Great Ames Adventure Race
The Friends of Central Iowa Biking, Skunk River Paddlers, and Ames Area Running Club are sponsoring "The Great Ames Adventure Race" on Sunday, Aug. 31st. The race consists of a 3 mile (4.8K) canoe race, followed by a 15 mile (24.1k) bikeride and finishes with a 5K (3.1 mile) run. For more information, see the 2008 GAAR brochure and registration form and the 2008 GAAR route maps.
Sue Crull Injured in Ames Accident after RAGBRAI Concert
Stan and Sue Crull (former FCIB members) had ridden their bicycles to the Styx/Nadas concert the night RAGBRAI was in Ames and were riding their bicycles home after the concert. At the corner of Lincoln Highway and University Blvd (Elwood Drive), they saw their white pedestrian crossing signal, and proceeded into the street. A 19-year-old driver turned the corner, hit Sue, breaking her femur (thigh bone) so badly that Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames sent her to Mayo Clinic for bone-setting. Jeri Neal reports that, as of July 29th, Sue is still at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, waiting for swelling to go down, prior to operation. She'll be in a wheelchair for 3 months, with no weight bearing.
Cards can be sent to Sue Crull at 817 Ridgewood Avenue, Ames 50010.
Bicyclists and Motorists Share Same Rules, Same Rights, and Same Roads for Safety
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition recently sent out the following press release:
Iowa is experiencing a bicycle boom due to increasing gas prices and concern for the environment. Bicycles on Iowa's roadways are common. Motorists are advised to treat bicycles just as they would another vehicle to void conflicts and potential injuries.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition points out bicyclists have the same rights and duties under the Iowa Code. The passage was affirmed by the Iowa Supreme Court in 2002 (Vasconez v. Mills). "A person using a bicycle for transportation should be given the same respect as any other person using the transportation system," says Mark Wyatt of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. "Likewise, bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road."
Passing a vehicle is a concern for cyclists and motorists. The Iowa Drivers Manual says, "Good judgment and clear roads are needed to pass safely." If there is room to pass a cyclist, move to the left of the centerline and carefully accelerate.
If there is no room to pass, follow the cyclist and wait cautiously for another opportunity. "Many drivers try to squeeze the cyclist or they underestimate the speed the cyclist is traveling." A few extra seconds to assure safe passing will help reduce injuries.
More information is available from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org.
Sharrows - would these work in Ames?
"Sharrows" are share lane pavement markings. Cities like Portland, OR, and Denver, CO, are using them on streets where traffic volumes are relatively high but lack adequate space for a bike lane or off-street bicycle facility. Could these be used in Ames on streets like Lincolnway or Duff Ave. in the downtown area that have limited available right-of-way? Thanks to Jeri Neal for suggesting the idea.
2008 Bicycle Summit Report
Carol Williams, Terese Peters and Jeri Neal attended the Iowa Bicycle Summit in Des Moines on Jan. 18 & 19. Read their report on the Summit in the February Chain Mail.