[trafficsafety] Re: [shift] Re: enforcement based on safety concerns

Curt;
This a perfect writeup! We should definately discuss this at the next
Traffic Safety Meeting. Let's devise a strategy for what changes we
want established.

Aaron Tarfman
Transportation Diplomat
www.yourbodypower.org

"It's amazing to me that people can save $7000 a year by making a simple lifestyle change."

Curt Dewees wrote:

> Suppose there were no more cars and everyone was bicycling or walking.
> Would there be no more need for stop signs or stoplights at
> intersections? How would we prevent bike-on-bike or bike-on-pedestrian
> collisions and crashes?
>
> Perhaps the laws do need to be changes.
>
> When Rosa Parks deliberately broke the law by sitting in the front of
> the bus, it was part a well-organized strategy that the civil rights
> movement had planned in advance. Rosa Parks was hand-picked to be the
> person who would deliberately break the law. She fully expected to be
> arrested, and the civil rights movement had a plan in place for what
> they would do next after she was arrested. They were able to use her
> arrest to as a test case to garner public attention and support to the
> cause.
>
> Perhaps we should take a look at what laws need to be changed, and
> what the new, improved laws might look like. Then we can develop a
> consensus among bicyclists for a plan of action as to how we can
> effectively protest the existing laws and build widespread public
> support for our cause.
>
> But for me to just run a red light and then complain that I got caught
> and ticketed for breaking a "bad" law doesn't really accomplish much
> of anything, other than emptying my pocket.
>
>
> On 10/28/06, Pinga de Clown <pinga@clownhouse.org> wrote:
>
>> On 10/24/06, Curt Dewees <curt.dewees@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> > From the way you describe the situation, the ticket was well
>> deserved, and
>> the police officer's concerns were reasonable and based on common sense.
>>
>> Common sense or common stupidity? Enforcing laws that were never made
>> considering bike a major type of transportation and considering it's
>> characteristics is nothing more than an automated act of brutality.
>>
>> And, speaking of being "squished", as long as we - THE BICYCLISTS -
>> accept
>> this rotten mentality of respecting and accepting rules and rights
>> that only
>> exist to maintain the "status-quo" (that, in case you haven't noticed,
>> stinks like burnt oil) we are going to get (culturally) squished by
>> them.
>> These rules have the inverse mentality that bikes and people are in
>> the way
>> of car traffic, instead os a more sensitive "cars are in the way of
>> life".
>>
>>
>
> _________________________________________
>
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[trafficsafety] Attempted Criminally Negligent Homicide

Here is a case of a driver pleading guilty to "attempted criminally
negligent homicide." Leaving aside the mysterious concept of a
deliberate attempt to be negligent, I find it interesting that the
driver got more than a ticket when there is no mention of drugs or
leaving the scene of the crash.

Here is the Oregonian blurb from Thursday:
http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news/1161829517149000.xml?oregonian?lcg&coll=7&thispage=2

Here is the Clackamas County press release at the time of the crash:
http://web4.co.clackamas.or.us/mrm/1245.html

Discussions on this list have concluded that the only time a driver gets
more than a ticket is when the driver is chemically impaired or leaves
the scene. I think that also admitting to falling asleep may result in
criminal prosecution. Although everyone agrees that drivers should pay
attention, mere inattention doesn't seem to be considered negligence.
Yet here is a case where the worst thing I can find said of the driver
is that she was speeding.

Kat Iverson

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[trafficsafety] Quote of the Week ...

 

Quote of the Week:

 

"It has been our position from the beginning that no matter if you're 16 or 86, if you make the decision to get behind the wheel of a car, you have a duty of care."

--Ann Ambrose, Los Angeles prosecutor

 

As quoted in this story from the AP this morning:

Man Convicted for Market Crash Deaths

By ROBERT JABLON, Associated Press Writer

Sat Oct 21, 3:49 AM

LOS ANGELES - An elderly man whose car hurtled through a farmer's market, killing 10 people and injuring more than 70, was convicted Friday of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence -- the harshest verdict possible.

... (a few paragraphs later) ...

 

"He looked at what he had done, essentially shrugged his shoulders and said, 'Oops,'" prosecutor Ann Ambrose told the jury.

...

" ... jurors agreed from the first day of deliberations that Weller was guilty of vehicular manslaughter but had trouble deciding whether he had committed gross negligence, a felony, or misdemeanor simple negligence.

"Asked Wednesday by the panel to provide the legal definition of gross negligence, Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson wrote that it meant "more than ordinary carelessness, inattention or mistake in judgment."

Here's the link to the full story:

 

http://www.comcast.net/news/national/index.jsp?cat=DOMESTIC&fn=/2006/10/21/503791.html

[trafficsafety] new ped. crosswalk signs to be tested by PDOT

read all about it and see a photo (taken at last night's Ped. Advisory Commttee. Meeting):

 

http://tinyurl.com/yblbtn   (links to a post on ISharetheRoad.com)

 

 

--Jonathan
-----------------------------
Jonathan Maus
BikePortland.org
"Daily news, culture, events and opinion"
www.BikePortland.org
(503) 706-8804

[trafficsafety] Trafic Safety Awareness Show

It's back, and I have seen it with sound. The only broadcast currently
scheduled is tonight at 6:07 on channel 23 in Washington County. Keep
checking the website for more broadcasts.
http://www.tvctv.org/content/programs/searchresultsTVCTV.asp?strKeyword=traffic&datDate=&intChannel=%25&Submit3=Search+Programs

Kat Iverson

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[trafficsafety] Transportation and education

Mr. Cook;
I would like to relate to you a story which closely affects Cleveland
High School. Last night I attended the transportation meeting being
held at Cleveland regarding SE Powell Blvd. I travel past Cleveland HS
every day on my way to work. I see numerous frightening situations and
have made multiple comments to ODOT regarding this. Several parents
were at the meeting and dozens of comments were made regarding the
horrible safety record of Powell Blvd. One aspect which caught my
interest was a parent who mentioned that there was no school zone
enforcement at Powell for her neighborhood in the 70s. She was told
that the only way to create a school zone is if the principal writes a
letter to the city on school letterhead and requests one. Imagine what
would happen now, if the principals of all schools near Powell Blvd
collectively wrote to the city and demanded that Powell Blvd be made
less dangerous for the children going to school. This should include:
Saint Ignatius
Creston School
Franklin High School
Kellog School
Saint Anthony's
Boyles School
Luther School
It's unbelievable to me that we can allow 40-50mph vehicles to be
driving down the street within one or two blocks of a school Our
children deserve better than this. In addition there are several
studies attesting to the likelihood of traffic noise affecting the
learning ability and physical health of children.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1220154.stm
"In a study commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Health, it was
found the noisier the neighborhood, the higher the children's blood
pressure, heart rate and level of stress hormones.
The study suggests that a child's "motivation" could also suffer from
prolonged exposure to noise."
Taking a strong stance against the dangers of traffic is difficult, but
we cannot shy away from the plight affecting millions of young people
everywhere. You and I can start the process of taming Powell Blvd and
return peace to Southeast Portland.

--
Aaron Tarfman
Transportation Diplomat
www.yourbodypower.org/children.htm

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RE: [trafficsafety] Being seen

The converse is also heartening. This morning around 6 AM I was westbound
in my automobile on NW Glisan around 17th, second in line waiting for the
light to change, signaling to turn right.

As I waited, I watched a cyclist approach traveling in my same direction in
the bike lane. When the light changed, I held still (did not move), waiting
for the cyclist to clear the intersection.

I was very heartened when he gave me a wave as he passed. It's nice to feel
appreciated when you try to be polite, and it gave me a sense of how it
feels being the motorist.

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Otcenas [mailto:susan@teamestrogen.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 11:45 AM
To: trafficsafety@lists.riseup.net
Subject: [trafficsafety] Being seen

<snip>

> He said he appreciated being able to
> easily see me.

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RE: [trafficsafety] Re: Being seen

Gene, Susan and everyone on the list

 

Mark you calendar for October 28th, Saturday 8 AM to  5 PM as I have reserved a class room at the Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd in Beaverton to present free* the Adult Bicycle Safety Classes© I present using the League of American Bicyclists curriculum for the Road 1 course.  This class “Gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling.” (from http://bikeleague.org/programs/education/courses.php)

 

The asterisk on the free means I ask student to donate $5 to cover the cost of registration, the text book copy and certification with the League, as I’ve offered before on this list.  You can, if you wish, donate more.  WashCo BTC membership is $20 annually if you’d like to add your voice and energy to our mission.

 

RSVP your interest because after the 1^st 10 registrants, the class is closed until November 11^th or 25^th.

 

Hal Ballard

Chair, WashCo BTC

LCI 815 C, M

“I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle” ~Zen proverb

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: gene.r.kraft@intel.com [mailto:gene.r.kraft@intel.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 1:28 PM
To: trafficsafety@lists.riseup.net
Subject: [trafficsafety] Re: Being seen

 

I have been running a Light and Motion ARC HID for almost a year now. Great light! Simple. The relatively small battery has a 3.5 - 4 hr burn time needed  for my 37 mile round trip commute. It puts down a bright central beam and it lights up everything in a 3-4 lane swath. I have been mistaken for a slow motorcycle. Expen$ive? Yup. I am worth it.

 

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RE: [trafficsafety] Drunk driver gets 61 months and deportation - Clarification

Thought I'd clarify something based on a few emails I'd received off-list.
I have no idea whether the driver is an illegal alien, a legal immigrant
with a visa, or a permanent resident alien (green card). All I know is that
he is not a citizen. Deportation would occur with any of the aforementioned
statuses.

Susan

--------------------------------------------
Susan Otcenas
TEAM ESTROGEN, INC. __~o
2038 NW Aloclek Dr., Suite 220 -\_<,
Hillsboro, OR 97124 (*)/'(*)

http://www.TeamEstrogen.com
1-877-310-4592
--------------------------------------------
Cycling Apparel and Accessories for Women
--------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Otcenas [mailto:susan@teamestrogen.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 11:48 AM
To: trafficsafety@lists.riseup.net
Subject: [trafficsafety] Drunk driver gets 61 months and deportation

As some of you may recall, I witnessed a drunk driver hit (and then leave
the scene) a cyclist on TV highway earlier this summer. The driver was
caught within the hour, still drunk (blew a .32), still driving, and
attempting to leave the scene of a second collision. The motorist was
charged with Felony DUI (his SIXTH arresnt for DUI), assault, leaving the
scene, and driving while suspended. I testified at his grand jury hearing.
He was indicted and kept in jail pending trial.

His trial was scheduled for yesterday. Monday afternoon, I received a call
from the DA's office. The driver pled guilty. Mandatory 61 month prison
(no early release for good behavior) and will be deported to Mexico after
his time is served.

Susan

--------------------------------------------
Susan Otcenas
TEAM ESTROGEN, INC. __~o
2038 NW Aloclek Dr., Suite 220 -\_<,
Hillsboro, OR 97124 (*)/'(*)

http://www.TeamEstrogen.com
1-877-310-4592
--------------------------------------------
Cycling Apparel and Accessories for Women
--------------------------------------------

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[trafficsafety] Re: Being seen

I have been running a Light and Motion ARC HID for almost a year now. Great light! Simple. The relatively small battery has a 3.5 - 4 hr burn time needed for my 37 mile round trip commute. It puts down a bright central beam and it lights up everything in a 3-4 lane swath. I have been mistaken for a slow motorcycle. Expen$ive? Yup. I am worth it.

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[trafficsafety] Drunk driver gets 61 months and deportation

As some of you may recall, I witnessed a drunk driver hit (and then leave
the scene) a cyclist on TV highway earlier this summer. The driver was
caught within the hour, still drunk (blew a .32), still driving, and
attempting to leave the scene of a second collision. The motorist was
charged with Felony DUI (his SIXTH arresnt for DUI), assault, leaving the
scene, and driving while suspended. I testified at his grand jury hearing.
He was indicted and kept in jail pending trial.

His trial was scheduled for yesterday. Monday afternoon, I received a call
from the DA's office. The driver pled guilty. Mandatory 61 month prison
(no early release for good behavior) and will be deported to Mexico after
his time is served.

Susan

--------------------------------------------
Susan Otcenas
TEAM ESTROGEN, INC. __~o
2038 NW Aloclek Dr., Suite 220 -\_<,
Hillsboro, OR 97124 (*)/'(*)

http://www.TeamEstrogen.com
1-877-310-4592
--------------------------------------------
Cycling Apparel and Accessories for Women
--------------------------------------------

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[trafficsafety] Being seen

I realize I am preaching to the choir here, but it feels good to mention it
nonetheless.

I ride with a NiteRider HID headlight. Super bright. Really, really
bright.

On my ride home last night, I had a motorist roll down his window and thank
me for using such a bright light. He said he appreciated being able to
easily see me. Also said he wished more cyclists would be more visible. I
told him I agreed! I wish we could all have a light like that.

Sometimes, no matter how much we try to avoid it, I think we can't help but
occasionally get a little bit of "us vs. them" mentality. Despite the fact
that I'm a motorist too, sometimes when I'm on my bike, I feel like I'm
doing battle just to stay alive. So, it's really nice when a motorist
thanks me for my efforts to be seen and be safe. I'm happy that there are
motorists out there that appreciate what we do. And I totally sympathise
with his desire to see more of us with lights. (Buy the best light you can
afford!) He clearly cares and is conscientious. I think most drivers are,
in fact.

Anyway, just thought I'd share. It brightened my night (yes, pun intended
:)

Susan

--------------------------------------------
Susan Otcenas
TEAM ESTROGEN, INC. __~o
2038 NW Aloclek Dr., Suite 220 -\_<,
Hillsboro, OR 97124 (*)/'(*)

http://www.TeamEstrogen.com
1-877-310-4592
--------------------------------------------
Cycling Apparel and Accessories for Women
--------------------------------------------

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[trafficsafety] safety and connectivity issues meeting - Mon Oct 9th

Hello Traffic Safety folks:

 

Bicyclist in Lake Oswego/Lake Grove area need your support on bike safety and traffic issues in their home town.  Can you attent a meeting tonight?

 

The meeting is at 6:00 in the Lake Oswego Council Chambers to discuss alternative transportation in Lake Grove and Lake Oswego areas and the lack of bike facilities for local residence.

 

Several folks will be presenting written statements on safe connecting bike paths and secure convenient bike parking.  I will be there representing the Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition and  in the context of safety and connectivity issues. 

 

The Plan http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/lgtc/lgtc.htm

 

You may not live in this area but you may ride in this area.  We all need to support each other city's issues to if you can, please come to the meeting and support these folks!

 

Your presence is the BEST way to influence our decision makers.

 

DIRECTIONS:

   380 'A' Ave

   Corner of 'A' Ave & 4th Street

   Downtown Lake Oswego of State Street (Hwy 43)

   1st Floor City Council Chambers

 

Thanks a bunch for trying to attend,

Barbara Chapnick, 503-849-1792
Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition
http://washcobtc.org/
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/trafficsafety

"Don't lose your mind over a helmet. Just wear it!"

[trafficsafety] No Sound

I just watched the show. Still no sound. I haven't a clue what went
wrong this time, but I just heard from someone else that there was a
problem with sound on his show, too. I'll keep working on it.

Kat Iverson
(One more time, and I'll be the boy who cried wolf)

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[trafficsafety] Re: Sept. 1 Demo on TV

The sound is fixed. The next airing is Sunday, 3:00 pm ch. 21 in
Washington County.
For more airings, see
http://www.tvctv.org/content/programs/searchresultsTVCTV.asp?strKeyword=traffic&datDate=&intChannel=%25&Submit3=Search+Programs

Kat Iverson

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[trafficsafety] speed board

Check this out on Jonathan's 'Share the road' site
http://www.isharetheroad.com/2006/10/04/pdot-unveils-new-share-the-road-programs/

The city is installing Share the road signs to make a point about
speeding. The great part is that these signs will be moved randomly so
drivers don't expect to slow down at a certain spot

--
Aaron Tarfman
Transportation Diplomat
www.yourbodypower.org

"It's amazing to me that people can save $7000 a year by making a simple lifestyle change."

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Re: [trafficsafety] Sept. 1 Demo on TV

Oops. There's no audio, so don't go out of your way to watch the show,
yet. I'll post again when I fix it. Probably Friday.

Kat Iverson
very amateur filmmaker

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[trafficsafety] Re: [shift] [Fwd: Teresa Bell's reporting: Bicyclist struck,...]

Michael,

What a great idea to email KGW with positive feedback.  How 'bout it, everyone?

Donna M. Bryan

donna@tangleweeds.com

To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

- Theodore Roosevelt

On Oct 3, 2006, at 11:00 AM, Michael Rasmussen wrote:

I jump to a different assumption than Jonathan and Severt.

-------------------------------- Original Message --------------------------------

Subject: Teresa Bell's reporting:  Bicyclist struck,      killed on his 26th birthday

From:    mikeraz

Date:    Tue, October 3, 2006 10:53

To:      newsquestions@kgw.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hooray!  Congratulations!

KGW Management - thanks for employing a reporter that takes care with word choice.

And please let Ms. Bell know the bicycling appreciates her reporting on this very

unfortunate story.

In particular:

 - She described the incident as a "collision" not an "accident."

 - No mention was made of irrelevant, blame the victim elements, e.g. helmet use

-- 

   Michael Rasmussen, Portland, Ore, USA

  Be Appropriate && Follow Your Curiosity

        http://www.patch.com/words/

-- 

   Michael Rasmussen, Portland, Ore, USA

  Be Appropriate && Follow Your Curiosity

        http://www.patch.com/words/

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