The above diagram shows a stretch of Fountain Blvd where Sharrows were recently installed. I've had the pleasure of bike commuting this road many times over the past couple weeks and have noticed a disturbing trend. Many cyclists, for various reasons, decide to ride their bikes on the opposite sidewalk against traffic or sometimes even in the oncoming driving lane AGAINST the Sharrow. I tweeted about this including this diagram and got many responses from other cyclists, mostly bringing up exceptions and reasons why cyclists would ride this way. My view is that if the cycling community works hard and achieves a small victory of getting sharrows installed on Fountain, then we're obligated to properly utilize this great piece of cycling infrastructure. It's true that education of cyclists and drivers is part of the solution, and hopefully this will continue. In light of this need for education, cyclists take note: if you're riding on Fountain in the red or blue position, you're engaging in a dick move. Use the sharrows, they are there for you. Much sweat went into getting those installed, and we should use them. They work wonderfully. There are always going to be exceptions to this basic rule, but first you must acknowledge the wisdom of this premise.
In other less dispyo͝oˈtāSHəs news, CicLAvia is nearly a month away, so mark your calendars for 10-10-10 and get ready to experience 7.5 miles of carfree & carefree community building! From CicLAvia:
Ciclovías started in Bogotá, Colombia, over thirty years ago as a response to the congestion and pollution of city streets. Now they happen throughout Latin America and the United States, connecting communities and giving people a break from the stress of car traffic. The health benefits are immense. Ciclovías bring families outside of their homes to enjoy the streets, our largest public space.
In Los Angeles we need CicLAvia more than ever. Our streets are congested with traffic, our air is polluted with toxic fumes, our children suffer from obesity and other health conditions caused by the scarcity of public space and safe, healthy transportation options. CicLAvia creates a temporary park for free, simply by removing cars from city streets. It creates a network of connections between our neighborhoods and businesses and parks with corridors filled with fun. We can’t wait to see you at CicLAvia!
Happy Riding!
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