Subject:     Bicycle Newsletter 3-31-99
Date:        03/31  1:50 PM
Received:    03/31  4:59 PM
From:        Michael Bluejay, bluejay@mail.com
To:          bicycle@ccsi.com

*********************************************************************
    \__/    ==       
      /_____/       BIKING IN AUSTIN NEWSLETTER
  ___/ \  _/ \___   covering bikes as alternative transportation
 /  /\  \/___/\  \ 
 \___/   &   \___/  bluejay@mail.com  *  michaelbluejay.com/bicycle

  (can someone draw a better bicycle for me?)         March 31, 1999
*********************************************************************


----------------------------------------------------------------------
 PUBLICATION / SUBSCRIPTION INFO               Michael Bluejay, editor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biking in Austin is published about once a week.  You either asked for 
this newsletter, or I personally know you to be a cyclist and I thought 
you'd want it.  If you no longer want the newsletter (or if someone 
forwarded it to you and you want your own subscription), just let me know.

Please visit our website, the most comprehensive resource for cycling as 
alternative transportation: http://michaelbluejay.com/bicycle


 Biking in Austin newsletter sponsored by:
=======================================================================
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE     2815 & Fruth, off 29th & Guadalupe    |
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE  NEW & USED BIKES * REPAIRS * ACCESSORIES |
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE      http://pobox.com/bluejay/waterloo    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------



======================================================================
 BEN CLOUGH'S KILLER TO FACE CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Travis County Grand Jury returned a criminal homicide indictment on 
March 25th against Lauren Robishaw for running a red light and killing 
cyclist and Yellow Bike Project volunteer Ben Clough last October.  
Robishaw could be charged with Manslaughter, which requires a 
determination that she was "reckless", and carries a sentence of 2-20 
years in prison.  More likely is a charge of Criminally Negligent 
Homicide, which requires only that Robishaw was "negligent", and carries 
a sentence of 180 days to 2 years.

We'd like to suggest that whatever the charge, when a motorist is 
at-fault for killing another road user, their license be suspended for at 
least ten years.  In America's car culture, a motorist would probably 
think that not being able to drive for ten years would be worse than 
going to jail for two.

Expect the case to go to trial within the next few weeks to few months.  
Stay tuned for updates....


======================================================================
 FULL MOON RIDES TONIGHT NIGHT
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Full Moon rides are tonight (Wednesday).  Don't forget.  See the calendar 
below for more info.


======================================================================
 UPDATE ON NEW TX LEGISLATION         by TX Bicycle Coalition & editor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You all should be aware that HB 1886 has been filed that if passed all
Rails to Trails railbanking will be cancelled in Texas.

This means no more Rails to Trails conversions. All abandoned railways
will revert to the adjacent landowners and not be available for
conversion.

In other news, the proposed state law which would require all minors 
riding bikes to wear helmets has made it out of committee, without any of 
the changes suggested by the Texas Bicycle Coalition.  The fact that the 
bill has gone through committee makes it much more likely that the bill 
will by passed by the congress and made a law.  Many cyclists oppose this 
measure for a number of reasons, detailed on the Biking in Austin website.

For more information on both bills, see the Biking in Austin website 
(News -> Proposed TX Legislation).


======================================================================
 HUMAN POWER PARTY AT WATERLOO PARK, SUN. 4/11, 2:00    by Mike Librik
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There will be another HUMAN POWER PARTY on Sunday, April 11th, 2 pm 
at WATERLOO PARK (15th & Red River).  As usual, anyone can come, but 
no one may come by car. Leave it at home, or at least don't tell us 
how you parked it right around the corner.

There will also be a human-powered parade leaving from the Capitol at 
1 pm, doing the usual downtown cruise, then going over to the party. 



======================================================================
 UPDATE ON MARK BENNETT BROOKS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Last week we told you about Mark Bennett Brooks, who was struck by a hit 
& run motorist while biking to work.  Here's an update email we received 
from Mr. Brooks:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thanks for your return email and kind words.

I am recovering quite well.  Most of my general soreness has gone. 
Every muscle in my body has been stiff for the last two days, but 
those are returning to normal.  My arm is in a sling because of the 
shattered scapula. The orthapedic surgeon told me there was nothing 
he could do for it, other than start an aggressive physical  therapy 
program.  Luckily, none of my joints were affected.  I'll get the 
stitches out next weekend.

The incident occured on 51st street, just east of I35.  I landed 
right in front of the first apartment complex there.  (i don't 
remember the name) If you drive by you can see the spray paint from 
the crime scene investigators. I was told they were out there for 
about two hours after the wreck.

No one got the license plate number. The first guy on the scene was 
on the opposite side of the road.

I had been commuting about nine miles each way every monday, 
wednesday and friday for the past three or so years.  I always took 
the safest routes, obeyed traffic laws, had all the right safety 
equipment (lights, mirror, reflective leg band, etc..), rode 
defensively, never got in a hurry, etc...

I'm listening to a song right now entitled " you can't roller skate 
in a buffalo herd" by roger miller.

I don't think i'll be doing anything other than recreational riding 
for a while. My hybrid is totaled. Maybe I'll get a car rack, some 
spandex and a mountain bike if i get the urge to go biking.

The thing i regret most about this is that someone has taken away one 
of my most treasured freedoms.  I truly enjoyed the sense of freedom 
i had every other morning and afternoon when coming to and from work. 
 (the only reason i didn't ride every day was the fact that i had to 
schedule meetings every Tue. and Thurs.)

Keep up the great work on your website, I found a lot of great 
information there.  The only for sure way we can overcome hazardous 
roads is to educate drivers about cyclists.  I think every driver 
should be required to ride a bike on the roads for at least one week 
before getting his license.

[Ed. note:  There's not much you can do to avoid a motorist who tries to 
hit you intentionally as happened to Mr. Brooks, but there's PLENTY you 
can do to avoid other kinds of collisions, which are much more common.  
Check out http://michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/safety.html ]


======================================================================
 BLOCK PARTY w/ WHITE MOUNTAIN FOODS, FIRE ISLAND, LIVE OAK BREWERY
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is only tangentially related to bikes, but what the hell.  Every 
year some businesses in a warehouse district on the east side hold a big 
block party.  This year's party is on Sat. April 10th, and features:

WHITE MOUNTAIN FOODS, 3301 E. 5th St., 385-4711, Noon-6pm
  Tastings of fabulous vegetarian fare including veg. fajitas

FIRE ISLAND, 3401 E. 4th St, 389-1100, 10am-4pm
  Glass blowing demonstrations and once a year Studio Sale

CIRCLE-IN-A-SQUARE POTTERY STUDIO, 3303 E. 4th, 247-FIRE, 10am-4pm
  Wheel throwing demonstrations and pottery sale

LIVE OAK BREWERY, 3301-B E. 5th St., 385-2299, Noon-6pm
  Tours of Austin's newest brewery, plus $2 pints served by Lovejoys
  Bring yer ID if you're gonna drink

LIVE MUSIC starts at noon with:
  * Stephen Wiley Teargain & The Tumbleweed Racers
  * The Fencecutters
  * Dave Locksley

How's this related to bikes?  Well, White Mountain underwrites The 
Bicycle Lane program on KOOP Radio, and proprietor Reed Murray once got 
ticketed on Critical Mass for riding three-abreast, which happened for a 
split second when a third cyclist passed Reed and a buddy (riding 
double-file) on the left!


 Biking in Austin newsletter sponsored by:
=======================================================================
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE     2815 & Fruth, off 29th & Guadalupe    |
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE  NEW & USED BIKES * REPAIRS * ACCESSORIES |
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE      http://pobox.com/bluejay/waterloo    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


======================================================================
                        CALENDAR OF EVENTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------

 EVERY MON at 6:30:  The Bicycle Lane radio show on KOOP, 91.7fm
 EVERY WEEK: Free bike repair workshops four nights a week,
             courtesy of the Yellow Bike Project (457-9880)

 3/31 Wed 10:00 CLOTHING-OPTIONAL FULL MOON RIDE (3101 Guadalupe)
 3/31 Wed 11:59 REGULAR FULL MOON RIDE (33rd & Guadalupe)
 4/02 Fri  6:00 BAC FACILITIES COMMITTEE (Threadgills, 301 W. Rvrside)
 4/08 Thu  6:00 BAC GENERAL MEETING (Threadgills, 301 W. Riverside)
 4/11 Sun  1:00 HUMAN POWER PARADE (from Capitol to Human Power Party)
 4/11 Sun  2:00 HUMAN POWER PARTY (Waterloo Park)
 4/16 Fri
 4/30 Fri  5:00 CRITICAL MASS (meets at UT West Mall, ~2300 Guadalupe)

* BAC = Bicycle Advisory Council
  BAC info Michael Zakes, 47-CYCLE, watcyc@sprintmail.com
* all times are P.M. unless otherwise noted

-----------------------
 GOVT. MEETINGS
-----------------------
Citizens can sign up to speak for three minutes at most public meetings. 
This is an excellent way for cyclists to try to influence local 
government about cycling issues, especially when there is a specific 
cycling proposal on the table. Here's a summary of City meetings where 
cyclists can speak. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at City 
Council Chambers (on 2nd St. between Guadalupe & Lavaca).

CITY COUNCIL.
   Every Thursday. Meetings start around 1:30 and generally run into the 
evening. Agendas and minutes are available at the City of Austin site. 
(www.ci.austin.tx.us)

UTC.
   Urban Transportation Commission. Third Monday of the month from 
5:30-8:00. Check the Biking in Austin site for more info, or contact: 
Michael Zakes, 47-CYCLE, watcyc@sprintmail.com; or Patrick Goetz, 
pgoetz@mail.utexas.edu

PLANNING COMMISSION.
   Every Tuesday at 6:00. More info: David Sullivan (sully@jump.net)

CAMPO.
   Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (formerly ATS). Second 
Monday at 6:00-~10:30 or so at the Joe C. Thompson Conference Center at 
UT (SW corner of 26th & Red River). Plans & funds transportation projects 
for all of Travis County, southern Williamson County, and northern Hays 
County. More info: CAMPO website (linked to from Bikinking in Austin), or 
call 499-2275 (Elizabeth) or 499-6441 (Michael Aulick).


 Biking in Austin newsletter sponsored by:
=======================================================================
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE     2815 & Fruth, off 29th & Guadalupe    |
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE  NEW & USED BIKES * REPAIRS * ACCESSORIES |
| WATERLOO CYCLES  47-CYCLE      http://pobox.com/bluejay/waterloo    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the sponsor