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If you had your choice, what kind of improvements would you like to see to make bicycling better, more convenient, faster, safer, or simply more enjoyable? Anything goes, here (as long as you're serious. :D)
Any ideas?
My idea is to have computers attached to car engines that registers every time a motorist exceeds 20 mph. over a posted speed limit. When he/she gets a vehicle emissions test, the computer reads out every violation and reports it on the emissions test. When the tag is renewed and the emissions test presented, a fine for every violation would have to be paid before the tag is renewed.
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If you had your choice, what kind of improvements would you like to see to make bicycling better, more convenient, faster, safer, or simply more enjoyable? Anything goes, here (as long as you're serious. :D)
Any ideas?
My idea is to have computers attached to car engines that registers every time a motorist exceeds 20 mph. over a posted speed limit. When he/she gets a vehicle emissions test, the computer reads out every violation and reports it on the emissions test. When the tag is renewed and the emissions test presented, a fine for every violation would have to be paid before the tag is renewed.
Ok, I probably killed my own thread.
:)
Forget my idea, it was stupid, anyway. ;)
I'm not gonna get into the big-brother, speed-enforcement debate, but what I want is better gadgets ;).
I hear a lot of talk about "forget about the gadgets and focus on the ride", or "best thing I ever did was toss my cyclocomputer in the trash", and such. I say f* all that noise. I want newer, *better* gadgets, so I can geek out on ride-stats to my hearts content.
I want a GPS/powermeter/altimeter/HR-monitor all in one. It has have memory downloadable to the computer and companion software so I can plot graphs of elevation, HR, grade, power-output, speed and cadence all in relation to each-other. Maybe even an internet d/l of weather data so that wind speed/direction, and temperature can be added to the mix.
It has to be compact and wearable as well. I want to be able to use it while off the bike snowboarding or hiking or whatever (Of course without the power/cadence capability. Naturally, those would be wireless.)
With a combination of a few different gadgets and some tinkering you could probably get all that data with existing equipment. But I want it *all* consolidated in one compact gadget. While we're at it, make it less than $200.
Hey, you said "anything goes" ;).
-Trevor
If you had your choice, what kind of improvements would you like to see to make bicycling better, more convenient, faster, safer, or simply more enjoyable?
I would like to see the elimination of all bike lanes (except, perhaps, those on freeways), but, more importantly a change in cultural understanding of what constitutes safe cycling in traffic that would lead to the elimination of the bike lanes.
Make it easier to take/suspend driving privileges away from people and make it stick. Make it HARDER to get a license in the first place.
I want bicycle hiways, separate from auto roadways, that allow us to zip across town at the highest speed possible on a bike. These should be built similar to auto hiways with limited access and merging type entries. They should also be built with a low grade changes similar to train beds... so that all grade changes would be very gradual. They should also be bicycle only, no peds or roller skaters... etc.
I would like a reporting system such that folks can submit errant drivers via a cell phone. Simply punch in their license number and it is recorded... as is your cell phone number. You cannot report the same driver again, thus preventing grudges, but if multiple different cell phones report the same license, then the police have the right to investigate or ticket directly based on these "bad driver" reports.
I want to invent new pedals that stay clipped when I want them to be, but unclip when I want them to - without my having to remember. Something that stays clipped with 'up' motion, but release with just the slightest sideways motion
Make it easier to take/suspend driving privileges away from people and make it stick. Make it HARDER to get a license in the first place.
Add whole sections on road users rights... how drivers should "share the road" with both each other and any other forms of transportation.
Insist on drive courtesy... "Drive Friendly."
I want to see all users of the road follow the law, including yeilding right of way.
Could you imagine no speeding, tailgating, proper space to pass and return to the lane, no getting cut off and all cyclists riding on the right side of the road, following all signs and using lights at night?
That'd be something.
That I could figure out a way to make my "inertia brake". The idea is when you brake, the force will send some kind of flywheel into motion. The more you brake, the more energy you accumulate. Then, when you want it, you can tap into the flywheel and ZOOOOMMM!!!!
I want all college kids to be required to take a course on vehicular cycling during orientation. One too many wrong way riders out there today...
I want people to quit walking their dogs on the BIKE PATH and letting them crap all over it. I like the highway for bikes idea, that would rule.
I want secure lockable trunk and pannier bags so when I am out shopping I can leave the things I have already bought with the bike when I go into the next shop.
I want cameras on all traffic lights to fine all cars that blast through as the lights go red.
I want restrictions on cars in city areas, with parking provided at the public transit stops on the outside of the restricted area, and more frequent public transit service. Maybe something like London's.
Bike theft to be a hanging offense. Much more difficult to get a driver's license.
I want cycling to be as friendly as motorcycling or scootering, where you give a little nod or wave to a fellow cyclist. Cyclists rarely wave :(
I want to see more recumbents out there!
Spinning blades attached to my hubs a la Ben Hur, so I can deal with motorists that get too close.
I want bicycle hiways ... built similar to auto hiways with limited access and merging type entries.
Sort of like this? (please ignore the marked shoulder; it lies outside of the traveled way)
http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_8033922/Yahoo!+Photo+Album/Carlane.jpg?grdcy9BBuZuIOrUf
I guess would like to see more people riding bikes and fewer people driving cars, as I think that would pave (har har!) the way for a lot of the other suggestions above. I am not sure how I would accomplish that though. Make gas $10/gal? Higher car taxes? I don't have to provide the answers, do I? :)
Also I would like to see more publicity of cycling of all sorts (racing, commuting, just for fun, etc.) instead of promoting couch-potato activities such as watching football. Actually I would like to see football (american football) and all related industries completely abolished but I guess that's another thread.
I would like to see more cyclists respecting the laws, in particular: stopping at stop signs and red lights. I would like to see more motorists doing that too I guess.
I'd second 'nother, simply- more people on bicycles. More people out of their filthy, stinkin' cars in urban gridlock, and out on two wheels.
Oh, and tax credits for daily bicyclists, an 'energy' tax credit.
Thirded. More people on bikes - more nice local shops rather than those huge soulless out-of-town malls you have to drive to. Polite happy road users who don't mind sharing space, that'd keep me happy.
I believe one of the biggest problems is that it is MUCH too easy to get a driver's license in the USA.
I know this will never happen, but to get a driver's license a person should have to go through an extensive driving and written test, EVERY couple of years.
Getting the first time is way to easy and then you don't ever get tested again or you take another incredible easy test.
I am 36 years old and my current Arizona State driver's License does not expire until 2033! I will be 64 years old when I have to renew.
So much could happen to my ability to drive a car in that time frame.
any ways, that is my rant for the day :D
Now for fantasical gadgets.... I want something that will sweep the street in front of me as I ride so that I will not run over any rusty nails. bits of glass or goathead thorns. Maybe some sort of "Star Trek" phaser device that weighs almost nothing and won't slow me down any.
or how about a device to interupt cell phones with a warning that a cyclist/jogger is in/near their path of travel.
wide paved shoulders on all major roads, regularly swept of trash and glass, of course.
Sort of like this? (please ignore the marked shoulder; it lies outside of the traveled way)
http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_8033922/Yahoo!+Photo+Album/Carlane.jpg?grdcy9BBuZuIOrUf
where does that exist? actually the cars shunted to one lane on the shoulder is cute... make them drive in the dirt! :D
Jet packs mounted to the chain stays...and somewhere to mount my Red Rider Carbine.
I agree with stronger laws regarding bicycle theft. Not hanging. But stronger. I could steal a $400 clunker of a car and be tagged with a class A felony. But some one rips off my Surly? The cops don't even get off their corpulent rumps.
Oh, yes, and bike racks that are all like the bits at the end. You know, the spaces everyone else wants.
I'd like a portable electromagnetic pulse generator in a water bottle-sized case. Then, the next time Bubba Redneck buzzes me in his big ol' dualie or Suzie Soccermom righthooks me with her Land Rover, I'd fire up the EMP and fry their circuitry. Everything would shut down, including the cell phone, GPS, DVD, and radio. They would coast to a stop, unable to harm any cyclist or pedestrian, and I'd continue on my merry way. Maybe I'd slow down and say "What's the problem? Gosh, I'd love to help but I'm not very mechanically inclined..."
I'd like a portable electromagnetic pulse generator in a water bottle-sized case. Then, the next time Bubba Redneck buzzes me in his big ol' dualie or Suzie Soccermom righthooks me with her Land Rover, I'd fire up the EMP and fry their circuitry. Everything would shut down, including the cell phone, GPS, DVD, and radio. They would coast to a stop, unable to harm any cyclist or pedestrian, and I'd continue on my merry way. Maybe I'd slow down and say "What's the problem? Gosh, I'd love to help but I'm not very mechanically inclined..."
hehe I want one of those
Seriously, I like the bike highway idea. We have one, actually, in Sacramento: The American River Bike Trail runs from Folsom to Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and the Sacramento Rivers. It's the fastest, safest, easiest way to and from the eastern suburbs. Hundreds of commuters use it everyday. What we need is bike highways south to Elk Grove, west to Davis, and north to Marysville.
I thought I read somewhere that in the 1890's-1900's there was a bike highway between L.A. and Pasadena. Anybody know about that?
puncture proof tires
solid tires already exist
solid tires already exist
Yeah, but they suck. Otherwise, we would all be using them.
Seriously, I like the bike highway idea. We have one, actually, in Sacramento: The American River Bike Trail runs from Folsom to Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and the Sacramento Rivers. It's the fastest, safest, easiest way to and from the eastern suburbs. Hundreds of commuters use it everyday. What we need is bike highways south to Elk Grove, west to Davis, and north to Marysville.
I thought I read somewhere that in the 1890's-1900's there was a bike highway between L.A. and Pasadena. Anybody know about that?
Funny thing is that when Route 66 was finally "closed" I thought it would have made an excellent bike hiway... unfortunatly although the hiway as Route 66 was closed, the actual road surface was turned into local roads or destroyed.
I thought I read somewhere that in the 1890's-1900's there was a bike highway between L.A. and Pasadena. Anybody know about that?
In the late 1800's there was a dedicated "bicycle railway" in Smithville NJ. Here's a description from Burlington County Library's website:
"Through the 1880's the H.B. Smith Company blazed trails in new areas with great emphasis upon the mechanical means of transportation. A number of bicycles and tricycles were produced, including one which was steam powered. In 1887 a kerosene burning tricycle was assembled which included a three speed sliding gear and a high speed piston valve motor. Accounts relate that Smith, feeling the invention too far ahead of its time to be marketable, had further development tabled.
Of far greater success was the "Star" bicycle which was invented by George W. Pressey of Hammonton. The "Star", which differed from all previous high wheelers in that the larger wheel was in back with a smaller, guiding wheel in front, was created to insure greater stability. H.B. Smith produced the first "Star" in 1881 and following an impressive ad campaign, including the hiring of a well known athlete to ride down the steps of the capital building, the bicycle became one of the Company's most lucrative products.
Hezekiah blazed sonic new trails of his own during that time. He ran for Congress in 1878 on the Democratic and Greenback ticket and, with the help of "a moose, a rebel, and the company hand" he won. The moose, whose name was February, harnessed to a carriage was a novelty: the rebel, Alexander H. Stephens, former Vice-President of the Confederacy, was a curiosity and the H.B. Smith Military Band was always a pleasure to hear. Combined with Hezekiah Smith in 1878 they made an unbeatable team. Two years later, however, when Smith sought reelection, the novelty had worn off - his second bid was unsuccessful. Undaunted, he ran for and served a term in the New Jersey State Senate from 1883-1885.
Much of the joy, though, had gone out of Hezekiah Smith's life by that time, for in 1881, Agnes Gilkerson died. Her disconsolate benefactor mourned endlessly at the marble likeness he had created of her, which stood under a protectivecanopy in the Mansion's garden. Finding little solace in this, Hezekiah Smith died six years later, on November 3, 1887 at 71 vears of age and was buried under what seemed peculiar circumstances, in an unmarked grave beside that of Agnes. Smith's wooden casket was encased in an iron coffin and this was sealed in a block of concrete. H.B.'s precautions became apparent only after the wife, and son, with whom he had long since parted company, appeared to contest his will. In that document, Hezekiah Smith had bequeathed the entirety of his property and estate "to be held in trust, to be used in establishing and constructing a school for apprentices and young mechanics." The Smith heirs laid claim to the estate and a court battle ensued which was to last a decade.
During those years, the Company continued to function under the direction of William Kelley, a long-time Smith associate and a whole new chapter evolved in the history of the Company due to the invention of the "Bicycle Railway" by Arthur E., Hotchkiss. The railway, which was created to carry Smith Company employees who had to commute, to the factory from Mount Holly, resembled a rail fence upon which glided bicycles designed especially for that purpose. The rider sat between two wheels working the pedals up and down, rather than in a rotary motion. A third wheel, pressing against the bottom rail kept the bike in balance. Travelling at top speed (18 makes per hour) the rider could reach his destination in a matter of minutes. A number of problems developed almost immediately. Because a second track was never completed, when riders travelling in opposite directions met, one had to pull off onto a siding. Further, faster peddlers frequently lost patience with slower ones who would not pull over to let them pass. Finally, with the growing popularity of the safety bicycle, the restrictions inherent in a vehicle which could transport the rider only along a prescribed route eventually spelled the death of the line. Opened amidst great fanfare in 1892, the railway was in severe disrepair in 1898 when the Mount Holly and Smithville Bicycle Railway Company declared bankruptcy."
Here's the link to the whole page:
http://www.burlco.lib.nj.us/county/smithville/
I'd like to see the elimination of sales tax on bicycles, accessories, parts, and related products. Same goes for books.
Enforce the traffic laws.
(Barney Fife: "Let me get my bullet, Andy!")
Enforce the traffic laws.
(Barney Fife: "Let me get my bullet, Andy!")
Andy, you've got to nip it in the bud! NIP IT IN THE BUD!
We have a bike highway. It runs from the west edge of Santa Barbara to UCSB. It's wonderful being able to just put your head down and go. Or, if you ride recumbent, put your head up and enjoy the birds and scenery as you go.
-- I would like to see the DMV driver license examination have more questions on how to share the road with bicyclists.
1.Bike highway, that would be nice. Even thought the Millenium Trail and East Coast Greenway are good
starts, we need more intergrated bike path networks for local usage. Funded by a gasoline tax of course.
Bike paths should ALWAYS be seperate from the road, drivers suck, and always will suck.
2.Puncture proof tires that don't suck. (I'd give my left nut for this)
3.Bike helmet that feels like I'm wearing lycra on my head.
4.Full body suit that blocks sun, is cool as being naked, and makes anyone look good.
5.alternative to the word "Suck"
CE
1. hijack system for bikes
2. better gearing. One system that will allow stepping from 20 gear inches to 120 gear inches in max of 7% incrementals
3. wider shoulders
4. tax deduction for bike commuting
5. mandatory reflective sidewalls on all bike tires
6. mandatory $10,000 fine of dog owners who allow their animals to chase bikers
7. cheap bike theif insurance
and finally with a big drum roll:
someone to pedal for me while I relax in the carrier.
I'd like a portable electromagnetic pulse generator in a water bottle-sized case. Then, the next time Bubba Redneck buzzes me in his big ol' dualie or Suzie Soccermom righthooks me with her Land Rover, I'd fire up the EMP and fry their circuitry. Everything would shut down, including the cell phone, GPS, DVD, and radio. They would coast to a stop, unable to harm any cyclist or pedestrian, and I'd continue on my merry way. Maybe I'd slow down and say "What's the problem? Gosh, I'd love to help but I'm not very mechanically inclined..."
Great idea, but they'd lose steering and braking when the engine died, so you'd have 2 tons or more out of control. Hardly an improvement over Bubba or Suzie in the first place.
I would like to see a bicycle specific 'LoJack' that could be permanently secured to, or in, the frame. Register you bike with the local police and have them locate your bike, if stolen.
Bicycle insurance in the US, like that which is readily available as in the UK.
User adjustable cyclometer, so that I could cruise at 30 mph.
Great idea, but they'd lose steering and braking when the engine died, so you'd have 2 tons or more out of control. Hardly an improvement over Bubba or Suzie in the first place.
Steering and Braking are still mechanical systems... even without the engine running... more difficult, but still there. But heaven help us when these go to "fly by wire." If ever.
I would like to see a bicycle specific 'LoJack' that could be permanently secured to, or in, the frame. Register you bike with the local police and have them locate your bike, if stolen.
Oh sure, then they find the frame up on cinder blocks... stripped of wheels, drive train and saddle. :D
That I could figure out a way to make my "inertia brake". The idea is when you brake, the force will send some kind of flywheel into motion. The more you brake, the more energy you accumulate. Then, when you want it, you can tap into the flywheel and ZOOOOMMM!!!!
Maybe an electric battery assist with regenerative braking, a la the hybrid gasoline-electric engine. Bet someone could do it if they tried...
I want all college kids to be required to take a course on vehicular cycling during orientation. One too many wrong way riders out there today...
Not just college kids. There definitely needs to be more education among the general public, both drivers and casual cyclists. The problem with voluntary cycling education courses is that the only people who take them are those who are already interested in learning. What we need is an advertising campaign, with short slogans such as "Cycle With Traffic, Not Against It." or "A Bike is a Vehicle. Ride Like One." on billboards and the sides of busses and whatnot. The average Joe or Jane on the street needs to know these things without having to take a cycling course.
I gave this a fair amount of thought a few weeks ago, when a wrong-way cyclist was killed here in Portland (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=82091), Maine. My impression from a follow-up article was that this was a decent but down on his luck sort of guy, for whom taking a bicycle safety course was probably pretty low in his list of priorities, after things like finding a steady job and a place to live. I think it's tragic when this happens to people who probably thought they were doing the right thing, and then it just serves to reinforce the idea that cycling is inherently unsafe. No one wins.
I would like to see all motorist have to take a driving test every 2-3 years to renew their license. In addition to getting some bad drivers off of the road, it may help to remind the rest that driving is a privilege rather than a right.
What we need is an advertising campaign, with short slogans such as "Cycle With Traffic, Not Against It." or "A Bike is a Vehicle. Ride Like One." on billboards and the sides of busses and whatnot. The average Joe or Jane on the street needs to know these things without having to take a cycling course.
What about some of those religious billboards that pop up from time to time? Something like:
"Share The Road"
- God
Maybe with the share the road graphic. Just a thought that came to me when you mentioned advertising.
Bike lockers (as opposed to racks) everywhere.
Traffic calming so that cars generally stay < 35 mph.
Bike lanes used only as a last resort (and almost never in a downtown area).
95% of money spent on bike lanes diverted to education programs.
Law change that permits each cyclist to break a window on one car per month (of course, I would never DO this, but I'd like drivers to think we could).
What about some of those religious billboards that pop up from time to time? Something like:
"Share The Road"
- God
Maybe with the share the road graphic. Just a thought that came to me when you mentioned advertising.
My backpack has a little plastic sleeve where I can put signs, and I couldn't resist making one that said "What Would Jesus Drive?". Then there's this one I saw on a car last year: "Jesus would have used his turn signal." :D
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