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@BobCochran 147778 wrote:

One reason I was asking about whether the helmet meets impact protection standards is because I don’t know if it has been tested, on crash dummies, to find out what happens if there is a terrific impact on the electronics.

The web site states that it is compliant with US (CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203) and European (EN1078) standards. I don’t know what that means in terms of integrated electronics, but it seems they’ve satisfied the regulatory requirements.

@BobCochran 147778 wrote:

powered with live electrical charges.

Since you work with electronics, you probably know that LEDs are low voltage, low power devices. I doubt the helmet presents a significant electric shock hazard.

What I wonder about is whether motorists, being unaccustomed to turn signals and brake lights on a helmet, will recognize them for what they are or just think they’re more blinkies.

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As P.T. Barnum used to say at this time of year, “there’s a sukkah born every minute.”

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@bobco85 147087 wrote:

I wonder how long the glow lasts.

I did some complex engineering analysis (that is to say, I clicked the link and read the first three sentences of the article) and came up with: “It’s made from a synthetic material that can give out light for up to ten hours at a time once charged by the sun throughout the day.”

So, potentially beneficial for winter evening commutes, but likely no longer glowing by morning.

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@Steve O 147084 wrote:

Then come meet us in person at one of the many, many coffee clubs.

Speaking of which, some meta-analyses suggest that coffee has a protective effect against prostate cancer (e.g., http://coffeeandhealth.org/topic-overview/coffee-consumption-and-bladder-kidney-and-prostate-cancers/). So, ride more and drink more coffee!

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A couple of days per week I run, which gives me a chance to grumble about cyclists. When I ride, I grumble about runners. Alternating between running and riding never seems to make me any faster at either, but my grumbling muscles are fully cross-trained!

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I have been reading this thread with interest. I’m another slow rider, and like you I find that limiting in terms of riding with friend and groups. In the kayaking world, my friends are the people with whom I paddle. In the cycling world, my friends are the people with whom I have coffee. I’m not surprised that your question resulted in a shopping list (tires! helmet! have your dentist remove your molars to reduce weight!).

There has been some mention in general terms of building core strength. Do any of you do specific strengthening exercises targeted towards cycling? I stopped going to the gym about a year ago due to a change in commute and have found that without the leg presses and such, my riding strength has diminished.

Overall, though, I find my particular solution to the problem is that practice makes perfect: when I ride more, I ride better.

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@sjclaeys 144621 wrote:

On a semi-related note, the band Harry Jay Smith & the Bling, for which my son is the keyboardist, will play at the Arlington County Fair this Saturday at 8:00 on the indoor stage. Come on by if you are around for some cool funk.

Thank you, sjc for opening the door to pimping musical gigs on this site I will be appearing with Shawn Cody and the Kodiaks at Westover Market Beer Garden one week from today, Friday 8/26 from 7-10 PM with an opening act starting at 6. Less than 1/2 mile off the W&OD (mile 4.5)! We may not be as good as Harry Jay Smith & the Bling, but we have much more accordion!

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@KLizotte 144481 wrote:

http://www.3feetplease.com/

My commute takes me past The National Science Foundation and DARPA. I may need to order the “1 METRE PLEASE” jersey.

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Here’s what I’ve observed:

1. When I’m running, cyclists who pass me within inches and don’t call their passes (and there are lots of them) are the WORST.
2. When I’m cycling, runners and their crazy Ivaning and tendency to run N abreast are the WORST.
3. When I’m either running or cycling, drivers who don’t stop at trail intersections or pass too close are the WORST.
4. When I’m driving, cyclists who take the lane for no apparent reason are the WORST. And runners who run in the street ninja style are the WORST.
5. When I’m running, cycling or driving, anyone who is either considerably slower or faster than I am is the WORST.

What’s cool is that all of these observations can be combined into a single unified theory:

Everyone who is not me is the WORST.

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My wife rides a recumbent trike. It’s 32.5″ wide. Going over the 14th St. bridge with her, she didn’t quite take up the whole width of the walkway – there was enough room for people to go by in the other direction, but not by much. Certainly she didn’t have any room to pass anyone and no one was able to pass her. I can’t speak to any of the other bridges – most of her riding since she got the thing earlier this year has been on trails. She loves the thing, though, and I like the fact that it’s gotten her out riding!

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Far be it from me to interrupt a conversation about shining flashing lights at each other’s testicles, but it’s *Brandymore* Castle.

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Done!

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My wife and I passed by as the EMTs were arriving. Heard them preparing to use the defibrillator as we went by.

I will note that the trail users were very polite and respectful. As we approached we were given early warning of the incident by cyclists coming the other way and everyone I saw was being cautious and giving the emergency personnel room to work.

I too hope the victim is OK!

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I’m not clear on how one could get points on one’s license for bicycle infractions. A driver’s license, at least in Virginia, is a license to operate a motor vehicle. Virginia Code clearly distinguishes between self-propelled vehicles, which one must be licensed to operate, and those “… devices moved by human or animal power (§ 46.2-364).” In what way would it be valid to put non-motor vehicle infractions against a motor vehicle license?

Further, one is not required to have a license to ride a bicycle, nor is one required to carry ID when cycling. If you’re pulled over by the police for a cycling infraction, would you be within your rights to say that you don’t have ID on you? Could the cop make you produce ID? In practice, I’m not sure that prevaricating about whether you have an ID on you would be a smart strategy …

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Thanks again to WABA and BikeArlington for a fun ride to Pupatella and the Spout Run Italian Store.

Speaking of people playing at Westover Beer Garden, I’ll be appearing there on 5/18 and 6/18 with Bob Sheppard, and 8/26 with The Shawn Cody Band.

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