RE: “New Program to Educate Cyclists.”

There was an article in the Collegiate Times today: “New Program to Educate Cyclists.” Because of the nature in which the entire article was written, and the perspective that it perpetrates, I cannot help but respond. Mostly it explains the partnership between Yield to Life and Virginia Tech. A partnership of a “campaign funded entirely by Yield to Life. The organization has given the university the brochures and ads as a part of the partnership” says the CT according to Deborah Freed the Virginia Tech Alternative Transportation Manager at Tech. It is great that Yield to Life is supporting the University in this way. The organization seems to have a very positive message that is equally aimed at cyclists and drivers alike. Both cyclists and drivers occupy space legally given to them on the roadways and Yield to Life expresses both legal, courtesy and common sense advice for both parties on how to respectfully share that space. Yield to Life was also formed by the pro-tours most comical rider, Dave Zabriskie. And of course I do not mean to belittle the good that Virginia Tech has done for cycling advocacy, equality among the roadways, and generally safety. However, I believe the University, or members within it, fall short in many ways actually believing in the program, by not implement the structures necessary, and by not striving for success with this matter.

To begin with, the article is entitled “New Program to Educate Cyclists.” Alone this implies that it is the cyclists that must learn something, that the cyclists that must be educated, and that it is the cyclist who is currently the source of roadway strife. Regardless of whether that is reality (and I really do not think that it is) the program Yield to Life is as much about driver education as it is about cyclist education. The program within Virginia Tech should be as much, or greater, about driver education than about cyclist education. We exist in a paradigm where in many way it is supposed that by turning 16 you are entitled to your majority of the road way. It is assumed that by passing a driving exam you are qualified to be a driver, or worse, that by passing a driving exam you are a good driver. This is the mentality that predominates, and it is one that leads drivers to believe that they are entitled to a majority. The reality is that driving is a privilege granted by the state, not something innate. Driving carries a huge level of responsibility that many people neglect when they drive. If a driver, or anyone is on a roadway, is not perceptive of that responsibility, then they are not worthy of the privilege to drive.

With regards to cyclist’s and driver’s burden of responsibility. While both parties are equally responsible legally to understand the legal system and abide by laws, I must acknowledge that the majority of responsibility lies with drivers. It may seem fair that since two parties are equally responsible in a legal sense to abide by laws, that they should also be equally responsible for the outcome of any incident, that is not the case. When driving an overwhelmingly powerful and massive vehicle, the consequence of a mistake on the driver’s part is of catastrophic consequence to a cyclist. I cannot conceive of a scenario in which a cyclist would win a fight with nearly a ton of steel. For that reason it is of paramount importance for drivers to be educated, both legally and in practice, of the weight of responsible they bear when driving a car. Yes, cyclists should know and follow the legal system, but ultimately it is the vehicle which should acknowledge the frailty of life, to yield to the cyclist, and to yield to life.

Ritchie Vaughan is quoted as saying that cyclists don’t know “whether to bike in the straight lane or the turning lane at the West Campus Drive/Prices Fork stoplight when biking down Prices Fork.” Imagine this intersection. In fact imagine many of the intersections on campus and in town. With regards to both car and bicycle traffic, many of them are vague. In this case the roadway structure has signage telling cars to “yield to bikes in turn lane.” Here the bike has precedence over the car. In nearly identical roadways there are bike lanes that say “end” every time a road way crosses it, does that mean that the cyclist has to yield every time the approach this “intersection”? In other cases bike lanes arbitrarily start and end, they cross roadways in confusing manners, and in a few instances the bike lane actually leaves the road way and onto its own surface structure/path. Cyclists not knowing what to do; the infrastructure within this town is outdated and inconsistent leading to both cyclists and drivers unsure of the right of way and what legally should be done. This is cause for education to both parties, but also a push for roadway consistency within town and campus.

Unfortunately it is difficult to make these changes, or acknowledge the system’s weakness when there is inconsistency within the town and campus legal structure. In an October ’09 Collegiate Times article "Local bike policies differ" Blacksburg Police Officer Sgt. Nathan O’Dell acknowledged these discrepancies.

"Students have recently been following Tech’s new campus policies, which allow cycling and skateboarding on sidewalks on campus. The town still has the ordinance in effect, in which students are not allowed to operate a bicycle, skateboard or in-line skates on the sidewalks. On the other hand, bicycles are allowed on public roads, but must act as if they were vehicles, and the riders must obey all traffic laws as if they were driving a car. One of the town’s ordinances is for bicycle use on sidewalks in a specified downtown area. Outside of that area, it is acceptable."

Nothing makes cycling more popular and appealing then making it accessible. Deborah Freed claims that “with Virginia Tech trying to promote cycling on campus … we decided we need a more inclusive policy that addressed the way bikes were being used and should be sued on Virginia Tech Campus.” That Tech is trying to address the issues of bicycle use is admirable and desired. If it is an aim of the town and Virginia Tech to increase bicycle use as an alternative to car use, then that needs to be done in a consistent way. The roadway systems and legal systems need to be established in a consistent manner that allows for ease of understanding. There is no sense in investing money in educating cyclists and drivers on the use of one road way system when it is surrounded by a separate and sometimes contradictory system.

In order for programs of alternative transportation, of cyclist/driver education and cooperative roadway existence to succeed there must be consistency and belief in such a system’s success. Deborah Freed: “We are trying to create, I guess, a sort of community and a cycling attitude on campus as well as among motorists that is one of mutual respect.” Does she “guess” that she is trying to adjust everyone’s perspectives and beliefs in the roadway system for an improvement in everyone’s safety though mutual respect? Does she “guess” that is what needs to happen, or should she believe it? We need the entire community, the entire university, and those who wield the powers of positive change within them to be determined and devoted to a cause of a better and safer place for which everyone in our community can benefit.

Next Project

At the moment I am very busy. Currently I am working hard on this weekend's bike race. Register for Tech Cross.

Later I am going to fix my jeans that keep ripping. An iron-on patch worked for a while, but I'm getting new weak spots that one of my toes is going to catch and open up in attempt to escape from cotton monotony.

However I've been doing some exploring. The internet is a playground and a great place to metaphorically look for bugs to molest with magnifying glasses. And so this is where I find next project. Full instructions here.

Hit and Run the Cyclist

So I've been pondering writing about this. Many of you may have already read this, other wise here you go.

Riding on October 28th I was with Andrew and Scott. We had left cross practice and were coming through campus to go home up Tom’s Creek. It was approximately 6:45PM. It was dark, but I had lights on the front and rear of my bike. We were in the bike lane leaving the drill field going up to Stanger St. riding single file because there was heavy traffic in the road. As we passed a car stopped near a cross walk the passenger opened his door to get out. There was nothing I could do besides yell and brace for an impact. Andrew collided with me. The driver had no hazards on and didn’t indicate that he was going to exit. The driver said something that may have rhymed with OMG or Woah, I didn't see you. The passenger got out and asked me if I was ok. I sat on the ground in shock. Traffic was backing up behind us so the passenger told the driver to leave and he did, without checking on me or asking for any info. I was still sitting on the ground and the passenger said he had to go because he had a test. He had a test so he left an accident, what are we really learning in school. Someone from the BT got the license plate and we called the police.

VT Rescue came and put a bandage on my chest where I hit the door. The police officer took Andrew, Scott’s and my statements. At some point she said that she thought bike lanes were a bad idea. I agreed, bikes should be in the road, then we are formally a part of traffic and are respected appropriately. She continued with bikes should be on the side walk... oh. I told her that was less safe and the best place for us was on the road.

My Independent Fabrication had a dent on the top tube so she noted its approximate value. She said that if she charged him with hit and run then we would be subpenaed regarding the case. Later she sent me this email: “Mr. Beloni I wanted to let u (yes she used the text messaging "u" form of "you") know I located the individual who struck you. The individual was charged with stopping in roadway. Thank you!”

It's the drill field, how do you get around it without stopping in a road way?

There will be legal action.
Think of Justin Timberlake's "what goes around comes back around"

Tech Cross

Tech Cross: Two days of racing starting on Saturday Nov 7th at 5PM, and just like last year those races will be held at night with adequate field lighting. The night time races have an awesome cross atmosphere, plus you can sleep in at home and still drive here and make it to the race on time! Sunday's Nov 8th races will be equally fun with over night changes to the course adding to the challenge. Lots of merchandise and cash prizes for those in non-collegiate categories, the very coveted points for those in collegiate races.

Check out Tech Cross, registration at www.pre-reg.com Flyer at TechCrossFlyer09

Roctape will be site both days doing free tapings and giving away free samples. www.rocktape.com

Red Bull stepped up this year and and ClifBar will be returning as participating sponsors of Tech Cross.

Tech Cross is also currently still accepting sponsorship. Any one interested in sponsoring a great event that raises money for the Virginia Tech Cycling Team should get in touch. Your organization’s sponsorship will be instrumental to the success of the event and will be advertised accordingly. We would love to advertise your support of our team!

Show your support of the Virginia Tech Cycling Team

Subaru Gary Fisher Road Team

Check out all the new stuff happening with the new Subaru Gary Fisher Road Team

Highlights include:
The Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team is pleased to announce Subaru and Gary Fisher Bikes as our new title sponsors for the 2010 race season. Both the men's and women's elite teams will compete across the Southeast as the Subaru/Gary Fisher Elite Road Team, racing the new Gary Fisher flagship carbon road bike, the Cronus.

The 2010 Subaru/Gary Fisher Elite Men's team will consist of 13 racers, including the additon of two new racers to the program for this year, AJ Meyer (Hincapie U23 Team) and Andrew Olson (DLP Pro Cycling). We have also expanded our 8 person womens roster to include 2 new strong racers, Sara Tussy and Nancy Jones for the 2010 season. Both Elite teams will be competing in Southeast road and cyclocross events as well as select national NRC races and the US National Championships (Elite, Masters and U23 Nationals).

Coming to a race near you, check it out:

New Product Development: Dirty Dick

Today after class I had collision with inspiration. I was in the bathroom. Not an uncommon place to come up with a world changing idea. I heard that the guy who invented sliced bread did so while testing his other great invention, the flushing toilet. So after using the toilet I went to the sink to wash my hands. Something that nearly all of us do. In fact the number 1 reason that I wash my hands after urinating is because other people don't. I guess if everyone washed there hands then there would be no reason to wash mine, but of course that’s the crux of the problem: because not everyone washes their hands, everyone has to wash their hands.

So as I stand there running warm water over my hands, a man exits stall number 2. Regardless of what he was doing in there (though whatever it was, it alone probably warrants hand washing), the fact that you are in the bathroom to begin with demands hand washing before you can leave. And of course also using your jacket to open the door on your way out, lest you get your clean and purty hands soiled again just as you make your clean escape.

However this man walks clear past the sinks, is almost gone, on to eat lunch, before realizing his mistake, turning back and visiting the sink. This is where I become inspired.

Maybe he grew up in a social situation in which hand washing wasn’t as prominent. Maybe his parents never constantly remained him as a child to wash his hands. Maybe for some reason he’s forgot what he’s been doing for the last 20 odd years, perhaps this guy is simply forgetful. Or worst of all, maybe he doesn’t like washing his hands but does it simply out of subscription to cultural norms. In any case, this man could use a reminder.

Now introducing “Dirty Dick”.

This is the perfect product any forgetful man. “Dirty Dick” is a cream that you apply to your male member before you leave the house in the morning. The cream dries quickly, has a bold blue color, but is non-staining, safe for all skin types and doesn't damage undergarments. It also has moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties making it perfect for maintaining male hygiene. The functional properties of “Dirty Dick” continue in that when you visit the restroom some “Dirty Dick” will ultimately rub off on to your hands leaving them with a bold blue tint. This becomes very obvious and will remind you that you need to go wash your hands before you leave a trail of blue markings all over yourself and your environment. It will also give you a colorful reminder when you reach down and adjust yourself in public. Perfect for forgetful men who need extra reminding. Also great for kids and teens who just don’t know better.

Also try "Dirty Lips" for forgetful women.

“Dirty Dick” is still in pre-protype stages and has no planned production or release schedule. In fact “Dirty Dick” will probably simply remain a figment of my imagination. However, if there is public interest I could consider changing that.

Its not broken, just got to let the air out

I've been waiting to write down my thoughts. And with a pending school work this seems like the best time.

Time: the near past
Location: Chapel Hill, NC

At the bike race: The cross country mountain bike race goes terribly. I have to drop out. Not because its too tough, I know how to harden up. Its just that I was hoping to ride for top 5, and after everyone got lost I thought getting lunch was a better idea.

After complaining to Kane about the whole thing, Ben Rice rolls up. He's hurt his hand. It is becoming swollen and is very painful. We decide that our next course of action would be to go to the hospital, UNC here we come. My thought of lunch are now very distant.

As we are leaving the park by driving along a section of road that is shared by the mountain bike course we get to a road block. Someone has parked a truck blocking the passage of cars, and with reason too. If they let cars through then they would be going head on towards racers. But it isn't a method that lets people in cars pass who need to, like us on our way to the hospital (traditionally a person would be playing the role of the truck).

Now this truck blocking the way is a huge state owned service vehicle. Something that with a snow plow attached could be used for destroying small to medium sized cars. We look around, no driver. Ben, a determined young man, decides that he is going to move the thing. Now I know you are thinking, how is a man with one damaged hand going to push such a big truck. Mind over matter my friend, mind over matter. He is going to hijack it.

Ben, damaged hand and all, climb up into this truck, fires it up, and backs it out of the way. I drive though. We debate getting the thing stuck, and decide against it. As we get back in my car a serious faced man is charging our way. He says something akin to -"No you di-n't. What you did was wrong, you are wrong. You can drive that truck, you don't have permission."
Ben looks at me, I look at him: "What?"
To the bewildered man: "How were we suppose to get out of here? What if there was an emergency (like Ben's hand or someone who lost a game of running with scissors)? Dude, we have to get out of here."

The guy comes around to his senses and realizes that what he did was weird and un-necessary. Ya damn straight it was. He tells us to "have a nice day." As nice as we can going to have going to the hospital.

At the hospital: After getting checked in the first time (Notice I'm beginning to count the number of check in's. We are at one.) we go through security (does that count as a second?).

This is the crux of the whole hospital experience: open your eyes.
We enter a small over crowded, standing room only, waiting room, adjacent to a large empty waiting room. "What's up with that room, can we go in there?"
Patient lady in waiting room- "Oh honey, that's for peds.?
Us -What?
lady- It's for pediatrics.
me- How come all the big adults have to wait in the small room and the kids, who aren't here, get the big room.
lady- Ahu-no

A few moments pass. For effect go do something awkward for a bit.

Lady again -"What did you do?"
Ben -Oh, I think I broke my hand.
lady- un-uh, no you di-n't. I seen men wit broken bones before. They cry like little girls, you ain't cryin'. I broke a bone one time. It was so painful. I couldn't sleep, ever. An you know why it hurt so much?
Ben- indulge us.
lady- It hurts cuz air gets in it. Yeaah, air gets in the bones and that is whay it hurts. you ain't cryin'...
me - Oh yeah, you know Ben, maybe your hand isn't broken. I mean you aren't crying and it doesn't look like there's any air in it.

A new lady approaches the waiting area- "Ben?"
Ben- "yeah that's me."
New lady- "When is your birthday?"
Ben gives the right answer and we follow her off.
Lady - "What? no you're not suppose to follow me, go back."

A few seconds later, "Ben?"
This time it is for real and we go to get checked in again, this is probably the 4th check in, depending on how good your counting is.
There are some check in words, you can fill in the blank.
nurse at this check in station -"So what does your shirt mean?" while he casts a sultry eye at both of us.
Ben- Oh well you see we go to VT and this "stick it in" shirt is from a cheer they sing at the games when we are in the red zone.
nurse- Oh (with dissapointment) I thought it meant something else.
Ben- Well yeah, I like to wear nice shirts out sometimes. You know when I'm doing stuff like going to the hospital or a big meeting, thats when I wear my stick it in shirt.
nurse- giggle
Me- Yeah like sometimes when you are going to meet your girlfriends parents for the first time, thats a good time to wear the stick it in shirt.
nurse- Oh yeaah, you know sometimes you've just got to bend over and take it.
us- What? What are YOU talking about?

We head off to Team-D. I don't know what Team-D stands for, we'll never know. But they seem like a cool bunch. We are told to wait again before we can be checked in again. This has to be at least the 11th check in (depending on how well you count).

We get checked in again. Ben gets some Rontgen rays. Then we go to a room. After a bit of waiting a doctor lady comes and shows us the x-rays.

That shit is broken, for real.

Two osteopathic residents, Bret and Reid (or was it Bret and Jermaine, we'll call him Jermaine so that the story doesn't get confusing) come in. They are classy guys. Jermaine doesn't wear a shirt, only scrubs (classy). Bret does stuff in his free time.

We explain to Jermaine about the lady who proposed that air in Ben's bones was the problem and what was causing the pain. Bret comes back in, we continue talking. We debate the need to let the air out of Ben's hand so that it will stop hurting. Bret is like WTF? We let him in on the joke.

Bret gives Ben a local anesthetic in his hand. It looks so painful I look away and talk to Jermaine about plaster. It is painful but effective. Then the coolest part of my day. Jermaine takes Ben's hand, wraps it in plaster, and proceeds to manhandle the shit out of it. Ben can't feel any pain, but he can feel the bones moving around, wicked. Jermaine pushes it with a lot of weight and holds it until the plaster sets. High fives all around.

We go get copies of Ben's x-rays.

The night ends with suds and pasta.