So how did it go? Please post your comments and reflections below…
Did you like the new Bike lanes on 10th street?
Do you want San Jose to add bike lanes to Hedding?
Reflections – The Luau Ride
Written on August 17, 2012 at 8:00 PM, by Ian
Written by Ian
Leave a comment
robert romeo
August 17, 2012
yes more bike lenas are needed
Disappointing
August 17, 2012
Not cool guys…drove by your little party tonight. The riders were not safe, were not following the rules of the road, and most of the riders we saw weren’t wearing helmets. I’m an avid cyclist myself and am generally supportive of rides such as this, however your performance this evening does a disservice to the cycling community. I will say I did see some of you riding safely and wearing your helmets, but you were the minority.
Spliffer
August 18, 2012
Your comment is very much appreciated, “Mr. Disappointed anonymous poster”. I am sure the SJBP Volunteers will redouble their efforts to make progress in the areas you mentioned.
Bike Party is grateful to the police officers that kept the HUGE number of bicyclist in check for most of the evening. The officers were very professional, and displayed the patience of Job with some of our most aggressive bicyclists.
arno
August 18, 2012
In Denmark and Netherlands, nearly nobody wears on helmet when using their bicycle as a transportation. Still, there are the safest countries for bicycling.
On the other hand, in nearly every place where bicycle helmet has become compulsory, head injury rate has increased!! after the law has been passed.
So, I agree with you that bike safety is important is sometimes underconsidered. But please please, stop focusing on the helmet. This is far from the most important point.
Spliffer
August 18, 2012
Arno, it would be nice if you could provide a link with credible data, studies, or info that supports your statement on bicycling safety in Denmark and Netherlands.
You are correct that helmet use is not the most important safety issue at Bike Party.
arno
August 18, 2012
This website claims to take its data from netherlands gtv (link is currently dead):
http://www.tobysterling.net/2008/04/bike-injuries-and-deaths-in-netherlands.html
189 bicyclists deaths for one year. 16.3 millions people in the country, and and average of 1.5miles traveled by person each day.
So that means an average of one death per 50millions miles.
In the united states, number of cyclist death is around 750 per year. and the number of miles traveled are estimated between 5.8 and 21.3 billions miles per year (in total). (http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/docs/case15.pdf) number are old but as there lets admit they didn’t change much. So this make one death for 8millions to 28millions miles. 2 to 6 times more dangerous.
Rudy Duran
August 18, 2012
“In Denmark and Netherlands, nearly nobody wears on helmet when using their bicycle as a transportation. Still, there are the safest countries for bicycling.
On the other hand, in nearly every place where bicycle helmet has become compulsory, head injury rate has increased!! after the law has been passed.
So, I agree with you that bike safety is important is sometimes underconsidered. But please please, stop focusing on the helmet. This is far from the most important point.”
I was curious about the above point. I believe your claim is totally false. According to the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research, basd in the netherlands who published this scientific article/SOURCE:
http://www.swov.nl/rapport/Factsheets/UK/FS_Bicycle_helmets.pdf
QUOTE
”
according to the most recent and
sound estimate, the risk of sustaining head injury is reduced by as much as 42% when a good bicycle
helmet is worn correctly; the risk of sustaining brain injury is then reduced by 53%. Research in other
countries has shown that the use of bicycles sometimes declines, particularly during the first few years
”
after the introduction of mandatory helmet use
arno
August 18, 2012
You’re right in the fact that wearing a helmet during an accident decrease its gravity. But wearing a helmet does not prevent an accident. Some studies even show that driver have a tendency to drive closer to cyclist wearing helmets http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-helmets-attract-cars-to-cyclists
And more importantly, focusing on helmet prevents focusing on behaviour which would prevent the accident in the first place. It looks like everybody wants cyclists to wear helmets. So inexperienced cyclists feel safe with their helmets, but no nothing about trunk blind spots. Guess which is the most important.
About the risk increase with helmet laws, you believe whatever you want. The fact is, whenever a helmet is passed, the number of cyclists decrease. Bicycle number is one of the most important things in safety: because the more bicycle there is, the more car drivers learn to watch for them. In Paris with the velib, the number of cyclists are been multiplied by two, but the number of accidents has stayed the same. So the accident rate has been divided by two.
So, whenever there is a law which requires helmets, the raw number of deadly accidents may decrease, but the number of cyclists usually decrease more. Which means the accident rate has increased.
Here are two sites with a lot of resources:
http://cyclehelmets.org/
http://www.cycle-helmets.com/
Those sites are definitively anti-helmet laws, but if you think there is a bias, you’re free to search resources on google or whatever, the results are always the same: bicycle helmet laws decrease the number of cyclists and therefore, increase the accidents rate.
arno
August 19, 2012
Yesterday, I wrote a long comment which for some reason was not published. So, long story short: helmet laws decrease the number of cyclists. Number is an important part of cyclist safety. So everywhere there are helmet laws, number of accidents per cyclist increase. I let you search for the multiple studies which show that (or may be my yesterday comment will finally appear. It has links on it).
Ian
August 19, 2012
it was caught in the spam filter for the site.
Guys, Helmet threads never change anyone’s mind so lets end the helmet debate.
besides theres much lower hanging fruit from a safety perspective. that would keep you from needing a helmet.
Jason
August 18, 2012
I think for the most part people were trying to let cars past. You saw two minutes of a huge event that took four hours and involved thousands of people: it’s not hard to cherry pick a few bad apples and tut tut everyone for not being a great cyclist like you.
We helped plenty of cars get through us quickly when it was safe (though I’d point out if all of us drove our cars on that route it might as well be shut down…) and I don’t think we went more than 10 minutes without cars cheering us on or honking in celebration.
Spliffer
August 18, 2012
Great points Jason. I would add that about a dozen motorists inquired about Bike Party last night, and I gave seven of them the WEB address because they expressed interest in riding with Bike Party at some convenient time in the future.
The Bike Party format, as conceived here in the Bay Area, is spreading nationally. It’s becoming a national movement.
There is even a new “Washington D.C. Bike Party” that was recently publicized in the Huff Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/11/dc-bike-party-smithsonian_n_1665018.html
Baltimore started a Bike Party: baltimorebikeparty.com
- Plus the San Jose Bike Party Community has allied with bicycling advocates from local bicycling organizations to work the political wheels in SJ City Hall advocating to improve the conditions for bicyclists all over the South Bay.
Check it out:
Support Hedding Street Bike Lanes
San Jose City Council Chambers 6:30 at 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA
Come Show your support at the Tuesday evening San Jose City Council Meeting in Support of Bike Lanes on Hedding St.
If you can’t make it please write or call your council member or their staff (SJ City Countil Contacts)
City Council Agenda for August 21, 2012. Hedding Street Bike Lane vote is agenda item 6.1 on page 7
*Therefore, “Mr. Disappointed Anonymous Poster” please be very careful with making cavalier judgement calls like: “your performance this evening does a disservice to the cycling community”, ’cause even “eminent bicyclists”, like you, will receive ancillary benefits from the efforts of the rag tag hoi plloi.
Slapfest 9000
August 18, 2012
A LOT of people shortly after the first and second regroup were hogging a lot of lanes, especially before the group hit 10th/1st. I saw a jeep driver get pissed and charge past an oblivious biker. Another inch, and there’d be a rather bad night.
Jason
August 18, 2012
Bikes are traffic too. If a car is in your way driving slowly you can’t just ram into it.
We let cars past to be nice.
John
August 18, 2012
…yawn…I’m so glad that you as an avid cyclist drove by. Please feel free to join us next time and not be such a buzzkill. We had plenty of fun to spare for you.
Rachel
August 31, 2012
As a first time ever attendee to the SJ Bike Party, I have to respectfully disagree. I was impressed with the amount of people who were riding helmets, being attentive to cars, obeying traffic signals. There were a few instances where cars attempted to pass through bikes which were already in front of them – as if attempting to part the red sea by force. At least if a biker is not wearing a helmet they are only taking their own life in their hands.
BILL
September 13, 2012
YAH COOL I HAD A BLAST THAT NITE ONLY WUSSEYS WEAR HELMETS
Craftsman
August 18, 2012
There was a woman who had a really bad accident after the first regroup at Mission. Hope everything is ok. The Fire Department was tending to her. Other than that, I managed the corner turn from Mission College to Burton. I was impressed that a almost all of the group followed the rules and made the left on Green. Good Job people.
jerry
August 18, 2012
I came up on this accident seconds after it happened. She was out cold. I hope she is ok. Good job by riders directing traffic and keeping others moving so as to not block emergency vehicle access.
Gil
August 18, 2012
Great bike ride. Saw most people obeying the rules but few nuckle heads still running around ruining the ride. A couple of issues maybe should be addressed: 1. The end point should be where the BP starts to reduce confusion. saw a lot of people turning back to Heading St when they realized they had past the street to the starting point. 2. I think that two regroups are enough, you can see that most people bypass the last regroup. They want to finish bout midnight 3. you should make the route where we do not have to back track. lots of confusion after the 2nd regroup.
Still give out lots of props to the Birds and organizers. Great crowd
Mr MC
August 18, 2012
This was my first time joining the bike party. I joined the group from Lafeyett for which I came from Cupertino. I did not know about this event at all. I saw many flat tires and many people stopped and check their map and direction.
Gary
August 18, 2012
The ride was great last night. I lot of ppl followed the rules. It’s nice to see how the ride has changed. How ppl have gotten more mature. But for you couple of bad eggs please just follow the rules. You are the ones that will get the ride shut down. And spoil it for the rest of us. We are all here to have fun. Let’s keep it up.
esper256
August 18, 2012
I’d like to say thanks to all the organizers, this month’s bike party was really great. I loved loved loved the route. Not as many miles on small residential streets, and more time in the middle of nowhere with great views of the skies and plenty of room on the streets next to empty office parks. I was also pleased to see more people scolding the riff-raff into riding more correctly. Hope we can make next month even better.
Jared
August 18, 2012
I did my first ride last night, Having previously rode in a critical mass in San Diego, I gotta say that there were way more well behaved people in this ride.. That being said there were some people doing dumb stuff. Sorry if this is not cool or how they do in the Netherlands but my father was killed while ridding his bike and it pisses me off when I see people not obeying the laws/rules of the road. The big thing is to “Share the Road” it goes both ways! There is no need to take all 2-3 lanes and not let cars pass, it only makes them mad..its extremely unsafe. If the group is going too slow pass them or let them get a head of you.
Please wear a damn helmet.. I know it looks cool to have a hat on but they save lives!
Put lights on your bike! The more visible you are, the better!
Jason
August 18, 2012
I was riding with Jared and we were getting pretty annoyed at people weaving all over the place; especially after the regroups.
In a big pack of people you need to ride straight, and slower traffic should slide over to the right so faster riders can get by.
There were a lot of jerks weaving through at high speed but I think if everyone rode more predictably it would help; sucks getting caught behind people going super slow and braking for no reason constantly.
Jen
August 18, 2012
had a great time! absolutely LOVE the bike lanes on 10th! this was not my first time on them, but they ROCK! it would be great to have more such lanes around SJ
David
August 18, 2012
My wife and I went for the first time and had so much fun. Everyone was nice to us. It was hard for me to finish the whole thing but I did. I love the way the food trucks showed up at the resting spot. We are inviting other friends to join us for the next one.
Community Activist
August 18, 2012
It was a great ride. It was good seeing almost everyone stopping at red lights – though I noticed SJPD there to remind everyone.
Thanks to all the volunteers for making this happen.
I’m looking forward to downtown SJ & Willow Glen (hint).
Randy
August 18, 2012
Thanks organizers for putting together another awesome ride!!!!
The Good:
- Great Regroup Points
- Fun route (Loved the Alviso Area)
- Police did a great job
- Like the themes (seen a lot of creativity)
- Seen some kewl little dogs riding along in baskets
(Hope they enjoyed the ride)
Constructive Comments:
- People need to stop zig zagging while riding. I experienced and seen many close call collisions where people could have been seriously hurt. You need to realize that when you zig zag there is almost always someone next to you.
- If you have to stop, do not do it in the middle of the street. This again has caused many close call accidents. If you have to stop look around you and slowly merge to the far right near the curb when it is safe.
- As others have mentioned, use lights! They don’t cost a lot of money nowadays.. $5-10 dollars is worth the cost of your safety!
- I disagree with reducing the regroup points. I think they are just fine, and not everyone is conditioned to go the extra distance without adequate resting points. . Regroup points also add to the social nature of the ride! For those that want to bypass them have the option of doing so and reducing their ride time down to end by midnight.
Looking forward to the next ride!!!! Keep up the great work organizers…
sgt kushman
August 18, 2012
Lol there was a idiot who ate shit on 13th & Santa Clara st at the end of the ride Hahahahaha what. LOSER LOL.. CHECK BOTH WAYS NEXT TIME MAN.
phillip gonzales
August 18, 2012
I got a flat tire. The city needs to sweep the bike lanes. But I had a great time! Until the flat tire that is.
drew
August 18, 2012
People weaving is probably the most dangerous part of the ride. Last month I took a solid spill and got some serious road rash when someone veered into me. Needless to say I won’t ever be using my clip in pedals anymore during bike party.
On another note, heading down 10th St last night we had a small group of well behaved riders (about a dozen) in our pack and some car kept yelling at us and wound up throwing something (crumpled piece of paper maybe) that hit me. The good news is our local fuzz was right behind him to pull him over immediately. Thank you SJPD for protecting a group of safe cyclists!
M
August 18, 2012
Good bike party, as usual, though not my favorite. But they’re all good in one way or another. To echo someone else’s comments, starting and ending the ride in the same location is very valuable. Either that, or have them very close together. And the doubling back on itself was confusing, even to those not drunk off their asses. Which brings me to another point. So many people are drinking to excess and then screwing up. Either causing themselves trouble or others. And sometimes very seriously. I helped attend to the young girl who crashed on Lafayette. Out cold and looking very serious for some time. When she finally came to just before the medics arrived, it was obvious she was drunk. She said she’d had maybe as much as 21 beers. ‘Might have been the liquor talking, but she was obviously polluted. And of course, no helmet. Her head took the full brunt of the fall and frankly, She’s lucky to be alive. And then later on, more carnage and then right after passing that another guy takes a good spill. And I’m sure there were others. Geez people, why no helmets? I think maybe 5% or less of all the riders were wearing helmets or any other safety gear. And lights? Except for a fair amount of red lights on the rear, most people had no lighting of any kind.
So, people, put pressure on your friends and relatives and get them to wear helmets and gloves at the very least. And get some lighting. And above all, don’t get so drunk that you can’t ride safely. Believe me, you don’t want to end up in the middle of the road hoping the ambulance will make it in time. And also remember, the medics do NOT perform miracles. Let’s keep this a fun event!
Robert Cortese
August 18, 2012
I had a good time, it was my first time, yet it won’t be my last.
I got to beta my new sounds trailer (soon karaoke trailer) LiPo batteries performed as well as I expected. Being the lightest sound trailer, I was easily able to keep up with the front of the pack.
I played Daft Punks Homework, Deamau5, and finally some DilJit/Desis music. Good times.
Joe Klang
August 18, 2012
Last night was my second time attending the San Jose Bike Party. Let me just say that it’s always fun to ride listening to great music (move up or down to the next roving music if you please), enjoying the company of good people, and a chance to see much of San Jose that one usually warps by with cars.
I’d have to echo other people’s sentiments though about the uglies that came out of a few people on this ride:
- No helmets (if you’re not going to wear one, you better be riding defensively and not acting the fool.
- No rear or front lights. Sure, I don’t mind showing you the way, but others, riders or other cars will have a hard time seeing you and might accidentally run into you.
- Slow riders riding on the left and fast riders weaving in and out of all sides. Only a matter of time that someone will hit you because of misjudged timing. Slow riders stay to the right and let fast riders pass and pass to the right if you are a fast rider.
- Riders occupying the left lanes. Come on people, if you are going to do this at least do it safely, briefly and go back to the right lane.
- There were a few motorized bicycles and scooters blowing smelly exhaust on us. Tear off the motor and start pedaling – exercise, it’s good for you. Plus you’ll be doing the Earth and people a favor of using less polluting fossil fuel.
- One more stop please, miss the socializing rest stops
Remember, if you and others see people violating the rules of the ride, give them a few hisses and boos!
So, that the violators will become conscious of what they are doing.
Thanks again for all the organizers, volunteers, SJPD and cool people of San Jose (in general and riders alike).
Gary
August 18, 2012
I had a blast last night. I have been riding for years. Started back in 09. I am glad to see how much it has grown. They ppl are much better about following the rules. But some ppl still feel they are to good to for the rules. Remember We are all riding for a good time. If you want to keep have fun please obey the rules. If you don’t they will close it down. So if you feel you like you want to not follow the rules you can form your own ride. I know we are doing much better but we still need to some work. I love SJBP so let’s keep it up.
Slapfest 9000
August 18, 2012
Hey, did anyone manage to reach the final checkpoint? When I rode last time, nearly all the partiers made it to the third checkpoint, but this time, there were probably about fifty people at City Hall.
lapierre biker
August 18, 2012
1st bike party, WOW…
I expected maybe 300 people, not 4,000…
a lot of people not following the rules,
but then again, I even could not stay right cause it would have taken about two more hours, a lot of retardedley slow people…and the right lane was full !!! I mean really full…I stopped at all the lights, etc. but wait in the right lane behind grandmother… NOT… but at least I passed while no cars were coming, sort of…
If you are on a fast bike, you will be really out of place trying to ride…so you learn to brake some rules and not hurt anyone, mainly your self…or be the first one to leave and star cooking…
anyhow, I really had some fun, and next time I will have an idea of what to expect…
John
August 18, 2012
I ended up directing traffic into the second rest-stop with my friend Christopher, and it was really fun! I’m thinking that I might volunteer for same again…I felt really useful and so many people called out their thanks as they passed by.
Craftsman
August 19, 2012
Come join us at the Volunteer Mixer..
lapierre biker
August 18, 2012
yea, I got to the check point about an hour before people started showing up, went back to my place on 10th street, got high, and watched all the pretty colors go by with the string of bikers, as I hollered bike party !
Gary
August 19, 2012
A lot of ppl did not go to the point bc they passed right by the start so they went back there instead. It’s hard for ppl to do two different spots. And lepierre biker it’s ride not a race. If you take your time you will enjoy yourself much more. I am a hard core cyclist and I could be one of the first ones done. But it’s about have fun and party. There are slow ppl bc it’s a ride or party. Yes going fast is fun but being with ppl is better. So just slow down and enjoy everyone. There is no rush. Just finish is what is means for some ppl.
Jason
August 19, 2012
I enjoyed the party but after the first two legs I took off with a group that left the 2nd rest stop early and the 30 or so of us were absolutely flying.
Down Zanker with almost no traffic, cool air, no slow pokes hitting the brakes in front of you for no reason: it was super fun.
lapierre biker
August 19, 2012
Hey Gary, my bike does not like to go slow, I will let you do that… and yea, what Jason said…:)
Rider 44
August 19, 2012
SJBP BTL ride? Check.
SJBP Ladies Ride? Check.
SJBP Alleycat?…
Jahlaen
August 19, 2012
Bike Party keeps getting better and better!
I loved this route, especially the fantastic panoramic, night view from Alviso. I had never been through Alviso before. The residents are real cool too! The friendly and continuous bantering between residents, out with their kids, and our small peloton, as we rolled by, had everybody laughing and in great spirits.
My small pet pea is; folks need to revisit the rule of: (ride straight, ride predictably, and to remain attentive at all times).
People, you are in an ocean of 3500 to 4500 bicyclists at Bike Party. The simple fact is: everybody can relax and enjoy the beauty of the ride at their own desired pace at Bike Party; but you must remain attentive, and avoid swerving across the street. Falls and road rashes are all acceptable risks, as part of life on bicycles, but they hurt even more when they are caused by inattentive — undisciplined — bicyclists.
Pay attention and follow the rules of the road; that is all it costs to attend Bike Party!!!
john
August 19, 2012
I just recently signed up to join this bike party. I see the luau friday and said to myself this looks so much fun. seems like a great way to make new friends
Jahlaen
August 19, 2012
Bike Party keeps getting better and better!
I loved this route, especially the fantastic panoramic view from Alviso. I had never been through Alviso before. The residents are real cool too! The friendly and continuous bantering between residents, out with their kids, and our small peloton, as we rolled by, had everybody laughing and in great spirits.
My small pet pea is; folks need to revisit the rule of: (ride straight, ride predictably, and to remain attentive at all times).
People, you are in an ocean of 3500 to 4500 bicyclists at Bike Party. The simple fact is: everybody can relax and enjoy the beauty of the ride at their own desired pace at Bike Party; but, please remain attentive, and avoid swerving across the street. Falls and road rashes are all acceptable risks, as part of life on bicycles, but they are certainly more when they are caused by inattentive — undisciplined — bicyclists.
Pay attention and follow the rules of the road; that is all it costs to attend Bike Party!!!
Jason
August 19, 2012
4k is a pretty large peloton
lapierre biker
August 19, 2012
That is definitely a plethora of bikes… The most I have ever seen in one place for sure… I loved the boom boxes and all the different lights…and all the people in the different neighborhoods were really cool…:) and like Jason said, the last leg without people was really cool…except I did the last two legs like that…:)
Stefani
August 19, 2012
After going to two bike parties and seeing bad collisions each time, both leading to head injuries, I suggest maybe having a helmet/headwear theme for the next bike party…? I think it might be a good way to encourage people to wear helmets. I’m not sure if it has been done before. What do you think?
Spliffer
August 19, 2012
Stefani, SJ Bike Party has debated and fought epic opinion battles on the pro/con helmet issue over the first 3 years of it’s existence.
Helmets are highly recommended and encouraged by the SJBP Community period.
I will never get on a bicycle without a helmet, however; I’ve learned quite a bit from participating in those intense debates with folks on the other side.
There is no way to enforce the helmet requirement, and it will be an exhaustive, extremely contentious and divisive subject matter — to no end.
As Ian suggested earlier, let’s stay clear of rekindling that unsavory debate.
Let’s not get Rapid Robert, et al started! Please? I can hear them warming up…
Stefani
August 19, 2012
Sure thing. I just thought it would be fun to see what kind of cool head decorations people could come up with while subliminally encouraging something we all know we should be doing.
Jason
August 19, 2012
Anyone upload pics anywhere yet?
Zulu Papa
August 20, 2012
http://youtu.be/CAcF8Bkz9hA
Jason
August 20, 2012
Awesome. Great vid.
lapierre biker
August 19, 2012
a few bad eggs… no hundreds… and you are not going to stop them by crying about it…I would not even call them bad eggs, they are just not educated on biking rules… it seems like most of them don,t even have the courtesy to let fellow bikers through that are actually saying “on your left”… But change “courtesy” to knowledge, and it is not like any of these folk are going to educate themselves even a little bit by reading our posts… so enjoy it like it is and realize it will always be like this and we will have less stress in our lives..:) Besides you are talking to people that do follow the rules, in general, or they would not be making or reading posts on this site… It,s all good
Randy
August 19, 2012
In regard to the previous safety posts… I have always been kind of anti-helmet just because I think they look kind of dorky. But have always respected those who try to be smart and take the appropriate safety precautions. With all collisions I have seen on the ride and the head injuries I have heard about make me seriously consider getting a helmet for my next bike party ride… I know by previous motorcycle riding that Bell has been a great brand. I looked them up on the net and see so many different models and makes it is confusing..
Are there any helmets that you seasoned riders might recommend that look decent, are comfortable, and have good safety ratings?
Thanks…
Jason
August 19, 2012
I think the most important thing in a bike helmet is that it fits right. Lots of people recommended Giro but I ended up with a Specialized.
Randy
August 20, 2012
Jason: Thanks for your helmet recommendation.
.
I will have to try some on for size..
I realized that one should not worry about how the helmet makes them look, but that it protects your head
Oh, and… BIKKKKKEEEEEEE PARTTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
Sorry! just had to say that. haha
M
August 20, 2012
All of you that don’t wear helmets…..Please, please do yourselves a huge potential favor and buy and wear a bike helmet. It is SO easy to take a spill on a bike and end your life as you know it. Back when I was much younger, I met the girlfriend of a good friend of mine and she was doing some post graduate work at Agnews State Mental Hospital. She said you wouldn’t believe the number of people there who were permanent residents because of head trauma while riding a bike. Basically, most were vegetables who drooled constantly. The cost of not protecting their heads was staggering. And that’s not even considering the cost to the families and loved ones. How would you feel if you became a vegetable and ended up a burden to your family, unable to provide for them or love them, etc. And don’t think it can’t happen to you. It can. In an instant. And it might not even be your fault at all. Bike Party, while fun and exhillerating, is frankly about the most dangerous bicycling I’ve done in decades. And that’s due to several things, among which are the huge numbers of riders very close to each other, many either inexperienced or drunk or stoned off their ass. And another is that it’s done at night and very few have proper lighting. Just this past ride I passed 3 accidents, two very bad where trips to the hospital were required. If the people had been wearing helmets, they likely would have gotten up and continued the ride. As it was, they continued their rides in an ambulance.
DavidB
August 24, 2012
I agree with you on never wanting to wear a helmet. I have always hated how they look (and to be honest, I still think they look ridiculous). I grew up BMX’ing, skateboarding, and snowboarding and doing some ridiculous things at that and never wore a helmet. However, I do wear a helmet out here in once I started road biking here in the Bay Area. I mainly wear one now because I just flat out do not trust any of the drivers around here.
With all that said, I ended up going with a Giro BMX/skateboard helmet because I think it doesn’t look too serious.
Spliffer
August 19, 2012
Bike Party is a community activity. Everybody is accepted, nobody gets rejected!
Everybody fits in. All you need is bicycle; show up, follow the rules of the road and, you are good to go.
If you start imposing restrictions on who get’s to ride, and what they have to wear to ride; then you start venturing into the realm of exclusivity.
Too many restrictive laws and rules; like helmet restrictions, and the like, will kill the Bike Party Community and turn it into a bicycling club. Exclusivity is anathema to the Bike Party Movement.
Tells us; how do we build community through bicycling by putting up barriers to building community?
Look, please stop making blanket statements, as if, you folks have figured out what will make Bike Party work better.
You guys need to spend time volunteering. Go on test rides. Become a BIRD. Attend volunteer meetings, and get more rides under your belt. Then you will be able to can speak with conviction. That is most effective way to have a significant impact on Bike Party.
Randy
August 20, 2012
Spliffer:
) As for the bicycle helmet discussion, folks have posted their âÃÂÃÂrecommendations” about wearing a helmet and shared some of their experiences about others who have been seriously injured as a result of not using them. Sometimes people don’t realize the dangers until they hear about actual bad experiences. If a community rider can shine some light into the eyes of others and convince them to wear a helmet then that is a great thing. That could actually save some lives or prevent serious injuries. However, they are not implying it is a requirement. There will always be those who prefer not wearing a helmet. As you say the bike party is an open community that accepts everyone.
With all due respect I don’t think anyone has imposed any restrictions on who get’s to ride and what they have to wear to ride. From what I have read, it is just a community of individuals sharing some valid safety concerns. I think everyone is entitled to sharing their concerns about the ride as well as providing their constructive criticism right?
So letâÃÂÃÂs all just sayâÃÂæ. BIKKKKEEEEEEE PARTTTTTYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Spliffer
August 20, 2012
Randy, you are speaking to the choir because I am on your side in the pro-bicycle helmet crowd. But there is a faction of bicyclists who prefer to ride without helmets, and are equally as passionate and persuasive in their arguments against helmets. Many are among SJ Bike Party’s most prized volunteers.
They have no qualms about Bike Party’s pro helmet stance, as part of the community’s safe bicycling recommendations. Please check out “arno’s” posts above on the thread, and you’ll see that the other side have studies and data to back up their claims too. So it’s cool to recommend helmets but, many bicyclists within the Bike Party Community prefer that we not overwhelm discussion boards with it. Please understand that there are much more important safety concerns during Bike Party, of which, lack of helmet use is way down on the list.
John
August 19, 2012
This was my 1st SJ bike party ride and it was awesome. Does anyone know how many bicyclists participated?
lapierre biker
August 20, 2012
admin, how do I add a picture?
charlie7
August 20, 2012
L biker , click on one of the pictures that will send you to flickr. Log in then uload pics and post.
lapierre biker
August 20, 2012
that does not seem to be happening…
right click, left click, double click…
I am on a mac…
charlie7
August 20, 2012
Sorry can’t help you Mac
Jason
August 22, 2012
I think mine popped up automagically based on http://www.gravatar.com
Flora
August 20, 2012
I really loved that we went on wider streets with less cars on the road. I especially loved riding all the way out through Alviso. That was beautiful and we had the roads almost all to ourselves.
I have a question: Who sells/gives out the spoke cards for each ride?
Tian
August 22, 2012
Kevin. Big guy in green. Usually he has an assortment of old styles as well as the new one.
sgt kushman
August 20, 2012
so what will the next theme be more or less ?
Tian
August 22, 2012
Rocky Horror Picture Show.
JustinT
August 21, 2012
Thats pretty much how I started volunteering… Its actually fun haha Volunteer meeting is Sept. 12th
Andrea
August 21, 2012
Totally a different subject… but what’s with the mingle network? I have tried a few times to register, never get a password emailed to me but it keeps tracking my username. However, when I type the username in after clicking “forgot password,” it says my email or username isn’t registered. Can anyone help with this? I have gone to several bike parties and looking forward to networking and connecting with others.
Thanks.
Paul
September 17, 2012
Whats up? Yes, bp is a fun way to “networking and connecting with others”. Easier than hiking Mission Peak as well! HA . . .
Steve Wozniak
August 21, 2012
To encourage more people to wear a bike helmet, why not at the final pit stop before the finish line have a judging contest for the best themed bike helmet? I currently have a collection of eight over-the-top
themed helmets in my mancave that I’ve worn at SJBP events.
Randy
August 21, 2012
Hey Spliffler,
You have me wrong; I’m not pushing pro-helmet propaganda down the throat of the community. I just thought your comment was a bit harsh and thought you were misjudging the intention of folkâs comments.
Your quote #1
If you start imposing restrictions on who getâs to ride, and what they have to wear to ride; then you start venturing into the realm of exclusivity.
(Nobody was doing this that I am aware of, they were just providing their opinions and sharing their thoughts). None of their recommendations were implied to be mandatory for the SJBikeParty Community. I think that you have it backwards. I don’t feel anyone should impose restrictions on what comments can be posted regarding the communitiesâ thoughts or experiences regarding the SJBikeParty.
Your quote #2:
How do we build community through bicycling by putting up barriers to building community?
(This is what you are doing by trying to restrict the communitiesâ thoughts and experiences). If they don’t pertain to certain folks, or they disagree with the comment then they can just ignore it and move on. It is interesting to hear everyone’s comments. I pick up on things that I would have never thought of otherwise.
I have heard good advise for improving SJBikeParty.
Your quote #3:
Please stop making blanket statements, as if, you folks have figured out what will make Bike Party work better.
You guys need to spend time volunteering. Go on test rides. Become a BIRD. Attend volunteer meetings, and get more rides under your belt. Then you will be able to can speak with conviction. That is most effective way to have a significant impact on Bike Party.
(Again, this was pretty harsh. While I think everyone admires all the great things that the volunteers have done for the SJBikeParty, not everyone has the ability to volunteer. This shouldnât mean that anyone should restrict their ability to freely post their comments and ideas. I think that a good organizer/volunteer would welcome all comments (Good and Bad). This all helps improve the SJBikeParty whether they are part of the volunteer organization or not. )
Also no offense was intended in quoting your previous message..
Peaceâ¦
Spliffer
August 22, 2012
Having two friends who where spared serious head injuries in accidents by wearing their bicycle helmets — one in fall at his first Bike Party, and the other in a collision with a pick-up — I would never demean “pro-helmet” arguments as “propaganda”.
Your 3 points combine to convey a very important fact, that ideas aren’t adopted in a vacuum, nor do they fall out of cyber-space in perfect adoptable form.
Your ideas and proposals require “work”. If you are passionate about any issue at Bike Party, and you feel that you can make a positive difference, then you need to take action.
That is how Bike Party acquires most of it’s volunteers.
The process starts with attending a SJBP volunteer meeting to present and refine your plan into a workable solution. You can also gain valuable experience by going on test rides, and/or; move on to become a BIRD.
Hey, Bike Party had a HUGE litter problem about 18 months ago that threatened the viability of the ride. The problem gave rise to a “creative solution”; that was, the formation of the “elite BIRD-Ravens”. This significantly helped with the trash problem and launch Bike Party to another level.
So get out there and volunteer. You can make a difference, if you are so inclined!
Jen
August 22, 2012
I would like to add that I absolutely did NOT appreciate the huge number of cyclists riding in the left lane heading into the second regroup, at the church. We had taken our break, and were heading on with the ride, and it was *very* scary trying to get out. Other cyclists not lit up at all in the front, totally surprised to see someone coming towards them, yelling at us that we are going the wrong way when, no, we were continuing the ride…
I am admittedly kind of pissed at how my fellow rider and I were treated. we did everything we could to alert the riders that we were there. We had our lights blinking, we were yelling, and going very slow.
IT WAS HORRID for those 5 minutes.
Tian
August 22, 2012
Here are some pictures I took at our Luau ride:
http://tian.greens.org/SanJose/BikeParty/LuauRide/index.html
I also want to echo much of the above. Great route, great crowd, great time! So many times bike party has been the highlight of my month, and this month it happened again. Thank you everybody!
Jahlaen
August 23, 2012
Tian, your presentation is vintage stuff!
Plus, you must have biked upwards of 100 miles last Friday.:-)
Dude, you remain a “Bike Party Super Trooper”.
Thanks for all that you do!
Randy
August 22, 2012
Tian:
Awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Roger Johnson
August 22, 2012
The INSANE BIKE POSSE enjoyed riding at the bike party. Thanks to all the volunteers.
WE BE RIDING NEXT MONTH! IBP in the peloton!
RideNaked
August 26, 2012
BIKEEEEPPPPPARRRTTTYYYY
Roger Johnson
August 26, 2012
BIKE PARTY 4EVA FOO! BE RIDING WITH MY BLINKIES AND MY HOMES IN DA STREET LANES TAKING OVER DA STREETS FOO!
DeeDee
August 30, 2012
I had a great time at Bike Party this time. I did see a few accidents, but still had a great time. I have a group that will be going to the next ride. I have been to a few rides and this time I noticed a lot of people not following the road rules. So many people wouldn’t get into the right lane so that cars could go by. I don’t understand why people have to be such jerks when we are out trying to have a good time.
I want to thank the people that have been posting about how important helmets also are. I don’t wear one, but after reading all the posts…I will be getting one.
Have a great day and I can’t wait for the next ride. I love the next theme!!! Big time Rocky Horror Fan!!!
Randy
August 30, 2012
I just read about the new Slow Rocky Horror Test Ride this Sunday @ 5pm. The group is encouraging everyone to attend this one and will be an optional dinner get together at the end. I was happy to hear that this test ride was a slow ride where everyone is invited. I will certainly be there…
Here are some of the details for the ride. I know it is already posted, but will post it here anyway.
The Rocky Horror Test Ride #2
Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Enjoy the labor day weekend with a SLOW CASUAL ride with SJBP…. It’s the SLOW RIDE.
Everyone is welcome and invite your friends. if you want the inside scoop on september’s route, come ride with us! We will have a dinner spot at the end of the ride for those interested.
Dinner spot TBD. Also stay tuned for a possible sidebar to the ride… possible “ride-by” for a fallen rider.
Meet at Kohl’s Department Store at 3700 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Oh, and Spiffler… I even bought a shiny new helmet for the ride
).
Randy
August 31, 2012
Anyone know where to get Rocky Horror Picture show shirts and other theme items for the next upcoming ride? I’ve never been much of a costume person, but thought it would be fun to at least wear a theme shirt or something.
EJ
August 31, 2012
PICTURE AT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdiWAFSpvKU