Advocacy & Safety - Can you believe this!??

Check out the first "safety tip"!!!!!



Towns Charge For Organized Bike Rides
Wisconsin State Journal :: FRONT :: A1
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Gena Kittner Wisconsin State Journal
Area biking clubs are having to shell out more money for organized rides and races this summer in western Dane County -- causing one group to consider taking its event elsewhere next year.
The towns of Berry and Vermont have instituted a permit policy they hope will catch the attention of cyclists in western Dane County.
But bike ride organizers say the fees are unfair and, in some cases, don't intend to pay.
"Getting permits from townships ... it is a financial hardship for us," said David LeMahieu, president of the Bombay Bicycling Club.

The Bombay Bicycle Club has been holding rides in western Dane County for more than 30 years.
"It almost seems like they see this as a way to make money," LeMahieu said. "All this over-regulating is putting our whole club's existence in jeopardy."
Tensions between athletes and rural residents have grown the past several years as more bikers hit rural roads for training rides and organized races. Last year, several cyclists competing in the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon had flat tires from nails on the course near Cross Plains. Many participants thought the nails were placed intentionally.
In April, a town of Dane man was placed in a first-offenders program after admitting forcing roller skiers off a rural road near his home. The town of Berry approved a policy in December establishing a $50 permit fee -- plus $1 for every rider -- for cycle rides of 50 or more people, said Brenda Kahl town of Berry clerk.
A refund for the permit is negotiable, depending if the town needs the money for other bike-related expenses, she said.
The town of Vermont instituted a $100 nonrefundable permit policy, along with a $500 security deposit for any bike event, said Steve Cowan, town chairman.
Municipal leaders say the policy was created to increase cooperation with cyclists and safety for everyone.
"Some of the bicyclists need to have better manners," Cowan said. "If they're going to stop, they need to get way over to the side. The roads are so curvy and hilly out here, it's almost impossible for an automobile to pass. They are going to have to police themselves."
Mark Rooney, a lawyer representing the Horrible Hilly Hundreds event, said the towns' policies do not conform to state laws that provide for limited regulation of bicycles as vehicles using the roads.
"It appears that the towns have gotten off on the wrong legal foot here," Rooney said. The towns are better off working with ride organizers, because each event differs and the resources for enforcing the policy are limited, he said. "Enacting a policy that tries to regulate all cycling activities is counterproductive," he said.
Melvern Bankes, town of Berry chairman, said the town will get a legal opinion if necessary regarding the policy.
"We're not in it to make money," he said. It's a matter of safety and having funds available to clean up after the ride if necessary, he said. "The taxpayer should not have to pay to clean up."
Part of the town of Vermont's policy stipulates no bike races, which would rule out the annual Blue Mounds Classic bike race.
The town does not allow races because the riders wouldn't follow road rules, such as stopping at stop signs, Cowan said.
The Atkins Citizen Racing Club has held its Blue Mounds Classic bike race in the western part of the county for nine years. Because of the town's new policy, the club might alter the route to avoid the town of Vermont.
"We are currently looking at designing a different route that would possibly be safer," said Darryl Mataya, Atkins president. "We may very well put on the race without filling out the (town of Vermont) permit."
While the race will remain in western Dane County this year, Mataya said the group is considering moving it to a different town next year.
Holding the race in conjunction with a town party would make it easier to close roads, he said. "I think this issue was going to come up. More and more people are using the roads and there's more population."
Rooney said a dialogue between riders and municipalities has started and he's been pleased with the progress.
The town of Berry has constructed signs to be displayed on days when there's an organized ride as a warning to motorists.
The town has 30 signs and will put them at every intersection if possible, Bankes said.
Organizers of the Horribly Hilly paid the fee in the town of Berry as a way to show good faith, because the town invested in the signs.
"We hope to be able to resolve the whole deposit issue so that becomes unnecessary," Rooney said.
If every town has fees, it would make it impossible to conduct events, he said. "I think as people start to reflect on all these issues, (they will) realize the whole issue is overblown."


\ Bike safety tips
* Ride on the shoulder or as close to the edge of the road as possible
* Ride in control going downhill. On rural roads there is often sand at the bottom of a big hill.
* Keep at least two bike lengths between you and the rider in front of you.
* Learn to change your tires and carry a spare tube or a patch kit.
* Walk over railroad tracks. Your wheel can get caught in the tracks.
* Be aware of road conditions and ride accordingly. Watch for wet leaves and oil slick roads. Be aware of sun glare, especially in the morning and the evening.
* If you are not riding your bike, pull off the road completely.
* Call out if you are passing another rider.

check out some of the replies on the paper's online forum:


I live in the country.We have a bike trail that is State funded.USE IT!!!These peaple live in the city and have NO CLUE how dangerous it is to be clipp'n long at about 35 mph on their $1000.00 bikes and surprise a farmer on a tractor or a driver that is not even suspecting to to have someone on a bike suddenly appear out of nowhere.Most of them really dont get it.YOUR SAFER ON THE MADISON BIKE TRAIL riding around lake Monona.If something happens where a pick-up with big mirrors or pulling a hay wagon that bounces back and fourth hits you its very unlikly that they will have any idea they hit anything.Why should a farmer get hauled of for jail when the bump of you hitting his truck is the same as running over a large stone.The other thing that seems to be getting popular too is WALKING these roads.as hard as many country drivers do their best to abide by the law most times there is so little time to react its over before you know and someone is either badly hurt of dead.
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I think there should be a ban on spandex. Cyclists look soooooo gay with those skimpy rags on.. Nobody wants to see your butt or your package. Please get over yourselves and wear a decent pair of short over your skibbies
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This is how people make the roads safe for everyone? How so? Is that what they're doing? They passed those laws because they're annoyed by the cyclists; I'm guessing they just don't like outsiders in general.

If you vote for bike groups requiring some type of license to go through your town, you should get your head examined.
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check out some of the replies on the paper's online forum:


I live in the country.We have a bike trail that is State funded.USE IT!!!These peaple live in the city and have NO CLUE how dangerous it is to be clipp'n long at about 35 mph on their $1000.00 bikes and surprise a farmer on a tractor or a driver that is not even suspecting to to have someone on a bike suddenly appear out of nowhere.Most of them really dont get it.YOUR SAFER ON THE MADISON BIKE TRAIL riding around lake Monona.If something happens where a pick-up with big mirrors or pulling a hay wagon that bounces back and fourth hits you its very unlikly that they will have any idea they hit anything.Why should a farmer get hauled of for jail when the bump of you hitting his truck is the same as running over a large stone.The other thing that seems to be getting popular too is WALKING these roads.as hard as many country drivers do their best to abide by the law most times there is so little time to react its over before you know and someone is either badly hurt of dead.
---------
I think there should be a ban on spandex. Cyclists look soooooo gay with those skimpy rags on.. Nobody wants to see your butt or your package. Please get over yourselves and wear a decent pair of short over your skibbies
-----------
This is how people make the roads safe for everyone? How so? Is that what they're doing? They passed those laws because they're annoyed by the cyclists; I'm guessing they just don't like outsiders in general.

If you vote for bike groups requiring some type of license to go through your town, you should get your head examined.
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oy! death to the walkers also! yikes......F*#K the AUTO CULTURE!!!!!!! okay I'm done whew just blowing off a little steam....

Actually here in the greater Seattle area there have been many recent battles with cyclists vs "AUTOS"!!! Mercer Island wanted a down right ban on us. Lake Forest Park
wants to review their (ill kept) section of the Burke Gilman trail, they want to "rethink it" King County waged an 11 year battle to extend the Lake Sammish trail, the wealthy
home owners opposed us because they felt it would, "bring crime" People need to stop thinking of cycling as a SPORT and start thinking of it as TRANSPORTATION!!!

Sounds to me like market forces are taking care of the safety issue. Country drivers find it too difficult to obey the laws that forbid them from running people down; the free markets have responded as towns price cyclists out of those areas through permit schemes. Where's the problem with that?

Ummm governmental regulation is NOT "free markets."

I assume you are being cynical and somehow implying my post is inconsistent with views i have previosuly expressed. Not so.

If what you are talkign about are user fees, then automobiles/tractors should have to pay the same user fee to use the road.

We are talkign about a public county road paid for by property taxes. I can understand if they want to charge a fee for large organized events such as charity rides etc., but charging for a private club of 20 people to ride their bikes is ridiculous. DO they charge a slow moving funeral possession the same fee--after all, they make passing almost impossible.

philosophically i would not be oppossed to fully funding a road through user fees (such as a toll booth at the county boundaries) applicable to ALL users. But if you are going to use the "public good" argument and then pay for it with taxes, they shouldnt'; seperatly be charging a group of users. I mean if i live in milwaukee and drive through, why dont i have to pay a special fee? Thats the inherent problem with any form of taxation---there will always be freeriders. But that is a result you accpet by funding a public works through local taxation.

I get everyone's point, but getting hostile is no way to gain anyone's trust. Budgets are tight these days, and even if those nails on the road were not placed there intentionally, they're still a public hazard. Someone has to clean it up and that takes time and money. Some of these counties have one officer in the whole department. To shift their focus away from dealing with real emergencies to having to police a feud between cyclists and rural residents costs money, overtime money, money which these guys don't have. So give them a break, you're only contributing to your own safety. It's part of maintaining the infrastructure so everyone is equally protected. (as much as possible that is)

BTW, autos pay taxes at the pump plus registration and licensing fees. Cyclists don't, no apologies required :D

Skanking Biker - I'm just in a playful mood today... don't take it personally ;)

Aside from the funding issue----i was more interested in that the paper's safety tip was always to ride the extreme right of the shoulder and not be in traffic.

Sounds to me like market forces are taking care of the safety issue. Country drivers find it too difficult to obey the laws that forbid them from running people down; the free markets have responded as towns price cyclists out of those areas through permit schemes. Where's the problem with that?


ow! touche! how orwellian! ;)

Skanking Biker - I'm just in a playful mood today... don't take it personally ;)


Apology accepted Captain Netta

I was just trying to be nice and post something i thought might be of interest----nothing overly politcal----and i get jumped on---- i tell ya---i get no respect ;)

Maybee i need to start brining one fo those flak jackets and tommy guns to the forum :=)

uhhh.......

don't start the "autos pay taxes, cyclists don't" arguement. It'll go on forever.

As for the fee, I don't think it's that bad. $1 a rider isn't an excessive toll. Think about it, you spend thousands of dollars on your bike and gear, I think you afford to pay a $1 toll every once in awhile.

I get everyone's point, but getting hostile is no way to gain anyone's trust. Budgets are tight these days, and even if those nails on the road were not placed there intentionally, they're still a public hazard. Someone has to clean it up and that takes time and money. Some of these counties have one officer in the whole department. To shift their focus away from dealing with real emergencies to having to police a feud between cyclists and rural residents costs money, overtime money, money which these guys don't have. So give them a break, you're only contributing to your own safety. It's part of maintaining the infrastructure so everyone is equally protected. (as much as possible that is)

BTW, autos pay taxes at the pump plus registration and licensing fees. Cyclists don't, no apologies required :D

Two points:
First, a hit and run (that farmer didn't stop... must have thought you were a rock, as in the letter to the editor quoted above!) is a bit more severe than "a dispute between cyclists and rural residents", as is forcing someone off the road at speed, or a sabotaged tire at speed - all are potentially homicide, and are EXACTLY what the police, rural or otherwise, ought to be concerned with.

Secondly: the public throughways are almost entirely paid by property, income, and other similar taxes that every citizen pays; the small gasoline taxes are far from covering autos' share of the costs, especially considering the percentage of road wear for which they are responsible.

What i thought was interesting was this mindset that we all belong on the bike paths--i mean this is hippieville MADISON WISCONSIn we are talkign about--its a virtual bike mecca


Dont get me wrong-- i love the paths here--but they often get to clogged with idiot peds or dogwalkers//roller bladers and people deciding to adjust their seat in the middle of the path.

I though people here (you seem so interested in pushing that cyclists have every right to the road as cars) would find this interesting---that the raods are for cars not bikes mentality exists even here in the Peoples Republic of Madison.


I will admit i used to think like this until I started riding---before i came here, the only riding i did was as a ride around the neighborhood--it changes your perspective once you get out there.

Two points:
First, a hit and run (that farmer didn't stop... must have thought you were a rock, as in the letter to the editor quoted above!) is a bit more severe than "a dispute between cyclists and rural residents", as is forcing someone off the road at speed, or a sabotaged tire at speed - all are potentially homicide, and are EXACTLY what the police, rural or otherwise, ought to be concerned with.

Secondly: the public throughways are almost entirely paid by property, income, and other similar taxes that every citizen pays; the small gasoline taxes are far from covering autos' share of the costs, especially considering the percentage of road wear for which they are responsible.


here here

Before everyone goes Apesh!t over the taxation thing---every state does it differently---some states place the gas tax, registartion fees etc into a segregated fund--other just put it into a general fund.

I get everyone's point, but getting hostile is no way to gain anyone's trust. Budgets are tight these days, and even if those nails on the road were not placed there intentionally, they're still a public hazard. Someone has to clean it up and that takes time and money. Some of these counties have one officer in the whole department. To shift their focus away from dealing with real emergencies to having to police a feud between cyclists and rural residents costs money, overtime money, money which these guys don't have. So give them a break, you're only contributing to your own safety. It's part of maintaining the infrastructure so everyone is equally protected. (as much as possible that is)

BTW, autos pay taxes at the pump plus registration and licensing fees. Cyclists don't, no apologies required :D

Cyclists pay income taxes, which average about 45% of the funds used for roads. That means the cyclists are also paying for those roads, even if they don't own a car. If you'd like to debate whether the people that "supposedly" pay the most should have the right of way, be prapared to pull over next time a truck comes up behind you.
If the county residents would follow the laws of the state they drive in, there wouldn't be any problems between them and the cyclists.

uhhh.......

don't start the "autos pay taxes, cyclists don't" arguement. It'll go on forever.

As for the fee, I don't think it's that bad. $1 a rider isn't an excessive toll. Think about it, you spend thousands of dollars on your bike and gear, I think you afford to pay a $1 toll every once in awhile.

The problem is prescedence, once people accept being charged, they'll start raising the toll.

The first step toward coexisting is acknowledging the other's right to exist. Let's just start there. Property taxes and all others aside, cyclists should ask their rural neighbors what is it about cycling that impacts their lives so much so that someone would intentionally ruin their day with some strategically placed nails. The answer may be pretty simple, and the solution even easier. Start a dialogue first and then go from there.

You're right about the roads and taxes, nobody's arguing or debating anything. I'm sorry I even brought that up.

precedent my friend


precedent

The first step toward coexisting is acknowledging the other's right to exist. Let's just start there. Property taxes and all others aside, cyclists should ask their rural neighbors what is it about cycling that impacts their lives so much so that someone would intentionally ruin their day with some strategically placed nails. The answer may be pretty simple, and the solution even easier. Start a dialogue first and then go from there.

You're right about the roads and taxes, nobody's arguing or debating anything. I'm sorry I even brought that up.


Its prob just a city/country thing. Country folk dont liek rich city folk riding their expensive bikes around their hayfields and city folk dont like country folk driving the manure truck through town. Not much u can do about it

The annual bike ride my club puts on gets us funds to operate throughout the year. The county sheriff wants all rides like this to get a parade permit, even though we don't use any of their resources, and bikes on the road are leagl. NO roads are shut down for this event. Their argument that they might have to respond to an emergency doesn't wash either, since there are hundreds of cyclists out on those same roads every weekend in nice weather.

The problem is prescedence, once people accept being charged, they'll start raising the toll.


well, I'll admit that that would be a problem.

The first step toward coexisting is acknowledging the other's right to exist. Let's just start there. Property taxes and all others aside, cyclists should ask their rural neighbors what is it about cycling that impacts their lives so much so that someone would intentionally ruin their day with some strategically placed nails. The answer may be pretty simple, and the solution even easier. Start a dialogue first and then go from there.

You're right about the roads and taxes, nobody's arguing or debating anything. I'm sorry I even brought that up.

I think the answer is revealed in the letter to the editor in the original post. Whining about the tight clothing "revealing" the cyclist's body makes me wonder how close-minded the letter writer is. Does he turn off his TV when his kids are watching the Olympics, and the track and field events comes on? I've been in many small town areas where the people look down on anyone that isn't in church on Sunday.

I think the answer is revealed in the letter to the editor in the original post. Whining about the tight clothing "revealing" the cyclist's body makes me wonder how close-minded the letter writer is. Does he turn off his TV when his kids are watching the Olympics, and the track and field events comes on? I've been in many small town areas where the people look down on anyone that isn't in church on Sunday.

I live in Minnesota, I used to live in Illinois. Basically Bible Belt. You just never know. It could have been one lone biker who ruined it for everyone way back in 1964. Now if they were Lutheran they'd just smile and wave as you pass and then talk about you later on.

That running people off the road behavior is not all that uncommon in the coutnry--esp by local teenagers riding in their big "extreme" pick up trucks. Last mo i was riding on a road that led out to a rural area--the part i was on had a bike lane---these as$ clowns pull up next to be in a big monster truck, lay on the horn--slam on the breask--yell something incomprehendible out the window spion their tires and take off.

Dont get me wrong-- i love the paths here--but they often get to clogged with idiot peds or dogwalkers//roller bladers and people deciding to adjust their seat in the middle of the path.

SUV Driver: "Don't get me wrong-- i love the roads here-- but they often get clogged with idiot cyclists taking up the entire lane and complaining about their rights to our streets."

Dude, just giving you some innocent sh!t; however, at the risk of getting flamed out of here, riding toward the side is usually just common sense for those of us not trying to forward any super cycling activist agenda.

Actually here in the greater Seattle area there have been many recent battles with cyclists vs "AUTOS"!!! Mercer Island wanted a down right ban on us. Lake Forest Park
wants to review their (ill kept) section of the Burke Gilman trail, they want to "rethink it" King County waged an 11 year battle to extend the Lake Sammish trail, the wealthy
home owners opposed us because they felt it would, "bring crime" People need to stop thinking of cycling as a SPORT and start thinking of it as TRANSPORTATION!!!

Bring crime... good gosh... what you're gonna steel their piano and make off on your bike... LOL. What in the world are these folks thinking... is there some leather clad bike gang that is running amok in those parts or what? Sheesh

Critical Mass comes to the rescue!

I recall a Judge Judy episode (case?) that came out of Wisconson where a cyclist was trying to get damages from hitting the defendants dog. The defendant used the "bike path" and "shouldn't have been there" lines to no avail.

Critical Mass comes to the rescue!

If your idea of rescue is saying F-You to the townships then yes, CM is the way to go. The Wisconsin Bicycle Federation and other groups are trying to handle this stupid situation diplomatically. So far they are doing "ok." I think having a CM type event is just asking for trouble.