The congestion solution? Chill out and slow down
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor) on May 12th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
(Photos © J. Maus)
Since last Thursday, readers have left nearly 500 comments on our stories about a horrific crash on the Hawthorne Bridge between two bike riders.
The discussion has revolved around who's at fault, the design of the sidewalk/path (it's still unclear what it is, technically), how people should behave while crossing the bridge, and so on.
My thoughts and coverage instantly focused on the design issues. I wanted to hash out all the possible, infrastructure-based solutions and I thought this crash was yet another sign that our bike/ped network was falling behind and quickly becoming inadequate. I thought this high-profile crash was the perfect illustration that bikes need more space. Now!
But so far, no infrastructure solution seems to be in the cards. The County's hope is that the new Morrison Bridge bike/ped facility will help alleviate some traffic. On the Hawthorne, they've said no to a railing, there are no plans to widen the existing path, and putting bikes on the outside lane of the main roadway is pretty close to a non-starter.
I'm not saying we should stop putting pressure on policymakers and planners; they still want and need our ideas and constructive criticisms to make our transportation infrastructure work for everyone. But now it's seems clearer than ever that we need to work on our mental infrastructure as well.
I'm one of those people who loves to ride in part because of the independence it allows. When riding, I don't feel bound by the same constraints as when I drive (and yes, I do own a car -- a minivan actually). I can stop whenever I feel like it to take in a view, grab a phone call, or chat with a friend. I can ride up on the sidewalk if I want (as long as I'm not downtown, where it's illegal). When an intersection is backed up with cars, I can zoom right by them in the shoulder or bike lane, grinning at my good fortune.
I was also raised to see bike riding as more of a competitive pursuit judged by speed, rather than as a utilitarian mode of transport judged by purpose and function. I have begun to shed that baggage, but it still hangs around.
Those things, combined with always running late to another interview or event, and I've begun to expect that the bikeway system in Portland should allow me to go as fast as I need to go at all times.
It dawned on me a few days ago, how different I am when I drive. When I'm on the freeway or a street that suddenly becomes congested, I don't swing over into the emergency lane, honk my horn a few times, and zoom by everyone. No. I put my foot on the brake and slow down.
Some folks out there ride like they should never be forced to slow down. Others feel like their bike bell, once dinged a few times, gives them a free pass to fly by (often mere inches from someone else), and still others will speed by without any audible warning at all (that's a recipe for disaster if you ask me).
So, I hate to admit it, but those of us who ride in bike traffic should maybe start becoming more like car drivers. When the lane gets crowded, slow down, don't make any sudden turns, and just chill out. If you still want/need to pass a slower rider, do it politely; leave plenty of space, make sure they are aware of your presence, then consider a wave, a smile, or even a "hello" as you roll by.
After the events of this past week, I think I'll re-read City of Portland bike coordinator Roger Geller's editorial from last month. Geller called on all of us to ride with both courtesy and confidence and I think he was on to something.
Geller wrote that, "Because our infrastructure hasn’t yet caught up with the growing demands on it, it’s imperative that we do all we can to share well." He also added that, "behaving in an exemplary manner will help attract more people to bicycling."
It's hard to disagree with that.
What do you think? Has the Hawthorne Bridge incident changed your thinking?
-- Read all our coverage of this story here.
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Well said. I second it.
RecommendedI've been commuting for years on my race bikes. They like to go fast and I've never been able to hold them back. A few weeks ago I finished building up my single speed commuter. It has a nice set of upright bars and a gear that only lets me hit 16mph with a tailwind. My commute is a lot more fun and less stressful now that I don't feel obligated to chase down everyone within a 1/4 mile of me. Commuting in the slow lane is a lot more enjoyable than showing up to work frazzled and sweaty.
RecommendedVery well put, Jonathan.
I feel the same way that we as cyclist need to act like cars when there is congestion. Especially if we want to be treated as traffic and expect to have the same rights as cars.
As more and more people begin to take up cycling, the Hawthorne Bridge congestion is going to be an issue. Hopefully, once the Morrison Bridge gets its improvements, it will help with the congestion.
But, just be thankful that the only major congestion you have is a short span across a bridge and not a 4 mile bottleneck on the Sunset Highway or I-5.
RecommendedVery good points, Jonathan. I'm in line with that. I think it's a good balance between the "everyone in single file no passing allowed" camp and the "out of my way don't tell me what to do" camp. Fact is, as different as bikes are from cars, we share a need to get along with our fellow traveller, and limited space to do it in. Let's keep acting like human beings to each other, no matter what kind of wheels or shoes we get around in.
RecommendedGood thoughts, Jonathan. We're kinda in uncharted waters with this whole "bike congestion" problem. But I think that some of the same principles of managing automobile congestion apply here. We can't always simply add more capacity to solve a transportation problem, nor is maximum speed always the preferred outcome. We need to "share the road" with our fellow cyclists, as well as the cars.
RecommendedYep, the same goes for cars. It may seem unintuitive (or intuitive,) but if the group as a whole wants to get there faster, they need to travel at a consistent, safe speed.
One accident, and the entire method falls apart (rubbernecking/flow interruptions/stop/start.)
RecommendedThat's great, and it is correct for the most part, but I disagree with the "more like cars" comparison, though I understand the basis for using it.
It's the behavior that people bring to commuting per se that is causing these problems -- the impatience, the idea that getting to or from work fast is somehow important. It's not really useful to talk about racer mentality, it's much more about commuter behavior that is common to operators of both bikes and cars.
Going slow is an important aspect to working with our mediocre ("platinum?") infrastructure, but baseline civility and recognition of the situation you're in is equally important. Ignoring someone's bell when they are asking to pass is likely to be interpreted uncivil -- and as potentially dangerous -- as brushing by at speed. Since we've all been told that's what bells are for, we have a legitimate expectation that they'll be acknowledged. Sitting in the middle of the lane and blocking when there's room to be on one side is as aggressive in its own way as riding too fast. You are trying to provoke a confrontation when what you should be doing is trying to get where you're going.
Both riders in that circumstance are likely to feel that civility has been breached. Both slower and faster riders could improve things by not setting their jaws and asserting their 'rights' in preference to understanding what pragmatic, intelligent behavior looks like in a given largely unregulated, situation.
As a principle, self righteousness NEVER leads to the best result in a situation involving two vehicles of any kind. You will not teach anyone a lesson when they're frustrated or angry, The only important value in the moment is to make the space safer right now, even if you think it's ultimately the wrong way to do it or if it feels like giving in to someone. Then, by all means come in and write on an internet discussion board about what you think should have happened, defame the offending rider, whatever, but in the moment, try to understand what's at stake for everyone in that space and act accordingly.
RecommendedYes, Jonathan. Your advice on how we can best muddle through congestion is well taken.
That said, I want to underline and highlight your comment about keeping the pressure on policymakers. It's been increasingly apparent since the Hawthorne Bridge upgrade that one of the biggest challenges Portland cyclists face is our success.
And while we see bike (and bike/ped) congestion all the time, the larger non-cycling public is barely aware. Indeed, many people would guffaw if you started complaining about traffic jams on city paths. The concept of bike jams just isn't in their heads yet.
So while we use courtesy, calm and smart riding to get safely through the clogs, we need to take every opportunity (and make our own opportunities) to put bike congestion on the public agenda.
Say, next time you run into slow bicycle traffic... call it in to a radio traffic reporter. It'll be laughed off as a joke the first time and the second... but eventually bewilderment will become curiosity.
Of course, we have to always remember to include the benefits drivers get from "one less car"... so that they understand how easing our jams also smooths their way home.
RecommendedIf you are riding for training, or for a vigorous exercise, think about choosing a time and location that won't be cluttered with commuters.
I think egos get in the way of common sense a lot on the road. It is human nature to want to pass someone, and stay ahead of them. But why are you really on the bike? To get to work or home. If not, again, choose a different time or path that won't have you passing dangerously close or into traffic.
I have started to really concentrate on slowing down and ONLY passing when it is ridiculously safe.
RecommendedI was happy to read this article (and the Roger Geller editorial)..
I walk the Hawthorne Bridge to work most days (and also bike off and on), and over the last year its gotten more unpleasant to walk during the morning commute, due to bicyclist passing within inches at high speed, without any apparent consideration. What baffles me is I'm walking all the way against the rail, and I'm passed by inches when it seems they 5 or more feet of space on their left. It feels unsafe and definitely make me feel uncomfortable. And makes me angry at cyclists, which is the last thing I want to be.
I was happy to read the article and learn that the cycling community is engaged in an active and healthy debate about how we can all share the road.
My hope: bicyclist give the peds the same courtesy (and safety) they expect cars to give them.
RecommendedI agree wholeheartedly. Slow down.
The problem is the people who do not agree are the ones who put people in danger. So, how do we slow them down to keep everyone safe? Cars have cops with radar guns. I would drive 80-90 everywhere I could (on highways) if there wasn't a chance of getting a ticket.
RecommendedBrewcaster @ 9.
"If you are riding for training, or for a vigorous exercise, think about choosing a time and location that won't be cluttered with commuters."
Your comment doesn't really apply to anything during commute hours that isn't the Hawthorne Bridge. The bridge is the only congested point of my commute, and I do commute during peak hours. Up to that point and after that point, it is smooth sailing and riding as fast as I want produces no conflicts.
RecommendedI usually try to avoid the rush hours – usually hit the bridge earlier before both the AM and PM rushes.
But if I do hit congestion in the AM, I just remind myself – I'm only going to work – what's the rush?
That doesn't work as well in the PM – headed for an IPA at Roots or the Lab – outta my way – I've got some place to be!!!
RecommendedAs with any sport, there's a time and a place for competition. Hopefully more folks will support track and cross races or use some of our lesser-known bike trails to get the speed out of their systems. The Portland bike scene has plenty of outlets for those - like myself - who think fast is fun. Commuting, for most folks, though, is unfortunately slow. Nicely put, Jonathan.
RecommendedYes, nicely said.. and please remember to never pass a Momma with kids on the right!!!
RecommendedI totally agree Jonathan- the few seconds you might save by passing recklessly are not worth the risk when its congested.
I also feel its my right to express how i think that's a stupid idea to someone who does this. If you are going to act like a jerk, then you should expect to be called out on it once in a while.
Recommended"Your advice on how we can best muddle through congestion is well taken."
That makes it sound miserable. I've never had bike congestion slow me down more than a couple seconds. Waiting patiently I might be slowed for a ten-count, but calling "on your left" clears the (typically) happy-to-oblige slower traffic in no time. Maybe a sum total of 5 minutes at year I'm forced to slow my pace for traffic.
Compare that to hours I've spent in motor vehicle gridlock. And how effective is calling "on your left" in that scene?
If your unhindered, uninterrupted commute is so valuable to you, find a less popular means- I hear there's very little kayak congestion on the Willamette during rush hour (and don't worry, they wont typically let barges through until after 9am so you wont need to slow down for them).
RecommendedInterssting..the old arguement about 'you can't solve congestion with capacity holds true for bikes as well as cars. There is no love for the 12 lane CRC among most of us,so the cry for more capacity on the Hawthorne sounds disingenuous.
Like Jon and Roger, I vote for courtesy and patience.
RecommendedHear, hear! Just like with cars, satisfy your need for speed at the track.
RecommendedI agree that voluntarily slowing down, being courteous, and remembering to breathe, are better potential solutions for improving safety than infrastructure or safety mandates.
However, focusing on behavior is value based and we need to be careful about imposing our beliefs on others. Yes, getting along is part of living in a society but the freedoms of which Jonathan speaks above are also valued components of our bike society.
I wish we could just ask everyone to slow down. I know that I benefit from the conscious effort I make to do that in conjested areas, or sometimes in serene areas where the birds are singing. I also wish we could ask everyone to wear a helmet. I know I just had one save my life and it would be great from my perspective to see more helmeted heads. BUT those are my opinions and I don't think that makes it a truly viable option for all cyclists.
The puzzle here is that mandating a change to either the infrastucture or behavior alone will not solve the problem. The solution may lie in a combination of the two, or in a strong wave of voluntary action that improves safety overall but does not impose my values on those who have a different perspective.
Mike M -@11
RecommendedI think we should be careful about assuming that it's always the ones who disagree about speed, etc. being the ones that put us in danger - that's a fairly broad generalization. The danger can come from one tiny lapse in judgement from a very careful person, or from a variety of other scenarios. I try to be VERY careful, I'd say extremely careful, but know I've goofed and scared people( I'm not proud of that) and once I saw a very slow novice rider cause an accident. So it's not just the fast "careless" folks that cause problems.
Hear hear! Great article!
Recommended"Hear, hear! Just like with cars, satisfy your need for speed at the track."
Ridiculous -- there are hundreds of streets in this area where one can ride fast, just not on the Hawthorne Bridge.
Recommendedchriswnw (#12) - Perhaps not for you, but it applies on the Springwater frequently during summer evening commute hours, especially in the narrow sections, and I've seen some incidents on Salmon where cars are parked on both sides and faster cyclists have nearly collided with cyclists they are overtaking or pedestrians who enter the roadway from between parked cars. (I'm not ascribing blame to the faster cyclists, merely pointing out that incidents can and do happen in locations other than the Hawthorne Bridge)
Joe (#17) - I was thinking the same thing. It'll be interesting to see how cycling etiquette evolves as the number and density of cyclists increases.
Jonathan, great job of summarizing the discussion of the previous threads - I think that really sums up the general tone and content of the 500+ postings.
RecommendedI like the way this writer describes her new-found attitude.
http://www.momentumplanet.com/features/well-tempered-cyclist
RecommendedAfter 130,000 miles logged in every type of riding situation around the globe, I'm still here because I internalized that patience and curtesey were the golden rules, then externalized them through my actions. (that, and luck)
And lest you think that's just an aging loaded bike touring type talking, the first chapter of my first book was titled "Oh To Be Young And Go Very, Very Fast." Fun fact; Back in my distant past I took a podium as a Cat 3. and I didn't even cheat. No big deal to you cat 1's and 2's, but I'll still be talking about them apples from the rocker. Point is, I still love to go fast now and then, but there's so much open road out there just a few minutes from our door. I choose to save the scene from Quicksilver and ease up during rush hour and in any crowded conditions.
RecommendedNicely stated, Jonathan.
Check out Copenhagen at rush hour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYajXN4pPHI
I think as ridership continues to grow we're going to have to recalibrate our expectations for unobstructed cycling in the Central City.
RecommendedWhat I said before. Civility (civilization) is the awareness that our actions impact others. It's opposite is barbarism. Don't ride like a barbarian.
RecommendedThe williams/vancouver bike highway is my typical through fare during the winter months. But once the sun comes out, I tend to find other less traveled routes. This makes me less likely to compete with anyone out there, and in turn enjoy my ride more. This may not work however when crossing say the Hawthorne Bridge as it is one of the few river crossing in the area.
RecommendedI agree. Courtesy goes a long way. Stop at stop signs and red lights. Slow down when there's congestion. Signal for turns. You don't have to behave exactly like a car, but do so within reason. Shaving a few seconds off of a 20-minute commute isn't really worth the risks.
RecommendedTo answer your question, JM, no it hasn't changed my thinking because I've always thought that way. My appreciation of cycling has always been purely non-competitive, recreational and utilitarian, so it has always been a comfortable fit with the notion of commuting and urban cycling. (The racing/speed aspects of cycling have never interested me.) It's interesting and enlightening to read a frank assessment of your own attitudes and perspective, coming from a different cycling background. One thing that has always puzzled me about the speedracers amongst us is why they are in such a hurry. I've thought that if I were in that much of hurry, I'd just drive. But I guess I've overlooked the enjoyment some people get from racing around town, even where it isn't necessarily wise or appropriate. To me, an intrinsic part of the pleasure of cycling around town is being able to take time to appreciate my surroundings, similar to the way you describe it. For me, that just doesn't jive with zooming over a bridge, weaving around pedestrians and others cyclists, dinging my bell, and continually issuing "on your left" warnings. If I wanted that kind of stress, I'd buy a car. I'd just as soon slow down behind a slower rider (and have done, many times) and take the extra seconds to get a better look at the scenery.
M #7 -- The problem as I see it now is that not riding on the "cycling" side of the Hawthorne Bridge MUP creates the conditions for what happened to Erica. I've always ridden to the right, to allow other cyclists by, moving to the left only when I'm coming upon pedestrians. But I question the wisdom of that now, because of this incident. You say, "Sitting in the middle of the lane and blocking when there's room to be on one side is as aggressive in its own way as riding too fast," but the other side of that is that moving back and forth gives certain types of cyclists the impression that it is safe to pass when it really isn't. When the bridge is congested, as it is during rush hour, I have to question the wisdom of trying to be polite to the wants of speedier cyclists instead of holding your ground and making it clear that this is one time when they will have to slow down.
RecommendedChrisNW (#22) - Sure, if it's safe to do so under the prevailing conditions and it does not violate the law. If you're not sure it's safe, then don't do it. The streets are not a racetrack.
RecommendedMmann (#26) "Don't ride like a barbarian." - can I get that embroidered on my jacket?
RecommendedThis incident hasn't changed my repeated and tired pleas to our "community" for a little more awareness, courtesy and patience on the Hawthorne. This has been an issue really for many years.
However I will say that by joining the bikeportland forum I have been gently educated by the more experienced riders about how to mentally approach the commute.
Going fast and making time is fun, but there's a time and a place. Sharing a crowded path with Peds... not the place.
I think most everyone reading bikeportland agrees. We're sorta preaching to the choir. Let's take it out on the road - politely of course.
And in your own unique way...
Fair warning to the light jumpers, right side passers, lane crowders and speed demons leaving downtown... I am going to catch up to you regardless of whatever weave and bob you engage in on the Hawthorne. If I don't catch you at Grand I will catch you at Ladd - and if you're still recklessly buzzing - I will gently and blatantly embarass you on SE Lincoln's hill.
I might even reel you in regardless of where you're heading just to politely discuss matters with you. Yeah, it's an obsession.
I do this to some kid or helmetless wannabe just about every other day. It's really disheartening to get passed by 38 year old on an MTB with fenders ya'll.
Don't let it happen to you!
Recommendedperry @ 30:
"Sure, if it's safe to do so under the prevailing conditions and it does not violate the law. If you're not sure it's safe, then don't do it. The streets are not a racetrack."
It is pretty difficult for even the fastest of cyclists to even exceed or match the speed limit on city streets, most of which have 25-35 mph limits.
RecommendedSentinel or signaling events such as the crash on the Hawthorne bridge should make us all pause and think about the possibilities. Regardless of ability, we can all learn from these situations.
Nicely stated JM.
RecommendedGreat piece Johnathon- Really, we should be thrilled that there are so many people riding. Let's just use some common courtesy when we're out there.
Recommendedand sorry for misspelling your name- my bad.
Recommendedchrisnw....25mph is easy on a road bike...wind resistance gets a bit more challening up around 27-28mph for any sustained solo effort...just sayin.
I for one would like to hear why Jonathan says...
"So, I hate to admit it, but those of us who ride in bike traffic should maybe start becoming more like car drivers. "
why do you hate to admit it?
seems contradictory to the "we're all traffic stance" doesn't it?
would you extend this feeling to promoting the cessation of speed at stop signs or will it take another near tragic accident for that to come about?
RecommendedMichael M #29 - "I've always ridden to the right, to allow other cyclists by, moving to the left only when I'm coming upon pedestrians. But I question the wisdom of that now, because of this incident."
This sums up exactly how this incident has made me feel. I am probably middle of the road speed wise - I pass and I get passed daily. I always try to be courteous to both faster and slower riders but there's no question that I'd rather be perceived as discourteous by a few racer types than in an accident like Erica's. My only concern is that a number of those fast riders are going to pass no matter what because a good chunk of them don't give me any warning they are there.
RecommendedChrisNW (#34) - Yeah, that's pretty obvious. I'm not talking about violating the speed limits so much as violating the Prima Facie speed law.
When is it appropriate for someone to risk putting another biker or pedestrian to the pavement in order to satisfy their need to be first?
beeInite - It's even better when you're 48. There, I've outed myself as an old fart.
Recommendedafter training for races, i've become tired enough to not care about chasing down the guy ahead of me during my commute
...unless he just blew a stop sign or light, then I have to catch him to show him that you can still go fast on your bike and observe the law (and that he's still slow even while blowing the traffic signals)
RecommendedAs a cyclist, I like to pass as close to the railing as possible because there's a foot drop on my left with a bunch of cars!!!!! Not to mention the bridge being super windy sometimes, which can really knock you off balance. I'm all for slow safe passing, but don't ask someone to risk themselves just so you feel safer!
Recommendedthis is not an infrastructure problem, it is a people problem
RecommendedThe whole 'fast vs. slow' argument here is tripping people up. Someone said that "slow is all relative" and that's so true. The real issue is; are we riding at a safe speed for the conditions? That should be the only valid argument regarding speed. My slow may be your fast and there should be no problem with that from either side as long as both of us are riding safely. We need to stop judging people by the speed they ride. The variables that determine that are myriad (type of bike, condition, attitude, etc) and should have little, if any, bearing in this discussion.
RecommendedJoe Adamski#18:
That sounds like a great argument until you think about it. First, say we increased bike capacity and bike traffic increased to the point that congestion returned. Is this a bad thing? It seems to me to be a very desirable outcome, with more people using bikes instead of cars. It's the kind of induced demand we actually spend all our time on this site advocating for, no? The induced demand created by an expanded CRC, on the other hand, is one where more people move further from their place of work because the cost of driving longer has temporarily gone down (with the increased capacity) until enough people make that same decision and the traffic fills the capacity. The outcome in that case is bad for the environment, the health of the commuters and neighbors of the road, etc.
I love the fact that there's a lot of bike traffic, and if building more bike capacity generates more bike traffic, so much the better! Maybe that'll mean that there will be that much fewer cars on the roads, and we can not just "take the lanes," but take them over.
RecommendedWell said, Mr. Maus. Honestly, sometimes riding around downtown feels like negotiating one kind of puzzle after another: the intersection where drivers never see you, the spot where the bus pulls over, the traffic jam that blocks the throughway, the pedestrians loping about, the unruly dogs jumping around on the end of leashes. And then the bridge where we tap dance with pedestrians, cyclists, homeless, hipsters, kids, elderly, cars, trucks and busses. Sometimes I just want to get through it. That's congestion for you. And this incident has been a very good reminder. No one wants to crash or be responsible for a crash. Take it easy out there folks and enjoy the summer.
RecommendedI'd like to see more hello's and waves. I try to say good morning or good afternoon often on the bike boulevards. I guess I'll try that instead of "on your left" till the Morrison relieves some congestion. I miss the winter snow rides already. Open streets and faster rides but will give this SLOW thing a chance.
RecommendedI was thinking of the technical issues preventing the modifications necessary to the bridge, and I thought, it would be really interesting if the bicycle community could force the issue and take one eastbound and/or westbound lane from the cars for the 5 peak months of bike ridership.
That would be a real watershed event. DOT says that the bridge is overload? Good, give US the lanes...
RecommendedDitto Jonathan, Roger (who's been asking us to slow down for years), and everyone else who says let's just chil a bit. Maybe we go fast because of all that coffee (not that I'm giving up my stumptown) and because so many of us were used to driving cars before we got on bikes?
RecommendedI also agree with Kevin above about how maybe some of this has to do with the kind of bikes we ride. When I visited Holland and rode a Dutch bike, I cruised at a lot more leisurely pace, and loved it. When I returned to Portland and jumped on my hybrid, I suddenly wanted to go FAST. Then I bought a used Dutch bike with the upright position and smooth ride, and again I'm happy and comfortable riding at a slower pace. I really think it has something to do with the upright posture; it's easier to go slow and be stable (no wobble), and somehow just feels more natural. Anytime I get back on a typical (and admittedly more efficient) American bike, it's like my body posture is encouraging me to go fast. But on my upright bike, now, unless I'm really riding for the exercise instead of transportation, I just leave a couple minutes earlier and enjoy my ride a lot more, and sweat less. I can enjoy the ride, even a familiar one like the Hawthorne etc. and not just focus on getting to my destination ASAP.
You opened a big can of worms !
RecommendedDuh. I was wondering when someone came up with the idea of actually having to slow down and maybe ride in a single file to get across the bridge. I see it is 1,382 ft long which is a little longer than a 1/4 mile long. So in the name of safety, why can't we ride without passing for that short a distance?
RecommendedNot sure why my post showed up as annonymous #25- but I this good sense and patience should rule the day - and safe cycling speeds. It's good to see this being discussed and considered - without a fatality involved - injuries but no one died to get everyone else taking it to heart - and just in time for the summer cycling season.
Recommendedbahueh wrote:
bahueh,
that just sort of came out. maybe not the best choice of words. i was just trying to capture the feeling of irony that perhaps we could learn from the regular behavior of how we drive cars, which is often a source of scorn from folks who mostly bike.
we are still all traffic. ;-). no harm meant.
RecommendedJust as with auto traffic, competitive/aggressive driving should be done on a site designed for that, or at least at a place and time where there is little traffic. In commuting lanes and times all riders must have empathy for and be respectful of others. Please don't be one of the few giving the rest of us a bad name with non-cycling critics. We have to watch out for each other.
RecommendedThanks Jonathan! And good comments from Chris, The more bikes can smile and wave at cars, the more we prevent car road rage.
The collision changed me; renewed my commitment to leave early and slow down for conditions like a busy or confined route.
I doubt the anonymous dude who caused this changed. Just look his commentary. Sad.
He needs a ticket and lecture from Judge Larson in that traffic class.
Dear Dude in a hurry on bike ( or in a car ), your lack of maturity to chill should not be the burden of anyone's safety or ability to enjoy the road.
RecommendedPeople who drive cars don't represent each other. The guy who caused the crash on the Hawthorne bridge does not represent me or any other bicycle riders.
Why do cyclists feel a responsibility for this? Motorists do not feel ashamed when another motorist causes a wreck.
There will always be inconsiderate biking speedster idiots no matter how much the bike community discusses how to put forth a better impression. When they do drive- it's probably best to keep your distance from them.
When I drive a car I can't take anywhere near the same types of liberties as are possible on a bike. It's just too risky. You just can't compare driving to biking. We don't need to become more like car drivers. Most of us already ARE car drivers.
This could have been prevented by a railing. I recommend a railing. Maybe that would slow some of those speeders down. And it would keep riders from falling into car traffic. It's a design problem.
Recommended"Chill" is a bit overly Cali-groovy, and might be (and has already been) mistaken as "aw, go slow, you've got your whole life ahead of you!" when the intended emphasis is more along the lines of "move predictably and safely for conditions, particularly in respect to other people". These things aren't mutually exclusive, but the former take frames things in a "slow = safe" light when it's possible to ride slowly and still ride dangerously! Wrong-ways, unexpected "lane" changes (even crazier without demarcations), folks distracted by other simultaneous activities (such as chatting on the phone), sudden unsignalled stops...all these things are super-hazardous to both yourself and those around you admist congestion.
Lest there be any contrarian, "Oh, and fast is safe?" responses, the fastest safe rate of travel is determined by conditions. On a crowded, poorly planned mode switch occasionally teeming with MUPpety chaos at rush hour, that's usually "damn slow". :) Pay attention, keep it predictable. Hopefully others will follow suit in anticipation of a smooth merge back into real traffic rather than try to compete for space.
RecommendedWe're all preaching to the choir. For the most part, we want to progress biking in this city and nation. Something tells me there are entire subclasses of bikers who care little about the progress of biking, even if it ultimately benefits them.
(I notice they are often helmetless, so as always Darwin has a way...)
RecommendedAh, the tragedy of the commons. Everything about cycling in Portland was hunky dory until everybody else started doing it, thereby spoiling it for everybody else. Or something like that.
RecommendedJonathan,
I completely agree with every word in this post! CHILL OUT!!! If you ride with a chilled out demeanor, you're guaranteed to show up to your final destination in a good mood. What more could you ask for??? :)
RecommendedEvery time you hate on California you hate on leading the nation in reducing auto emissions. You also hate on BMX (Socal) and Mountain Biking (Repack, Marin County}. You hate on handmade bikes (Ritchey and Fisher bitd, Brian Bayliss and countless others now) You hate on the one the few US made BMXs (S&M and Fit) and you hate on Skateboarding, pool riding and skateparks.
Do me a favor when I move back down there and leave your cars at home, you Oregon driver tie up traffic worse than Zonies.
RecommendedRight on, Michael M. #30.
Boo/hiss M #7.
It ain't self-righteousness, it's self-preservation. During rush hour, there's *not* room to ride to the right of the lane--not without weaving back to the left in a couple seconds to dodge a ped. And it's exactly that milquetoast weave--left to right, right to left, scurrying out of everyone's way--that increases the opportunity for error and ratchets up the danger for everyone, almost as surely as an aggressive weave does.
RecommendedSkidMark - no, I don't. Plenty of great things have come out of California. Cliched, easily misinterpreted bits of language are not among them. Although the phrase in question may in fact be appropriate...right now. :D
RecommendedAnd it's exactly that milquetoast weave--left to right, right to left, scurrying out of everyone's way--that increases the opportunity for error and ratchets up the danger for everyone, almost as surely as an aggressive weave does.
Seconded. A similar phenomenon is that baffling "merge into the crosswalk, then re-merge into traffic" move some people take at intersections, which is hard to follow if you're another user of infrastructure. "Is it a right turn? Is it the start of a box turn? Ohhh crap, here they are on my right re-merging, I'm going to get squeezed!" Not useful, frequently confusing, and an easy way to either get hit or cause other people to hit each other trying to avoid the person pulling the move. Not to go all VC here, folks, but it's a lot easier to for others to judge your intentions and give you room if you're riding predictably.
RecommendedThe length of the Hawthorne bridge is about a third of a mile. If you slow from a normal 20 mph to 10 mph you would add a whopping 60 seconds to your commute. If you are a more pedestrian rider going say 15 miles per hour. The congestion would "steal" 20 seconds from you other more noble pursuits.
I guess my point and the point Jonathan is making, you are not really giving much up by slowing down, but are gaining a lot in improved safety.
Recommendedthank you for your continuing focus on this issue -- I really appreciated seeing the writing on common courtesy practices on the road by your guest author, and as we move into spring (the WORST Time for year-round cyclists like myself) it's becoming a sore point.
This last Saturday I almost saw a 2 year old toddler get slammed by a racing bicyclist on the springwater. SHe obviously had no intention of slowing down as she approached the walking group, and then when the toddler darted out, she missed her by mere inches.
I was livid. I instructed her on the proper approach to pedestrians, ended with a pretty undiplomatic "THat's really uncool" and continued my ride. I don't care about being rude. I was traumatized, man. the parents were actually pretty nice considering their baby could have been seriously injured.
I'm sick of this. Please present a better reflection of your upbringing -- if you cannot manage your time so that you MUST speed then you really ARE Better off driving.
thank you.
Recommendedp.s. also, i respectfully disagree that we are in uncharted waters in regards to this issue. in the US, cars became regulated by traffic safety laws in response to congestion, no?
Asia has been bustling with huge amounts of bike traffic and they could offer some pointers to us as well. If we americans take a look to see what we can learn from others, that is.
p.p.s. I also had someone damage my bike on the hawthorne when I was riding back between 5 - 6 pm and was driven into the wall by someone who insisted on passing me on the eastbound ramp which leads from the sidewalk to the road.
My shifter and cable were damaged because he was so close that I had to veer off the ramp and drive myself into the wall to avoid falling.
This individual could not wait for TEN feet to pass me. He had to have instant gratification.
that's the other thing: you have to suck as a bicyclist or not be very smart to do such things if you think that gets you ahead. please think about it!!
thank you.
Recommended#57 - Are you saying that experience, bike-handling skills, equipment, bike-maintenance, and physical conditioning are not factors in bicycle safety? Really? It's just about the topic at hand? The only thing that causes bike crashes is, "Not riding the speed dictated by conditions"?
Some bikers don't have a minivan parked at home. To some people, their bicycle is the last remaining tie they have to a bustling society that mandates mobility in order to survive. Some people find bus fare to be prohibitively expensive. Still others can't afford to miss work with an illness spread on mass-transit (Currently making the tour - TB, Hepatitis, MRSA Just to name a few). Forget the leg-up, or trying to better yourself, ever try to do laundry on foot? Day in and day out?
Maybe some one that far down on their luck doesn't have the spirit left to just, "Chill Out". Maybe this is an economic class issue. Those with the loving support of friends and family against those who have nothing but the desire to eat and survive.
Maybe that's why we have rules. So that people with different attitudes might mix in society without so much conflict. With a few rules, no one needs worry about any one Else's attitude, because it's the rules we're following, it's the rules that can be enforced.
Somehow these two folks ended up side-by-side on the Hawthorne bridge. Which is against the rules regardless of who was at fault. Once this rule was broken, whatdoyaknow, there was a crash and an injury.
So forget the rules. Forget that the more privilege one has the more likely they are to be happy, and accommodating, and just easier to get along with. Forget the thousands of bitter locals, might as well engage in a little RA-RA-California, just to rub it in. Na, forget all that stuff it's just useless. The answer is to just give every one a big hug and, "Chill Out".
Over and over again I see complaints by experienced cyclists about the lacking infrastructure around here. Yet the calls to novice, and first-time riders to hit the streets is being made even in this post. What logic dictates that newbs are going to be safer with a less developed infrastructure, than they would with better?
So the streets are safe enough for newbs, as evidenced the call to get more of them out there, but not safe enough for experienced riders? Experienced riders must change their riding practices? Really?
Please don't help me any more. Pretty please?! With sugar and honey on top?
RecommendedThanks for your positive article.....y'all don't know good y'all have until you live in to a town where riding a bike, is typically done by those who aren't allowed to drive a car....i.e. aren't old enough to have a license, and those who have lost their license (and in my opinion, are just as unsafe on a bike).
You Portlanders (?) are spoiled....but yes, i love the freedom i have when i'm on my bike. I sometimes see the individuals i've inspired out on the road, or the few that commute quite regularing, and actually have a short conversation, while riding.
Now if i could just figure out how to make more space on my bars for a coffee holder, then my AM commute would be better.
RecommendedAmen. Sometimes, there is just traffic and you just gotta slow down a bit (equally true for cars, bikes, and all road users). Riding to work is not the Tour de France. The few extra seconds it will cost to be safe in congested areas will not cost you the yellow jersey. Maybe you'll need to leave for work 36 seconds earlier, but this way no one will need to go to the ER.
RecommendedAnd to all you experienced riders out there--you have MORE responsibility to ride safely, not less. Those of us who have been out there for a while should be able to spot potential hazards (inexperienced riders, joggers with headphones, people going too fast, etc) sooner and act accordingly. Sometimes all it takes is backing off the speed for 5 seconds (not stopping for 5 seconds, just slowing a bit for a short time) to really smooth things out. You do yourself and everyone else a favor when you ride in a way that makes the traffic flow smoother, even if it costs you a second or two crossing the bridge.
RecommendedNo one can control other people's attitudes. Asking people to "chill out" isn't going to accomplish anything and is extremely condescending.
We need to focus on tangibles - making people practice safe, legal bicycling - and not worry about things we can't and shouldn't control, like someone's state of mind.
RecommendedAs a rider with a 21 mile commute each way. The difference between 10mph and 20 is 2 hours out of my day. That said, the Hawthorne is NO PLACE to be aggressive and twitchy, go with the flow peeps! However, if you are the slowest common denominator, be aware that people will be passing you and dont ride dangerously in the middle of the bike traffic lane unaware.
Have we considered one way traffic for both bikes and peds on the Hawtorne? There are two viable, wide, non motorized paths. It may be slightly more inconvenient, but would alleviate a big chunk of the problem.
RecommendedI like to think of safe passing distance as swinging distance. If someone can reach out and touch me on my way by, I'm too close and need to take it easy! My time isn't more valuable than anyone else's safety. Besides, crossing the Hawthorne only takes a few minutes on foot; I could hang out behind pedestrians for the entire stretch and it's not like I'm losing a significant amount of time.
It's one of those divided cost/benefit ethics situations. The benefit of blasting by someone unsafely is not shared by the blastee who is shouldering a large portion of the related safety cost. Not ethical behavior. (that's a fun ethical measure to apply to driving, too, but that's a whole 'nother conversation...)
RecommendedI am both a road and mountain biker and I could not agree with you more. I and hopefully most of my fellow mtb'ers for years now when we come across other trail users use the few simple rules to which you refer. Slow down, be courteous and say hello. Off road trail access issues should be a lesson for all the people using Portlands bikeways. I am a little surprised that it has taken you this long to come to this conclusion. In my humble opinion this should be a constant drum beat coming from editors like you and bike shops alike. The last thing the bike community needs is to be regarded as a fringe element of society unwilling to get along both with others and among itself.
RecommendedWow. Sorry. People did not enjoy my "chill" suggestion to the dude who caused this woman's face plant.
2nd try: Be self aware - Perhaps you don't want to be told to chill. If you are not a person who is willing or able to "chill" you can still be considerate of the conditions and how you may hurt someone.
RecommendedCars also need to chill on the Hawthorne Bridge. Cars speed at 50 all the time, and the cops make good money in that location.
Taking away one lane in each direction would slow down cars. They should put in a cement median too.
RecommendedI really hope this gathering sentiment doesn't translate into aggression toward faster riders. There is nothing inherently wrong with passing someone safely.
Recommended@WOBOG (#62)
I cannot agree more WOBOG. Weaving back and forth between the ped lane and the bike lane is a big part of the problem. I am a fast rider who is quite happy to simply slow down and follow a slower rider across the bridge when they ride in a straight and predictable line....in the lane designated for cyclists!
I suggest that we all just chill out around peds and slower cyclists, especially in rush hour traffic times. We are all traffic, whether we're on a bike, in a car, or on foot, and as such are sharing public roads and sidewalks.
It's really pretty simple.
1. Ride predictably and signal intentions to other forms of traffic
Recommended2. Ride at a speed that is reasonable for the given amount of congestion
3. Anticipate a slower commute during rush hour
4. Enjoy the fact that we live in a bike friendly city such as Portland. I've lived and commuted in cities such as Cleveland and Boston and can tell you I much prefer bike rush hour over braving Boston drivers
resident, #73, you're not getting it. During rush hour, holding one's line in the middle of the lane--instead of "considerately" weaving out of everyone's way--is the safest thing for a slow rider to do.
It's very similar to how we take the road lane when it's unsafe for cars to pass us.
RecommendedSlow or fast, I can't say that my work commute changes much from day to day any more than by 5-6 minutes.
Well said Jonathan. Slowing down when needed is easy, safe and hardly an imposition when merely trying to get around.
It's all about attitude. I want to see people safe--everyone; and I want to see more bikes than cars on all roads. The better each individual is about sharing the road, communicating one's intent, and allowing for minor adjustments, the better bike culture will be.
RecommendedHere, here, Jonathan. Enjoy the ride and the beautiful people.
I'd also like to add that it's imprudent to build facilities to fully accommodate the peaks.
RecommendedJonathan,
Thanks so much, and could not agree more.
I own three bikes, and one of those bikes is a high end road bike. Most weekends (nice, at least) I can be found taking advantage of Rubber to the Road and the great fast riding that the countryside offers. During the week I commute to work loaded with panniers on a hybrid. I take it slow(er) and ride like I’m going to work, not racing in the Tour. And even if you are using your commute to train for the next big ride, remember that most of us are not.
RecommendedWell said. Courtesy, common sense and allowing yourself more time to get from point A to point B should make things easier. Courtesy given begets courtesy received..commuting is not a competition.
RecommendedWell said Dan Kaufman!!! Unless there is a danger from a peak load, no system should be engineered for peak loads that happen only once a day.
It's unwise for car people to put all their $4 billion into a 12 lane bridge when a 3 lane bridge does just great most of the time. That money can solve car problems more strategically.
When a car bridge saturates, the drivers who can't chill have little chance to harm the people in front of them. They are stuck in their vehicle. Not so true for a saturated bike bridge.
I've learned a lot from this topic!
RecommendedI agree with Jonathan's remarks - but I think you should also address the other side of the problem - courtesy by slow riders. If you are a very slow rider, as courtesy to others you should ride towards the right and let others pass in order to ease the congestion.
If we are gonna behave like cars, we need to include this piece of the puzzle. You don't zoom by people in the freeway but you also shouldn't drive too slow in the left lane and hold traffic behind you. Both are a matter of courtesy and effectiveness.
Without this piece, the advice seems very one-sided and risks encouraging some self-righteous tendencies that so many people have. In my view, this tendency of catering to the slowest and least experienced people and expecting everyone to behave as the lowest denominator has less to do with safety issues and is more a matter of cultural sensibilities - and it should be left out of the equation if we are going to be fair and practical.
RecommendedDiogo and others who feel I have been one-sided on this issue.
You might recall a guest editorial I published back in February 2007 by Portlander John "Dabby" Campbell:
Passing thoughts on riding fast
I can appreciate the responsibilities of all riders, be they experienced or not, fast or slow.
It's really not about if someone is going fast or slow, it's about whether they are doing so in a courteous manner. You can be slow jerk or a fast jerk! It's about how you ride, not how fast you ride.
RecommendedI'm with Diogo (86). This whole thing seems totally one-sided to me, to the point of being silly.
Elsewhere, we've heard stories from at least two posters about people deliberately blocking their way on the bridge.
It is indeed about riding courteously regardless of speed.
RecommendedThanks Jonathan for the link and clarifications. And keep on the good work.
RecommendedPeople above are still misinformed about the path on the Hawthorne Bridge. There is no "bike lane" and "pedestrian lane" over most of the bridge. There is one shared path. It is perfectly legal to move to the right to let faster riders past, when conditions allow. In fact, it's downright civil to do so. Because civil does indeed go both ways.
RecommendedThen why are thee markings on the bridge in the first place if they do not demarcate a division between pedestrian space and cycling space?
RecommendedAre you saying that experience, bike-handling skills, equipment, bike-maintenance, and physical conditioning are not factors in bicycle safety?
No. I said nothing of the sort.
Really? It's just about the topic at hand? The only thing that causes bike crashes is, "Not riding the speed dictated by conditions"?
Again: no. You're so keen to set up strawmen that you're impairing your comprehension skills. My point was that the notion that slowness = safety is bunk. There *are* numerous other factors (we agree, yes?) to take into consideration - a cyclist with poor handling skills going slow is still dangerous. A slow cyclist rolling a stop is still dangerous. A slow cyclist making unsignalled turns is still dangerous. And so on.
The rest of your tirade is a load of incomprehensible garbage. FWIW, I am by not even close to being well-off. I have never so much as driven an automobile in my entire twenty-seven years of life because I've never been in a position to afford the expense, even as reduced by numerous state and federal subsidies. My bicycle is indeed the only affordable means I have of getting around. I prefer to move at a quick clip myself, as it's one of the more enjoyable activities in which I'm able to engage day-to-day, but in traffic of any sort, never faster than conditions dictate. Faster than that is not only stupid but dangerous. If it's especially wet out, if there's congestion, you better believe I'm going to slow down. I'm very interested in living, you see.
Additionally, if you read my original post, you'll note I disagree with the mere notion of "chill out" because it might be unfairly misconstrued as a bunch of huggy-wuggy hippie-dippy B.S., where all we have to do is calm down and go slow and have a good time out on our bikes. The real solution is riding sensibly and being aware of one's surroundings, and interacting with other road users accordingly.
RecommendedPeejay #90, look down next time you're on the bridge. Check out the surface markings (or Jonathan's photo). It's pretty clear-cut: cyclists left, peds right. What source leads you to declare that people are misinformed if they recognize this division?
Moving right may well be legal, but it's a bonehead thing to do *during rush-hour conditions*, which is what all this coverage has been about. A slow rider who moves right to allow a pass will just need to move left again to dodge a ped. And all that weaving left and right magnifies the opportunity for error and collision. Much better to "take the lane," similar to what we do on the road when it's not safe for cars to squeeze by us.
RecommendedN.I.K. and speedyg, many thanks for the backup. Whenever I see fast folks prudently holding behind slow folks on the bridge during rush hour, I'll send warm thoughts your way.
RecommendedThanks WOBG, although let me assure you, it's not necessary. Sharing the road (or, in the case of certain bridges, glorified sphinctery patches of sidewalk) is what gettin' places is all about! :)
Recommended"Some folks out there ride like they should never be forced to slow down."
this perfectly summarizes the problem.
it's an easy trap to fall into if you don't stay conscious of how you're riding.
great article, jonathan!
RecommendedHey thanks for the civility N.I.K.. I'm convinced I see a change in your position, but if you want to chalk that up to me setting up a strawman, sobeit. I'll take that out of deference. It wasn't my intent to weaken your argument, though.
These mass-transit advocates. Or more accurately in this context, those people who think I have other choices than my feet if the city continues to f up cycling in Portland.
Mass transit as a fun little adventure away from one's usual means of getting about can be fun. It's novel. Much to my surprise, my anecdotal observations lead me to conclude that most readers, and commenters here at BP have a car in the garage though. Mass transit is an entirely different experience for some one who does not have use it out of necessity.
It's easy to advocate for this stuff if you happen to belong to an economic class that can use it as an alternative. Get on those buses and those trains, day in and day out for a few years though. Antibiotic resistant staph, TB of the lungs and now nose, flu, and head-lice. The stench of unwashed bodies mixed with the sickening sweet of cheap perfume. There is no death of life and happiness as complete as a couple of years on the bus in this, or any other city in America. That's a poor person's take.
So the people advocating for the most extreme, arbitrary changes in the infrastructure are usually part-timers who don't have nearly the stake folks like you and I have, N.I.K.. They are people who continue to refuge in the safe confines of their personal automobile, while advocating for rules and laws that will effect the full timers much more than them. They don't care. As long as steps are being taken to simply lend the impression that the city is building them a George Jetson future-scape, sans CO2 of course.
Plus, one's income doesn't necessarily define one's economic class. This is most true with children of affluent parents. Who, in my experience only, tend to rebel against mommy and daddy's privilege, and ultimately self-identify with the lower classes.
If I lumped you in there, then you have my sincerest apologies. This too: Beware the cage with the Golden Bars.
RecommendedI sold both my mountain bike and road bike to get my "city" bike. It was the only way to keep riding and spend the needed time on Neighborhood Notes. Riding went from recreation to utilitarian transportation. I love it.
My city bike isn't built for speed, especially when loaded with camera gear. Yet it took me a while to lose the "fast" mindset. But I now ride at a slower pace. Maybe its age creeping in too.
The notion of slow down and chill when in heavy traffic is so true. I've seen many cyclists cruise through traffic the same way a skateboarder buzzes people on a sidewalk. It's just not needed. I love speed on the open road or on a great single track downhill. But in traffic chill, pick your spots to pass, and be courteous.
RecommendedVance--
RecommendedWhat on earth are you talking about?
I agree with WOBG. I ride resolutely on the left side of the shared path across the Hawthorne Bridge (unless there are no pedestrians at all). This allows faster riders to pass me on my right when there is an opportunity.
RecommendedWhen I first started using this bridge 28yrs ago, the sidewalk was about half as wide. We were all thrilled when the bridge was rebuilt with wider sidewalks. The Ross Island has one narrow sidewalk which require one user to stop & let the other pass by. Personally I enjoy pausing to appreciate the view.
I'm really looking forward to the new bridge w/o cars. In the mean time (and in the future) it would be helpful to have all those who cycle across the Hawthorne bridge be on the same page as far as "where we should be riding".
Last summer when this issue was being discussed on the shift list, a suggestion was made (by Ron Richlings of Vancouver, BC I think) that pedestrians be routed to the south (eastbound) sidewalk in the morning and the north (westbound) sidewalk in the evening. This way they would be on the side with fewer bikes. It's a good idea, but I don't know what it would take to put it into practice, let alone enforce it - don't you just love it when people on bikes (I hesitate to call them cyclists) ride on the wrong sidewalk (against the flow).
I agree that aggressive biking is a real problem on the Hawthorne bridge.
Nevertheless, in these times of increased ridership ultra slow bikers who ride at walking speeds are an increasing hazard. Slow riders who hold up traffic should consider dismounting and walking across the bridge.
Also, those trike rental thingies are dangerous -- I've seen several of them take spills. They should be banned from the bridge.
Recommended