tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074109358749965537.post4074847162440854239..comments2023-10-11T20:06:22.213+08:00Comments on Let's Make Taipei Bike Commuter Friendly !: New proposed biking Traffic lawsTaipei Bikinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198709908124402222noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074109358749965537.post-90301311443244890182009-10-30T16:09:34.335+08:002009-10-30T16:09:34.335+08:00This video about New York bike lanes amazed me htt...This video about New York bike lanes amazed me http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/bike-lanes-in-the-big-apple/ I just can't believe how it looks so organized, like someone really gives a damn.<br /><br />1. Make helmets law. In Taipei people might do it, but where else? They hardly wear them on motorbikes down South. But it won't reduce accidents, just reduce serious injuries and deaths a bit.<br /><br />2. No point in the license anyway. If it's anything as pathetic as the motorbike test, it won't help in the slightest.<br /><br />3. And CDs don't work as reflectors.<br /><br />4. Let's not forget that there are specific bikes designed for large cargo and extra passengers. Cargo bikes can safely carry over 100kg of extras excluding the rider. They are designed well for that purpose, unlike carrying your mate on pegs on your busted up bike with inoperative brakes.<br /><br />5. The biggest problem in this age category is that, just like for motorbikes when they're older, it is assumed that once you can stay upright you are prepared for the open road. The kind of reckless stupidity from kids here is scary. Yes sonny, that 18-wheeler really can't stop on a dime, and no, he really can't see you in the dark.<br /><br />6. Hmm, "Please ride better." to which they reply "But we know how to ride." and the officials look surprised and go have some more tea with their friends.<br /><br />I can only imagine a place with bike lanes as I have never lived in one. But to reduce deaths and injuries, cyclists need to be on their toes and stay hyper-aware of their surroundings and especially the other vehicles on the road.<br /><br />A bicycle will never win in an accident.pumpkinslayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02922668397553665909noreply@blogger.com