New Haven Independent

Posted by: anon | July 18, 2008 11:02 AM

Pedestrians are not going to stop getting killed and injured in this city until every policy that we have accepted for the past 50 years -- i.e. the prioritization of rapid automobile traffic through our community (at the expense of all other road users, our community, and our local economy) -- is completely changed.

Option 1: Lobby state, local and federal elected officials for immediate change, including policies that will eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries. Tell them that the number of people being injured and killed is completely unacceptable. Most of these injuries are entirely preventable through redesign, engineering, education and enforcement. Ask them to support the petition at http://www.newhavensafestreets.org/ and other traffic safety measures, and demand a complete review of all city and state policies.

For every "accident" you read in newspapers like this one, there are many more that are not reported. For one thing, a 15-20mph speed limit should immediately be created throughout all areas with dense concentrations of pedestrians, e.g., around the New Haven Green and YNHH. No matter how much you try to educate people, not taking that most basic step -- which has been taken in thousands of other cities around the world -- will directly lead to more pedestrians and cyclists being hit and seriously injured or killed. This has been proven in hundreds of national and international studies. Part of the reason is that a pedestrian hit at 20mph has a 95% chance of survival, whereas a pedestrian hit at 30mph has only a 50% chance; at 40mph (a common speed on Church Street), you are basically guaranteed to die. A common pedestrian or driver mistake should not lead to instant death.

Option 2: Ignore all of the above and accept the fact that 130 Americans die every day in traffic incidients (and another 1,000 are hospitalized with severe life-changing injuries), that the percentage of children who walk to school has dropped in recent years from 70% to 10%, and the fact that 70% of injuries occur among children and the elderly.

If you choose Option 2, please at least support a massive increase in the gasoline tax so that we can pay the hundreds of billions of dollars in unreimbursed health care bills that these policies lead to each year.

Posted by: anon | July 18, 2008 11:10 AM

Regarding cabs, I and several people I know have called in several times about cab drivers blowing through red lights -- sometimes 5-10 seconds AFTER the light change. I've also called in about cab drivers hitting 55mph in 25mph speed zones. Just sit out by one of those radar trailers for a few minutes and watch for yourself.

Where is the accountability? I realize they are trying to make money, but in other places these cabbies would have their licenses immediately revoked for doing such a thing! They would also have GPS systems tracking their speeds.

The CT Transit drivers and other public employees are not doing that much better. And these are the people setting examples to the rest of us.

The Mayor and State Delegation need to meet with CT Transit and the cab company, starting tomorrow before more people are killed, and demand immediate change!

Posted by: Juli | July 18, 2008 11:34 AM

this is a sad example of how the mentality of many drivers needs to be addressed with continued efforts for more education on bicycle laws in the state.

instead of treating a cyclist as a vehicle with a right to the road, this cab driver acted recklessly and put everyone on the road in danger. it is shameful, and COMPLETELY unnecessary. she is very lucky.

i expect strong action from the cab company, and the NHPD.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | July 18, 2008 11:36 AM

Terrible that this should occur. I keep saying it -- bikes are safer OFF the street and ON the sidewalk.

Posted by: Doriss William | July 18, 2008 11:51 AM

The heat must be getting to everybody in New Haven. Calm down, people, calm down. Cyclists have rights too.

Things are not much better for motorcyclists and bicyclists on Cape. There are accidents all the time, some fatal. This is a bad time of year because tourists are not aware of how risky it is to ride on the road. There are some bike trails, but not enough. I ride a bike on 6A. It's absolutely dangerous. You have to be very careful. On the other hand, it's a healthy way to get around. And cheaper than driving.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | July 18, 2008 1:01 PM

I had 2 friends hit on bikes in my area. One permanently disable. For many years we begged for the intersection to be fixed (one of the worst rated in the country) We had our district manager at the time do data on the corner because he to agreed it was a very dangerous one....and then a light at the end of the tunnel Mike Piscitelli took over that deparment and is going to finally fix it along with other intersections that are indirectly effected by ours. So I am 100% in for safe streets but I also know that the damage can not be fixed over night...unless the city wins the powerball. I know the city is listening. And I know changes are happening. I think speed limits changes are a low cost fix that they can at the least implement now. The street design however would have to be a long term goal that is fit into the redevelopment of the downtown area.

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 18, 2008 1:03 PM

Wrong again, Alphonse. As has been pointed out to you several times, a bicyclist riding on the sidewalk is in much more danger while crossing intersections and driveways, and presents a danger to pedestrians.

Posted by: In the Hood | July 18, 2008 1:03 PM

A lot more people are on bikes these days due to gas prices. I've heard some folks say that until recently they haven't been on a bike for years..even decades.

Since we don't require licenses to ride a bike we have to find ways to inform newbies about ways to be proactive in staying safe.

On the other hand too many drivers are ignorant or indifferent to both bikers and pedestrian rights.

We need bike safety public service announcements similar to those which promote the seriousness of the seat belts and the DUI laws.

Otherwise, as the number of bikers on the road rapidly increases so will theses type of unfortunate accidents.

Posted by: robn | July 18, 2008 1:06 PM

ANON,

We CAN have immediately safer streets if the NHPD would enforce existing traffic laws.

Posted by: Carole | July 18, 2008 1:08 PM

Alphonse "Hartford Johnson" Credenza,

Your broken-record refrain, that bicylists should stay off the street for their own safety, carries no credibility until you answer this question (which you have repeatedly ignored):

Given the number of 18-wheelers out there, and the amount by which they outweigh whatever vehicle you drive, shouldn't you stay off the highway for your own safety?

If you're not going to address that glaring question, then please think of something else to say.

Posted by: DAFeder | July 18, 2008 1:09 PM

I guess I have to admire your persistence, Alphonse. Since everyone else with a bicycle has already spelled out the law to you, let me just add: the law exists to protect the most vulnerable. That means protecting pedestrians from bicyclists first, then protecting cyclists from cars.

When NHPD privileges the convenience of car commuters over the lives of cyclists, it's not just bad, dangerous urban policy -- it degrades the most basic purpose of the law.

Consistent protection of me and my bike from 3000 lb. cabs driving 40 mph, consistent protection of pedestrians from my 20 lbs. of gears and frame (and helmet) traveling 20 mph -- now that would be persistence.

David

Posted by: Erin Sturgis-Pascale | July 18, 2008 1:10 PM

There absolutely must be accountability for the cab driver. He should be tracked down, arrested and should NEVER be allowed to work on New Haven City streets again.

Blowing a carhorn, turning on a siren, or other explosive sounds behind a bike rider is extremely frightening and disorienting to cyclists and should be considered an assualt.

Posted by: Qriver Res | July 18, 2008 1:16 PM

New Haven needs more street enforcement, but I think it's a state issue as well. The proceeds for speeding tickets issued in the city go to the state and then get divied up and re-sent to the communities in CT. So basically there is no financial incentive to enforce vehicular offenses.. unless of course it's a meter which goes to the city.. ever wonder why you can travel 25+ over the speed limit in your car and not really "worry" about it, but try being 5 mins over on your meter.

I believe cities need special exception on "sharing the profits" when it comes to "fine-able" traffic offenses.

Posted by: David Streever | July 18, 2008 1:39 PM

Just ignore Alphonze. He's arguing a non-existant case: no one in the legislature or city government is pushing anything remotely like he wants, and he's far too stupid to research the statistics on where cyclists die. (5.9 is the multiplier for riding the wrong way on the sidewalk, 3.8 is just being on the sidewalk, assuming a 1 for riding in the street with traffic)

The numbers clearly illustrate him to be ignorant, & he just wants to post his simple-minded refrain, that's cool, yea? He doesn't go to meetings or do anything to change his community, so we can just pretend he doesn't exist.

As for the cabs--we can't really ignore them. Poorly trained, rude, & frequently hostile. Just one more part of the puzzle in making New Haven safe. I hope people reading this article realize that when you slam your horn at a cyclist, you are breaking the law & endangering their lives. Horns are to be used for emergencies, neither as doorbells nor to tell someone to get out of your way.

Posted by: facChek | July 18, 2008 1:41 PM

Erin Sturgis-Pascale,
Your comment is absurd, you appear to be shooting from the lip...again. According to the CT state DMV cyclist are considered the same as a motor vehicle and as such must obey the motor vehicle rules of the road. I do not believe that stretch of church st. just before city hall has bike lanes. whether that is correct or not is secondary to the fact that the cyclist should have provided some type of hand signal indicating his/ her intent. Barring none, the cyclist should have moved to the nearest curb and entered the side walk if necessary. Cyclist riding on a busy thoroughfare do so at their own risk. When you decide to travel on the road with 3 to 18,000 LB. cars and trucks you are as responsible as other vehicles. The cabbie seem to be providing a warning to the cyclist that she needed to be alerted to.
Given the unfiltered facts reported here, I would say the cyclist is a fault.

Posted by: Edward_H | July 18, 2008 2:02 PM

Erin Sturgis-Pascale

Blowing a carhorn, turning on a siren, or other explosive sounds behind a bike rider is extremely frightening and disorienting to cyclists and should be considered an assualt.

Assault? Really now, come on , give me a break. This issue has enough attention without resorting to histrionics. Are cops and ambulances supossed to silence their sirens around bikers now? There are plenty od repercussions awaiting the driver without making stuff up out of whole cloth for politcal points with the bike crowd.

Posted by: JZ | July 18, 2008 2:13 PM

Personally, I'd ride a bike in New Haven only as a last resort except around some resident areas- never downtown. Sure, riders have rights and sure, traffic laws should be enforced. In the meanwile, are you cyclists crazy? I've never seen a city less safe for riding in. There's nothing between you and a big hunk of steel except the good will of the driver. Not worth dying or becoming disabled over. Walking is safer. Driving is safer.

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 18, 2008 2:31 PM

In The Hood:

Educating new bicycle riders is a great idea; in fact, a group of cycling advocates has been actively involved for years in trying to do that. I encourage you, and anyone else, to get involved. Check out www.elmcitycycling.org for more information about how.

Posted by: Bruce | July 18, 2008 3:06 PM

Alphonse, most communities do not have sidewalks.

Posted by: Bruce | July 18, 2008 3:08 PM

Alphonse,

This might be an extremely expensive solution. Most communities in CT do not have sidewalks and it would take an incredible effort to have them installed.

Posted by: Steve Ross | July 18, 2008 3:21 PM

FACCHECK,

I try to be as diplomatic as possible on the NHI boards, but everything you wrote is garbage. First, don't banter about the law if you don't understand it yourself.

As far as "unfiltered facts" go, did you take note that an eyewitness as well the driver who hit her gave a very similar account as to the events? Does it make sense that the cyclist would willingly dodge out into the middle lane during morning traffic? If you were scared that you were going to be hit by a cab (again, you're defending the driving of a cab driver, and one who after seeing this happen right in front of him or her, fled), would your instinctual response be to signal, FACHECK? Does it seem intelligent to remove half of your ability to steer your vehicle while attempting to fend for your life on it?

Christ.

Posted by: anon | July 18, 2008 3:26 PM

"basically there is no financial incentive to enforce vehicular offenses"

That is a lie. The financial incentive is the massively reduced property values in our city which are a direct results of the streets being unsafe. Retail sales also suffer significantly. We also end up paying much more in health care (due to poor health and injuries) and higher transportation costs -- the average resident spends more on car use than on education, health care or food.

If people could drive even 10% less in our city, that would represent a massive influx of money into the pocketbooks of our residents.

If streets were more walkable and bikeable, people would walk farther, which would make retail sales go through the roof.

Do the cops care? Many really, really do. But many don't even live in the city and might have other things to worry about besides whether New Haven is a walkable, thriving place as everyone who lives here wants it to be. That's why the city needs to take action and start directing them to change behavior. Cops and other public officials should not be driving more than 25mph or running reds, as they currently do. And they shouldn't sit by when someone is flagrantly violating the law in front of them.

Posted by: facChek | July 18, 2008 4:11 PM

Steve Ross:
Either your an echo or Your a surrogate for Sturgis-Pascale, she is the person the post was directed towards.

Anyway you said,

"did you take note that an eyewitness as well the driver who hit her gave a very similar account as to the events?
Answer:
Yes I did take note, they said the following:

"That's when she hit a white Prism Geo traveling in the next lane of traffic, driven by the young man in this photo. The witnesses said the man didn't have time to see the cyclist shoot into his path. The driver said the same thing.

"Everybody was going. She crossed over. He [the cabbie] was about to hit her, too," said the driver".

Well.. dud... sounds pretty clear from their perspective, and that's unfiltered.

Edward H(above) voiced a similar opinion.

I'm happy to here you.. "try to be as diplomatic as possible on the NHI boards".

Continue to honor the system.

Have a nice day!

Posted by: derek | July 18, 2008 4:25 PM

Local news station WTNH's story on this incident is remarkably different from the story as reported here. Paul, do you have any comment or follow-up on this?

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8698024

Posted by: jo | July 18, 2008 4:36 PM

re sidewalks vs streets, a safety issue

recently i came across a grammar school report i wrote at age 8 on the subject of 'rules for living"

#1 was "i will not ride my bicycle in the street"

many years later, my bike is my preferred mode of transportation. i ride everywhere in new haven. sometimes, i still ride on the sidewalk, altho i know the law & i am aware of the dangers, but it is usually a decision i make to choose the route which i think is less dangerous. i am careful to put pedestrians first, and thank them as i pass.

yesterday at 12:50pm i was biking up state street just north of elm when a driver of a supersize golden SUV rolled out of a parking lot right into me. i managed to swerve slightly, but he knocked me over into the street. as i was falling, i thought "i hope he brakes, bcs he is going to roll right over me" fortunately, he did step on the brakes. as i was getting up, he hopped out of his car yelling at me about his SUV, which of course had no damages. i am only a woman on a bike. several witnesses came running over, urging me to go to the hospital. i declined, bcs i am seriously bruised but not broken. i did appreciate their calling the police, bcs i wanted the police officer to witness & to intervene & mediate so the driver would stop yelling at me about his SUV. i did not file a report; i explained to the officer that the driver & i were both at fault: me for riding on the sidewalk, & the driver for not looking both ways while rolling onto the sidewalk.

i acknowledge that i have been overstressed, & one must be on high alert to ride a bike anywhere in new haven. the police officer told me to cross & ride north on state in the street, which is correct but very risky. he told the driver to be more careful. everyone had calmed down by then. today i went to work, but am black & blue. i know i was lucky; it could have been worse.

i am sad to read about the cyclist in the above article & hope she is ok. i'm concerned about the many new riders, people who are inexperienced & riding their bikes for the first time in years on our dangerous streets. some impatient drivers deliberately try to spook cyclists (& this is a form of assault). some cyclists take foolish risks. i do ride defensively, always (except apparently yesterday!) expecting a car to be ready to hit me , and thanking drivers when they don't (some are careful & courteous, but that is the exception here, as so many drivers are impatient, aggressive, & possibly resentful of cyclists as we lightly ride by)

so all this is to say:
be careful everyone! be alert! take nothing for granted!

new haven officials: please help calm our streets!
elmcitycyling: keep up the good work!

jo

Posted by: Paul Bass | July 18, 2008 5:51 PM

Derek --

Thanks for the post and the question.

The main differences in our stories: I quote two witnesses I interviewed at the scene -- plus Lt. Tchakirides, who interviewed other witnesses -- saying the cyclist had been riding along when the taxi came up and started blaring the horn, causing her to lose control and then hit the second car. The WTNH story doesn't mention the horn, and has her making a wide turn at the intersection rather than already riding on the block when the taxi pulled up from behind. (No disrespect to to WTNH intneded; the witness they interviewed was not one of the witnesses I interviewed, so they apparently got a different version.)

I double-checked with mayoral spokeswoman Jessica Mayorga at 5:50 p.m. She said the police version is that indeed the cyclist was riding along when this happened and got startled and lost control when the taxi driver started hitting the horn.

She also said police have not yet located the taxi driver. She added the cyclist is a minor, not in her late teens or early 20s; and thus her name cannot be released.

Posted by: qriver Res | July 18, 2008 6:10 PM

anon - a lie would mean that i am aware of information that contradicts my statement.

My point is that what is the financial incentive on the part of the police/city to to enforce traffic violations. From what i understand all the ticket money goes to hartford.

I've personally never lived anywhere that i've felt such freedom on the road while in the car than in CT. When I lived in Colorado rules where so tight that i was pulled over by police twice for simply rollerblading on the sidewalk. And after the near misses on my bike several times in NH, i don't see much hope of this city being a bike friendly place until the traffic beast has been tamed... And a good incentive is to see vehicular ticket fines staying in the city. At least a percentage. I've done my share of pressuring the police to step up the enforcement in my hood. Once was after a kid died in front of my house and I was with him until the police arrived and pronounced him dead. He was going 50-60 down our 25 mph street. The police were out in full force for a couple days after the incident to make a show following King John's orders, but after a couple of days disappeared again and the clouds returned.

Posted by: fairhavendoc | July 18, 2008 6:41 PM

As a bicyclist and a medical professional, I just want to add my 2-cents: WEAR A HELMET!

I don't know if this bicyclist was wearing a helmet, and that isn't the point, but it may be helpful as a public service if these reports mention whether these bicyclists are wearing helmets.

Yes, it is not the law. But it is good sense. This is not controversial. There is no scientifically sound evidence out there that says otherwise. I will be happy to discuss this with anyone if they care to contact me.

Posted by: RLF | July 18, 2008 7:00 PM

I JUST WANT TO MAKE A POINT. THE PD IS DOWN 100 OFFICERS. MOST COPS GO FROM CALL TO CALL WITHOUT A BREAK. I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR MORE TRAFFIC CONTROL, BUT CAN YOU STOP A CAR FOR A RED LIGHT ON YOUR WAY TO A HEATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT. NO. TRAFFIC IS A PRIORITY, BUT URGENT CALLS ARE A NECESSITY. I HAVE ALOT TO SAY BUT I'LL KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT. ADVICE: NEXT TIME YOU WANT TO FAULT THE COPS... FAULT CITY HALL FOR NOT HIRING ANYBODY IN THE WAKE OF RETIREMENTS. AS FOR COPS DRIVING FAST AND BLOWING LIGHTS..... THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO A CALL... THEY ARE NOT AN AMBULANCE OR FD WHO PUT THEIR LIGHTS AND SIRENS ON FOR A HANGNAIL... THEY CAN'T USE SIRENS OR LIGHTS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND WITHOUT PERMISSION, SO IF A COP BLOWS BY YOU, 9 OUTA 10 HE'S GOING TO HELP SOMEONE OR ONE OF HIS OWN.

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | July 18, 2008 7:20 PM

And I haven't ridden since...

A few weeks ago I was quoted in the article about the Critical Mass ride with a photo of me proudly holding onto my shiny new bike. My first bike in about 25 years.

The next day I went for a ride. I had to go from the International Peace Garden on Ella Grasso between Legion and North Frontage to the Community Garden on Stevens Street. That corner is one of the most dangerous in the state. So I thought to be safe I would ride on the sidewalk. Afterall, there are rarely pedestrians over there. It's too dangerous to try to cross the street.

Sure enough, I made it all the way to Winthrop Ave without meeting a pedestrian but the even on the sidewalk I could feel the cars whizzing by at 50 mph (I know that's the speed because that's how fast I used to driver over there - before I got educated - and I was usually getting passed by other cars.)

Anyway, as I approach Winthrop a bus pulls up to let people off at the stop. I stop at the corner, turn and make eye contact with the driver, indicate with my hand that I am crossing, see what I thought was him acknowledging me and started to cross. He turn the bus right in front of me. Had not my foot slipped off the pedal causing me to have to stop and reload I would have been a hood ornament on a city bus.

I don't know who was at fault. Me for being on the sidewalk? Him for turning without yielding to someone going straight? I don't know. All I know is that I saw my life flash before my eyes (and I must say it was incredibly boring... I gotta get out more.) And I haven't ridden since...

But I'll be at East Rock tomorrow.

Posted by: Name WIthheld | July 18, 2008 9:05 PM

A 99% chance that this has nothing to do with the story at hand, but readers should note there exists a propensity among many locals for fixed (single, and not freewheeling) gear bikes, many without brakes.

That's right, bicycles without brakes and macho riders who like to travel at extreme velocity.

Cool, I guess. But I wouldn't want to be their insurance provider.

Posted by: -fairhavener- | July 18, 2008 10:31 PM

"The financial incentive is the massively reduced property values in our city which are a direct results of the streets being unsafe." ANON

Exactly, and it is not just unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, but unsafe as a whole. It's time to start enforcing the law(s). What's it going to take?

Besides, it shouldn't be about the money. But, of course, this is New Haven, so money is all that matters. Gotta pay for all that spendin'. Maybe if the state would allow some proceeds of tickets to go to new credenzas for city employees things would change.

It's funny how this little town works, anything will be done to cater to motor vehicles and their operators. I hear blah blah this and blah blah that about wanting to be a pedestrian friendly city from city officials, yet the city seems to bend over backwards for MV operators (fact: lack of traffic enforcement). We hear all about wanting pedestrian friendly streets, but we haven't seen jack. I guess the more cars there are the more taxes there are. Yeah? Anyway, why give out a ticket (moving violation that is) if you don't get any money right?

My guess is more cars will be jacked for taxes and tickets than traffic violations. Did they catch the guy who almost killed the girl on Chatham Sq? I bet plenty of cars get towed for tickets and taxes before real criminals are caught for traffic violations.

Let's see what the priorities are.

Posted by: Nestor Makhno | July 19, 2008 1:10 AM

Worse than those riding brakeless fixed-gear bikes are those urban attention seekers riding unicycles. I don't think most unicycles have brakes either. More alarming, unicycles on the street function a little like the cabbie's horn mentioned in the article in that drivers (probably cyclists, too) grow alarmed and tend to drive erratically when greeted by grown men riding a vehicle designed for circus clowns. I am not concerned about legality, but for safety reasons I think it wise for the community to mock unicycles out of existence.

Posted by: David Streever | July 19, 2008 9:44 AM

Kevin,
I won't say it is anyone's fault: I'll just suggest that the driver may not have realized what you were doing, and assumed you were "giving him the lane" when you nodded at him. "Hey you go buddy, I'm good." may have been his interpretation, esp. with you on the sidewalk.

Looking forward to see you todaying at the festival.

Name Withheld: Can you tell me how many of the (very small number) of brakeless fixies are involved in accidents in the last year? I can tell you exactly how many. None. I won't ever defend bikes without brakes (it is silly) but the reality is that those are not the accidents we are seeing. I think there aren't more than 10 such bikes at this time--according the Devils Gear they sold more unicycles than fixies in the last year, so take that number & make some sense of it.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | July 19, 2008 10:11 PM

Exercise some common sense when deciding on where to travel by bike. Even though you can ride down Whitney Avenue during rush hour, or the Boulevard while AYLs are drag racing, doesn't mean you have to. Use some judgement on where you make your travel plans instead of trying to make a point. Stupid drivers and clueless bicyclists are not a great mix. Cars tend to win!

Posted by: MattUva | July 19, 2008 11:03 PM

"readers should note there exists a propensity among many locals for fixed (single, and not freewheeling) gear bikes, many without brakes.

That's right, bicycles without brakes and macho riders who like to travel at extreme velocity."

The actual mechanics of a fixed-gear bicycle (pedal-go; stop pedal-stop) allows many skilled riders to stop as quickly as a rider with hand-brakes, and much faster than a coaster brake.
Rather than pollute the board with an argument for or against direct-drive bicycles, I invite you to contact me for a little one-on-one demonstration. I leave my real name here, so I'm not too hard to find.

As an aside, I read the WTNH story and its subsequent comments, and was amazed at the level of racism and blatant ignorance found there. Cheers to the NHI team for keeping this forum somewhat decent!

Posted by: Josh Smith | July 20, 2008 8:27 PM

Rode my bike in the summer biking celebration yesterday, then rode downtown, and also rode to downtown for the seemingly absent bike polo game on Orange Street. My girlfriend and I rode from Westville to downtown on Whalley Ave. both times, and I must say, drivers were very courteous to us, especially when we took the lane because the lane was too narrow.

However, I found the number of bicyclists on the sidewalks, riding without helmets, and/or on the wrong side of the street, extremely disturbing... How are bike riders ever going to show motorists that they have equal rights to the road if they're riding on the sidewalk? I don't bitch because they might run over a pedestrian; I complain because people out driving see these bikers on the sidewalks and they turn into people like Alphonse and tell all the law-abiding cyclists that they "should ride on sidewalks".

I even ran into a guy on Whitney Ave. while I was going to the bike celebration who said my girlfriend and I should be riding on the sidewalk. I said, "That's illegal, though." and he was like, "Well, you should do it, rather than getting run over." I was thinking, "What the hell? You're like, 35-40 years old, and you're telling 20-somethings to break the law to protect themselves?"

Nothing will change unless all the bike riders GET ON THE STREETS and OFF SIDEWALKS (riding WITH traffic, not against it) and ride correctly! Take the whole lane when you need to! Don't get startled by car horns behind you! (To help with that, practice looking back over your shoulders and keeping your handlebars straight until you can do it consistently before you ride downtown.) Always signal correctly! Ride with confidence! If I can bike up and down Whalley from Westville/Amity to downtown, and then all around downtown, you can too. Sorry for the rant, but I'm just so tired of people getting hit for wanting to get exercise or transport themselves the way they see fit. We need a mass education campaign to get all the bike riders in New Haven to follow the rules of the road. I just wish I knew a way to make that happen.

Posted by: death race 2000 | July 20, 2008 11:46 PM

This girl was in the left lane where there are no left turns. She should have been on the right side of the right lane. A taxi driver hits his horn to tell her she is in the wrong place.
HER FAULT.

In going right she's so stupid she didnt see another car. Taxi driver to blame. You bet.
HER FAULT.

As a bike rider she now goes on the sidewalk. We already know shes not competent to ride a bike. Hits a poor person walking there and mames him /her. NOT HER FAULT.

Lawyers big time sue the city for allowing this.

NOT OUR FAULT, TAXPAYERS.
We just pay the bill. We allow useless politicians to let the people that put them in power to dictate there agenda.

HOW LONG TILL A 20 MILLION LAW SUIT YOU AND I MUST PAY.

I'm a pro sensible cyclist. I ride a bike.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | July 21, 2008 12:25 PM

Cyclist behavior noted since last Thursday:

Riding three abreast in a pack on Hartford Turnpike in North Haven, taking up one lane of traffic (a common weekend occurrence).

Failure to stop at red light on Whitney Avenue (while cars were stopped -- two cyclists, both at rush hour).

No helmets (group of teenagers riding in and across the street both State Street and Dixwell Ave).

Wavering left and right lane while struggling to make a hill.

Speeding down a hill at estimated 25 mph on the yellow line. (Woodbridge)

Failure to signal a turn. (Cheshire)

Failure to look left, right or behind before turning (abruptly).

Posted by: James | July 21, 2008 1:39 PM

Alphonse Credenza behavior noted on July 21, 2008 12:25 PM:

Continued failure to recognize that his personal dislike of cyclists does not obviate the legal responsibility of all persons on the road to behave in a safe manner.

Inability to recognize that there are as many stupid cyclists as stupid drivers and that no one mode of transportation has any precedence over another.

Unrelenting harping on the same useless points for several weeks.

Posted by: DingDong | July 21, 2008 1:42 PM

Alphonse,

What's your point?

Posted by: Steve Ross | July 21, 2008 1:56 PM

Alphonse,

I'm curious who you think your audience is or why citing these eight incidents is appropriate given the context of the story. Please explain your rationale.

Posted by: David Streever | July 21, 2008 2:56 PM

Alphonze,

whining about it on the NHI comments section is a great way to change public policy. Keep it up!

Josh: I'm with you. Check out elmcitycycling.org--we're a (largely) law-abiding group. Most of our members are solidly behind cyclists in streets, though of course we have a few people who don't understand that their personal style of cycling isn't what they should articulate when they speak about policy, group decisions, and city-wide direction.

Posted by: M Uva | July 21, 2008 5:29 PM

"few people... personal style"
Ouch! David, that hurts! :)

Posted by: Joe, Waterbury | July 21, 2008 7:28 PM

M UVA--

I guarantee anyone, even a child, could stop a bicycle with hand brakes much faster than you or anyone else could stop your fixed gear bike.
Don't claim to know something about bicycle mechanics, and then say that locking the back wheel (skidding) is more efficient at stopping your bike than two properly mounted brakes with hand levers. PuLEAzSE!!
I'm actually impressed that you ride a bike like that around town, just don't go round spreading rumours bout how well it can stop. I've seen you guys struggling downhill towards intersections, i feel bad for you and your knees.
Don't make me have to call the mythbusters on this one.

Posted by: davek | July 21, 2008 11:33 PM

Maybe the fault is not in the stars, but in Hartford. We need different rules of the road for bikes and cars. Now the rules are totally misunderstood by both.

If we cannot live together on the roads, perhaps some roads should be dedicated to bikes only. They should be contiguous and go to places people need to go. Like to work!

Posted by: David Streever | July 22, 2008 5:56 AM

Oh, I totally wasn't referring to you at all !!! Sorry Matt. You'll notice I defended brakeless fixies above ;-)

Posted by: fairhavendoc | July 22, 2008 8:14 AM

Driver and pedestrian behavior noted since last Thursday:

Driver making a right hand turn on a red light, despite the sign saying "No Right Turn on Red".

Driver making a right hand turn on Willow at Orange, despite not signaling.

Two pedestrians crossing State Street without a "Walk" signal.

Talking on cell phone while operating car on Whitney.

Driver making left hand turn from Chapel to State Street as the signal changes from red to green, in front of oncoming traffic.

Driver not stopping at the white stop line and crossing into crosswalk at a red light.

Driving in excess of speed limit...EVERYWHERE.

...Alphonse Credenza. your comments are irrelevant. Get with the program.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | July 22, 2008 8:42 AM

My point:

Cyclists who post their comments on this site are generally of the opinion that cyclists are as pure white as the driven snow and that drivers are the evil enemy.

Cyclists see themselves as the underdog, with a religious fervor as to their own supposed inviolability. But, on a daily basis, I've witnessed cycling behavior that simply invites danger.

You are 200 - 300 lbs., traveling unprotected at 10 to 15 mph in the path of a 2000 - 5000 pound rolling bomb in a metal and fiberglass shell at 25 to 45 mph, (or more, where drivers speed). Who, in his right mind, would advocate such obviously dangerous behavior?

Even at or below the speed, you, the cyclist, is so vulnerable: you take your life in your hands when you ride on the street.

And then, you'd like to have me, a driver, move over for you, drive slower holding up traffic during rush hour to accommodate you, stop at a light when you don't, think nothing of it when you fail to have reflectors or white clothing on at twilight or evening time, etc.

Make way for the cyclist!

Posted by: jo kremer | July 22, 2008 8:52 AM

the various tones of superiority are annoying, and aggravate the debate. matt uva & i are among the senior (ahem) experienced cyclists in town, and other writers opposing our commments are friends too. but listen: when i am riding to the clinic on the long wharf or over to west haven at rush hour (bcs i'm going to work, duh) don't you think i should take the beautiful sidewalk Ikea has constructed, half marked for cyclists and half for pedestrians? and don't you think i should ride the sidewalk (hardly ever a person on foot there) instead of sargeant drive, all the while watching the traffic lights, stopping at crossings, watching for the trucks at the driveways? and don't you think i should cross kimberly avenue bridge on the little sidewalk, where there are hardly ever any pedestrians, rather than ride among the motor vehicles of all kinds speeding over the bridge?
really, guys, what are you all thinking??!!

i know what the law says, but sometimes the law is wrong.

more often than not, i really do ride my bike in the street: up church up chapel down lower orange, as narrow or crowded as they are.

and someday when all the streets are safe, and we have bike lanes and boulevards and pedestrian malls, then i will always ride in the street. and i will be so happy when more shared paths are built, as brilliantly designed by Ikea.

but meanwhile, always riding in the street at all times is not safe enough, it is not OK. it is not welcoming to new riders, nor to riders from other states or countries who may not be accustomed to aggressive drivers and hostility. when i see people riding on the sidewalk, i just hope they realize pedestrians have the right of way and ride slowly & carefully, & if they are in a crowded downtown area, just walk the bike til clear.

everyone is responsible: cyclists and drivers, for sharing the road, calming our streets, & keeping ourselves healthy & safe.

Posted by: anon | July 22, 2008 9:38 AM

Fairhavendoc, when you see illegal and deadly activity like that, you should call in the descriptions, plates & makes/models into the city's new traffic safety hotline! 9466956.

The city is keeping a database catalogue of violations and drivers caught putting other peoples' lives in danger will get into trouble.

Posted by: Steve Ross | July 22, 2008 11:11 AM

Alphonse,

You're assertions and claims are doing nothing to improve dialogue between what has sadly become two factions in the city: cyclists and motorists. Aside from telling everone on a bike that they shouldn't be allowed to ride on the street, how do you propose positive change for the driver and the cyclist?

The people advocating what you deem a "dangerous activity" are trying to improve travel for everyone on the road -- including motorists and pedestrians: a laudible and, I believe, possible goal. What exactly are you doing? Ostensibly, you're calling for a ban on bicycling (except, of course, where it's convenient for you).

And just to adress two of your points specifically: Bicyclists aren't perfect. I don't think any of us have claimed them to be ... they are, after all, human beings. But, come on, man --people make mistakes and people break the law. Should we throw out the baby with the bathwater?

Lastly, I think you may be confusing passion with "religious fervor." This is a heated issue because people are really into riding bikes. It's fun as hell. You, apparently, haven't experienced this, so it may appear irrational to you. But to suggest that city cyclists are "not in their right mind" is mere hyperbole, and with each post, your credibility is diminished.

Find a new cause.

Posted by: Steve Ross | July 22, 2008 11:12 AM

Sorry for the ugly contraction error there!

Posted by: M Uva | July 22, 2008 9:23 PM

Joe,
A cyclist well-experienced with a direct drive bicycle doesn't struggle on the downhills and can stop as quickly as a bicycle with a handbrake. Many "track omnium" events have a contest in which riders literally stop on a dime.
Please note, the correct way to stop a direct drive bicycle does not involve the ever-popular "skid stop", but rather a quick rear wheel "hop" and a solid chain.

I will concede the fact that fixed-gear bicycles have become a bit of a trend, and as a result there are more inexperienced riders out there. On the same hand, there is an increase across the board in cycling activity, resulting in a broad increase in the amount of inexperienced cyclists out there. With some on-the-road practice time and a culture of consideration among motorists/pedestrians/cyclists/skateboarders/magic-carpet-riders this won't result in a long term problem.

Posted by: juli | July 22, 2008 10:44 PM

let it also be said:

the tired assumption that is getting RIDICULOUSLY old: "every bicyclist that i encounter while driving on the road is a nuisance"

a driver is not allowed to pass every vehicle moving more slowly than they are. a cyclist is actually ONE LESS CAR on the road, in your way on your commute, taking your convenient parking spaces...

passing a cyclist is actually more like passing a mail delivery truck: sometimes slower than you, but MANY TIMES CLOSER TO THE SPEED OF A CAR THAN YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO ASSESS.

to villify the entire cycling community for the actions of the uneducated solves nothing. the statistics continue to show how much safer it is for cyclists to travel as a vehicle in the roads where they are far more visible to drivers, and less of a threat to pedestrians.

it is infuriating that some seem to revel in the faults of a few cyclists. make yourself part of the solution or you are talking to a wall. pressure our city to hold all road users accountable to their actions equally, with better traffic law enforcement. get involved in the design of our streets to be safer for all who use them.

or just continute to mumble complaints ignorantly from a metal cage with no regard for the lives of your neighbors...

(...let alone knowledge of how cities actually prosper when they are more convenient for pedestrians and vehicles no matter how many wheels it takes them to get there)

Posted by: Bill | July 22, 2008 11:41 PM

M Uva is right that an experienced cyclist could easily control a fixed-gear down most hills without brakes. But, I agree with Joe's concern about the influx of new riders on fixed gears who may seem a bit unsafe. Here's a thought:

a) Fixed-gear riders OFTEN go "brakeless" because, a bike without brake mounts and cables always looks nicer! (Who could argue with that).

b) SOME riders go "brakeless" as a display of bravery and skill.

c) NO fixed gear rider in New Haven gos "brakeless" because he/she is on the way to the velodrome!!

I agree there seems to be a huge interest in track racing (or at least in the bikes), so for that reason why not build a velodrome in New Haven? How much noise would we have to make to do that? It would draw more attention to cycling for people who otherwise might not even know it exists. That could translate to more awareness amongst drivers, and better educated cyclists.

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 23, 2008 8:20 AM

Let's hear it for a New Haven velodrome! Great idea. In fact, I read recently (well, fairly recently) that there's a portable wooden track available somewhere in the northeast. It shouldn't be too hard to track (get it?) down.

Okay, back to the debate: Alphonse, I'm wondering about this:

"Speeding down a hill at estimated 25 mph on the yellow line. (Woodbridge)"

as an example of "bad" cyclist behavior. What's the speed limit on the road in question? Are you trying to have it both ways? Complaining that cyclists are too slow during rush hour and too fast going downhill?

And as Fairhavendoc has pointed out, it's far easier to find and list far more egregious examples of unsafe behavior on the part of motorists.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | July 23, 2008 9:27 AM

I understand what you cyclists want. I don't believe bikes should be on any street at all.

Posted by: M Uva | July 23, 2008 7:45 PM

"I understand what you cyclists want. I don't believe bikes should be on any street at all."

Ahhh....
I get it now. Eliminate bicycles across the board -- mountain bikes, too -- wouldn't want them in the way of heavier ATV's or my old Rover (wouldn't be safe). We could even use the saved metal to reinforce the side doors of the humvees we'll need to build to send to foreign countries to continue our outsourcing of oil. Heck, maybe we could drill for more oil here at home -- wait, maybe not, where would be drive our ATV's?
Okay, okay, we'll drill off-shore, even though the benefits will not be felt for another 20 or so years. At least that gives us enough time to get out on our jet-skis.
The bright side is that you'll get to stare at the ass-end of a slower motor vehicle more often, rather than see less cars on the road, making your vehicular commute faster. That's okay though, you'll have the air on, right? Wouldn't want to roll down those windows and experience life outside of your little bubble. Besides the birds might be louder than Limbaugh on the radio.
Ooh, we could use all the new tax revenue (from people who now have to maintain cars) to support the health care system, 'cuz there'll be a heck of a lot more obesity than there is now, which by many accounts is already too much. All that extra commute time and a larger obesity epidemic will obviously lead to more fast-food restaurants -- maybe a few will pop up in the East Rock neighborhood, too. I really hate having to cross town for a burger (although in my car it might not be so bad).
And wow, with all those additional fast food restaurants we'll be creating good paying jobs (what's minimum wage now?). Heck, the additional soldiers needed would also provide employment (so long as they could pass the physical).
And hey, global warming wouldn't even be a myth anymore!
The benefits just don't stop! Save the world, hit a cyclist!

Alphonies, I bet you're the guy who parks right in front of the gym...

Posted by: juli | July 24, 2008 12:50 AM

alphonse apparently is latin for "talking to a wall"

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | July 24, 2008 12:13 PM

I have decided that I will walk in the street. A lot of people already do that, but I'm going to take it onto major thoroughfares.

Of course, I will wear a helmet, stop at red lights and signal to turn. But surely it is safe enough. And, besides, drivers have to watch out for me -- I'm the underdog.

Posted by: Jonathan Boulware | July 24, 2008 1:58 PM

"I have decided that I will walk in the street."

That will certainly has the potential to make these NHI comments sections quieter.

Alphonse, I have to say I really hate to respond to your last post. It makes me feel small. And my friends in the cycling community will certainly see it as such. (Sorry, folks.)

But my god, man, where is your brain? Pedestrians are pedestrians. THEY belong on the sidewalk. Bicycles are vehicles and belong in the road. It's the law. If you don't agree, then do something about it. Write your congressman. Tell them bikes should be ridden on the sidewalk only (in your educated, rational, and carefully researched opinion). As many here have already said, your foolish ranting about bicycles in the road doesn't change the fact that is is illegal to ride on the sidewalk and illegal to walk in the road.

I really do wish you luck in your new avocation. I hope you receive a ticket for jaywalking, just as I hope cyclists and drivers are ticketed for running red lights, cyclists and drivers are ticketed for unsafe operation of their vehicles, and all are held responsible for their actions on the road.

Yours for safer streets for all of us.

Jonathan Boulware

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | July 24, 2008 4:48 PM

"But my god, man, where is your brain? Pedestrians are pedestrians. THEY belong on the sidewalk. Bicycles are vehicles and belong in the road."

Bicycles belong on the sidewalk. You may be too young to remember, but before adults began riding cycles on masse, bikes were considered to be only for the use of youth -- and bike riders were told to keep on the sidewalk and away from the street.

Indeed, that was sensible. Bikes in the street isn't and cyclist's wishing to make it so by invocations of unknown "studies" and the present state of the law doesn't make it any less outrageous.

More incredible bike rider behavior today:

-- Riding without a helmet in the pouring rain down Whitney Avenue in New Haven in back of the Yale Shuttle.

-- Riding contrary to traffic on State Street and Olive through the red light.

Daredevils.