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News & ArtsMonday, March 15, 2010
Events Yesterday The Stranger Suggested: Seattle Bike Expo
Posted by Nadia Abdelrhman on Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Meet Nadia Abdelrhman, a Stranger reader who has vowed to do everything The Stranger suggests for the entire month of March. Look for her reports daily on Slog and Line Out. —Eds.
When I first moved to Seattle, my attention was constantly diverted by all of the cute boys on bicycles around the city, but after very briefly working at a bike shop, the bicycles, and not the boys, started to catch my eye.
According to Wikipedia: "The bicycle is the most efficient self-powered means of transportation in terms of energy a person must expend to travel a given distance." So, when drivers complain about cyclists, it's hard for me to give a shit about their whining. Bicycles are good for the environment—and in terms of efficiency they can't be beat. Your self-deluded car addiction is the real problem.
Sure, experienced commuter cyclists wear funny spandex clothing and yes, they look silly. Yes, the idea that you need to have the coolest helmet or the most expensive gear taints cycling with yuppie consumerism that I find to be counter-intuitive to the real reason why cycling is awesome, but we live in America, and Americans like to buy shit. It makes us feel better.
One of the cool things about the Cascade Bike Expo, though, is the the number of small, local, and independently-run cycling companies that come out to the event. Of course, those local shops are always mixed in with (multi-) national companies but it's America, remember?
I showed up a little late yesterday afternoon, and only had about two hours left to peruse, but I did get to scope out some great vintage bikes and even see some, uh, bicycle ballet. It was kind of like the awesomely plotless Kevin Bacon film Quicksilver. You can check it out on the YouTube if you're really curious.
The bike expo was a win.
3
I have family to drive and items to move. I opperate a vehicle, that does not mean I'm addicted. It means I have needs that are met by driving.
you're arrogant. You're not doing any good for the environment per se, you're just not doing bad.
you're arrogant. You're not doing any good for the environment per se, you're just not doing bad.
7
I have no problem sharing the road, but if there's one thing I hate more than the "roads are for cars" crowd, it's the smug sense of self-importance most bicyclists seem to have. How about we all just behave like fucking adults and respect each other?
8
I have a family to drive. I use a baby bike seat. I have things to move. I use panniers or a trailer. I'm not denying the utility of cars over bikes for certain big chores, but 90% of the things you use your car for within the city could be better and more efficiently accomplished on a bicycle.
9
Actually, most roads in Seattle's grid were initially made for bikes. Since WW II we've put cars on them, and changed the surface, but the initial roads and streets were for bikes.
10
Will,
This is 2010, not 1940s Seattle. Get a clue moron.
Bikes should stay on the sidewalk or on the Burke where they belong.
I'm sick of cyclists getting a free pass on the roads. My tax dollars should not be wasted on bike lanes.
This is 2010, not 1940s Seattle. Get a clue moron.
Bikes should stay on the sidewalk or on the Burke where they belong.
I'm sick of cyclists getting a free pass on the roads. My tax dollars should not be wasted on bike lanes.
12
"I have items to move! Very important items! blahhblahh... Stick to the sidewalks! I can't drive around other moving objects without being absurdly confused! blahhblahh Also I have paid tax money that should not be used for special interests like sustainability!" (not actual quotes, but you know, subtext)
Can you guys do car ballet? Nope? There you have it.
Can you guys do car ballet? Nope? There you have it.
13
#11,
Good for you. I do to and I will continue to advocate that cyclists who disobey the law (helmets anyone? stop signs?) should be forced to pay maximum fines.
If they want to ride their toys in the street they need to learn to play by the rules.
Until then: STAY ON THE BURKE!
Good for you. I do to and I will continue to advocate that cyclists who disobey the law (helmets anyone? stop signs?) should be forced to pay maximum fines.
If they want to ride their toys in the street they need to learn to play by the rules.
Until then: STAY ON THE BURKE!
14
@Jeff
You are aware that the Burke is not a magical portal that weaves mysteriously throughout the city without encountering what you obviously believe to be single use designated roads?
Also we all pay taxes for projects that promote a diversity of uses that we may each never employ individually.
Right now, studies are funded by universities, people with mental illnesses are housed, kids are given free school lunch, and some dry-cleaning business may get a tax break, with tax funding from almost all of us.
That doesn't mean you personally have to be educated, have children, dry clean, or whatever to justify these types of public funding.
You can promote your own utopia if you want, but I like people and society, and I'm willing to pay for it.
You are aware that the Burke is not a magical portal that weaves mysteriously throughout the city without encountering what you obviously believe to be single use designated roads?
Also we all pay taxes for projects that promote a diversity of uses that we may each never employ individually.
Right now, studies are funded by universities, people with mental illnesses are housed, kids are given free school lunch, and some dry-cleaning business may get a tax break, with tax funding from almost all of us.
That doesn't mean you personally have to be educated, have children, dry clean, or whatever to justify these types of public funding.
You can promote your own utopia if you want, but I like people and society, and I'm willing to pay for it.
15
#14, that's what buses are for retard.
You are welcome to use my tax payer funded roads, just don't expect me to get out of your way when you and your unemployed friends in Critical Mass cork intersections.
The grill on my F250 is polished for a reason.
You are welcome to use my tax payer funded roads, just don't expect me to get out of your way when you and your unemployed friends in Critical Mass cork intersections.
The grill on my F250 is polished for a reason.
16
I think cyclists are dangerous. Some of them don't even wear helmets!
I pay taxes for my roads, why can't cyclists stay on the bike paths where they belong!
I pay taxes for my roads, why can't cyclists stay on the bike paths where they belong!
18
I wear my helmet...
I stay on the bike paths or "sharrows"...
Are all drivers terrible people just because some of them use their cellphones while making illegal left turns and try to run over old people and babies?
I stay on the bike paths or "sharrows"...
Are all drivers terrible people just because some of them use their cellphones while making illegal left turns and try to run over old people and babies?
19
@17 - can't wait to see you at Critical Mass this month! I'll be the one wearing your bike on the grill of my SUV!
22
"I'm sorry officer, but I didn't see that cyclists running a red light because he didn't have any lights on his brakeless fixie nor was he wearing a helmet."
23
Seattle's roads are paid for via sales and property taxes, which cyclists pay in a disproportionate quantity when compared to automobile drivers, as they use less of the road and have a negligible impact on its wear and tear.
It is, in fact, non-cyclists who are getting a free ride in Seattle. You're welcome.
It is, in fact, non-cyclists who are getting a free ride in Seattle. You're welcome.
25
@21 as long as he's wearing a helmet, what's the problem? He'll be fine!
You liberal cry babies really tick me off. I'm an American. It's my right to drive in this country. I fought in Iraq! If you choose to pedal your little rinky dink bicycle in traffic - you better ride the speed limit!
LOL
You liberal cry babies really tick me off. I'm an American. It's my right to drive in this country. I fought in Iraq! If you choose to pedal your little rinky dink bicycle in traffic - you better ride the speed limit!
LOL
26
It sounds like Scott M and Jeff are posting from the same house but separate rooms, getting themselves all worked up into an internet tough-guy, anti-bike frenzy. If they stop posting it's probably because they're fucking it out.
28
Jeff, not everybody who rides a bike is an unemployed Critical Mass asshole. Most of us are gainfully employed, have families, and pay just as much in taxes as you, if not more so. I don't for a minute support Critical Mass (they are the PETA of the cycling community), but I fully support cyclists lawfully sharing the roads equally with cars.
30
#28,
Then I hope you'll do your civic duty and call the cops next time you see a cyclist cross 3 lanes of traffic without signaling, run a red light or ride without a helmet.
Thanks!
Then I hope you'll do your civic duty and call the cops next time you see a cyclist cross 3 lanes of traffic without signaling, run a red light or ride without a helmet.
Thanks!
32
I am a responsible citizen with a good job and a gorgeous family. I pay taxes, I vote, and I ride in Critical Mass every damn month. And I love it! Ha!
33
#32,
Are you trying to brag?
Next time one of your family members needs an ambulance I sure hope it isn't stuck behind critical mass.
Are you trying to brag?
Next time one of your family members needs an ambulance I sure hope it isn't stuck behind critical mass.
34
"Your self-deluded car addiction is the real problem"
Whoa, shades of ECB right there. You know, that kind of rhetoric does absolutely NOTHING to improve conditions for cyclists in this city or promote conscientious interaction between cyclists, drivers and pedestrians.
Whoa, shades of ECB right there. You know, that kind of rhetoric does absolutely NOTHING to improve conditions for cyclists in this city or promote conscientious interaction between cyclists, drivers and pedestrians.
35
@10: You think you pay more in taxes for infrastructure than a bicyclist? Think again. Fed and state monies go for federal highways and state highways. All other infrastructure is paid for by local taxes. Get off yer damned high horse.
37
jeff - you seem to have a problem with critical mass; please direct your anger there. your arguments regarding taxes and against cyclists are empty, your boasting is juvenile and your tact seems to be missing entirely.
i suppose i feel toward you how you feel toward critical mass. only i, unlike, will not suppose everyone who uses the internet is either like you or should be held responsible for your behavior.
"call the cops next time you see a cyclist...ride without a helmet." good one.
i suppose i feel toward you how you feel toward critical mass. only i, unlike, will not suppose everyone who uses the internet is either like you or should be held responsible for your behavior.
"call the cops next time you see a cyclist...ride without a helmet." good one.
38
@33,
First of all, my family's cycling habits have turned us all into a race of super beings. It is very unlikely that we will ever need an ambulance.
Second, Critical Mass always moves over to let emergency vehicles pass. Yes, always.
Third and last, you are clearly not cool enough to ever understand the clear superiority of bicycles over cars. More's the pity.
First of all, my family's cycling habits have turned us all into a race of super beings. It is very unlikely that we will ever need an ambulance.
Second, Critical Mass always moves over to let emergency vehicles pass. Yes, always.
Third and last, you are clearly not cool enough to ever understand the clear superiority of bicycles over cars. More's the pity.
39
#37: Not all cyclists are self-righteous assholes, but all self-righteous assholes ride bicycles.
#38: Re: CM getting out of the way. Really?
You must have missed these incidents. Sounds like a great time!
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Conte…
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
Oh hey, it's nice outside. I think I'll go shine up the F250 and go for a drive.
#38: Re: CM getting out of the way. Really?
You must have missed these incidents. Sounds like a great time!
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Conte…
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
Oh hey, it's nice outside. I think I'll go shine up the F250 and go for a drive.
40
#37: Not all bicyclists are self-righteous assholes, but all self-righteous assholes ride bicycles.
#38: Regarding CM. I guess you missed these incidents.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Conte…
It's a nice sunny day, I think I'll go polish the F250 and go for a drive.
#38: Regarding CM. I guess you missed these incidents.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Conte…
It's a nice sunny day, I think I'll go polish the F250 and go for a drive.
41
Oh, Jeff, you're the cutest troll we've seen this week.
And no-one believes you own a F-250 or have a job.
And no-one believes you own a F-250 or have a job.
43
It always amuses me when I see car drivers - of all people - complain about cyclists holding up ambulances. Hello? So who is responsible for clogging up our streets every day? And who is responsible for killing and injuring people who then need an ambulance?
44
No, bicycles do not belong on sidewalks. Pedestrians have enough shit to deal with as it is, we don't need more.
The law is that bikes share the roadway with cars. Don't like it? Fuck off. I'm fine with people who choose to drive everywhere, but you don't get a magical free pass to ignore other traffic, or get pissy when it inconveniences you. If the traffic with which you are legally obligated to share the road makes you late for something, you need to adjust your expected commute times.
Just like the fact that your car can drive 90 MPH does not mean that you can legally drive that speed on downtown thoroughfares.
The law is that bikes share the roadway with cars. Don't like it? Fuck off. I'm fine with people who choose to drive everywhere, but you don't get a magical free pass to ignore other traffic, or get pissy when it inconveniences you. If the traffic with which you are legally obligated to share the road makes you late for something, you need to adjust your expected commute times.
Just like the fact that your car can drive 90 MPH does not mean that you can legally drive that speed on downtown thoroughfares.
45
Thank you, Critical Mass. You have created this psychopath, Jeff. I wish you would stop making my life more dangerous.
46
Also, honking at cyclists who break the law is probably a better idea than running them over. You are, by Washington state law, required to yield to someone who is violating the rules of the road. If you can and don't, you are just as liable for any accident that may occur as they are.
Yes, life is inconvenient sometimes.
Yes, life is inconvenient sometimes.
47
Not all cyclists are self-righteous assholes
okay, that seems to make sense. it's difficult to argue with such a statement. i guess the wording unfairly suggests that most cyclists are self-righteous assholes, or implies that such an understanding exists or has been suggested, which it does not nor has not. but still, yes, not all of group A are also group B. well done.
but all self-righteous assholes ride bicycles.
here's where you lose me. everyone who is a self-righteous asshole rides a bike? it's not clever, if that's what you were going for, because it doesn't ring true. i'm fairly certain everyone's life experiences have demonstrated that there are self-righteous assholes who do not ride bicycles. so what's the burn? or what am i supposed to take from this comment? that you ride a bicycle?
i just don't get it. really, i think you may have meant to type:
not all self-righteous assholes ride bicycles, but all cyclists are self-righteous assholes. that at least makes more sense in context with what you've been posting. still not true, but a little more relevant. it also allows you to drive your F250.
okay, that seems to make sense. it's difficult to argue with such a statement. i guess the wording unfairly suggests that most cyclists are self-righteous assholes, or implies that such an understanding exists or has been suggested, which it does not nor has not. but still, yes, not all of group A are also group B. well done.
but all self-righteous assholes ride bicycles.
here's where you lose me. everyone who is a self-righteous asshole rides a bike? it's not clever, if that's what you were going for, because it doesn't ring true. i'm fairly certain everyone's life experiences have demonstrated that there are self-righteous assholes who do not ride bicycles. so what's the burn? or what am i supposed to take from this comment? that you ride a bicycle?
i just don't get it. really, i think you may have meant to type:
not all self-righteous assholes ride bicycles, but all cyclists are self-righteous assholes. that at least makes more sense in context with what you've been posting. still not true, but a little more relevant. it also allows you to drive your F250.
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