From: lind0014@student.tc.umn.edu ()
Subject: Re: A Quick Survey
Organization: University of Minnesota
Distribution: uk
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 17:45:24 GMT

In article <11432@baird.cs.strath.ac.uk> dmarsh@cs.strath.ac.uk (David R Marsh CS91) writes:
>
>Do you cycle on roads at all?
 Yes, almost exclusively.  
>Do you cycle on major roads at all?
 Yes, as long as it is not restricted access (meaning expressway w/ min legal
 speed=45mph.
>Do you cycle on major roads (especially dual carriageways) outwith towns?
 Huh? see above.
>What do you think of the attitude of car (bus etc) drivers?
 Bus drivers are usually ok, most car drivers are ok too.  If I signal and
 ride as if I were driving a car I think they tend to act like I'm a car. 
 When we have an especially good snowfall they 4WD drivers usually yell
 get off the road, since they think that I have less control than I do.  
>Do you think cyclists get enough respect?
 Except from the occasional driver, yes around here (Minneapolis)
>Do you feel safe cycling on roads? 
 About as safe as driving on them.
>Do you think enough is done to improve conditions for cyclists?
 No. It is illegal to park at a meter downtown here and it is occasionally
 enforced despite he lack of other parking.  I think a little more
 emphasis in drivers education might also help.  If people knew better how
to drive around cyclists, they might not do so many stupid things that are
often intended to show at least some respect but are also very unpredictable.
>...and how do you think this should be done (cycleways, cycle lanes, or what)?
 See above
>What is your normal mode of transport?
 Bicycle. 
>How do you transport your bike (when not actually cycling!)?
 Bicycle. I bike to and from rides.  Occasionally I scam a ride back from
 someone with a rack.  I also rent the occasional car for vacations.
>Are you a member of a cycle club or campaign group?
 Beginning University bike club now.
>What do you think of current transport policy?
 Should include more plans for sharing roads w/ bikes, slower vehicles. 
 Very crowded cities could do well with private motor vehicle reductions. 
>Do you think that bike carriage on trains is important?
 Yes.  It was available in Germany & a very good idea.  Boston, MA also
 allows it on sunday, but it should be extended to all non-rush hour.
>What are the main uses of your bike?
 Commuting, shopping, getting around, occasional off road rides, frequent
 fun rides. (less frequent in dead of winter.)
>What sort of bike(s) do you have (mountain bike, recumbent, racer etc)?
>Peugeot Mtn. Bike (very cheap model.)  Bianchi road bike (reasonable
cheap model)
>What do you think of law-breaking cyclists?
 Evolution in action.  I used to think that they gave me a bad rep, but I
 think now that it's partly true although less than 100%.  As long as I
 ride predictably I get a lot of respect on the road.  I think it also
 helps to look like I ride all the time. (Lights, reflectors, bright clothes) 

>(And I suppose I have to ask) do you wear a helmet?
Yes.  Always, I'm even tempted to wear it for driving and skiing.  I feel
naked without it.

Chris Lindensmith
lind0014@student.tc.umn.edu
University of Minnesota
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.misc,rec.bicycles.soc