Biking News

From the Seattle times. For the full article go to http://.seattletimes.nwsource.comLocal News: Thursday, December 06, 2007

Cyclists, skinny tires, streetcar rails
not a good mix  By Mike Lindblom

Seattle Times transportation reporter

New streetcar tracks on Seattle's Westlake Avenue have turned into a trap for bicyclists. The tires on a standard road bike are narrower than the 1 ¾-inch groove that holds a streetcar wheel. If a bicycle veers into that gap, it can easily get stuck, pitching the rider onto the street. Seattle bike activists plan a wheeled protest next Wednesday, when the South Lake Union streetcar begins service from Westlake Center to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Despite the goal of Mayor Greg Nickels to triple bicycle use, the new streetcar line includes long stretches of track in the curb lanes of Westlake Avenue, where bicyclists normally ride. Many riders have adapted by riding on sidewalks, to the left of the tracks — or in the left lane, which aggravates motorists."

The streetcar isn't operating yet, and we're already seeing people crashing," said Seattle Likes Bikes member Michael Snyder, who said he has heard of eight or nine accidents. Stacey Merrick said she was pedaling north on Westlake two weeks ago, in the curb lane but just left of the rails.

She felt pressure from passing cars, drifted right, and became snared in the trackway. "I had two options: fall into moving rush-hour traffic, or slam into the back of a parked car. I opted for the parked car." She got up, bruised and bleeding, then noticed her body broke the car's taillight. Merrick said she no longer rides there.

 
McClinchy Meeting Minutes

Dec 13, 2007

 The first McClinchy planning meeting kicked off at Alfy’s Pizza before heading to the Snohomish County building in Everett to work on details.

Warren reported on inventory in the storage locker.  2007 leftover maps are not useable because of sponsorships and 25^th commemorative markings.  Some bibs remain – will need to check sequence numbers and place an order.  Have more than enough pins.  Some yellow, white and green paint is leftover.

County Permit:  Debby reported that the LAB and American Specialty renewals are complete for 2008.  Bill Higley is beginning the permit process.

Route marking: Doug, Warren, Dan and Jack are the core group (need confirmation from all).

Sponsorships:  Debby – Great Harvest Bread and Mike D – Bicycle Centres.  Similar to last year – name/logo on map in exchange for cash or discounted product.

Cascade insert: Mike D will arrange (need final version of registration form).

Rest stops: Debby – Stanwood and Granite Falls.  Tim – Machias.  Contact to reserve and confirm details.

Registration: Kristin will arrange the active.com setup.  Doug and Tim will revise the registration form.  Group agreed on a price.

Mechanical Support:  Velo Sport is no longer open on Saturday.  Discussed Pedal Dynamics, Sharing Wheels, REI as possibilities.

T-shirt or not?  The group decided not.  The 2008 ride souvenir will be a kelly green Halo II pullover headband.  Ride price (including a discounted age 14 and under price) will include the headband.