Biking to Work – See what it is like to Share the Road from a Cyclist’s perspective!

I am biking to work during the month of May. My name is Patrick. I am a husband, a son, and an uncle. I am also a bicyclist. I advocate Sharing the Road.

http://www.SchoolTrainingSolutions.com/sharetheroad.

I am also the Director of School Training Solutions. http://www.SchoolTrainingSolutions.com.

I choose to ride a bicycle, although I own multiple cars. I pay taxes.

Patrick Willi, Director of School Training Solutions, ready for biking.

May is National Bike Month. http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/
My goal is to ride to work all month.

This is my 5/21/13 trip via my helmet camera.
I work 2.69 miles from home.
It takes 10-15 minutes to drive.
It takes 10-12 minutes to bike.
I drive an old car with “bad” gas mileage.
I’ve saved at least $60.00 this month
.
Cyclists are held to the same laws as automobiles.
This includes stopping at Stop Signs and Traffic Lights.
Some states make exceptions for cyclists. Know your state laws!

This is Florida Hwy 90 (aka) Nine Mine Road (Pensacola, FL) – 6:50 a.m.

Pedestrians are supposed to travel toward oncoming traffic. They can see what is coming toward them.
Cyclists are supposed to travel with traffic. We don’t see what is coming toward us, from behind.
Bicyclists rely on motorists to be courteous and safely pass us.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
In 2011, 677 bicyclists died in automobile related accidents. http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/

Each morning I use 5 lights (2 solid; 3 flashing) and put on a bright orange bag.
I hope this makes me more visible to motorists.
On rainy or overcast days I add more lights and reflective clothing.
And this is only for 6 miles of riding a day.

Most states have a 3 foot rule to give bicyclists room on the road. http://www.3feetplease.com

Cyclists are not on the road to be a nuisance.
We are on bicycles for the same reasons you are in an automobile…
…traveling to work or to the store. (Or maybe for exercise.)

Co-worker about to say, “good morning.”
Good morning Josh. You’ll beat me to the office today.

I typically average 13-14 mph on this route. My max speed is about 20 (on this route).
Road conditions have an impact. Small debris and cracks can cause problems.
I feel every bump.

Cycling to work takes planning.
I prep everything the night before. Cycling clothes. Work clothes. Food. Bicycle and cycling gear, etc.
I also have to think about when/how I’m going to run errands before or after work.

The benefits I’ve noticed:
Exercise every day.
Saves money.
Reduces stress.
Better time management.
More energy at work.
Endorphins.

Draw-backs I’ve noticed:
Can’t carry as much stuff.

Motorists, thank you for safely Sharing the Road.

Do you know why school buses are equipped with STOP signs?

What do you do when you see an activated STOP sign on a school bus?

Lights and signs activate every time school buses stop to load or unload

Today, April 18, 2013, Rockland County Police are monitoring school buses as part of Operation Safe Stop. The annual event promotes safety and increases awareness to the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. Drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses will be ticketed and fined. A person found guilty can get five points imposed on his or her license and possible imprisonment of up to 30 days for a first offense and up to 180 days for a third conviction in three years. Passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and the stop sign deployed puts children in danger.

Motorists illegally passing school buses are not isolated occurrences. Each year the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) conducts a National Stop Arm Violation Count. In 2012 NASDPTS found that nearly 100,000 bus drivers reported 39,760 total stop arm passing incidents, often involving several cars in each incident during the one-day survey.

It is impossible to know why a person decides to run this particular stop sign. Does the driver not see it? Does the driver not know they are supposed to stop? Are these drivers just in a hurry? Some people think most of these drivers simply do not know the law.

When was the last time you read the laws related to stopping for a school bus in your state?

This Ohio woman was caught driving on the sidewalk to avoid a school bus that was loading special needs children. She was caught on video because she did it multiple times!

If you would like to read the entire Rockland County article on lohud.com, the link is: http://www.lohud.com/article/20130417/NEWS03/304170141/Police-ensure-Rockland-motorists-stop-school-buses

If you would like to learn more about NASDPTS, visit: http://www.nasdpts.org/

If you would like to read the laws for your state, visit: https://www.schooltrainingsolutions.com/wp-content/themes/STS_WP_Theme/marketing/pdf/State_Laws_Regarding_Passing_School_Buses.pdf