents and the environment.

Be sure to follow the link that includes info about the study, Pedestrian & Bicycle Legislation in the General Assembly, Potential Funding for Pedestrian & Bicycle Projects in the Federal Economic Recovery Bill, recommended actions you can take, and more.

4 minute vid about why you shouldn't text while driving

Watch this before you drive.



From a story at NPR.org.

Bruce Drees, TBA's respected Advocacy guru has a piece in the Pilot today

Read the entire piece at his website:

Cities with extensive growth in bike use often see their crash totals hold steady or even decrease. For example, ridership in New York City recently increased from 100,000 to 180,000 a day through bike friendly improvements, yet their number of injuries and fatalities decreased. The same trend has been noted elsewhere. Evidence suggests the more cyclists around, the better everyone does in being alert and working together.

Cars and bikes are compatible to the extent we are willing to make them so.

Help promote Cycling & Pedestrian Awareness Week

This should be every week! The "event" is September 13th - 20th.

Did you know:

Just last year 90 people died walking or cycling on our Virginia roadways. In addition, 716 cyclists and 1,696 pedestrians were injured. A single death or injury is one too many. Increasing knowledge of roadway regulations and safe behaviors may help reduce those numbers.

We all know, that tragically, Shore Drive is the deadliest road in Virginia Beach. Please! Do your part in making it safer everyday by sharing the road respectfully & wisely.

When all users of the transportation system know the law and respect their mutual rights and responsibilities, sharing the road is safe and predictable.

Check info & get materials from Drive Smart Virginia.
Check info & get materials from Sharing The Road In Virginia.