Advocacy Thread... What Have YOU Done Today???
02-01-12, 06:40 AM
#402
Senior Member
Called my Representative's office in DC and requested that she support restoration of funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School in the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7).
02-01-12, 04:30 PM
#403
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
Participated in a local event put on by the local Metro transportation folks yesterday identifying issues along a major corridor last night.
02-04-12, 08:10 PM
#404
Banned.
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02-04-12, 08:55 PM
#405
24-Speed Machine
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After a nice write up by BikePortland.org the other day I got forwarded the following email:
I called Don today and thanked him for his actions.
So, now you can see for yourselves, if I can do it, you can too.
See Something? DO SOMETHING!
K'Tesh
I called Don today and thanked him for his actions.
So, now you can see for yourselves, if I can do it, you can too.
See Something? DO SOMETHING!
K'Tesh
02-04-12, 09:50 PM
#406
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I wrote a letter to the Editor concerning our now official PA 4 foot passing law and bikes using the full lane.
https://dailyitem.com/0111_letters/x9...6/Safe-passing
https://dailyitem.com/0111_letters/x9...6/Safe-passing
02-04-12, 11:31 PM
#407
24-Speed Machine
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I wrote a letter to the Editor concerning our now official PA 4 foot passing law and bikes using the full lane.
https://dailyitem.com/0111_letters/x9...6/Safe-passing
https://dailyitem.com/0111_letters/x9...6/Safe-passing
02-05-12, 11:50 AM
#408
Senior Member
02-06-12, 07:29 AM
#409
Newbie
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No i didn't direct this myself just some editing at the end. It's a scene from an irish tv drama called "love hate". I lurk around here alot and thought id post it. Its funny with our different gun laws that here its just comical yet in america it could be incitement 
02-14-12, 03:02 PM
#410
Snakes on a bike
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Just wrote an e-mail to city planning. There is a bike bridge that connects one city to another but exits onto some of the most god awful streets on either side. I don't like the person I'm becoming, I started swearing at a car yesterday who tried to run me off the road - I'm taking the lane *because* this area is too narrow for you pass me, stop trying wedge yourself in there as if you'd rather see me smeared on the concrete barrier rather than in front of you YOU *******. So ya, I don't like this anger. I wrote an e-mail asking about future plans on making this road into something resembles bikeable pavement. This street actually show's up as a bike street on the transit maps too, ugh.
02-18-12, 10:05 AM
#411
Senior Member
Dawn Raid. Started riding at 5:26 AM. Lopping Shears in the Panniers again.
NY Rt. 107 North, two lane state highway with a 40MPH speed limit.
Now no one will get hit in the face by branches.
Sorry, it was too dark to take "before" photos, sun wasn't really shining till I was a few blocks from home.
Lean into the curve.
NY Rt. 107 North, two lane state highway with a 40MPH speed limit.
Now no one will get hit in the face by branches.
Sorry, it was too dark to take "before" photos, sun wasn't really shining till I was a few blocks from home.
Lean into the curve.
03-12-12, 04:29 PM
#412
Senior Member
Did this thread die? Almost. My last post was like a Haiku in form.
Today, I have an embedded video:
Today, I have an embedded video:
03-12-12, 07:30 PM
#413
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
Me, today I talked to the PIC of Facilities and Landscaping at school to get a mirror installed at the exit of a parking structure on campus. A few weeks ago I witnessed a close call w/one of their trucks when it exited the building w/o stopping before it crossed the sidewalk. Due to the layout of the building (and the slope it's on) downhill heading sidewalk users can't see cars until they are at the exit, and motorists can't see sidewalk users until they are halfway blocking the sidewalk. It didn't hurt my argument when 3 cars failed to stop before blocking the sidewalk while we were looking over the area.
I was also able to show that the horn that is supposed to warn peds of oncoming traffic was missing and the flashing light wasn't operable either.
Last edited by K'Tesh; 03-12-12 at 07:45 PM.
03-13-12, 05:06 PM
#414
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...
Last edited by mjsocal; 03-14-12 at 08:41 AM. Reason: Should have posted in other thread.
03-14-12, 03:35 AM
#415
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What city in their right mind would charge citizens for infrastructure for cycling? They're trying to encourage cycling, not discourage it.
Especially in metro areas where traffic and pollution are steadily increasing problems.
It's hard enough for a car owner to humble themselves enough to get on the bike. To charge them extra for the privilege of doing something many would initially feel degraded by? Horrible, horrible idea.
Especially in metro areas where traffic and pollution are steadily increasing problems.
It's hard enough for a car owner to humble themselves enough to get on the bike. To charge them extra for the privilege of doing something many would initially feel degraded by? Horrible, horrible idea.
03-14-12, 03:39 AM
#416
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Sorry for adding to the derailment of the thread. Back on topic.
I am going to do my part. On my weekday rides on my local trail, i'll bring a backpack with two plastic bags, and a small dustpan and brush. We also had some strong winds, and there is large pieces of bark blocking the bike lane that need clearing.
I am going to do my part. On my weekday rides on my local trail, i'll bring a backpack with two plastic bags, and a small dustpan and brush. We also had some strong winds, and there is large pieces of bark blocking the bike lane that need clearing.
03-22-12, 04:21 PM
#417
Senior Member
BEFORE:
AFTER (Above)^^^
There was a Low-Hanging Branch just about completely blocking the full width of the road shoulder. It could've given someone an eye-injury. I shot Before and After Photographs; I used a road cone to mark the position of my right foot where I stood to take the first picture, and returned to take the After picture. Maybe I should've used a tripod, but the tripod is zip-tied inside my Handlebar Basket. The bike did not move between the two pictures.
The offending branch can be seen in the first photo, between the yellow S-curve sign and the Bus Stop sign. I used a saw, you can see the stumps if you look hard enough.
AFTER (Above)^^^
There was a Low-Hanging Branch just about completely blocking the full width of the road shoulder. It could've given someone an eye-injury. I shot Before and After Photographs; I used a road cone to mark the position of my right foot where I stood to take the first picture, and returned to take the After picture. Maybe I should've used a tripod, but the tripod is zip-tied inside my Handlebar Basket. The bike did not move between the two pictures.
The offending branch can be seen in the first photo, between the yellow S-curve sign and the Bus Stop sign. I used a saw, you can see the stumps if you look hard enough.
03-22-12, 04:43 PM
#418
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
BEFORE:
AFTER (Above)^^^
There was a Low-Hanging Branch just about completely blocking the full width of the road shoulder. It could've given someone an eye-injury. I shot Before and After Photographs; I used a road cone to mark the position of my right foot where I stood to take the first picture, and returned to take the After picture. Maybe I should've used a tripod, but the tripod is zip-tied inside my Handlebar Basket. The bike did not move between the two pictures.
The offending branch can be seen in the first photo, between the yellow S-curve sign and the Bus Stop sign. I used a saw, you can see the stumps if you look hard enough.
AFTER (Above)^^^
There was a Low-Hanging Branch just about completely blocking the full width of the road shoulder. It could've given someone an eye-injury. I shot Before and After Photographs; I used a road cone to mark the position of my right foot where I stood to take the first picture, and returned to take the After picture. Maybe I should've used a tripod, but the tripod is zip-tied inside my Handlebar Basket. The bike did not move between the two pictures.
The offending branch can be seen in the first photo, between the yellow S-curve sign and the Bus Stop sign. I used a saw, you can see the stumps if you look hard enough.
When I can, I pick a convenient mark for my foot, and a landmark in my camera's view-screen, then align the photos that way.
03-26-12, 05:19 PM
#419
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
Shotgun E-mail: \ˈshät-ˌgən ˈē-ˌmāl\ Noun.
Definition of SHOTGUN E-MAIL
"Seen & Heard"
Definition of SHOTGUN E-MAIL
- Electronic mail sent to numerous agencies, newsmedia, bloggers, politicians, and lawyers to inform them of the frustration that a single agency/agent has caused after ignoring repeated warnings of a hazard.
- Means of drawing attention to issue over the head of the ignoring agency/agent.
On SW Barbur Blvd (across the street from 3007 SW Barbur Blvd.) is another deeply recessed catchbasin that intrudes into the bike lane. I've complained about this drain for years... (and at least 3 bicycles ago.)
Since the first photo (taken in 4 years ago in 2008 ), I've had 3 new bikes. Oh, and the drain's useless (it's completely plugged up).
It's been 4 years... Any idea on how long it will take before something (shy lines, abandonment and fill?) gets done (other than a traffic cone being stuck in it)?
Replies Requested...
Thanks
Since the first photo (taken in 4 years ago in 2008 ), I've had 3 new bikes. Oh, and the drain's useless (it's completely plugged up).
It's been 4 years... Any idea on how long it will take before something (shy lines, abandonment and fill?) gets done (other than a traffic cone being stuck in it)?
Replies Requested...
Thanks
)
Last edited by K'Tesh; 03-26-12 at 05:35 PM.
03-28-12, 12:10 AM
#420
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Every decent sized city should have at least one well paid full time person doing what you do. keep it up!, or stop and move to the bay area, we have better riding weather here anyways.
03-28-12, 01:01 AM
#421
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
Tempting... but I'm planning on moving a little further west (or is it east?)...... Taiwan, or Mainland China is where I'm hoping to go.
Back on topic... today's email:
Sent this to several members of the Wilsonville, Clackamas County, Metro, and State agencies, as well as members of the press, and lawyers...
Today I had to go to Wilsonville to get something from Fry's Electronics. It was the first time I've ever been out that way by bicycle, and I was fortunate enough to find a local commuter to show me the route there from the WES stop. Along the way, he had to point out several storm drain grates that are well below the level of the road surface that were located solidly where cyclists would be riding. Had I been out there on my own, after dark, I could have easily had my front wheel drop several (perhaps 8 ) inches suddenly without any kind of warning. The loss of control caused by such an unexpected drop could cause a cyclist to crash, perhaps even falling in front of traffic.
Our route had us on Wilsonville Frontage Rd/SW Boones Ferry Rd.
Enclosed are photos of the area. (Or you can visit the complete set at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ufobike...th/7023102373/)
Joe (my guide) is the father of 3, and he told me that he's tried several times to get these unsafe conditions corrected, before he, or someone else gets hurt.
Seeing how attempts have already been made to get the issue addressed, I STRONGLY urge the responsible agency to raise the level of those grates flush with the surface before someone gets hurt (or worse) and files a lawsuit for injuries or wrongful death.
While you're out there, I'd also recommend that you paint the missing bike lanes, there's clearly plenty of space for them there.
Replies STRONGLY Requested
K'Tesh
Our route had us on Wilsonville Frontage Rd/SW Boones Ferry Rd.
Enclosed are photos of the area. (Or you can visit the complete set at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ufobike...th/7023102373/)
Joe (my guide) is the father of 3, and he told me that he's tried several times to get these unsafe conditions corrected, before he, or someone else gets hurt.
Seeing how attempts have already been made to get the issue addressed, I STRONGLY urge the responsible agency to raise the level of those grates flush with the surface before someone gets hurt (or worse) and files a lawsuit for injuries or wrongful death.
While you're out there, I'd also recommend that you paint the missing bike lanes, there's clearly plenty of space for them there.
Replies STRONGLY Requested
K'Tesh
Last edited by K'Tesh; 03-28-12 at 02:17 AM.
03-28-12, 10:32 PM
#422
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
The city of Wilsonville replies...
Dear K'Tesh,
Thank you for your time in contacting the city. As for the existing low catch basins on Boones Ferry Road neither I nor others here in the city have direct knowledge of why they are below asphalt grade; I would surmise that the road was overlaid at one time and the pavement dipped to match the existing elevation of the catch basins. This year we do have some extra funds in our 2012 street maintenance budget and I have requested staff to expand the contract so that these catch basins will either be raised to street grade or, preferably, curb inlets be installed instead of the catch basins. The curb inlet solution would be dependent on if there are conflicting utilities behind face-of-curb or not.
In the short term there appears to be thermoplastic striping on the road as a warning in front of at least one of the catch basins, however it is not a significantly different color than the asphalt. I have requested our Public Works department to either clean or repair the thermoplastic striping and add reflectors to mitigate the problem prior to our ability to repair the problem.
I am not sure to whom your friend Joe has spoken to in the past, but the current city staff in engineering and legal is not aware of any previous contact on the catch basin issue on Boones Ferry Road.
As for your travel on Wilsonville Road the pedestrian and bike route through the underpass area has been on the north side for the past several months (please note that it is scheduled to be switched from the north side to the south side late next month). The south side is considered to be an active construction zone and should not be traversed by pedestrians or cyclists. ODOT is in control of the construction of this project and I have cc’d them with my response to see if additional signage is perhaps necessary.
You last photo shows the asphalt at a different elevation form the gutter. ODOT standards do not allow the top lift of asphalt to be installed between October 1 and March 14, plus the desire is to complete all trenching, curb and gutter work first, installing the bottom lifts of asphalt and holding off on the final lift of paving until all other work has been completed thereby creating a clean, smooth top lift of asphalt for riding or driving upon. The top lift of asphalt is expected to be installed this June.
Once again thank you and please let me know if additional questions arise.
Respectfully,
Steve R. Adams, P.E.
Interim City Engineer
City of Wilsonville
Thank you for your time in contacting the city. As for the existing low catch basins on Boones Ferry Road neither I nor others here in the city have direct knowledge of why they are below asphalt grade; I would surmise that the road was overlaid at one time and the pavement dipped to match the existing elevation of the catch basins. This year we do have some extra funds in our 2012 street maintenance budget and I have requested staff to expand the contract so that these catch basins will either be raised to street grade or, preferably, curb inlets be installed instead of the catch basins. The curb inlet solution would be dependent on if there are conflicting utilities behind face-of-curb or not.
In the short term there appears to be thermoplastic striping on the road as a warning in front of at least one of the catch basins, however it is not a significantly different color than the asphalt. I have requested our Public Works department to either clean or repair the thermoplastic striping and add reflectors to mitigate the problem prior to our ability to repair the problem.
I am not sure to whom your friend Joe has spoken to in the past, but the current city staff in engineering and legal is not aware of any previous contact on the catch basin issue on Boones Ferry Road.
As for your travel on Wilsonville Road the pedestrian and bike route through the underpass area has been on the north side for the past several months (please note that it is scheduled to be switched from the north side to the south side late next month). The south side is considered to be an active construction zone and should not be traversed by pedestrians or cyclists. ODOT is in control of the construction of this project and I have cc’d them with my response to see if additional signage is perhaps necessary.
You last photo shows the asphalt at a different elevation form the gutter. ODOT standards do not allow the top lift of asphalt to be installed between October 1 and March 14, plus the desire is to complete all trenching, curb and gutter work first, installing the bottom lifts of asphalt and holding off on the final lift of paving until all other work has been completed thereby creating a clean, smooth top lift of asphalt for riding or driving upon. The top lift of asphalt is expected to be installed this June.
Once again thank you and please let me know if additional questions arise.
Respectfully,
Steve R. Adams, P.E.
Interim City Engineer
City of Wilsonville
03-30-12, 02:34 AM
#423
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
Sent this to ODOT today... This is a little bigger than my SAK can handle.
I know it looks like the address is 1900, but the last zero of the 19000 has flaked off.
Hi Basil, Don, Jonathan,
Today I had the soggy experience of riding on 99W from Sherwood to King City. Not fun!
Between 19000 SW Pacific Highway (across the 99W from the Pick-n-Pull) and Cipole Rd., there's an evergreen hedge that is severely encroaching on the bikelane/shoulder.
It looked to me like the vegetation is now threatening to hit tall vehicles (buses, 18 wheelers, etc).
Can you send the landscaping guys out there to clean this up again.
Replies Greatly Appreciated
Thanks
K'Tesh
Today I had the soggy experience of riding on 99W from Sherwood to King City. Not fun!
Between 19000 SW Pacific Highway (across the 99W from the Pick-n-Pull) and Cipole Rd., there's an evergreen hedge that is severely encroaching on the bikelane/shoulder.
It looked to me like the vegetation is now threatening to hit tall vehicles (buses, 18 wheelers, etc).
Can you send the landscaping guys out there to clean this up again.
Replies Greatly Appreciated
Thanks
K'Tesh
Last edited by K'Tesh; 03-30-12 at 02:48 AM.
04-12-12, 11:44 AM
#424
Senior Member
I marked a pothole yesterday. This pothole has been filled before, but it just keeps spitting out the patch material.
But I took special care to align the Before and After Photos. The camera is mounted on the bike, and the bike is on its kickstand, it did not move between shots:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
This is located on a curve, so it's the apex that many drivers aim for. There is also a sewer cover, and the whole area around it needs to be ripped out and repaved, to full depth, with fresh asphalt.
But I took special care to align the Before and After Photos. The camera is mounted on the bike, and the bike is on its kickstand, it did not move between shots:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
This is located on a curve, so it's the apex that many drivers aim for. There is also a sewer cover, and the whole area around it needs to be ripped out and repaved, to full depth, with fresh asphalt.
04-12-12, 11:55 AM
#425
Commander, UFO Bike
Thread Starter
Today as I was riding into school, I found a storm drain grate that I pass by frequently had a large gap parallel to the direction of travel. So, I've taken some photos, and sent an email to a few agencies, a blog or two, and a bike injury attorney.
The reason I hadn't seen it before was that it's right next to a frequently occupied parking spot, and I never had need to approach the crosswalk there until today.
I called it in, and as I was, I noted that two more grates in that area were also too small for their catchbasins. The fix could be as simple as finding a slightly larger grate, or using a metal shim to narrow the inlet some. One thing that made this particularly aggravating is that the school's bike shop, is located (diagonally) across the street. The shop was nice enough to let me borrow a road bike's front wheel to take some photos of how bad the fit was.
Hi folks,
Just wanted to forward these images I took today of the one of the three storm drain grates I found at the intersection of SW 6th Ave. and SW Harrison (across from PSU's Bike Hub) that could pose a bicycle safety hazard. I called them into the 24 Hour Maintenance Hotline.
In this photo, you can see my friend's bike's tire can easily slip inside the gap. If he had been riding when that happened, we can imagine the results.
In my next photos, I have my pocket knife (Victorinox, Ranger Model, Swiss Army Knife) in place to give scale.
As you can see, it's another case of the grates that were installed being narrower than the inlet they were installed in.
This begs the question, what's the standard for the fit of grates in their inlets? Can something be done about these hidden hazards?
Replies Appreciated
Thanks,
K'Tesh
Just wanted to forward these images I took today of the one of the three storm drain grates I found at the intersection of SW 6th Ave. and SW Harrison (across from PSU's Bike Hub) that could pose a bicycle safety hazard. I called them into the 24 Hour Maintenance Hotline.
In this photo, you can see my friend's bike's tire can easily slip inside the gap. If he had been riding when that happened, we can imagine the results.
In my next photos, I have my pocket knife (Victorinox, Ranger Model, Swiss Army Knife) in place to give scale.
As you can see, it's another case of the grates that were installed being narrower than the inlet they were installed in.
This begs the question, what's the standard for the fit of grates in their inlets? Can something be done about these hidden hazards?
Replies Appreciated
Thanks,
K'Tesh
I called it in, and as I was, I noted that two more grates in that area were also too small for their catchbasins. The fix could be as simple as finding a slightly larger grate, or using a metal shim to narrow the inlet some. One thing that made this particularly aggravating is that the school's bike shop, is located (diagonally) across the street. The shop was nice enough to let me borrow a road bike's front wheel to take some photos of how bad the fit was.
Last edited by K'Tesh; 04-12-12 at 07:29 PM.