Politics, open government, and safe streets. And the constant incursion of cycling.

Tag: DC

National Park Service Family Friendly Rides in DC

Just rec’d this:

Join the National Park Service and Trips for Kids [this Saturday] as they start off their annual family friendly bike tours on the Mall.  The rides start at 2:30 at the Jefferson (Trips for Kids starts at 2:00 from Gravelly Point to get a little extra riding in) and last about 2 hours.  The rides are family friendly, fun and incredibly informative.  Trailer and tow-a-bikes welcome.  I hope to see folks out there. More info below.

http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/national-bike-frequently-asked-questions.htm

I’ve never done this ride myself, but Trips for Kids is a solid organization run by great people, so I expect this will be pretty well organized.

DC Makes Me Proud

Today:

An overwhelming majority on the D.C. Council voted today to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, sending the District deeper into the national debate and galvanizing supporters on both sides of the issue.

The measure, approved by a vote of 12 to 1, now goes to Mayor Arian M. Fenty (D), a supporter of gay marriage.

So all set, right?  Well:

If Fenty signs it, the District will put the same-sex marriage issue directly before the Congress. Under Home Rule, the District’s laws are subject to a 30-day congressional review period.

Cue the Congressional clowning in 3, 2, 1 . . .

DC Represent!

The DC City Council voted today to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states that have adopted equality laws.  It’s a solid step towards DC’s bringing same-sex marriage within its own laws.  There will, no doubt, be the challenge of overcoming Congress (which can overturn any DC law, no matter how petty).  It’ll be an interesting illustration of 1) the Democratic Party’s commitment to equality and 2) the hollowness of the Republican Party’s supposed commitment to states’ rights.

My Bike Stolen in Arlington – $200 Reward

Son of a )(*#$@#@.  This bike was stolen from the Arlington Central Library on the evening of March 31st. I’d really like it back, and I will pay $200 (no questions asked) for information that results in its recovery.

'00 GT Rebound - Blue and White

Bike Details:

• ’00 GT Rebound – blue/white
• Continental Town & Country slick tires (different from those pictured)
• Neon green water bottle cage (extra style points, no?)
• Arlington County Police Department bicycle registration sticker

Please email me at bike @ blacknell.net with any information. Thank you.

(And yes, here’s the part that really sucks – no, it wasn’t locked up.  M. had just arrived on it, came into the WABA annual meeting to get the keys from me (to use the lock securing my other bike) and in about the time that that took?  Gone.   So, uh, make my lesson yours.  Or something like that.)

Update: I seriously appreciate the support that’s come my way for this.  This bike has been well loved not just by us, but also many of my friends – as a borrowed daily commuter, adventure race finisher, and all around solid piece of fun and transportation.  Here’s hope that it can continue to serve as that, even if it doesn’t come back.

No Charges for Death of Alice Swanson?

It’s my understanding that the MPD has issued the final report on the circumstances surrounding the death of cyclist Alice Swanson, and that no charges will be made.  I will try to get a copy of that report, and post it here, before coming to my own conclusions.

Update: the “Final Overview Memo” was actually issued on December 18, 2008.  Reading it made me angry and sad.  Out of deference to a legitimate request, I’m going to leave it at that, for now.

Washcycle on the Bicycle Commuter Choice Act Benefits

Washcycle (as usual) has the info you need. This time it’s about the recently issued IRS guidance on the benefits allowed under the Bicycle Commuter Choice Act.  Check it out and send it along to your HR people.  I can’t help but think that it was a poorly drafted bit of legislation, though.  Because really, could this have been intentional?

The bicycle commuter act passed last year excluded bike commuter benefits from an employee’s taxable pay, up to $20 a month. However, if you receive the $20 bicycle commuter benefit, you can not receive any other transportation benefit such as commuter highway vehicle, transit pass, or qualified parking benefits in that same month. This is different than with transit and parking. If you want to, you can take the $230 transit benefit AND $230 in parking. But for cyclists, you can either have $20 for biking or up to $430 for using transit and driving (sigh).

DC Cyclists & Helmets

The City Paper had an interesting look at the cyclists who don’t wear helmets in DC, and their reasons:

Unscientific observations of D.C.’s riding patterns suggest that about half of riders wear helmets. Riders commuting downtown during rush hour, wearing loafers and nice pants, usually wear helmets. Cyclists wearing gear like clip-on bike shoes or Lycra jerseys or padded shorts generally do so as well. In low-income areas, among messengers, and during noncommuting hours, helmet use goes down.

In the last 10 years, there have been a reported 232 bicyclist deaths in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Correctly worn, bike helmets are about 70 percent effective in preventing damage on impact.

Now, I think you’re an idiot if you don’t wear a helmet, but I’m not a purist.  I not infrequently make the three block trip to the grocery store without a lid, which I have no real defense for beyond just not feeling like bothering with carrying it through the store.  It’s a pretty lame habit, and one that I’m working on changing.  I would oppose any helmet law for adults (but support one for children).  That said, the reasons some of the folks give for not wearing helmets?  Make me wonder how they get through the day:

Kelly Johnson, 43, says he can’t wear a helmet because he wears headphones when he rides. Which means that not only does Johnson leave himself vulnerable in the case of an accident, but he’s also boosting the chance that such an accident will occur. He also admits that he thinks helmets look “corny.”

Bob Twillger, 28, who has been known to hang out at Capitol Hill Bikes, blames good helmet technology for his failure to wear one. “The lighter the helmet,” he reasons, “the more you put it down, and the more you damage it. It gets kicked around and beat up.” This from a man who takes credit for totaling a Toyota Camry with his forehead. “Every time I get hit, I get wilder,” he says. “More bulletproof.”

Yeah, no relationship between hitting your head and brain damage at all.

Reminder: VASA Ride in DC on Sunday

Sunday, March 1st, will bring us DC’s third VASA Ride.   They had 200 riders in 2007, and around 300 in 2008.  Would love to see that increase substantially this year.  And with snow and cold predicted for Sunday, who could possibly want to stay home?

Oh, right – what’s the VASA Ride?  It’s a mass ride (of varying lengths) sponsored by the Embassy of Sweden to celebrate the Vasaloppet, a Swedish ski race.   Last year we rode from the Embassy up MacArthur Boulevard to Cabin John and back.  It’s not a race – just a fun group ride.  The best part?  The free hot blueberry soup served by the Embassy at the end.  If you’re in the DC area, I hope you’ll check it out.   More info, including start times and (optional) registration here.

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