A demonstration ride followed by a BBQ at Kokoamos, Sat. July 11. Discuss how to make Shore Drive safer on Twitter: #shareshoredrive Register for the event at BikeReg, and read more about it at shareshoredrive.blogspot.com

On April 19, 2009, Dan Hersh was killed, when his bicycle was hit from behind on Shore Drive by a SUV. This is the latest of a string of fatal accidents involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles. Also, numerous other individuals have been injured, riding their bicycles or walking and running on Shore Drive.

The 2004 Bikeways & Trails Plan had input for “Desired Bicycle Routes” and “the Northampton Boulevard/Shore Drive corridor was ranked #1 more than 2 to 1 over other routes listed.” Also, in recent months, both Cape Henry and Cape Story Civic Leagues have requested that the speed limit on Shore Drive be reduced from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour in their respective neighborhoods.

In view of this, Virginia Bicycling Federation, Tidewater Bicycle Association, and Kokoamos Restaurant, which is very concerned about the safety of its patrons, have decided to sponsor a Share Shore Drive Day Bike Ride, which involves cyclists riding on Shore Drive between Jack Frost Road (aka Helicopter Road) , Kokoamos on Great Neck Road and First Landing Park. [continue reading…]

In case you missed it, last Saturday was World Naked Bike Ride Day, with thousands of participants in cities all over the world. Roanoke cyclists took to the streets with their own, not-so-naked bike ride.

To the astonishment of many, a recent fatal accident involving a skilled cyclist legally using a public roadway did not result in any charges against the driver who hit him. According to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach there are no laws protecting bicyclists, pedestrians or other non-motorized users of a public road from being struck by a vehicle whose driver plainly “didn’t see” the victim. Unless there is proof of gross negligence or circumstances such as alcohol, drugs, speed or an illegal maneuver on the part of the driver there are simply no provisions in state law to support bringing charges.

For the drivers that are cited, often times it is a mail in fine. It seems that killing a cyclist or runner doesn’t even merit a court appearance. Society is in effect saying to the driver “it’s ok that you killed someone, we understand.” [continue reading…]

Yesterday we reported on Loudoun County sheriffs ticketing cyclists during a charity ride. While most cyclists agree they should obey the law at all times, many felt it was poor form to ticket charity event riders. Some felt that the event may have been targeted.

Today the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Dept. explains why these cyclists were ticketed; and answers several good questions about the rules of the road and how the law is enforced, with excerpts of the law regarding bicyclists. Kudos to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Dept. for addressing the issue, and to the Washington Post for covering it.

However…

I resent the Post pitting cyclists against motorists with its “kicking bikers to the curb” poll. It’s bad enough with Clear Channel shock-jocks encouraging actual violence against cyclists. Encouraging readers to go at each other like that isn’t much different. A little more light and a lot less heat on the subject please, as good journalists are supposed to provide.