2009 First Six Months - It's Not the Car Payments that kill you...It's the Car.

(Map Below)
Although in this blog I try to retain an upbeat tone to the benefits of decreasing our dependence on cars, I do have to highlight something the auto companies try to hide, and that is the sheer number of casualties; both fatal and non-fatal, related to autos. In memory of all victims of traffic fatalities I try to make mention of those who left us just to show you how vulnerable we all are to traffic fatalities. As I have mentioned before I have allready lost three high school classmates (one who lived several doors down from us) and several friends. When I tell people that I ride a bike the usually response centers on the dangers of cycling, without ever realizing that for most males under 30 years old, traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death.

This rememberance actually started the moment I became car-free when someone responded with the usually "bike=danger" response.  I figured that if people actually saw a visually representation of a traffic death in their neighborhood they might just be a little more careful in how they drive. I also try to hightlight the young age at which many auto-victims leave us. 

Two Things To Note

The high frequency of bicycle and/or pedestian incidents that involve a hit and run is both shocking and embarassing.  Asleigh Jackson is just one example of a cyclist who along with her boyfriend where "just riding along" when they were struck by a late model BMW of Highway 9 and Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga, CA.  (flyer courtesey of Alto Velo)This criminal has not been caught yet, highlighting another reason to keep this on everyone's radar.

The other troubling statistic is the number of train vs. autos, bikes, and pedestrian accidents.  I beleive in the first part of this year the number has grown to 16 in the Santa Clara valley.  I am currently research this statistic to come up with some reliable data.

Victims 20 and Under


1-5-2009     Skylar Feather, age 18, driver
1-22-2009   Man Ly Yeung, 18, pedestrian
2-1-2009   Ivy Carrasco, 15, "Go-Cart" Driver
2-3-2009   Issac Young, 6, passanger, killed by DUI driver
2-9-2009 unidentified solo driver, killed in rollover incident.
2-22-2009 Maura Avalos Garcia, 20
3-7-2009 Rafael Narajo, Jr., 20 driven by 20 year old Adam Mendoza charged with  vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and drunken driving
3-11-2009 unidentified 17 year pedestrian
5-8-2009 Seth Adam Koller, 16, pedestrian
5-16-2009 Paul Benabides, 20, car occupant
6-5-2009  unidentified passenger, 22
6-18-2009 Shawn Miller, killed while crossing VTA Light Rail Tracks.

6-18-2009  Simardeep Bathia, passenger, 20
6-21-2009  Filipe Bergara, 20, driver
6-21-2009  Maria Jennings, 19, passenger of Filipe Bergara

Rest In Peace


View 2009 Fatal Vehicular Accidents in South San Franciso Bay in a larger map
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Spotted in The Glen

These two beautiful Electra "Hollywoods" spotted at Peet's Coffee in Willow Glen, San Jose, this morning.



-- Post From My iPhone

Park San Jose

This sign seems so natural for a city that boasts "Come Downtown to play. We have over 23,000 parking spaces".

Translation - Cars are are number one priority. Bike/Ped projects.....nah.....not on our list.




-- Post From My iPhone

Nice Surley Long Haul Trucker

Saw this nice Surley Long Haul Trucker today, fully outfitted for touring. Nice steel frame.


-- Post From My iPhone

Interesting Electric Bike

Spotted this bike parked in front of my local Peet's coffee shop. The owner said that max speed is 26 mph and it weighs about 60 lbs.

The logo on the frame looked like it said "E+". The battery is in the front oversized hub and the motor is in the back hub.


-- Post From My iPhone

Summer Bike Tour Recap

Just in time for summer. Here are some posts related to bike touring in Quebec.

Cycling in Quebec is an amazing experience for several reasons. Without having to travel to far you can enjoy a cultural experience unlike anything in the lower 48 states. In addition to the language and food; the historical apsects and the sheer enthusiasm for cycling are evident everywhere. In this first blog post of August 16, 2007 I describe "The State of Cycling in Quebec" .

The reason to visit Quebec by bicycle though is the recently inagurated "La Route Verte", a wonderful trail system that spans much of this French speaking province. As the website states:

Made up of over 4,000 km of bikeways criss-crossing the most beautiful regions of Quebec, the Route verte puts you on the right track for the vacation of your dreams. No matter which bikeway you cycle on—the Parcours des Anses in Lévis, the Véloroute des Bleuets encircling Lac Saint-Jean, the Berri Street bike path in Montreal or the Estriade in the Eastern Townships—you’re riding on the Route verte.

After flying in to Burlington, Vermont we headed north to the border to discover the Canton d'l Este or "Eastern Townships". Due to the Anglo influence in the area the town names are strickingly similar to their New England counterparts. Names such as Windsor, Sherbrooke, Sutton, and Bromtonville give an indication of the areas past. In the Eastern Townships a visit to the Benidictine Abby - St. Benoit du Lac is a must. The abbey is famous for their cheese and ciders which are all produced on site from the abbey's farm and orchards.

Definitly make it a point to visit either Montreal or Quebec City. Quebec City, being the only walled city in North America is a treat to walk around. Set up on a bluff overlooking the Saint Lawrence River is an absolute gem of a town. Also try to get in a ride to the Montmorency Falls about an hour by bike outside of town. Don't worry about not being able to find your way by bike. The trails on La Route Verte are very well marked and there is a Canadian Tourist Office in every town we visited. The staff in these bureaus are extremely helpful and friendly (and speak excellent English).

If you didn't find any of the area worthwhile the food alone will make you want to go. After sampling some of the local food; including Poutine, you really realize we are borderline third world when it comes to food.

Happy Travels