Covering Tucson's bike community

New signs on Euclid Avenue at First, Second and Fifth Streets have popped up in recent weeks.

New crossing signs along Euclid Avenue at First, Second, and Fifth Streets warning motorists to expect both bicyclists and pedestrians have popped up in recent weeks.

They were added because the closure of University Boulevard has prompted cyclists to find alternate routes to get through the area.

Flashing lights to call attention to the signs have been ordered, but are not in place yet.

The signs could be seen as legitimizing bicyclists’ use of crosswalks, which isn’t illegal. There was an article in the Arizona Daily Star about bicyclists use of crosswalks that was worth checking out.

I’ve used the crossing at Second Street a lot recently both as a pedestrian and a bicyclist and it is less then ideal.

When you are on a bike, it isn’t clear what motorists are supposed to do. When I am riding, I do not use the crosswalk, instead I wait for a clearing and ride across. I’ve had situations, where people stop for me however. The problem is that not everyone stops at the same time.

You can start riding across and someone in the second lane doesn’t stop.

The same problem happens with pedestrians. A motorist might not be paying attention and will come to a screeching halt when they realize all three other lanes have stopped for a pedestrian walking across the street.

What do you think of the signs and the crossing?

Post any interesting links in the comment section.

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Click the image for a larger version

El Grupo Youth Cycling is turning five and they are celebrating with a party on Sunday.

The family-friendly event will be held on the Playground rooftop deck from 6 to 8 p.m. and will honor El Grupo’s founders Daniela Diamente and Ignacio Rivera de Rosales.

There will be snacks and lemonade provided. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at discounted prices.

Playground is located at 278 E. Congress in downtown Tucson.

Organizers request you RSVP by emailing mark_mandel109@hotmail.com

The 2012 Ride of Silence is happening this evening at 6 p.m. at Reid Park.

The ride was started as a way to remember cyclists that have been injured or killed while riding bikes and takes places in location all across the world.

Here are the details from GABA, the group organizing the ride:

The Ride of Silence™ will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, but the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

Please join us in our participation in the National Ride of Silence on the 16th of May 2012 at 6:00 P.M.

The purpose of this ride is to HONOR those who have been injured or killed on our roads by a vehicle.

We are working to RAISE AWARENESS that we are here and have the legal right to the road.

We ask that everyone SHARE THE ROAD with respect for the law and each other.

Your presence would confirm your support of safety and education for the benefit of our large community of cyclists.

Start: Reid Park at west side Ramada #22, located at the Park’s northernmost parking lot on Country Club Road, gathering at 5:45 pm for light refreshments and send-off. Distance is approximately nine miles.

Leave: 6:00 pm. From the parking area, head south on Country Club Rd., west on 22nd Street, north on Tucson Boulevard, east on E. Elm St. which becomes Pima St., south on Columbus Blvd., west on 22nd Street, north on Country Club Rd., and return to parking lot.

Another Ride of Silence will take place in Green Valley this evening as well. The ride starts at the Green Valley Recreation East Social Center parking lot (Abrego/Esperanza intersection). Light refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Cool video of a nike station.
Post any interesting links in the comment section.
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International

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