Cycling Forums - Commuting and Road Safety

commuting in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Chris0516 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:52:05 GMT

My query is because, I am planning on moving to a section of the city called 'Eldorado at Santa Fe'. I would have to go into the city to do any banking because, the bank I use, does not have a location in 'Eldorado at Santa Fe'.

I have communicated with the Sheriff of Santa Fe County and, the Police Chief for the City of Santa Fe. They both said the same thing, that the state drivers manual says, that I can ride on the road. But where the problem is, concerns the traffic. I have been told that, the Old Las Vegas Highway is much more dangerous than going on US 285. But US 285 has a 65mph speed limit. The OLVH looks safer because, it is a two-lane blacktop and no shoulder. Whereas, US 285 is four lanes with a grassy median and a big shoulder.

Any advice/help with my problem, would be greatly appreciated.

Cycling in the Netherlands

steve — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:39 GMT

We could learn a lot from this country :)

YouTube- dutch cycling

YouTube- Cycling in the Netherlands in the 1950s

Electric assist for us older guys/women

dgdaut — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:25:21 GMT

]My family and I are saving many thousands per year by using electric bicycles. It is my primary source of local transportation and I have logged thousands of miles on it. All I did was pull an old Mongoose out of the shed and put a good quality ]electric bike kit on it, and have never had a problem. A recent article about us came out in the local paper. And now I’m doing my best to help others embrace a mode of transportation that can provide as much or as little exercise as one desires for less than a penny a mile (based on battery charging costs). There are certain safety laws that must be adhered to, but an electric powered bike that remains within the power output and braking system rules, is considered a bicycle. No insurance, registration, etc. required. The motor is independent of the pedal and gear system, so you only have to use it when you want to. The technology has come a long ways and is very reliable. The latest Lithium LifePO4 batteries will last for nearly 2000 charges and only weigh 10 lbs (or less). It’s not for everyone, and many cyclists much prefer a light bike and human power. I think that is great. For some of us, however, beating the gas pump with a little less sweat equity makes it much more fun and enjoyable!

Had a nasty crash

AndiG — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:52 GMT

The other day a taxi driver was signalling right so I naturally speeded up to go past (UK Left hand side of the road) only to my horror he decided to turn left, I was doing about 20mph at the time. Was wondering what I can do to get this guy to realise you cant go doing stuff like this. Also it has knocked my confidence a bit and my front wheel wobbles slightly now. I hit him on his passenger side door pretty hard, got a badly bruised left arm, elbow and knee.

Finally any tips on getting back in the saddle.