Bicycle Austin forum

This is sad news and while I have no knowledge of the facts in this case, I'm not surprised to hear it happened.

I've noticed over the last few SXSW and ACL's the increasing number and decreasing quality of bicycle pedicabs around town.  Seriously, people with no business on a bike downtown taking the safety of strangers into their hands.

It's like half of the pedicabs have no fares and the other half have never been on a bike before.

What's really sad is we have people coming into town hoping to have a good time, they chose not to drive, taking a pedicab seems like a good idea, right?  Instead, they end up endangering themselves with someone who isn't even concerned with their own safety enough to wear a helmet.

It definitely can't help with the attitude towards biking and bikers in town either.

I had a gal yelling at me the other day because I rode by her in the bike lane as she was jogging in it.  This was San Jacinto during peak evening commute.

While I understand why a jogger would want to run in the bike lane for all the reasons already mentioned, that doesn't mean it's the right or safe thing to do.  I don't ride my bike on the sidewalk or mopac under the same logic.

I find the bike-lane joggers almost as irritating as the folks jogging 2-5 abreast in the east Chavez neighborhood.  Again, I realize that running in a group, chatting with friends in a quiet neighborhood is a fun safe way to exercise, but there seems to be a presumption that they have priority usage of the roadway and are very reluctant to yield to oncoming or passing traffic or cars or bikes.

If joggers want safe, well maintained, and broad trails beyond what is already available in Austin (hike and bike trail, etc) then perhaps they should press the city to make that happen.  If not by creating new trails, then at least maintaining the existing sidewalks, preventing folks from parking on sidewalks, encouraging land owners to trim overgrown brush, and educating drivers about stopping before the cross-walks.

I would (and do every morning) get into the center turning lane at the intersection of MLK and Brazos where I wait for a break in traffic to turn left.

The only challenge is to enter onto MLK from Congress when there is enough of a gap in traffic to cut across two lanes and get into the turning lane.

The alternative is turn east onto 17th or 18th from Congress before you get to MLK, then make an easy left onto Brazos.  Then wait at the light at MLK and Brazos.  Easy.

The other alternative is to just go onto the path in front of the Blanton museum and cut through.  Yeah, you got a warning from a bike cop.  I have too.  Once a year, a UT bike cop sits out there and gives people a hard time.  The rest of the year you have a constant stream of college students riding with reckless abandon through there.  It's almost safer on the street!

I'm not sure why so many here are infatuated with the letter of "The Law".  Judging from Grace's story, she did not break the spirit of the law.  She didn't endanger herself, endanger others, interrupt the flow of traffic, cause damage to city or private property.

"The Laws" are strictly formulated to facilitate uniform enforcement of automotive traffic.  The letter of these laws do not translate well to safe and efficient bicycle riding.  I don't see a point in following laws which were designed for a 4000lb vehicle powered by gasoline when I'm a 200lb dude pedaling a 30lb bike.  If the city or state wants to come up with well-though-out laws specific to bicycles, then great.  Until then, I'm riding my way.  It's safe and fast and fun.

I received a ticket in November of 2008 for running a red light on my bike.

I had, just like I always have and always will, came to a track-standing stop at a light and proceeded when it was clear no other cars or pedestrians were nearby.

I went to court and the case was dropped due to "lack of evidence".  I think that meant the officer did not show up, but I really don't know.

I would recommend doing same.  Even if the judge hears your case and finds you guilty, you will be able to speak your piece and I think that is money well spent. (at least compared to just paying the fine and not going to court).  Good luck!