Roll call -- Louisiana
10-03-07, 12:31 PM
#26
Jeff Vader
I'm doing the triathlon there in Lafayette next week....
__________________
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
10-04-07, 06:18 AM
#27
NOT a Trek Junkie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 94
Bikes: 2015 Electra Townie, 2007 Orbea Orca(FOR SALE), 2001 Giant Rincon (SOLD), 1999 Softride Powerwing (SOLD)650
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Holy Cow!!! Lafayette has a Critical Mass??!!!???!! That's awesome!! I bet there are a bunch of P.O.'d cajuns ragin!!
10-04-07, 09:53 AM
#28
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmmm, a Crit Mass down the only street in Lafayette that has a marked bike lane?
A city that actually has a bikeway plan as part of their long-range development plan?
A city that engaged cyclists to write that very plan?
A city that teaches LAB Effective Cycling as part of the PE program in public middle schools?
A city that I find decent to ride in?
Sounds counter-productive to me.
Allow me to introduce myself: I am a LAB LCI, a cycling advocate, citizen chairman of the Bicycle Committee of the Lafayette Metro Planning Organization and someone who rides Lafayette regularly.
A city that actually has a bikeway plan as part of their long-range development plan?
A city that engaged cyclists to write that very plan?
A city that teaches LAB Effective Cycling as part of the PE program in public middle schools?
A city that I find decent to ride in?
Sounds counter-productive to me.
Allow me to introduce myself: I am a LAB LCI, a cycling advocate, citizen chairman of the Bicycle Committee of the Lafayette Metro Planning Organization and someone who rides Lafayette regularly.
10-04-07, 10:04 AM
#29
NOT a Trek Junkie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 94
Bikes: 2015 Electra Townie, 2007 Orbea Orca(FOR SALE), 2001 Giant Rincon (SOLD), 1999 Softride Powerwing (SOLD)650
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wow...I didn't realize Lafayette has become so cyclist friendly.....I wish they could share that enthusiasm with Houma and Terrebonehead parish!
I believe if there was ever a critical mass in Houma, there would be a lot of dead cyclists!
I believe if there was ever a critical mass in Houma, there would be a lot of dead cyclists!
10-04-07, 10:08 AM
#30
Jeff Vader
yeah, the roads are generally pretty narrow in Houma, too. And busy.
__________________
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
10-04-07, 10:13 AM
#31
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-04-07, 10:14 AM
#32
Jeff Vader
Iss there a link to the Lafayette roads/trails map(s)? I have one for BR and NO, but no Lafayette.
__________________
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
10-04-07, 10:46 AM
#33
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-04-07, 10:49 AM
#34
Jeff Vader
cool! Thanks!
__________________
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
10-04-07, 12:34 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmmm, a Crit Mass down the only street in Lafayette that has a marked bike lane?
A city that actually has a bikeway plan as part of their long-range development plan?
A city that engaged cyclists to write that very plan?
A city that teaches LAB Effective Cycling as part of the PE program in public middle schools?
A city that I find decent to ride in?
Sounds counter-productive to me.
A city that actually has a bikeway plan as part of their long-range development plan?
A city that engaged cyclists to write that very plan?
A city that teaches LAB Effective Cycling as part of the PE program in public middle schools?
A city that I find decent to ride in?
Sounds counter-productive to me.
Since you seem to have everyone's best interests at heart, I can only assume that you have been mislead regarding what CM is. So I will tell you. It is a bicycle ride; its participants come for diverse reasons, which does include advocacy, but mostly, for some other reason which remains somewhat ephermal: a sense of peace, and community. It is a ride I would recommend to anyone, even if you are not a hippie anarchist or whatever the stereotype is--because most certainly I am not one myself.
Besides, CM is the only non-racing-speed group ride that exists in Lafayette right now, as far as I know. I'd appreciate knowing about any other.
In case you are wondering, the Lafayette CM ride was about 50 bicycles last month. On Johnson, Congress, and University, the riders used only a single lane, allowing the relatively sparse evening traffic to pass. As far as I know, there has never been an incident or a compliant, as Lafayette rides seem mostly free of the trouble-makers who have plagued some other high-profile CM rides.
Regarding advocacy, this is not my reason for riding in CM, but I beleive it has a place here despite what you have said. Whatever the City has done, many residents still do not tolerate bicycles. Just last month, a student in UL's Vermillion newspaper was quoted as saying he did not beleive bicycles should ride in the road, and it is clear this sentiment is shared by many. For my part, I have been subject to the usual sort of minor harassment; I recently avoided a large globule of saliva aimed from a car on Johnston St, by mere centimeters.
So I respectfully think you have misjudged CM. If Lafayette is truly supportive of cycling, then it should endorse CM wholeheartedly, as have other larger pro-cycling municipalities.
Sorry for the long rant, but I think it was important to say. Can you tell me where I can learn more about these pro-cycling initiatives of the City--perhaps any online resources? I don't participate in city politics, so I should you could understand that I have never heard of any of this.
10-04-07, 02:03 PM
#36
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am shocked that you would feel that way!
Since you seem to have everyone's best interests at heart, I can only assume that you have been mislead regarding what CM is. So I will tell you. It is a bicycle ride; its participants come for diverse reasons, which does include advocacy, but mostly, for some other reason which remains somewhat ephermal: a sense of peace, and community. It is a ride I would recommend to anyone, even if you are not a hippie anarchist or whatever the stereotype is--because most certainly I am not one myself.
Besides, CM is the only non-racing-speed group ride that exists in Lafayette right now, as far as I know. I'd appreciate knowing about any other.
In case you are wondering, the Lafayette CM ride was about 50 bicycles last month. On Johnson, Congress, and University, the riders used only a single lane, allowing the relatively sparse evening traffic to pass. As far as I know, there has never been an incident or a compliant, as Lafayette rides seem mostly free of the trouble-makers who have plagued some other high-profile CM rides.
Regarding advocacy, this is not my reason for riding in CM, but I beleive it has a place here despite what you have said. Whatever the City has done, many residents still do not tolerate bicycles. Just last month, a student in UL's Vermillion newspaper was quoted as saying he did not beleive bicycles should ride in the road, and it is clear this sentiment is shared by many. For my part, I have been subject to the usual sort of minor harassment; I recently avoided a large globule of saliva aimed from a car on Johnston St, by mere centimeters.
So I respectfully think you have misjudged CM. If Lafayette is truly supportive of cycling, then it should endorse CM wholeheartedly, as have other larger pro-cycling municipalities.
Sorry for the long rant, but I think it was important to say. Can you tell me where I can learn more about these pro-cycling initiatives of the City--perhaps any online resources? I don't participate in city politics, so I should you could understand that I have never heard of any of this.
Since you seem to have everyone's best interests at heart, I can only assume that you have been mislead regarding what CM is. So I will tell you. It is a bicycle ride; its participants come for diverse reasons, which does include advocacy, but mostly, for some other reason which remains somewhat ephermal: a sense of peace, and community. It is a ride I would recommend to anyone, even if you are not a hippie anarchist or whatever the stereotype is--because most certainly I am not one myself.
Besides, CM is the only non-racing-speed group ride that exists in Lafayette right now, as far as I know. I'd appreciate knowing about any other.
In case you are wondering, the Lafayette CM ride was about 50 bicycles last month. On Johnson, Congress, and University, the riders used only a single lane, allowing the relatively sparse evening traffic to pass. As far as I know, there has never been an incident or a compliant, as Lafayette rides seem mostly free of the trouble-makers who have plagued some other high-profile CM rides.
Regarding advocacy, this is not my reason for riding in CM, but I beleive it has a place here despite what you have said. Whatever the City has done, many residents still do not tolerate bicycles. Just last month, a student in UL's Vermillion newspaper was quoted as saying he did not beleive bicycles should ride in the road, and it is clear this sentiment is shared by many. For my part, I have been subject to the usual sort of minor harassment; I recently avoided a large globule of saliva aimed from a car on Johnston St, by mere centimeters.
So I respectfully think you have misjudged CM. If Lafayette is truly supportive of cycling, then it should endorse CM wholeheartedly, as have other larger pro-cycling municipalities.
Sorry for the long rant, but I think it was important to say. Can you tell me where I can learn more about these pro-cycling initiatives of the City--perhaps any online resources? I don't participate in city politics, so I should you could understand that I have never heard of any of this.
To be honest, I have never participated in the Lafayette CM, and have, perhaps, unfairly judged it by othe CMs I have seen in Houston & Dallas, plus news reports and this forum.
Cajun Cyclists does have slower paced rides from Pack & Paddle on Saturdays. The club has made a deliberate effort to have group leaders for a more reasonable paced rides, a change from the past.
I am pleased to hear that the road is indeed being shared. This alone puts the CM in question ahead of some others. Please be aware that Louisiana does have a mandatory side path law (unfortunately), so technically, you could be cited for that on parts of Johnson. Never heard of a legal rider being written up for that around here, which is good news. The local club has done a lot of work to gain public acceptance for cyclists. We can include in our ranks police, lawyers & judges who ride.
Search out the Cajun Cyclists Yahoo group, sign up & get on the mailing list. Then you will learn more about what goes on in the Lafayette area. Come to a meeting. Ever heard of the Atakapas-Ishak Trail? If you want to effect a positive change for cyclists in Lafayette, I contend you can do far more working with the system, from the inside, than by butting your head against the monolithic outside of the system. Infiltrate instead.
I’ve marked my calendar for next week. You are right: I really should see before I judge.
10-04-07, 02:31 PM
#37
THE NEW EVOLUTION
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
Bikes: 2009 Jamis Aurora Elite, 2008 Masi Speciale CX, 1997 Giant Yukon (4130 Steel)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm one of the rare fixies in Lafayette.
10-04-07, 02:49 PM
#38
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So was I. Converted it to SS this week as a consession to my aging knees.
10-06-07, 08:42 PM
#39
Infidel
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Bayou Blue, La. but I ain't from around here
Posts: 270
Bikes: 1976 step thru Schwin 10 speed with fenders, home made20" long bike, '73 Puegeot P-15, several beaters, kids bikes and projects
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
10-14-07, 08:14 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hammond, LA
Posts: 305
Bikes: 95 Specialized Rockhopper Comp, 92 Specialized Sirrus Triple
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Could someone explain what this is, and what the implications are?
10-14-07, 08:49 AM
#41
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sure. Here is the law, from RS 32:
197. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
A. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
B. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
C. Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
What this means is that a cyclist must abandon the roadway whenever there is a nearby bicycle facility. I've interpreted and argued this to be a parallel, signed bikeway in usable condition. It really helps if you know the relevant parts of the code better than whoever you are debating the point with.
To put it in motorists' terms, they gotta bail on the freeway anytime there is a service road.
Some refer to this as the 'bicyclist inferiority clause' of the Federal uniform vehicle code.
197. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
A. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
B. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
C. Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
What this means is that a cyclist must abandon the roadway whenever there is a nearby bicycle facility. I've interpreted and argued this to be a parallel, signed bikeway in usable condition. It really helps if you know the relevant parts of the code better than whoever you are debating the point with.
To put it in motorists' terms, they gotta bail on the freeway anytime there is a service road.
Some refer to this as the 'bicyclist inferiority clause' of the Federal uniform vehicle code.
10-14-07, 08:57 AM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hammond, LA
Posts: 305
Bikes: 95 Specialized Rockhopper Comp, 92 Specialized Sirrus Triple
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sure. Here is the law, from RS 32:
197. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
A. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
B. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
C. Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
What this means is that a cyclist must abandon the roadway whenever there is a nearby bicycle facility. I've interpreted and argued this to be a parallel, signed bikeway in usable condition. It really helps if you know the relevant parts of the code better than whoever you are debating the point with.
To put it in motorists' terms, they gotta bail on the freeway anytime there is a service road.
Some refer to this as the 'bicyclist inferiority clause' of the Federal uniform vehicle code.
197. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
A. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
B. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
C. Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
What this means is that a cyclist must abandon the roadway whenever there is a nearby bicycle facility. I've interpreted and argued this to be a parallel, signed bikeway in usable condition. It really helps if you know the relevant parts of the code better than whoever you are debating the point with.
To put it in motorists' terms, they gotta bail on the freeway anytime there is a service road.
Some refer to this as the 'bicyclist inferiority clause' of the Federal uniform vehicle code.
10-14-07, 09:34 AM
#43
Can't ride enough!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south Louisiana
Posts: 1,235
Bikes: IFab Crown Jewel, Giant Defy, Hardtail MTB, Fuji finest, Bianchi FG conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The code for LA is here: https://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?folder=106
10-26-07, 08:58 PM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,238
Bikes: bunch of junk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Have anyone else heard the new bike/ped commercial on the radio? They say how drivers need to yield to us or pay the consequences and that cyclists need to ride with traffic. Cool stuff.
10-26-07, 10:37 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hammond, LA
Posts: 305
Bikes: 95 Specialized Rockhopper Comp, 92 Specialized Sirrus Triple
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
11-25-07, 03:24 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 75
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
hey, new member here from beautiful mid-city!
rough rider, i haven't heard radio ads in question. in fact, i thought n.o. city ordinance specifically says that cars have right of way over pedestrians. interested in more details if you have them.
i'm a very casual, low-key (read:slow) rider. lately, i've been taking my sunday morning rides in city park. all three golf courses were destroyed by the flood, but they all had wide sidewalks for golf carts to use when the ground got spongy. they're overgrown and a little buckled in spots, but make for an interesting ride.
rough rider, i haven't heard radio ads in question. in fact, i thought n.o. city ordinance specifically says that cars have right of way over pedestrians. interested in more details if you have them.
i'm a very casual, low-key (read:slow) rider. lately, i've been taking my sunday morning rides in city park. all three golf courses were destroyed by the flood, but they all had wide sidewalks for golf carts to use when the ground got spongy. they're overgrown and a little buckled in spots, but make for an interesting ride.
11-30-07, 10:09 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,238
Bikes: bunch of junk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
i thought n.o. city ordinance specifically says that cars have right of way over pedestrians. interested in more details if you have them.
12-06-07, 04:21 AM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bossier City, La
Posts: 628
Bikes: 70's Motobecane, 89 Centurion Ironman
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bossier City here!!! Aint made it to Tiger Stadium since the Dinardo days and thats too dang long! Jan. 7 2008, LSU wins its 3rd National Title!!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ride solo most of the time because of my work schedule, but do as many organized Saturday rides as I can. We have 2 in Shreveport every year and I usually do a couple in East Texas also. Are there any organized charity centuries or metric centuries in Alexandria, Lafayette, or Baton Rouge**********