Comments for Google Maps Bike There...for a safer, healthier, happier world. :-) http://googlemapsbikethere.org Tue, 22 May 2012 02:35:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Should bike sharing address only “the first and last mile problem”? by Stu Chuang Matthews http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/05/21/should-bike-sharing-address-only-the-first-and-last-mile-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-33571 Stu Chuang Matthews Tue, 22 May 2012 02:35:01 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1831#comment-33571 Why can't we just make the whole bike-share system just a monthly fee for each member, no usage fees needed, and no reservations needed? We already subsidize public transit so much per trip, surely even with the above system, even if there were no monthly fee, the subsidy would be even less. Why can’t we just make the whole bike-share system just a monthly fee for each member, no usage fees needed, and no reservations needed? We already subsidize public transit so much per trip, surely even with the above system, even if there were no monthly fee, the subsidy would be even less.

]]> Comment on Should bike sharing address only “the first and last mile problem”? by Matt http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/05/21/should-bike-sharing-address-only-the-first-and-last-mile-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-33549 Matt Mon, 21 May 2012 15:18:50 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1831#comment-33549 I don't think bikes should be viewed as short-haul solutions, but I think bike SHARE systems work better for shorter rides. If you're going to replace longer-distance car travel with a bike, it quickly becomes reasonable to have your own bike that you can modify to carry what you need, fit you better, etc. I'm happy to go 1-5 miles on a bike share bike, but if I want to go 10+ miles I'd really prefer to have my own. I think the reason bike share is touted as a great first/last mile solution is because of the "share" part - it means you don't have to worry about the logistics as much as with your personal bike. I also see no reason to hate on subways and buses - they are very efficient when used at or near capacity, and bikes are a natural complement. Designing subways and buses to interface better with bike infrastructure and common use seems quite natural in areas where the existing subway and bus systems are fairly robust (such as in the DC area, where I live). New subway stops can also serve as impetus for developing good bike and pedestrian infrastructure (this is currently happening in my town). I don’t think bikes should be viewed as short-haul solutions, but I think bike SHARE systems work better for shorter rides. If you’re going to replace longer-distance car travel with a bike, it quickly becomes reasonable to have your own bike that you can modify to carry what you need, fit you better, etc. I’m happy to go 1-5 miles on a bike share bike, but if I want to go 10+ miles I’d really prefer to have my own.

I think the reason bike share is touted as a great first/last mile solution is because of the “share” part – it means you don’t have to worry about the logistics as much as with your personal bike.

I also see no reason to hate on subways and buses – they are very efficient when used at or near capacity, and bikes are a natural complement. Designing subways and buses to interface better with bike infrastructure and common use seems quite natural in areas where the existing subway and bus systems are fairly robust (such as in the DC area, where I live). New subway stops can also serve as impetus for developing good bike and pedestrian infrastructure (this is currently happening in my town).

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by Ryan http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-33455 Ryan Fri, 18 May 2012 23:07:14 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-33455 Reading this in a place where bike lanes are non existent I can only dream of having your problems. I'm just trying to not be ridden off the road 2-3 times a ride by a big rig or oblivious driver. Reading this in a place where bike lanes are non existent I can only dream of having your problems. I’m just trying to not be ridden off the road 2-3 times a ride by a big rig or oblivious driver.

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by Peter Smith http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-32623 Peter Smith Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:23:40 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-32623 That's a good point Alai -- I guess my design is based on the fact that these immovable concrete islands are going in right now, so we'll have to deal with them. That’s a good point Alai — I guess my design is based on the fact that these immovable concrete islands are going in right now, so we’ll have to deal with them.

]]> Comment on Would you build a street without sidewalks? by Will Clark http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2011/03/04/would-you-build-a-street-without-sidewalks/comment-page-1/#comment-32488 Will Clark Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:53:35 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1246#comment-32488 Unfortunately, where I live (Tampa, FL), They often build streets without sidewalks. Unfortunately, where I live (Tampa, FL), They often build streets without sidewalks.

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by Alai http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-32240 Alai Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:36:58 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-32240 Re your design for PPW-- I like the fact that both directions of the bike lane are on the same side, regardless of what happens with the car lanes. No cars crossing it is reason enough to favor that. In fact, one way to allow people to ride side-by-side is to simply make it a bit wider: widening it by 50% would be more than enough to allow two people to go one way and one the other, without needing a huge amount of space. Re your design for PPW– I like the fact that both directions of the bike lane are on the same side, regardless of what happens with the car lanes. No cars crossing it is reason enough to favor that. In fact, one way to allow people to ride side-by-side is to simply make it a bit wider: widening it by 50% would be more than enough to allow two people to go one way and one the other, without needing a huge amount of space.

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by Peter Smith http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-32214 Peter Smith Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:10:14 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-32214 <em>First and foremost, until the majority of bicyclist start obeying the traffic laws, I do not think bicyclists deserve very much at all but that is a different subject.</em> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpRfUh1Dzlw First and foremost, until the majority of bicyclist start obeying the traffic laws, I do not think bicyclists deserve very much at all but that is a different subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpRfUh1Dzlw

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by John Murphy http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-32211 John Murphy Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:35:35 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-32211 First and foremost, until the majority of bicyclist start obeying the traffic laws, I do not think bicyclists deserve very much at all but that is a different subject. Pretty inflammatory. Do you have proof that over 50% of cyclists do not obey traffic laws? Do you have proof that over 50% of motorists do? First and foremost, until the majority of bicyclist start obeying the traffic laws, I do not think bicyclists deserve very much at all but that is a different subject.

Pretty inflammatory. Do you have proof that over 50% of cyclists do not obey traffic laws?

Do you have proof that over 50% of motorists do?

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by Microzen http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-32179 Microzen Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:04:43 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-32179 In case you did not hear the news for the motorized two wheelers who live in VA, "New law lets motorcyclists ride side by side". In case you did not hear the news for the motorized two wheelers who live in VA, “New law lets motorcyclists ride side by side”.

]]> Comment on Like car drivers and passengers, cyclists deserve to be able to ride two abreast by John http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2012/04/17/like-car-drivers-and-passengers-cyclists-deserve-to-be-able-to-ride-two-abreast/comment-page-1/#comment-32165 John Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:52:09 +0000 http://googlemapsbikethere.org/?p=1813#comment-32165 First, I will I want to tell you a little about me and my big picture views. To quote Star Trek, “The good of the many outweigh the good of the few”. Self-centered opinions are usually where most conversations start but should not end. Almost everyone’s opinion is as important. I put about ten times as many miles on my bicycle as my car per year so I have strong opinions about bicycle rights. First and foremost, until the majority of bicyclist start obeying the traffic laws, I do not think bicyclists deserve very much at all but that is a different subject. "Cars do not deserve two to three times the asphalt just because they’re wider." – This is mostly true, as long as your cycling speed is the speed limit or greater. Most of the time, that is not the case. Do you impede traffic in your car? It would be very inconsiderate and I believe it is illegal is most states. Bicyclists deserve rights as do motorists. Someday, there may be a much larger percentage of law abiding, considerate bicycles on the roads, but until then I am sorry to say, I believe motorist should be giving the greater consideration. First, I will I want to tell you a little about me and my big picture views. To quote Star Trek, “The good of the many outweigh the good of the few”. Self-centered opinions are usually where most conversations start but should not end. Almost everyone’s opinion is as important. I put about ten times as many miles on my bicycle as my car per year so I have strong opinions about bicycle rights. First and foremost, until the majority of bicyclist start obeying the traffic laws, I do not think bicyclists deserve very much at all but that is a different subject.

“Cars do not deserve two to three times the asphalt just because they’re wider.” – This is mostly true, as long as your cycling speed is the speed limit or greater. Most of the time, that is not the case. Do you impede traffic in your car? It would be very inconsiderate and I believe it is illegal is most states. Bicyclists deserve rights as do motorists. Someday, there may be a much larger percentage of law abiding, considerate bicycles on the roads, but until then I am sorry to say, I believe motorist should be giving the greater consideration.

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