Chilling at the first regroup...
Once again, the weather brings out the riders! The end of winter brought a record March crowd of over 2300 riders.
Cyclists showed the amazing solidarity of the bike community by dismounting and walking our bikes to honor a fellow cyclist. A reckless driver killed Joshua Ryan West and left his 7 year-old daughter without a dad. The sight of a sea of flashing lights walking quietly past the memorial site was poignant and moving. We hope that this highlights to cyclists and drivers alike how careful we need to be – one careless act behind the wheel of a multi-ton weapon leaves a terrible and preventable tragedy.
As usual, Bike Party riders brought great attitudes and a lot of people stepped up to help out, whether BIRDs or not. First-time volunteers made the ride great – we need a lot more of this! Thanks to all those who helped stop the ride to let cars through – many of you stepped up and made a lot of folks’ night better. We need more volunteers. Get Involved!
Memorial to Joshua West @ Lark
We need to share the road and ride legally and more courteously at all times. When we show respect to our car driving “brethren” it comes back in unexpected ways – including lots of cheerful honking and hollers of joy from area residents last night!
The start and regroups were amazing as usual, this time with more riders riding deep into the regroups, especially the one after the memorial on Lark. We did the best we could to get cyclists out of that regroup – even with a malfunctioning traffic light. Shout out to MoGo BBQ and QuickDog for their great eats at the starts and regroups. Please show your support with a Yelp review (MoGo & QuickDog)!!
Of course, not all is so rosy. We all need to be on the lookout to correct and remind inexperienced & thoughtless riders how to ride predictably, stay to the right, and let other traffic through. Remember, we learn through repetition, so your reminder to a fellow rider might be the one that finally teaches the lesson.
Victim of a Hit & Run
If anyone has seen the crash incident on Race Street, please comment on this thread with useful information and/or contact one of the persons involved. First-hand accounts of riders that actually saw the incident are needed immediately.
She has asked us to post this specially made email for this: feel.goodlost@hotmail.com
Please be respectful. IF anyone doesn’t like BP, etc. , please do not send hate mail to this person or this thread. No one deserves to be hit or have unkind words – especially after a harrowing ordeal. Thank you!
Please add your comments about how this ride was impactful, fun, etc. to us. This is our chance to not just hear about the ride but how each and every one of us can also “step up to the plate” as so many did last night and at every Bike Party.
If you have pics or video from last night please post them on the sjbikeparty flickr account. Keep in mind that for ethical and legal reasons, pics of the crash incident may not be appropriate to post. Thank you.
Hit & Run Victim on Race St.
March 21, 2010
I first wish to thank everyone that given me and everyone on the SJPB website an account of what happened Friday night.
If anyone witnessed this, please email me your name and a contact number you can be reached at as well so I can get in contact with you if needed. Contact me at: feel.goodlost@hotmail.com
scott
March 21, 2010
There is a double edged sword here tho folks: if we contact the politicians, etc., we need to make sure that we have our house in order.
What do we need to do? Find ways to:
1) Get almost all cyclists to follow laws
2) Get drunks off the ride
3) Add more courtesy and respect
– esp don’t surround cars and don’t taunt
4) Find a way to channel “free spirit” energy – riding on opposing lanes is not the right way
5) Educate drivers that we are following the laws for the most part – including “taking the lane”
Because if we don’t clean up our act, it’s awfully easy for them to point fingers at us. Even though the riders don’t deserve the “road rage” that was thrust on them.
We do need the police to exercise a balanced approach. We do not need any escorts, or any police resources, etc.
It would be great, however, if the police in the course of their normal routine would ticket riders who don’t have headlights, have open liquor containers, ride in the left lane of multilane roads, ride on the opposite side of the street and run red lights. If you suspect they’re drunk, please give a DUI test and arrest them if appropriate.
Jon
March 21, 2010
Just a thought for something to add to the letter being drafted to the city: a request for more instruction about sharing the road with cyclists in driver’s ed and traffic school. I don’t remember this topic being covered at all, and I think a lot of drivers don’t know what the rules are, especially when there’s no bike lane.
Rapid Robert
March 21, 2010
In the spirit of the two just above, this incident is exactly why it’s so important to:
a) stay in the lane we command as a group,
b) respect the drivers we engulf, and
c) respect the lights.
Those simple things give us the right to expect respect from the drivers we swamp. That’s the only way SJBP will be able to continue.
On another note, it was a great ride! The regroup spots were nice, but the Office Depot lot was difficult to exit. The light there was super short. The jousting was a bit more controlled I thought. If they’re gonna’ hold the sticks in their right hands, I’d think they’d want to ride past each other in the “left lane”. Whatever! It’s fun to watch either way.
And as a nay-sayer about the walk past the memorial, I have to say it came off 100%! The squawkin’ birds upstream really helped.
Plenty of music bikes, excellent weather (if you didn’t dress for the beach, but thank you to the girls who did!), and a good vibe throughout the evening for me. I must have spoken to a dozen spectators at various regroup spots and they all will be riding next month!
Rapid Robert
March 21, 2010
Oh and here’s a link to the DA’s office. I wrote them this morning and recommend everyone who saw the incident do as well.
http://www.santaclara-da.org/portal/site/da/agencychp?path=%2Fv7%2FDistrict%20Attorney%2C%20Office%20of%20the%20%28DEP%29%2FDistrict%20Attorney%27s%20Office%20Directory%2FDistrict%20Attorney%20Departments
Billy Cool (Bill H)
March 21, 2010
@ Amy #23 & Lets be Honest #28,
It’s apparent from your writing accounts that both of you are the same person, and apparent that you are the H&R’s girlfriend in the car that night.
Your statement about the frightened driver (that your boyfriend smashed into) is a bold faced lie. We watched the driver as he stood outside his car (not fearful of anything or anybody) as all the event unfolded.
I hope H&R’s judge is a bike rider & decides to make an example out of him.
Chique
March 21, 2010
probably need cops out there to tell riders to ride on the right side of the road. because no one is listening to the Birds. and i saw a ton of riders riding in left lane with cars behind them and on the opposite side of the street. Riders were riding like complete jackasses and if you were riding in that manner, don’t be surprised if you get hit (it’s bound to happen..just a matter of time, buddy). also, if you’re in the left lane, don’t flip the driver off behind you, just let him pass!
Sandra
March 21, 2010
OMG! That’s terrible that people got hit…but it’s the risk we take when we ride. Best bet is to follow the rules and stay to the right…otherwise you may be doing the tango with a driver…no bueno!
Frank
March 21, 2010
Didn’t know there was an H&R until I read about it now! Wow! It’s sad to see how cruel and impatient drivers can be, especially during this ride which was dedicated to a cyclist killed by a reckless driver. I remember while riding down Cherry Ave. somebody in a white SUV cut us off as we were about to take off. Nearly clipped it. After, on one of those smaller streets after Cherry, somebody in a car threw a cup of water at one of the riders and sped off. This is the first time I’ve seen such behavior from drivers. Hopefully the next ride will be a peaceful one.
0-0
March 22, 2010
I like how we, I am guilty of the same from time to time, are keyboard cowboys with opinions. Yet, when it does matter most we are just sheeps.
I commended the female bird voicing audible commands/orders/suggesting to “keep right” I joined in as much as I could but she was too fast for my group to keep up. Whenever, I saw a car was coming ,I also tried to warn riders of the car and to keep right. Most moved ,some did not.
It is so sad that the many are so quiet , yet the few rotten apples are so loud.
gofnride
March 22, 2010
@ Robert #34
Your right, I do have a vested interest in getting more people to wear helmets. I’m a designer and I believe my job is to protect cyclist and motorcycle riders in the worst situations. But to say that the helmets is “the biggest scam ever perpetuated on cyclist”, is laughable. Have you ever taken a fall to the head? Have you ever broken a helmet? Have you been hit by a car?
Robert did we not all pass by two accidents? One taking a life, in which this ride was in memory of and another that happened on Race St.This ride is about our fallen cyclist, Joshua West. We all saw what happens on the road. You can’t predict what others are going to do, on a bike or in a car. As cyclist it’s our jobs to protect ourselves on the road from any potential danger.
And the idea that helmets make cyclist ride “riskier”, is not accurate. Commuting to work, riding on my days off. I have seen some pretty nasty stuff happen on the road and in the mountains. Would you say that car air-bags make people drive “riskier”. No, they are there for the unfortunate accidents. They are designed to save lives and make the consumer feel comfortable when driving. This is a similar reason why helmets are a good idea.
This is something I filmed last year. Take a look at a avid rider making a mistake. I can only imagine what could of happened to her if she didn’t have a helmet on. She was OK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvJ2xGaNYkY I don’t think the helmet promoted the fall, she knew what was coming up. I think it helped, you tell me.
Lets agree that all cyclist need to take all precautions to make sure we make it home every day. That includes: proper bike maintenance, knowing the rules of the road, safe rider techniques, and proper protective gear.
Robert I don’t want people to think that I’m trying to push helmets on anyone. I just don’t want them to think that what your saying is good advice. I know people are smart, they can read what you have written.
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
To answer your first paragraph’s questions; yes, no (I’ve never worn one), and yes (while driving a car). I’ve been dead twice and brought back to life. If I’d have been wearing a helmet on one crash I had, I’d have broken my neck!
Helmets are MADE to allow riders to ride riskier! That’s their sole purpose. Air bags absolutely encourage drivers to drive faster and riskier. Both examples are absolute FACTS, undisputed by everyone except those pushing bicycle helmets. Helmets encourage riders to ride riskier. No question at all.
Falls from bikes are rare. Head hits on the ground are more rare. Head hits that are in the small range of force that helmets are designed for are less than that. Do the statistical analysis that nobody ever talks about.
Helmets decrease bicycle use. Look at the example of Australia. Helmets are unnecessary. Look at the example of Europe. SJBP is all about bringing MORE people into bicycling. Those excluded from the entire bike club experience here because of the clubs’ PC and lawyer fearing requirements for helmets on everybody, everywhere and always. It’s ridiculous.
Again, wear a helmet if you want. I never will. It’s a scam and a meme. Ride properly and the chances of your head hitting anything goes down to levels near that of simply walking on stairs.
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
By the way Gofnride, as a designer of bike helmets, what’s your opinion about the mounting of lights on the top of helmets?
Do you test your helmets with lights attached? Do helmets protect as designed with headlights attached? Small metal flashlights in the central groove that don’t fly off in a crash?
All Persectives
March 22, 2010
@Billy Cool #56
Yes I am Amy and Lets BE honest. I however, am NOT the driver NOR his girlfriend. I am a female but older than most of you and hopefully a little wiser due to my life experiences. I have learned that there are many sides to one story and people usually only want to see what they want to. So I am just trying to get people to see the other side or at least the possibilities.
I did not see the lady get hit. If she did get hit by the white cobalt get the insurance information and go through the insurance company like most people do. If he does not have insurance then take him to court.
Drivers of cars find large groups of bicyclers just as intimidating as bicyclers find car drivers.
No body spoke with this driver to find out if he knew that he hit her, instead a group of people took what they viewed as revenge into their hands and beat him up. By previous posts other individuals admit driving by cars and hitting them with their hands. How do you know he did not think that is what happened with her. There are way too many possibilities that no one can be judge and executioner. Dare I even ask without fear of an uprising that people know for sure it was the white cobalt and not the silver Honda or another car that hit her? And again I must ask what are her injuries and damage to her bike as no one has stated that? And finally remember she walked away he did not…
[moderator note: thanks for the note of asking for restraint,there should have been more. 1st hand accounts are important & should be given to police. the type of injuries to the rider are what they are. all the riders knew at the time was that a white cobalt was driving recklessly and ran over cyclists, didn't stop, and sped off continuing to endanger other cyclists until he hit the silver honda. also, please use one user name, not 2 (now 3) user names.]
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
And regarding the video; yes, the helmet encouraged the rider it ride in a risky way (fast) AND in a risky place (a trail in the the woods).
The presence of the helmet on her head definitely promoted the accident. To quote my mother, “she could’ve broken her neck!”
Helmets encourage riskier riding. Take the helmets off those who wear them and WATCH them slow down.
And let me make one final point. It’s the BMXers and off-road cyclists riding on SJBP rides who I see as doing the vast majority of the bad riding we all condemn on the road. Jumping curbs, riding through obstacles, on the sidewalks, in the left lane, wiggling back and forth. In general, riding as though they were on a trail alone. That’s my observation.
Facts?
March 22, 2010
Robert said:
Cite your sources, please. “FACTS” in all caps is a strong statement. I really don’t see commuters whether they’re on bikes or in cars saying “Dude, my airbag/helmet will protect me… I’m gonna run that red light!”.
Are seat-belts just the industry taking advantage of peoples’ fear as well? How about helmets for motorcyclists?
Choose not to wear a helmet if you wish, but to spread the idea that they’re actually worse than nothing you better have some facts to back it up.
[moderator: Rapid Robert is probably referring to the "Peltzman effect" — people adjust their behavior in ways that counteract the intended safety effect.]
scott
March 22, 2010
if i hear more justifications for this psycho driver i’m gonna puke.
i can’t stand hearing the silence from 100-500 additional good riders that could take over this ride from bad influence of the thug riders (yes bmx and others) and the crazed thug car and truck drivers.
there are 50+ active riders (BIRDs and non-BIRDs) that make this ride fly every month, but it’s nowhere near enough.
so what can we do in April? have a ride only for the 150-600 that want to take control? shut the whole thing down for a month? or keep going and wait for sj police to shut us down? (that’s not fearmongering btw, many in sjpd {and other police depts} would like us gone cuz they think we’re no different than critical mass)
and lets agree to disagree on helmets, etc cuz RR may be right. it’s the BEHAVIOR of riders of all types that are the problem and certain drivers (and their supporters). let us agree instead to clean up our house together and find creative ways to promote “how we ride”
ryan
March 22, 2010
Scott,
I agree with you 100%.
Those of us who dedicate so much of our time putting this together every month shouldn’t have to baby-sit the selfish idiots who are going to bring it down.
Bike Party is supposed to be for everyone, so long as they follow “how we ride.” When we have a significant amount of people breaking things, littering, riding like they still need training wheels, etc., it’s time to make it impossible for that behavior to exist.
Post your ideas here and please step-up to volunteer by joining us on a test ride or at the monthly volunteer meeting.
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
Amen. I’m done with the helmet rant, though I believe it goes waaaaay deeper into the issues of behavior we’re fighting within our group.
Please, please, please write a short email to the DA and tell her to publicly and loudly prosecute this H&R driver to get the message out. It’s our duty.
watani
March 22, 2010
well said ryan!
0-0
March 22, 2010
I am just thinking loudly so feel free to point it out why it will not work or otherwise(I will surely volunteer as well because I think this is a great thing to be a part of)
Thugs/hoodlums/gangbangers band together for safety/strengths/intimidation tactics.
Why not take ques and run with it?
SJBP choosen helmet color or vest of choices? A high vis vest? Not just for Birds but recommend it to riders willing to conduct themselves with what SJBP mission statement and ride rules. All the while being safer for the wearer.
The helmet and vest also has an added bonus, high vis vest doesn’t looks good/cool to wannabees or full time shitheads.
Once the idea catches on(if it does) then as a collective it would be easier to shun/boos the unwanted actions of riders/unwanted activities during the ride.
The one thing I don’t want to see is an elitist attitude come out of it.
my two cents.
0-0
March 22, 2010
On another note if you have not thought of it or done so. Give the route to SJPD,SaratogaPD,CampbellPD, or any other PD we will be riding thru. Give them a heads up and make it known so that those that wants to run red lights, DUI, or any criminal unacceptable actions has consequences.
I am sure there are more facets to implementing this idea though.
witness
March 22, 2010
Here is my account of the Race St. incident.
[moderator: "witness'" account has been removed before posting... all specific accounts of the "incident" should be sent to the investigating jurisdiction in charge, in this case the SJPD. Please send these to SJPD and ask them to follow up with you directly. This should help the SJPD and the parties directly involved. Thank you
It appears that you may not be able to submit online, they want you to call or come into the SJPD office; http://www.sjpd.org/ReportingCrime/
There is a "tip line" near the bttm of the page, but unclear if this is right way to go - but it is an online resource]
Ian
March 22, 2010
So i know i am late to the posting party… i wanted to consider what i posted first….
first the disclaimer i am not a lawyer nor do i play one on tv.
looking at both sides.
1 the driver had classic road rage and drove unsafely around hundreds of bikes (the claim that he didn’t see them is false as they are what enraged him as are the claims that the cyclist was at fault for improper road positioning)
2 As he was beaten he will not be charged with hit and run as he will just claim truthfully that he feared for his life.
Captiv8
March 22, 2010
Dang I missed this bike party for the first time in 6 months two of my friends ended up in the hospital while crashing into each other. And this hit and run what can we do to make the next SJBP safer?
John M
March 22, 2010
Violence does not solve our problems. If in fact this is justification for beating a driver or a means for allowing this behavior to grow within the SJBP community, then it seems the positive effects of building community are for naught. I refuse to align myself with an organisation that falters and sinks to this level.
I have seen first hand the interest for SJBP from communities that we ride through and talked to many residents about how we ride.
On the surface, SJBP is a great thing. I fear however that people take this experience for granted. I myself, donate a lot of time each month to help make this ride happen. People should realize that this our ride, that we must take ownership of the actions that transpire on the third Friday.
We can not hide behind a wall of riders, but should become individuals interested in making a contribution. Honestly, if everyone pitched in 5 min of their time to make the Friday ride more of a success, we might endure and continue to prosper.
Joshua West's Uncle
March 22, 2010
Our Family thanks you all from the bottom of our hearts. This was very touching and we will never forget it. Because of good people like you Brianna will have a better future. She is such a wonderful girl and we do see her dad in her eyes and spirit..
Uncle Frank
[admin (tr): repost from "The Green Ride Details **UPDATED START** to remind everyone why we made this ride/route]
srg
March 22, 2010
according to the San Jose Police Crime Report “Assault with a deadly weapon” at same location and 11:59:05PM. Do not know what “Final Disposition:R” means tho….anyone?
http://www.crimereports.com/map
Spliffer
March 22, 2010
Folks I can understand the effort to reform the bad element within Bike Party. But I think some of the suggestions are way off the mark because frankly, the proposed solutions do not appropriately address the problems.
I am not trying to be negative nor disagreeable because I think we all have the same objective: that is to make SJBP better, safer and to improve the overall image of the organization within the greater community.
Over the past few months, I have independently studied the “dark side” of Bike Party to get a read as to what makes these guys tick. I specifically elected to ride and mingle with some of those groups and did a lot of listening and observing.
Many of these guys — and they are primarily about 99% dudes — don’t give a hoot about what we say. We are not reaching these folks.
All they care about is finding out the starting location on the third Friday of the month and get a loose idea about the route.
They show up with their pals in their close knit peer groups — hitching their wagon to the Bike Party train — and then proceed to do their own thing. They could care less about building community through bicycling.
They have no desire to be included in the mainstream Bike Party Community, nor to follow anything we say.
They have no interest in volunteering to serve the community.
Their beliefs and attitude are diametrically opposed to that of the mainstream Bike Party community. They are truly fringe elements. They can hide within the Bike Party folds because their numbers are small, however; their damage is noticeable by their excessive alcohol consumption, overly rowdy and crude behavior and littering that is visible by bystanders — severely damaging the image of the SJBP Community.
The challenge is how do we deal with this fringe element.
I am convinced we need to educate and communicate beyond the cyber-space channels and take the message to the streets.
We need quality mobile loud speaker systems to inform and educate the assembled community before and during Bike Party.
How do we pay for all the hardware? Heck, copy the professional politicos and impose a Bike Party Attendance Community Tax.
**(Then we can hold a tax revolt against all Bike Party politicians for lack of effective representation.)**
Or, pass around a collection plate; preferably a box, and perform the collection before the start of Bike Party — ’cause once the ride goes by the first “licka stoh” we’ll be s— out of luck.
Only a “mischievous Catholic” would suggest emulating the good Padres.
We just need a grass roots communication and information strategy so people can know precisely the SJBP expectations.
I don’t think we have done an effective enough job with our captive audience during Barty Party to voice the community’s expectations.
I think we could use re-groups to grade each facet of the ride and voice SJBP opinion of what needs to improve on the next leg and so on and so forth.
It would be like applying the Psychological principle of “Operant conditioning” where we reward the good things and explain what needs to improve in real time rather than posting it — in “cyber-space” the day before or the day after the ride. We need an immediacy factor to nip things in bud on the spot.
We need to nicely and tactically get in people’s faces where they can feel the immediate weight and power of the assembled throng.
It would have the comparable effect like playing a home game to a sell-out home field crowd — those fringe groups would be made to feel like the visiting team.
We could use the immediacy of the moment to “call ‘em out” for their unacceptable behavior during regroups or where-ever, at our own choosing, to bring the pressure of the group to bear. Lets try some Bike Party behavior modification.
Whatever we do we need get with it because we are badly in need of a paradigm shift — need to turn the tide — with those nutty fringe groups running “hog-wild” within the
Bike Party community.
AnonyMOOSE
March 22, 2010
My thoughts on this ride:
1) People were and are still riding recklessly, there were some good downhill “bomb” sections of this ride, and that’s great and all, but some of you guys don’t have brakes, is that a type of riding you really want to be doing with 2000+ other riders? Luckily our group hung back a little and were riding with a smaller group, but my wife and I as well almost got side swiped by some people who were riding brakeless down some of these hills (this was on a bike that HAD brakes, that just didn’t work).
At the bottom of one of these hills, it looked like a lady had crashed, and an ambulance/police car was stopped their or on it’s way.
2) There’s a certain “F*&% the WORLD” mentality of some riders, that perhaps it’s a younger generation of people (although I ain’t exactly an old fart… yet), and also there were quite a few older riders that were literally mocking some of the birds. I made sure to MOCK THEM back. It’s this non-conformist-conformist bullshit, that causes people to be reckless. Hate to break it to you tards/db’s, you are are still conforming, you aren’t cool, and you look like a jackass, that isn’t giving respect. To me RESPECT is more important than “being cool”.
People feel inhibited, if they are told what to do, or how to ride. Stop at red lights.. F*&% YOU!!! I am just too cool for school, all you “fegs” (seriously I have heard people say this, in a more harsh way (moderator feel free to bleep it)) I understand there’s also some in these circles of riders that feel that they lose momentum, and I can understand this, and even out and about, this is how some people ride, but is it really worth dying, just so you don’t have to pedal back up to speed. There were some sections/lights where we were literally passing by freeway entrance/exits, with blind visibility to cross traffic. If people blasted through these, they would have surely been killed.
3) Being Agist for a second, there were some riders, who just shouldn’t be on these rides, they are way too young (talking below 15, that’s kind of what I think of as a cutoff, if you can’t work a job) to be riding at night with no parental or adult chaperone supervision. If they want to ride on these rides, they should have their parents with them. I am all for it being an all ages ride, but kids with no supervision, just get into trouble. There were a couple of groups we were riding with, with groups of kids just hopping around, doing brake skids, for no reason, just to put on a show, and also causing people to have to ride erratically, it’s a domino affect. I ride with a bubble, but others don’t always do the same. This is impossible to police I realize, but it’s ore of an observation.
4) This ride seemed to be the most dangerous yet, ironic considering why we were riding. There were a lot of downhills, that caused people to ride really fast. Not like the ride through cupertino down wolfe, that was a different, more subtle downhill. This was much more extreme, and people get out of control. There was a guy on winchester and campbell that looked like he broke his leg, it was brutal. And it sounds like 2 other incidents, and this H and R accident. It felt like I heard sirens all night…
5) Mob mentality, back to the “F*&% the world” thing. People think for yourselves. The law isn’t always on your side, but give it the benefit of the doubt. Beating up that H&R driver, basically ruined all possibility of the H&R rider of having any justice against him (the H and R driver). Hopefully he learned his lesson, but in the end, that doesn’t change the angst people have towards riders. Many of us are car drivers and bike riders, and can see both sides of the issue, so we have to ride like that, but I understand that’s not always possible. We need to share the road. I am not saying the H&R rider wasn’t, but I witnessed many times people were riding on the left, and there were times I yelled, ride to the right, car on the left, and most of the time people DID move, thankfully. I have to say that was a good change.
6) People are littering still, and for no reason. People littering at stops, or just throwing garbage, instead of holding onto it until the next stop. I may find a fun solution to this problem for a future ride, but I am still on the fence about whether I can trust people who are drinking to play nice.
Some positives:
1) the memorial section, where everyone walked was great. Gave me chills, and the solidarity of the group walking past must have just been amazing to onlookers.
2) the ride generally was pretty good, downhills, before uphills are always better to me. It helps you get momentum going up the hills on the other side.
3) Lots of new riders, even in our group, lots of young people, with parents, lots of respect (despite what I say above)
4) I felt like even when we were riding through some of the quiet neighborhoods, people still really enjoyed it, and weren’t all that annoyed.
Some advice:
Someone mentioned using road flares, I think that’s a great idea, or glow sticks, or something, didn’t SJBIKEPARTY make some light up signs, or maybe I am mistaken (I again realize this all costs money, I think the re-usable signs are the best bang for the bike, and also green, since they are re-usable)
Ian
March 22, 2010
lets get back on topic and sign up for the pledge
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/
HotWheels408
March 22, 2010
How about that weather? Another fun ride and surprisingly pretty somber at times. I guess it depends on where exactly you were located in the ride. I never encountered the Race St. hit & run. Anyone know what time this went down?
With the success of another ride, there were still plenty of riders with little regard for safety, courtesy, and competence. I’m sure alcohol is involved in some of those cases. For instance I stopped to help a couple guys pulled over that were asking for a wrench, and they quickly pulled out a bottle of whiskey, offering a shot or two as payment. Also witnessed a lot of riders giving drivers little courtesy at intersections/lights/stops/narrow roads, by not letting them drive through/ pass/make a turn. This is not Critical Mass and i’m sure SJBP does not want the reputation as a Critical Mass.
Btw, how is the head count performed? Seemed like there was more like 3000 riders at the beginning, but the last leg of the route it reduced significantly.
In regards to the helmet controversy. Obviously you take the risk of possible head trauma in an accident or spill by not wearing one, but I don’t agree on the statement that helmets encourage a rider to ride riskier or the off-road bicyclists are more of a hazard on the rides. This is highly debatable. Personally I think it’s a youth and confidence/rebellion thing. When I was a teen in the early 90′s and really into MTB, I often would ride without a helmet. Not to say I didn’t own one, but more times than not I chose not to wear it. Did I ride risky? Sure did. In my experience a lot of the BMX guys do not wear helmets and they are the ones I’ve noticed that ride the riskiest or unsafe. They don’t have lights or reflectors, and they have one speed (fast), and love to jump curbs and driveways. Doesn’t surprise me, because I was just like that when I was a young BMX rider.
Another group that tends to ride risky? Fixie riders. They haul ass with reckless abandon, weaving through traffic, and with only one way to stop, if any at all. They’re also more apt to run lights. What do they do when they reach a hill climb? Increase their speed so they can make it to the peak without having to dismount. What happens when the lane is all filled up? They go around, often into an opposing lane (although I did encounter one that pulled up behind me and asked if he could ride through). Do they wear helmets? Some yes and some no. Yes, it is not a 100% guaranteed that by wearing one, you’ll emerge unscathed in the head trauma department if an accident does occur, but something is better than nothing if there is an impact to the head.
I myself have never participated in a Bike Party wearing a helmet. I do own one, and save it solely for my off road rides. Do I ride safely? Yes, for the most part. Do I stop at every stop sign encountered on the route? No. Do I go ploughing through peoples yards, hopping curbs and all that? No. Would I be more inclined if I was wearing a helmet? No, because it’s not the place for it, it’s a hazard to those around me, and I respect other peoples property. I always try to keep far right. I stopped at red lights. I let cars pass. If I’m going to suddenly change direction, stop, or deviate from my straight line, I quickly check to make sure it’s safe before I do so.
gofnride
March 22, 2010
Robert we make helmets that have mounts for lights and cameras. I wear one every time I ride at night. The light out-put to weight-ratio is amazing now. You should go to your local bike shop to see how light in-molded helmets are and how powerful little LED lights are, in today world. Not a few years ago.
Robert you are obviously a recreational cyclist. When you eat, sleep, and ride bikes every week you might start to understand what could happen. I’ve seen it, you obviously haven’t.
Robert you should really educate yourself before you go saying things that you know nothing about. You honestly think that when you look accost the parking lot of bike party riders, the ones with helmets are the people to look out for. I think it might be the bmxers, maybe even some riders on the fixies that don’t know how to stop. These riders are the one’s using the other lanes and shoulders to pass or even the curb, not the riders with helmets.
Again you say helmets, “encourage riders to ride riskier. No questions at all”. So a kid riding to the store with a helmets is riskier of falling than one that doesn’t have a helmet. What equates one with the other. That’s great that you believe helmets are a bad thing, but seriously, read what you have written. It doesn’t make sense. People that take chances are more likely to fall on a bike, not cyclist with helmets.
So you say that when you crashed that if you had a helmet on you would have broken your neck (In your opinion). So what happens when someone without a helmets hits his head and becomes a vegetable. What would you prefer to have no brain function or a broken neck. And breaking your neck doesn’t mean your paralyzed, you can recover.
Please post a link to the facts that helmets decrease bike use. I would like to fit it in to my next presentation so I can get some laughs from my co-workers.
PS the facts are opposite of what you are saying. Please post some links to your facts, I’m curious see if they are real or something you have convinced your self of.
Robert I would like to thank you for posting some of your ideas and hope people can come to a decision by themselves on what should be worn and not worn when cycling.
[moderator/tr: app'd this ad, but this should be taken off-line]
Ian
March 22, 2010
@ gofnride wow thats really condescending…
if you were a real cyclist you would agree with me… WTF?
Clearly you are not an impartial party.
why don’t we post some links and let folks decide for themselves…
this one seems fairly impartial
http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/10/25/bicycle-helmets-pro-con/
This is just funny
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/airbag-helmet.html
[moderator/tr: app'd this ad, but this should be taken off-line]
Rider Joe
March 22, 2010
I did not witness the H&R as my wife and I broke off and headed home after going by eBay.
There are some members of the SJPD who support BP, and have encouraged us on our rides… find them, and have them ride with us to discourage the DBs, and enforce the rules.
Second… Mr Oliverio is an active member of BP. I have seen him on several rides, and he loves it. Not sure if he volunteers, but he is a member of the city council, and I believe he will support us… as long as we ride safe.
calstate1224
March 22, 2010
All right, I’ve been trying to stay out of all these idiotic debates but the stereotyping is going too far. Let me put them all to rest, I started racing BMX when I was 5, I’m now 30 and still race MTB. according to some of you I’m one of the trouble makers. I also own two fixies, again an outlaw, and look here, I won’t even test ride my bike in my driveway without a helmet on….I must be the most reckless rider at Bike Party according to the stereotypes coming out. But, I’m also a bird and couldn’t even talk Saturday morning from yelling at all you idiots to move over. No single group is outcast, maybe stop focusing on what type of rider thewy are and start trying to help us get rid of the bad seeds, it doesn’t take that much effort to simply help us say move right, and if your the idot in the left lane with 100 riders around you telling you to knock it off I think the point will get across.
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
Like I said above, I’m done with the helmet rant here although I can certainly supply references for what I said. This isn’t the place, and Gofnride isn’t acknowledging what I said and is starting with the personal attacks for my admittedly non-PC views. Perhaps I can find a more intelligent adversary for this debate, and maybe we can have it elsewhere (like over in the forum).
Christopher Canova
March 22, 2010
This was my second bike party and I am still finding it overwhelmingly amazing. We do need to stop people from braking laws while riding. (such as drinking) for those who dont know you can still get a Bui. (Biking Under the Influence) So to all those who were drinking I would be careful. It is not only not good for you but it is not safe to do when riding with other people. You put not only yourselves in danger but your fellow bikers as well. If you have any comments please email me.
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
I want to apologize for the “intelligent” comment, and for bringing the helmet issue into this thread. I’ll start it on the forum in a bit and maybe we can all learn something through civil discussion of this hot button topic.
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
@Calstate1224, good point. If the WHOLE crowd who respect “how we ride” yells out a simple unified chant when the ride’s being disrespected, at least the drivers seeing it will know where we really stand.
the cat
March 22, 2010
Spliffer at #80 is 100% correct about the profile, and he gets at the solution. I have only one thing to add to that excellent, insightful comment.
We are being hemmed in on all sides; insane drivers on the left, jokers to the right. We need a strong show of solidarity in the jaws of this vise. I’m thinking, armband campaign. The slogan “RESPECT The Way We Ride” It works three ways: 1) reminds the Pledge signers what they signed up for, 2) We ride with respect for all, and 3) Respect how we ride, because it is worthy. I am going to add this banner as a placard to my heavy cruiser for the next ride (it is a good platform) but SJBP could introduce an armband purchase campaign and Pledge that might work like this:
If someone signs the Pledge and gives a dollar, they get a yellow “visibility” armband. The money buys armbands and campaign pins. We’ll know at once who has signed the Pledge, and everyone else will too. Once there is a sea of yellow armbands, the show of solidarity would be casually visible. Once people start sounding off together they are saying that the Way We Ride has meaning in our lives.
Some of the rides would be campaign rides. Memorial rides, fund raisers, anything with greater meaning, and anyone who rides it with an armband can have a campaign stick pin. It’s not much, but it builds street cred for BP veterans and rewards cooperative behavior.
It probably sounds a bit Fascist to some and they will immediately tune out. I’m hip. But we are up against violent, mindless elements and not just the drunken and lawless riders, but the drivers as well who are acting out some very sick, twisted fantasies against us, against our bikes, and against our choices to ride. Everyone that comes near needs to sense that The Way We Ride is something we will defend in word and with righteous deeds, and that we will go on the record in that regard, and hang the consequences.
I don’t have any other answers. Pull together or be pulled down one by one is the lesson of history. It got 13 colonies to sign a declaration and put those men’s head in a noose at the time. It ought to be good enough for BP.
Peace out. Ride hard.
scott
March 22, 2010
cool creative thoughts, armbands, chants are all good. that and 50+ new volunteers before the next ride, 100 by the May ride is even better. the other options are to do some things out of the box to shockingly creative… any ideas?
Rapid Robert
March 22, 2010
Here’s a video I shot (my first of SJBP) on Friday night, at Curtner turning onto Cherry. You see everybody stopped, then one asshole blows the light and 39 follow! Looks like from the stop!! Including the guy pulling the big black music trailer!!! W T F ???
You can hear the admonitions yelled out. Then the light obviously turns and about 50 go through.
40 people blowing the red, and all stupidly into the left lane of Cherry. With cars present and mixing it up, and maybe six spectators watching. I mean W…T…F???????????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix927jqv52w&feature=youtube_gdata
steve
March 22, 2010
I don’t know how i personally feel about this, but one of my friends had this thought (he is a cop BTW):
How would people feel, as a community gesture, to invite cops to join the ride IF THEY RIDE BIKES too. They would have the authority to issue tickets to red light runners and law breakers (both cyclists and cars). This might discourage some of the fringe from wanting to ride because it won’t be fun for them anymore. Having the police presence wouldn’t have to be permanent…
moo
March 22, 2010
Personally, I think it would be great if police officers were interested in riding with us, in either an official or unofficial capacity. They would learn more about what we are trying to do and the challenges we face. We, in turn, could get a better understanding of what we could do that could help them do their jobs. SJBP is about building community through bicycling, and the police are certainly part of our community.
Cody
March 23, 2010
@steve #95:
I was surprised, but I also thought about inviting SJPD cops to ride with us—on bikes of course. I’m a bit uncomfortable with the idea, for sure. But I think that cops could pull out the people who are so drunk they might knock someone to the asphalt.
@ the cat #92, I like the armbands idea. I also like the idea of more volunteers, and I’ll be one of them. I also think that BIRDs should operate in small groups, rather than being alone. I like the idea of having a few BIRD crews riding with first aid training and supplies (marked with arm bands maybe?), a few crews with bike tools and patch kits, a few crews running cleanup at the regroups. Eventually maybe everyone will learn by example.
I think that when a group of 10-20 BIRDs and other respectful riders are vocal and assertive with those who don’t respect ‘how we ride,’ either those rebels will be peer pressured enough to respect ‘how we ride,’ or maybe they won’t have fun and won’t come back. (BTW, this is from one who used to love when BP blew through red lights and shut down intersections for 10 minutes. Now I stop, although I ride differently in my daily commuting.)
Friday’s ride had way too much aggression, anger and blood spilled for me. I do think a lot of it was fueled by alcohol. It sounds like there were a number of falls in addition to the H and R fiasco. I treated a girl whose front teeth got smashed into her mouth coming out of Los Gatos at high speed, apparently because there was a bump or collision.
These negative vibes were depressingly ironic given the commemorative tone that was originally intended for the ride.
@ryan in #32, and others, I’m torn, but I mostly support the idea of having some Bike Parties that exclude folks who are bringing negativity. One of my favorite recent rides was the Running of the Bulls, up into the East foothills. (I did the hard route and having just a few hundred people, like in the old days, was awesome!). On the other hand, I like to see families and hear the music bumping.
I’m looking forward to the Ride the Limits ride in April, and I’ve been getting ready to ride the century. I think that will be really fun.
Just want to throw this out there: what do people think about the concept of a sort of family ride? I’m thinking something that would be during daylight, pretty mellow, accessible to kids who can ride well on their own, parents pulling little ones in trailers and anyone else who wants something low-key. I think there are a lot of people out there who do that on their own already, and I’d be happy to ride with them.
Billy Cool (Bill H)
March 23, 2010
@ Cody #98
Nice idea, families (and anyone else) could do this daytime ride with maybe a bit longer lunch regroup in the middle. BIKE PICNIC!
Cody
March 23, 2010
Yes! BIKE PICNIC! I like it a lot.
And that opens up great options for destinations in parks all over the valley. We could ride at a time that makes sense for youth, bring games and food, picnic. And it would be a very different kind of presence in these communities compared to the Bike Party late-night ride through their neighborhood. I think that would capture an important facet of what biking is about.
the cat
March 23, 2010
A “bike picnic” daylight ride rocks. 10-15 miles ought to be fine. My wife and I have ridden with our 2 kids since they were infants, now they are 14 and 9. My son rode 14 miles when he was 5 and still brags about it. I think a number of the problems on the rides where unattended youngsters are all over the road and on lawns is because their own parents NEVER ride, so on a bike they feel unsupervised and can act out. We need more families on their bikes to take some of the edge off, and to teach kids early that riding is good fun and how to do it safely and with respect.
I can volunteer to haul a waste trailer behind my electric heavy cruiser next ride (it can haul a significant load without any trouble) to encourage trash pickup and recycling. But the message should be the same as when wilderness hiking; “if you pack it in, pack it out.”
Peace out. Ride hard.
the cat
March 23, 2010
On cops:
I like this idea a lot. Seriously. Cops on bikes would be a huge help, and make a big impact on our perception in the broader community. If we were a 2,500-strong music festival in Downtown, there would be cops present on bikes “sitting around” (haha) so why shouldn’t they ride with us? Councilman Ovilerio rides, and maybe others I don’t know about. The Mayor is a rider or claims to be, he should ride BP. We’re his people, we’re on the streets for him and the community to reclaim the roads for cyclists and pedestrians and children, he should put his head in the noose too and ride with us.
The road-rage dumb asses running over cyclists would look like terrorists once the community learns that the Mayor and the cops ride with the cyclists. Some lines you don’t want to cross.