Bicycling
Streetsblog LA
ABC 7 Poses Backwards Poll Question While KPCC Takes a Second Try at Bike-Car Conflicts
As we mentioned last week, there is reason for concern about the way the traditional media is covering the "bike v car" controversy in the wake of the verdict in the trial of Dr. Christopher Thompson. Sometimes there is a soft bias, such as in the wording of the question in today's "Question of the Day" by KABC and sometimes it is more pronounced on radio shows or other two-way communications.
November 9, 2009
Times Op/Ed on Bike-Car Relationship Reveals the Good and Bad of Thompson Fallout
Since the Christopher Thompson verdict was announced on Monday, many cyclists have reacted with dismay to the media coverage of the assault, the trial, and the reactions of other Angelenos on message boards and call-in shows. Cyclists were surprised at the venom shown by callers and mis-information from the host on progressive KPCC's morning show and other radio shows were just as bad. Surprisingly, some of the best coverage, was from the conservative John and Ken Show, the top rated radio call-in show in Los Angeles.
November 5, 2009
With Thompson Behind Bars, What’s Next for “Street Justice” in Los Angeles
Yesterday, cyclists concerned with the safety on their streets got a boost. For many of us who have been harassed or threatened by uncaring and dangerous motorists, it was a relief to see that the system is capable of convicting one of the more outwardly-psychotic drivers out there.
November 3, 2009
Breaking News: Christopher Thompson Found Guilty on All Charges
H/T Roadblock of the Midnight Ridazz,and Stephen Box.
November 2, 2009
The Times Looks at the State of Cycling in Los Angeles
Over the past two days, the Times has written five articles about bicycling in Los Angeles. Because these articles appear in L.A.'s paper of record, and this is the largest look the Times has given to cycling in Los Angeles in recent memory, Streetsblog is going to take a look at each of the articles. We'll begin with yesterday's analysis of Dr. Thompson's trial and end with today's "list of bike resources."
November 2, 2009
How Do Angelenos Travel?
The passage of Metro's Long Range Transportation Plan last week has helped heat up a national conversation about Los Angeles, how it grows, how it moves and the future of our Metropolis. Of course, Diane Meyer's "World Without a Car" exhibit has people locally thinking outside the auto; but others are picking up the conversation such as the Transport Politic and Think Progress' Matt Yglessias. However, that debate shows us one critical missing link in our transportation planning.
October 26, 2009
More Inspiration for Those Commenting on the Bike Plan
Bike lanes: In some cities people are literally dying to have them and
some people go so far as to mark their own. Here in New York City, it
feels like every time I get on my bike there is a new bike lane -
sometimes on the left, sometimes buffered, and sometimes completely
separated from automobile traffic. To understand these lanes, I had
the opportunity to go for a ride with the NYC DOT bicycle boys. They
explained the classes of bike lanes and showed off some of these
inventive facilities. You can use Ride the City to find a safe bike route in New York City and watch this video to see what lanes are used on your route.
October 23, 2009
Cartoon Tuesday: A Little Inspiration from the Netherlands
Just in case I thoroughly depressed our cyclist readers with the overview of the timeline for the Draft Bike Plan, I wanted to provide some inspiration in the form of some funny and inspiring bike commercials from the Netherlands. H/t to Dave Feucht of the Streetsblog.net discussion group.
October 20, 2009
Streetfilms: NYC Bike Lanes 101
Bike lanes: In some cities people are so desperate for them they'll go so far as to mark their own. (Editor's note: We know.) Here in New York City, it
feels like every time I get on my bike there is a new bike lane --
sometimes on the left, sometimes buffered, and sometimes completely
separated from automobile traffic.
October 19, 2009
Last Month’s Headlines
While I was on paternity leave there were a lot of stories that I would have covered if I had been writing. I didn't want to let them pass without any commentary or coverage beyond a sentence in Today's Headlines. H
October 16, 2009