This morning's The Argus contained the following editorial:
Rock Island: on the Lane to Livability
By Chuck Oestreich
Quick, what makes a city a vibrant place for living? What ranks it high on the many "best places to live" lists? What makes its citizens quietly happy about where they have elected to reside?
One quick answer, surprisingly, is bicycling. And it’s more than having a path or two through some parks or along a river. No, what helps to rank a city high is its proactive stance and positive action in making it easier for its citizens to bicycle almost anywhere in the city. It’s what’s happening in Seattle, Madison, and Chicago, among other places.
And it’s happening right now in Rock Island.
As you travel on 7th Avenue after its recent resurfacing, you can’t help but notice the new bike lane striping between 20th and 11th Streets. Five-foot wide lanes are on each side of the roadway, with innovative striping at intersections. With more resurfacing in the future, residents will be able to travel all the way to the Mississippi River from the north center of the city on these lanes.
And this is not the first. Rock Island has the distinction of having the first striped bicycle lanes on a major thoroughfare in the Quad Cities. This is on 17th Street between 31st Avenue and the Rock Island Fitness Center, which is very close to Blackhawk Road.
The benefits of bike lanes are many. At the top is the perception they give that bicyclists – and pedestrians at intersections – are welcome as a part of the transportation flux of everyday life. And that word "transportation" is important. So many times we consign bicycling to recreation, forgetting that much localized travel can be easily and safely accomplished on a bike.
Bike lanes are magnets; they attract bicyclists. In an era of increasing obesity, softening of fitness, and over-reliance on labor saving devices, taking a bike ride to a store for a loaf of bread instead of guzzling up the car is almost a national imperative. And bike lanes make it much easier for that to happen.
The lanes are also helpful for cars because they clearly show the zone of safety on the side of the road that usually is an open blank. With lanes, swerving to avoid a bicyclist and possibly invading another driver’s space isn’t usually necessary. Drivers are used to roadway striping for vehicles, such as the middle double line, and generally they rigorously obey it. Lane striping for bikes is just an extension of that.
I’m happy that Rock Island is leading the way in the Quad Cities with this innovative striping. It makes my city more livable.
Livability and bicycling. They go hand in hand, or should we say handlebar to handlebar. And in Rock Island they’re riding together in tandem.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 8, 2006
Brrrring it on
Brrrring it on
By Ann McGlynn from the QC Times| Friday, December 08, 2006
Since crashing on his bike hurts “10 times more” in the winter than in the summer, Jeff Bradley often chooses cross-country skis over a bicycle once the snow and ice hit.
Bradley, the owner of On Two Wheels in Davenport, can usually be found at Duck Creek Golf Course these days, one of the hundreds of runners, bikers, walkers and other outdoor fitness lovers who are changing what they do or how they do it now that winter has set in.
“Anything outdoors is doable,” Bradley said. “There’s ice skating and hockey. A lot of people will switch and go indoors and go to the gym for spinning or aerobics. There’s lots of stuff to do out there, lots of activity indoors or out.”
Cross-country skiing, he said for example, is a great “all body workout, and it’s fun. It gets you outside in the fresh air. It’s really beautiful.”
But no matter the outdoor activity, the American Council on Exercise says proper insulation and consideration of environmental factors is vital.
Specifically, the council offers these tips:
Check the temperature and wind conditions before you go out and do not exercise if conditions are dangerous, or 20 degrees below zero when considering temperature and wind chill.
Keep your head, hands and feet warm. Keeping hands warm is easier than keeping feet warm, as hands can be superficially warmed to return blood flow, the organization said. But to keep feet warm, the rest of your body must be warm.
To do that, dress in layers that can provide a trapped layer of dry air near the skin. Avoid cotton sweats and tightly woven materials.
Warm the air you are breathing if temperatures are below your comfort level, usually around 0 degrees.
The indoor options in the Quad-Cities continue to expand, as well. More clubs are opening throughout the Quad-Cities. Established clubs are beginning to offer their annual winter specials, with a larger variety of classes geared to all fitness levels.
One of the new clubs is Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience in Moline, which is catering to bicycle enthusiasts going through warm-weather withdrawal and those who wish to try something different than a traditional club, said owner Donnie Miller.
His high-tech system allows visitors and members to tailor their workouts to specifically what they want or need, he said. One system, for example, allows people to bring in their own bikes, place it in a roller and choose a well-known or local course to “ride” while watching a large-screen television.
Another allows riders to record their ride information and compete against themselves throughout the winter.
Motivation, Miller said, is a struggle when it is cold and dark outside, Miller said.
“It is so easy to say I’m not going to do it today, then three months and 15 pounds later, April comes and you’re out of shape,” he said.
Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.
Tips for keeping your kids active in the cooped-up months of winter, from the American Council on Exercise, or ACE:
Take your kids with you for a gym workout. YMCAs and health clubs offer a warmer fitness alternative to outside and now have expanded programs for kids and parents, such as parent/child yoga and Pilates, youth circuit classes and family personal training.
Head to the mall for a walk. Many malls are open early for morning walkers and are a great way to get physical activity with the kids. Parents can split up with their children into teams and each can compete to reach a certain store in the shortest amount of time.
Commercial time is “movement time.” Establish “movement time” during commercials when children have to get up and move around the house, either to take the dog outside or put away laundry. Parents can also offer rewards for children who do their activities.
Youth-fitness products keep kids busy indoors. There are a variety of youth-oriented fitness products parents can buy including at-home yoga kits and child exercise videos and games. These would make great holiday or birthday gifts.
ACE recommends children get approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but that can be broken up into intervals anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
By Ann McGlynn from the QC Times| Friday, December 08, 2006
Since crashing on his bike hurts “10 times more” in the winter than in the summer, Jeff Bradley often chooses cross-country skis over a bicycle once the snow and ice hit.
Bradley, the owner of On Two Wheels in Davenport, can usually be found at Duck Creek Golf Course these days, one of the hundreds of runners, bikers, walkers and other outdoor fitness lovers who are changing what they do or how they do it now that winter has set in.
“Anything outdoors is doable,” Bradley said. “There’s ice skating and hockey. A lot of people will switch and go indoors and go to the gym for spinning or aerobics. There’s lots of stuff to do out there, lots of activity indoors or out.”
Cross-country skiing, he said for example, is a great “all body workout, and it’s fun. It gets you outside in the fresh air. It’s really beautiful.”
But no matter the outdoor activity, the American Council on Exercise says proper insulation and consideration of environmental factors is vital.
Specifically, the council offers these tips:
Check the temperature and wind conditions before you go out and do not exercise if conditions are dangerous, or 20 degrees below zero when considering temperature and wind chill.
Keep your head, hands and feet warm. Keeping hands warm is easier than keeping feet warm, as hands can be superficially warmed to return blood flow, the organization said. But to keep feet warm, the rest of your body must be warm.
To do that, dress in layers that can provide a trapped layer of dry air near the skin. Avoid cotton sweats and tightly woven materials.
Warm the air you are breathing if temperatures are below your comfort level, usually around 0 degrees.
The indoor options in the Quad-Cities continue to expand, as well. More clubs are opening throughout the Quad-Cities. Established clubs are beginning to offer their annual winter specials, with a larger variety of classes geared to all fitness levels.
One of the new clubs is Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience in Moline, which is catering to bicycle enthusiasts going through warm-weather withdrawal and those who wish to try something different than a traditional club, said owner Donnie Miller.
His high-tech system allows visitors and members to tailor their workouts to specifically what they want or need, he said. One system, for example, allows people to bring in their own bikes, place it in a roller and choose a well-known or local course to “ride” while watching a large-screen television.
Another allows riders to record their ride information and compete against themselves throughout the winter.
Motivation, Miller said, is a struggle when it is cold and dark outside, Miller said.
“It is so easy to say I’m not going to do it today, then three months and 15 pounds later, April comes and you’re out of shape,” he said.
Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.
Tips for keeping your kids active in the cooped-up months of winter, from the American Council on Exercise, or ACE:
Take your kids with you for a gym workout. YMCAs and health clubs offer a warmer fitness alternative to outside and now have expanded programs for kids and parents, such as parent/child yoga and Pilates, youth circuit classes and family personal training.
Head to the mall for a walk. Many malls are open early for morning walkers and are a great way to get physical activity with the kids. Parents can split up with their children into teams and each can compete to reach a certain store in the shortest amount of time.
Commercial time is “movement time.” Establish “movement time” during commercials when children have to get up and move around the house, either to take the dog outside or put away laundry. Parents can also offer rewards for children who do their activities.
Youth-fitness products keep kids busy indoors. There are a variety of youth-oriented fitness products parents can buy including at-home yoga kits and child exercise videos and games. These would make great holiday or birthday gifts.
ACE recommends children get approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but that can be broken up into intervals anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Indoor Roller Race
Rollin' the DICE Roller Race
Held under USCF permit
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Starting at 12:00 noon
Registration from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
@ Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
1554-52nd AVE.
Moline, IL 61265-7077
Phone (309) 743-0260 or (877) 743-0261 toll free
bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net www.DiceTraining.com
Two-mile timed distance on Kreitler alloy rollers w/flywheel & headwind fan measured by Roller Fusion program. Two up race format.
Prize list: $260
Senior 1,2,3 $30 $20 $15
Senior 4 $30 $20 $15
Women $30 $20 $15
Masters 40+ $30 $20 $15
Juniors 15 Awards 3 places
Juniors 16-18 Awards 3 places
Category 5 / Citizens Awards 3 places
Exhibition Events
Open to anyone, all categories blended
Mt. Bike or Cyclo Cross Bike on LOG Rollers
2-Up CompuTrainer 3 mile race
Entry Fee:
$13 (includes $2 USCF Ins. & $1 IBRA) Juniors pay only $3.
Citizens required buying a one-day USCF LICENSE
2nd race only $5
Rules:
All riders will ride on the Kreitler Headwind Roller system for 2-miles competing for fastest elapsed time in their category.
Riders will ride in the approximate order of registration.
All USCF rules apply and helmets are required.
No rerides
An Iowa Roller Champion will be awarded for each category.
Your average time in 3 races will determine your finishing place in the State Champion award.
There will be a prize drawing for a set of Kreitler rollers at the final roller race. To be eligible in the drawing you must compete in four of eight roller races. Your name will be put into the drawing for as many times you enter, minimum four times, maximum eight times. This coincides with the eight different roller race dates. The more roller races you go to, the better chances you have in the drawing.
Promoted by: Double "I" Cycling Experience (DICE)
Sponsored by: Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
Contact: Donnie Miller (309) 743-0260 bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net
A 2007 Iowa Roller Race Championship Event
Held under USCF permit
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Starting at 12:00 noon
Registration from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
@ Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
1554-52nd AVE.
Moline, IL 61265-7077
Phone (309) 743-0260 or (877) 743-0261 toll free
bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net www.DiceTraining.com
Two-mile timed distance on Kreitler alloy rollers w/flywheel & headwind fan measured by Roller Fusion program. Two up race format.
Prize list: $260
Senior 1,2,3 $30 $20 $15
Senior 4 $30 $20 $15
Women $30 $20 $15
Masters 40+ $30 $20 $15
Juniors 15 Awards 3 places
Juniors 16-18 Awards 3 places
Category 5 / Citizens Awards 3 places
Exhibition Events
Open to anyone, all categories blended
Mt. Bike or Cyclo Cross Bike on LOG Rollers
2-Up CompuTrainer 3 mile race
Entry Fee:
$13 (includes $2 USCF Ins. & $1 IBRA) Juniors pay only $3.
Citizens required buying a one-day USCF LICENSE
2nd race only $5
Rules:
All riders will ride on the Kreitler Headwind Roller system for 2-miles competing for fastest elapsed time in their category.
Riders will ride in the approximate order of registration.
All USCF rules apply and helmets are required.
No rerides
An Iowa Roller Champion will be awarded for each category.
Your average time in 3 races will determine your finishing place in the State Champion award.
There will be a prize drawing for a set of Kreitler rollers at the final roller race. To be eligible in the drawing you must compete in four of eight roller races. Your name will be put into the drawing for as many times you enter, minimum four times, maximum eight times. This coincides with the eight different roller race dates. The more roller races you go to, the better chances you have in the drawing.
Promoted by: Double "I" Cycling Experience (DICE)
Sponsored by: Donnie's Indoor Cycling Experience
Contact: Donnie Miller (309) 743-0260 bcycleracr@sbcglobal.net
A 2007 Iowa Roller Race Championship Event
New Winter Series
The Bees will once again step out of the mainstream. This time, however, we feel that instead of just stepping somewhere that is not occupied, we are stepping into the future. Another big change is we will not be doing it alone, as the DICE Team is coming along.
Starting next Saturday and Sunday, we will begin a non sanctioned race series that will last until the beginning of March. For at least 4 hours each day there will be high tech indoor racing with up to 8 people competing over various courses throughout the series. Each race will last roughly 45 minutes. At the end of the series there will be a few raffle prizes donated by Healthy Habits bike shop of Bettendorf. This should not disrupt the roller season with the flexibility of days you can race. You will use your own bike to race.
The races will be from: 8 am to 10 am for Cat 4 and 5
10-12 for CAT 3, 2, 1
Additional hours will be added at the two opposite extremes if need.
The cost is $15 to race and $10 to re race. Build up as many points for the raffle as you care to. The entry will go to cover the use of the club.
Once again, this is non sanctioned but IBRA and the points are welcome to come along for the ride if they wish.
We suggest you reserve a time by calling Donnie Miller at 877-743-0261. Please only reserve a spot if you are sure you are going to be there.
Results will be posted on the Two Bee and DICE websites.
Directions:
From Iowa: If you are coming from outside Davenport, you would take I-80 east to I-74 south. Once you cross the bridge into Moline, IL, you will take the fourth exit onto John Deere Express Way and west (right) to the first intersection, which is 16th Street. At this intersection, turn left and go south to the very last stop light (four of them). Southpark Mall is on the left and Best Buy/Toy R Us is on the right. This gets you to 52nd Ave. Go straight thru the stop light and Donnie,s Indoor Cycling Experience is the first drive on the right in a white building with a green roof, which is the very last business on 16th Street (next is the Rock River). There is a big sign on the corner and one on the building. The address is 1544-52nd Ave, Moline, IL and the phone numbers are 309-743-0260 or toll free at 877-743-0261. See our Google map at http://dicetraining.com/map/
From outside the Quad Cities in IL take I-80 or I-88 to I-74 and follow to Moline/Rock Island, or I-280 to the Quad City Airport in Moline. At the airport pick up I-74 north to John Deere Expressway and follow directions above. If you need assistance don't hesitate to call and we will direct you to Donnie's.
Starting next Saturday and Sunday, we will begin a non sanctioned race series that will last until the beginning of March. For at least 4 hours each day there will be high tech indoor racing with up to 8 people competing over various courses throughout the series. Each race will last roughly 45 minutes. At the end of the series there will be a few raffle prizes donated by Healthy Habits bike shop of Bettendorf. This should not disrupt the roller season with the flexibility of days you can race. You will use your own bike to race.
The races will be from: 8 am to 10 am for Cat 4 and 5
10-12 for CAT 3, 2, 1
Additional hours will be added at the two opposite extremes if need.
The cost is $15 to race and $10 to re race. Build up as many points for the raffle as you care to. The entry will go to cover the use of the club.
Once again, this is non sanctioned but IBRA and the points are welcome to come along for the ride if they wish.
We suggest you reserve a time by calling Donnie Miller at 877-743-0261. Please only reserve a spot if you are sure you are going to be there.
Results will be posted on the Two Bee and DICE websites.
Directions:
From Iowa: If you are coming from outside Davenport, you would take I-80 east to I-74 south. Once you cross the bridge into Moline, IL, you will take the fourth exit onto John Deere Express Way and west (right) to the first intersection, which is 16th Street. At this intersection, turn left and go south to the very last stop light (four of them). Southpark Mall is on the left and Best Buy/Toy R Us is on the right. This gets you to 52nd Ave. Go straight thru the stop light and Donnie,s Indoor Cycling Experience is the first drive on the right in a white building with a green roof, which is the very last business on 16th Street (next is the Rock River). There is a big sign on the corner and one on the building. The address is 1544-52nd Ave, Moline, IL and the phone numbers are 309-743-0260 or toll free at 877-743-0261. See our Google map at http://dicetraining.com/map/
From outside the Quad Cities in IL take I-80 or I-88 to I-74 and follow to Moline/Rock Island, or I-280 to the Quad City Airport in Moline. At the airport pick up I-74 north to John Deere Expressway and follow directions above. If you need assistance don't hesitate to call and we will direct you to Donnie's.
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition will screen the documentary "Contested
Streets" from Transportation Alternatives in New York City. The
screening will take place in meeting room A at the Iowa City Public
Library on December 18th at 7 PM.
Mark Wyatt
www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
All replies are directed to the author of the message. To reply to the group, send an email to bikeiowacity@topica.com.
Visit http://www.bicyclistsofiowacity.org
Streets" from Transportation Alternatives in New York City. The
screening will take place in meeting room A at the Iowa City Public
Library on December 18th at 7 PM.
Mark Wyatt
www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
All replies are directed to the author of the message. To reply to the group, send an email to bikeiowacity@topica.com.
Visit http://www.bicyclistsofiowacity.org
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Armstrong headlines Partnership dinner
- courtesy The Des Moines Register
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will be the lead speaker
at the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual dinner Jan. 16 in Des Moines.
Armstrong, a cancer survivor, created a furor in Iowa this summer by riding
in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and has vowed to
ride again next year. Retired from cycling, Armstrong leads the Lance
Armstrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists cancer patients.
Also at the dinner, Jim Cownie of JSC Properties will take over leadership
of the group’s board from Mark Oman of Wells Fargo & Co. For reservations to
the dinner, call (515) 286-4980 by Jan. 5. Tickets are $125-$150. A
reception with Armstrong before the dinner costs $75 more.
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will be the lead speaker
at the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual dinner Jan. 16 in Des Moines.
Armstrong, a cancer survivor, created a furor in Iowa this summer by riding
in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and has vowed to
ride again next year. Retired from cycling, Armstrong leads the Lance
Armstrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists cancer patients.
Also at the dinner, Jim Cownie of JSC Properties will take over leadership
of the group’s board from Mark Oman of Wells Fargo & Co. For reservations to
the dinner, call (515) 286-4980 by Jan. 5. Tickets are $125-$150. A
reception with Armstrong before the dinner costs $75 more.
Horner, Swanson Battle at Jingle Cross
From CycloCross World.com...
Horner, Swanson Battle at Jingle Cross
December 2, 2006
With a prize list of over $13,000, including nearly $5000 for the Men's Elite races alone, the 2006 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock weekend in Iowa City, IA brought out many of the nation's top racers for the two-day event for the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
In Saturday’s Rock 1, UCI ProTour rider Chris Horner (Specialized/Predictor-Lotto) showed how a roadie can excel at cross by powering through the Christmas themed cross course at a blistering pace. Doug Swanson (Grandstay), Steve Tilford (Verge-Shimano), Nathan Rice (Big Shark Racing), and Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory Team) found themselves unable to match Horner's pace and would have to set their sights on Sunday. "The course was fast and pretty dry so that was good for me," said Horner. "I loved the speed of the descent off of Mount Krumpit and that carried me through the flat sections."
In Sunday's event, however, the tables were turned and no one was ready to go down without a fight for their share of the $3000 payout. Another blistering hard pace was set early on by Horner, Swanson, Tilford, and Selander, with Sam Krieg (ICE Rocky Mountain Surgery Center) finding his legs to stay within striking distance. The fast pace also meant that whoever cracked first or suffered a mishap would have their work cut out for them if they wanted to keep their winning hopes alive. Unfortunately, fate was not on Tilford's side as he flatted midway through the race, forcing him to change bikes and ending hopes for a repeat of his 2005 win.
Up front, Horner, Swanson, and Selander would continue to battle it out until 40 minutes into the 60 minute event when Swanson put in a ferocious attack to get away from Horner and Selander. Repeated attempts to pull Swanson back were unsuccessful, and Swanson would come out on top with Selander finishing second ahead of a tired but happy Horner. “Yesterday, I didn’t have my legs but today I found them and really tried to hammer as hard as I could on those last two laps,” grinned an elated Swanson. “Horner, Bjorn, and Tilly (Tilford) were coming and I just had to find a way to hold them off.” Swanson later called his victory “the biggest cross win of my season.”
Not to be outdone by the men, the Casey’s/Handimart Women's Elite races attracted many top names as well, with Megan Elliott (Specialized), Catherine Walberg (Kenda Tire), and Sydney Brown (Lincoln Plating) all making appearances. Three reigning U.S. National Champions were also in the women’s Elite field including Kaitlin Antonneau (13-14), Samantha Schneider (15-16), and Patti Kaufman (45-49). Schneider’s Sunday race was ruined early on as she suffered an unfortunate mechanical failure with a broken handlebar and had to run nearly half the course until she made it to the wheel pit for a bike change. But the race soon turned into the Catherine Walberg show, with Walberg sweeping both Saturday and Sunday's events including taking Sunday’s $400 top prize in commanding fashion.
In the Mens Masters 35+, Brian Conant (Training Bible) proved to be too much for the competition as he swept both days. But in the spirit of the Holidays, Brian turned around and donated Sunday’s Masters top prize back to the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
All proceeds from The Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock went directly to the Children’s Hospital , raising nearly $20,000. Race Director John Meehan credited the success of the event to finding great sponsors, volunteers, and the ideal venue for the 23 races and registration count of 500 riders. For the first time, the Jingle Cross was held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City. The facility is traditionally used for agricultural shows and fairs. But the race organizers used the grounds with some clever twists turning the barns and fairgrounds into an exciting cyclocross course with a Christmas flair.
A livestock scale house was turned into a sand pit and appropriately called the Grinch’s Lair with the Grinch theme soung playing in the background. Another barn had been turned into an indoor Christmas light show. And behind the barns, a large steep hill became Mount Krumpit, with an 80 meter run-up that rivaled even the famed Kona-Knapp run-up in the Pacific Northwest. For the spectators, the venue was a treat as cycling fans could stand atop Mount Krumpit and see the entire race unfold from a bird’s eye view. To top things off, the Grinch made a surprise visit for the Kid’s fun race and awarded teddy bears to all of the participants who, coincidently, all tied for first. The Grinch placed last.
Complete race results are available at the race website at Jingle Cross
Horner, Swanson Battle at Jingle Cross
December 2, 2006
With a prize list of over $13,000, including nearly $5000 for the Men's Elite races alone, the 2006 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock weekend in Iowa City, IA brought out many of the nation's top racers for the two-day event for the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
In Saturday’s Rock 1, UCI ProTour rider Chris Horner (Specialized/Predictor-Lotto) showed how a roadie can excel at cross by powering through the Christmas themed cross course at a blistering pace. Doug Swanson (Grandstay), Steve Tilford (Verge-Shimano), Nathan Rice (Big Shark Racing), and Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory Team) found themselves unable to match Horner's pace and would have to set their sights on Sunday. "The course was fast and pretty dry so that was good for me," said Horner. "I loved the speed of the descent off of Mount Krumpit and that carried me through the flat sections."
In Sunday's event, however, the tables were turned and no one was ready to go down without a fight for their share of the $3000 payout. Another blistering hard pace was set early on by Horner, Swanson, Tilford, and Selander, with Sam Krieg (ICE Rocky Mountain Surgery Center) finding his legs to stay within striking distance. The fast pace also meant that whoever cracked first or suffered a mishap would have their work cut out for them if they wanted to keep their winning hopes alive. Unfortunately, fate was not on Tilford's side as he flatted midway through the race, forcing him to change bikes and ending hopes for a repeat of his 2005 win.
Up front, Horner, Swanson, and Selander would continue to battle it out until 40 minutes into the 60 minute event when Swanson put in a ferocious attack to get away from Horner and Selander. Repeated attempts to pull Swanson back were unsuccessful, and Swanson would come out on top with Selander finishing second ahead of a tired but happy Horner. “Yesterday, I didn’t have my legs but today I found them and really tried to hammer as hard as I could on those last two laps,” grinned an elated Swanson. “Horner, Bjorn, and Tilly (Tilford) were coming and I just had to find a way to hold them off.” Swanson later called his victory “the biggest cross win of my season.”
Not to be outdone by the men, the Casey’s/Handimart Women's Elite races attracted many top names as well, with Megan Elliott (Specialized), Catherine Walberg (Kenda Tire), and Sydney Brown (Lincoln Plating) all making appearances. Three reigning U.S. National Champions were also in the women’s Elite field including Kaitlin Antonneau (13-14), Samantha Schneider (15-16), and Patti Kaufman (45-49). Schneider’s Sunday race was ruined early on as she suffered an unfortunate mechanical failure with a broken handlebar and had to run nearly half the course until she made it to the wheel pit for a bike change. But the race soon turned into the Catherine Walberg show, with Walberg sweeping both Saturday and Sunday's events including taking Sunday’s $400 top prize in commanding fashion.
In the Mens Masters 35+, Brian Conant (Training Bible) proved to be too much for the competition as he swept both days. But in the spirit of the Holidays, Brian turned around and donated Sunday’s Masters top prize back to the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
All proceeds from The Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock went directly to the Children’s Hospital , raising nearly $20,000. Race Director John Meehan credited the success of the event to finding great sponsors, volunteers, and the ideal venue for the 23 races and registration count of 500 riders. For the first time, the Jingle Cross was held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City. The facility is traditionally used for agricultural shows and fairs. But the race organizers used the grounds with some clever twists turning the barns and fairgrounds into an exciting cyclocross course with a Christmas flair.
A livestock scale house was turned into a sand pit and appropriately called the Grinch’s Lair with the Grinch theme soung playing in the background. Another barn had been turned into an indoor Christmas light show. And behind the barns, a large steep hill became Mount Krumpit, with an 80 meter run-up that rivaled even the famed Kona-Knapp run-up in the Pacific Northwest. For the spectators, the venue was a treat as cycling fans could stand atop Mount Krumpit and see the entire race unfold from a bird’s eye view. To top things off, the Grinch made a surprise visit for the Kid’s fun race and awarded teddy bears to all of the participants who, coincidently, all tied for first. The Grinch placed last.
Complete race results are available at the race website at Jingle Cross
Friday, December 1, 2006
Dec 1, 2006
Cycling coach moves indoors
By Dawn Feddersen
Donnie Miller opened a cycling-based gym in Moline for people who aren’t mainstream gym rats. That’s because Miller isn’t one, either.
He has been a competitive cyclist since his teen years in Hampton, Ill. Now the coach and vice president of the Double I cycling team, as well as the race director of the Quad-City Criterium, Miller knows about how to help others get into good shape.
He is at his gym, Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience, Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to answer questions, help with equipment and give workout advice.
Miller enjoys cycling not only for the competition and the great workout it gives him. He also relishes feeling like a kid again.
“When you ride a bicycle, it takes you back a few years. You can spin like crazy and really enjoy it, like you did when you were a kid,” he explained.
As a workout, cycling has some serious advantages an adult can enjoy.
“If you have balance or weight issues and it hurts to walk or go running, cycling is a great exercise. You’re working your heart, your lungs, and your legs, but you have three things holding you up: the feet, the seat and the hands. So you’re getting a lot of benefit with a low amount of strain,” he said.
One particular challenge faced by athletes in the Quad-City area is the cold Midwestern winter.
“I know that athletes will do so much better in competition after training indoors all winter,” Miller said.
The facility has cycling machines that can suit the needs of clients at all levels, from the beginner looking for an uncomplicated workout to the competitive cyclist looking for a way to train on their own bike.
“You can bring in your own bicycle and ride it on my fixture. That fixture is computer-controlled, like a video game environment. All kinds of courses and it creates the resistance on your bicycle like you’re actually riding that course. It has a GPS device. So you can ride a course outside and download it into the computer trainer and then ride it on the machine,” Miller said.
Laurel Darren, of Rock Island, is just getting used to the compu-trainer, she said.
Normally a runner, Darren has begun cross-training at the facility and soon will compete in her first Cyclocross, a race that combines both running and cycling. The cross training also has helped her overall level of fitness, she said.
“Cross training helps my running, strength, endurance levels, cardio. It’s just a better training regimen,” she said.
The business desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2452.
INDOOR CYCLING EXPERIENCE
Address: 1554 52nd Ave., Moline, the former Harmon Glass building near Southpark Mall
Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Cost: $10 for a day; one-month, three-month, six-month or year memberships also available.
What they have to offer: Stationary or CompuTrainer bikes, Yoga and Pilates classes, massages 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, weight training coming soon.
Cycling coach moves indoors
By Dawn Feddersen
Donnie Miller opened a cycling-based gym in Moline for people who aren’t mainstream gym rats. That’s because Miller isn’t one, either.
He has been a competitive cyclist since his teen years in Hampton, Ill. Now the coach and vice president of the Double I cycling team, as well as the race director of the Quad-City Criterium, Miller knows about how to help others get into good shape.
He is at his gym, Donnie’s Indoor Cycling Experience, Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to answer questions, help with equipment and give workout advice.
Miller enjoys cycling not only for the competition and the great workout it gives him. He also relishes feeling like a kid again.
“When you ride a bicycle, it takes you back a few years. You can spin like crazy and really enjoy it, like you did when you were a kid,” he explained.
As a workout, cycling has some serious advantages an adult can enjoy.
“If you have balance or weight issues and it hurts to walk or go running, cycling is a great exercise. You’re working your heart, your lungs, and your legs, but you have three things holding you up: the feet, the seat and the hands. So you’re getting a lot of benefit with a low amount of strain,” he said.
One particular challenge faced by athletes in the Quad-City area is the cold Midwestern winter.
“I know that athletes will do so much better in competition after training indoors all winter,” Miller said.
The facility has cycling machines that can suit the needs of clients at all levels, from the beginner looking for an uncomplicated workout to the competitive cyclist looking for a way to train on their own bike.
“You can bring in your own bicycle and ride it on my fixture. That fixture is computer-controlled, like a video game environment. All kinds of courses and it creates the resistance on your bicycle like you’re actually riding that course. It has a GPS device. So you can ride a course outside and download it into the computer trainer and then ride it on the machine,” Miller said.
Laurel Darren, of Rock Island, is just getting used to the compu-trainer, she said.
Normally a runner, Darren has begun cross-training at the facility and soon will compete in her first Cyclocross, a race that combines both running and cycling. The cross training also has helped her overall level of fitness, she said.
“Cross training helps my running, strength, endurance levels, cardio. It’s just a better training regimen,” she said.
The business desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2452.
INDOOR CYCLING EXPERIENCE
Address: 1554 52nd Ave., Moline, the former Harmon Glass building near Southpark Mall
Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Cost: $10 for a day; one-month, three-month, six-month or year memberships also available.
What they have to offer: Stationary or CompuTrainer bikes, Yoga and Pilates classes, massages 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, weight training coming soon.
© Copyright 2006, The Quad-City Times, Davenport, IA
The importance of being conspicuous
Legally Speaking - with Bob Mionske: The importance of being conspicuous
By Robert Mionske JD
This report filed November 30, 2006
Dear Bob,
I'm a triathlete and regularly enjoy reading your column. Your recent column on lights and reflectors (see "Reflected Glory") reminded me of a topic of debate between me and some friends. We're hoping you can settle it. One day, during a particularly heavy fog, I passed a cyclist on the road. The cyclist was dressed in black and wearing a black helmet, and he did not have lights or reflectors. This started us talking; it seems like technically the cyclist may not be breaking any laws, but could the cyclist still be considered negligent if there was an accident? Some say yes. Some say no, if there was an accident the responsibility for the accident would belong to the driver. Who's right here?
C.R.,
California
Dear C.R.,
Your letter raises some interesting legal questions about conspicuity. It might surprise you to learn that the cyclist you passed was in fact breaking the law, and would likely be found liable for negligence if there was an accident. But before we move on to the explanation of that answer, let's first talk about what conspicuity is, and why it's important.
Conspicuity? What's that?
"I didn't see him."
It's heard regularly when automobiles collide with bikes-the driver just didn't see the cyclist. And remarkably, cyclists involved in these collisions regularly indicate that they believed they were visible to motorists when the accident occurred. Although cyclists can readily see motor vehicles, there is a 7:1 difference in size between an automobile and a bicyclist that cyclists must take into account; this size differential means that while the cyclist may see the automobile, it doesn't necessarily follow that the driver will see the cyclist. Furthermore, consistent with driver reports that they just didn't see the cyclist, most collisions between automobiles and bicycles occur at night, when visibility is reduced by low light conditions.
Underlying the legal issues in your question is the cyclist's lack of conspicuity-the ability to be seen. Conspicuity is important because it affects both perception and recognition distances. Perception distance is the distance at which a motorist perceives that there is "something" ahead of the vehicle, while recognition distance is the distance at which the motorist recognizes what that "something" is. In turn, both perception distance and recognition distance affect the motorist's reaction time; the more time the motorist has to perceive a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the road ahead, the more likely the motorist will be able to react and avoid the cyclist. Let's take a look at some factors affecting conspicuity:
Lights: Although state laws may require bicycle headlights to be visible for or up to 500 feet, and taillights to be visible for up to 1000 feet, actual lighting systems will vary, and may not meet the standard required by state law. For this reason, perception and recognition distances will vary, depending on the actual conspicuity of the lighting system.
Reflectors: State laws may require reflectors to be visible for up to 600 feet; the nighttime perception and recognition distances of reflectors will be at least equal to that of required bicycle lights, and may actually exceed them.
Reflective Material: The nighttime perception distance for reflective material will vary from 1,200 feet to 2,200 feet, depending on ambient light conditions; reflective material is more conspicuous against darker background lighting. Nighttime recognition distance varies from 600 feet to 700 feet, but with brighter background lighting, decreases to a range of 260 feet to 325 feet. However, motorists have difficulty recognizing what it is they are perceiving unless the reflective material is used in conjunction with a lighting system.
Color: Dark and drab colors tend to blend in with the background, rendering the cyclist virtually invisible. With dark colors, nighttime perception distance is only 75 feet, giving the driver less than 1 second of reaction time. With reaction times this short, it is virtually impossible for a motorist to avoid a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the motorist's headlights.
Paradoxically, light colors also tend to blend into the background as the motorist approaches a cyclist, decreasing the cyclist's conspicuity as the approach distance closes. Nevertheless, light colors are more conspicuous. Fluorescent colors-particularly yellow-green, but also yellow, lime green, and orange-are the most conspicuous. In daylight, fluorescent colors may be up to four times brighter than their non-fluorescent counterparts, and are particularly effective during periods or conditions of low visibility, such as dawn, dusk, in haze, and in fog. Because the helmet is often the most visible part of the cyclist, fluorescent helmet colors increase the perception distance to greater than 600 feet. Fluorescent paint colors on the bicycle also aid the motorist in recognition. With fluorescent clothing, daytime perception distance increases from 400 feet to 2200 feet, while nighttime perception distance increases from 150 feet to 560 feet.
Conspicuity-The Statutory Requirement
Now let's take a look at what the law requires. In California, as in other states, a bicycle is required to be equipped with lights and reflectors "during darkness" - defined broadly to include nighttime, as well as other periods were visibility is reduced. However, as always, the law varies from state to state. By federal regulation, all bicycle manufacturers must equip their bicycles with reflectors on the front, rear, sides, and pedals. Beyond those requirements, each state vehicle code will specify what conspicuity equipment a bicycle must be equipped with while it is being operated. For comparison, let's look at what California requires and what the Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
The Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 500 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Taillight : Must be visible for 1000 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 600 feet; required at all times;
Side reflectors: Must be visible from 600 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Side light: A light visible from both sides for 500 feet may be used in lieu of side reflectors.
Additional lights: Additional lights /or reflectors are allowed.
The California Vehicle Code requires (during periods of low visibility):
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 300 feet in the front and to the sides; the lamp may be attached to the rider instead of the bike.
Taillight (red): Not required, not prohibited.
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 500 feet;
Side reflectors (white or yellow front, white or red rear): Must be visible for 200 feet; bicycles equipped with reflectorized tires permitted to meet this requirement.
Side light: Code doesn't allow side lights instead of side reflectors.
Pedal reflectors (white or yellow): Must be visible from the front and rear for 200 feet;
Additional lights: Not prohibited.
Now, the Uniform Vehicle Code is a recommended code that the states are free to adopt, modify, or ignore as they see fit. For purposes of comparison, however, you can see that in California, the conspicuity requirements are not very stringent.
Nevertheless, there are statutory-mandated conspicuity requirements in California, and because the cyclist you encountered was riding during a period of low visibility, he was riding in violation of the California conspicuity requirements because he did not have the required headlight and reflectors.
Conspicuity and Negligence
Now what about that question of negligence? In California, as in other states, a violation of the traffic laws is prima facie evidence of negligence. This means that in the event of an accident in which conspicuity is an issue, a violation of the lighting and reflector requirements would be evidence of the cyclist's negligence unless contradictory evidence is produced. If a cyclist and motorist were both found to be negligent, that could reduce the cyclist's damages award in many states, and it could completely bar the cyclist from recovery in a handful of states. As you can see, negligence has real-world consequences that can be quite severe.
Now let's say you want to protect yourself legally, so you ride in compliance with the reflector and lighting statutes of your state. Is that it? Is that all that's required of you? Probably, although you should understand that the equipment statutes are the bare minimum required of you to protect both yourself and others. Think of compliance with the equipment laws as the floor below which you cannot legally go; there's nothing in the law that prohibits you from meeting a higher standard.
But could you be found liable for not meeting a higher standard? In Spence v. Rasmussen, a 1951 case, the Supreme Court of Oregon observed that
A careful examination of the record in this case fails to disclose even a scintilla of evidence to support the charge that decedent rode his bicycle in a reckless, heedless, and dangerous manner without any care or caution. He had a lawful right to be on the highway; he was riding his bicycle on the right-hand side of the center line of the road; there is no evidence whatever that he was riding in any unusual way; and in so far as his clothing is concerned, there is no rule of the common law, nor is there any statutory provision, which requires a person before venturing upon the highway to dress in light, rather than dark clothing.
In contrast, in 1984 the Supreme Court of New York observed in Weise v. Lazore that
There is ample evidence that the decedent himself was negligent. He was wearing dark clothing at night, traveling on a bicycle that had no lighting equipment and was in the south-bound lane of the traveled portion of an unlighted highway which had wide shoulders suitable for bike riding.
Although these two cases address conspicuity, neither court has definitively formulated a common law rule that wearing dark clothing is or is not negligent. But wait a minute-didn't the New York court just say that wearing dark clothing was negligent? Sort of, but it's not a ruling on an issue of law, just the court's commentary on the facts before the court. And although the court did cite the dark clothing as evidence of the cyclist's negligence, the court did not say that the cyclist had a duty to wear light clothing; instead, the court only addressed the cyclist's statutory obligations to have lights or reflectors and to ride on the right-hand side of the road.
Now, you should understand that neither of these commentaries are the same thing as saying that a jury couldn't reasonably find a cyclist negligent for wearing dark clothing. The courts just haven't ruled yet on whether cyclists have a non-statutory duty of conspicuity. On the one hand, a jury could find negligence for lack of conspicuity if that lack of conspicuity was the cause of injury to the cyclist or somebody else. For example, remember that dark clothing at night reduces perception distance to 75 feet, and driver reaction time to less than one second. On the other hand, it seems inconceivable that a cyclist who is riding in observance of the law's conspicuity requirements could nevertheless be found to be negligent for wearing dark clothing. After all, a cyclist who is equipped with lights and reflectors but wearing dark clothing is still conspicuous, even if the cyclist isn't as conspicuous as possible. It seems more probable instead that, if a cyclist is riding in violation of the law, a jury would consider dark clothing as additional evidence of negligence, rather than as evidence of negligence despite the cyclist's riding in observance of the law.
And that raises an interesting issue. Suppose you're riding in observance of the law-with the required lights and reflectors-and you're also outfitted in fluorescent and reflective material, and your lights stop operating. Would a jury find you negligent in the event of an accident? In order to analyze whether a particular action might be considered negligence, the cyclist should ask himself "Would a jury consider this prudent"? Typically, that will be the answer to the question "What would a reasonable person of ordinary prudence do in the same situation?" This is an objective, rather than a subjective standard; it doesn't have anything to do with what you personally believe to be prudent. It is neither the standard of behavior of the person who takes no precautions, nor of the person who takes excessive precautions; instead, it is the standard of behavior of the person who takes reasonable precautions, and will depend upon what precautions a particular jury believes is prudent in a particular set of factual circumstances.
In the scenario I outlined above, taking additional precautions beyond what the law requires, such as outfitting yourself with fluorescent and reflective material, might help convince a jury that you were not riding negligently, despite the failure of your lights. This would be an example of introducing evidence contradicting the prima facie evidence of negligence.
Conspicuity and an Ounce of Prevention
Of course, there's another, more important reason to take additional conspicuity precautions-preventing injury to yourself in the first place. As we saw, fluorescent and reflective materials significantly increase driver perception and recognition distances, both in daylight conditions and during darkness," especially when used in conjunction with lights and reflectors. Ultimately, prevention of serious injury to yourself is far preferable to arguing these points of law after a preventable accident; even when the cyclist wins in court, no amount of money can substitute for your good health.
Good luck,
Bob
By Robert Mionske JD
This report filed November 30, 2006
Dear Bob,
I'm a triathlete and regularly enjoy reading your column. Your recent column on lights and reflectors (see "Reflected Glory") reminded me of a topic of debate between me and some friends. We're hoping you can settle it. One day, during a particularly heavy fog, I passed a cyclist on the road. The cyclist was dressed in black and wearing a black helmet, and he did not have lights or reflectors. This started us talking; it seems like technically the cyclist may not be breaking any laws, but could the cyclist still be considered negligent if there was an accident? Some say yes. Some say no, if there was an accident the responsibility for the accident would belong to the driver. Who's right here?
C.R.,
California
Dear C.R.,
Your letter raises some interesting legal questions about conspicuity. It might surprise you to learn that the cyclist you passed was in fact breaking the law, and would likely be found liable for negligence if there was an accident. But before we move on to the explanation of that answer, let's first talk about what conspicuity is, and why it's important.
Conspicuity? What's that?
"I didn't see him."
It's heard regularly when automobiles collide with bikes-the driver just didn't see the cyclist. And remarkably, cyclists involved in these collisions regularly indicate that they believed they were visible to motorists when the accident occurred. Although cyclists can readily see motor vehicles, there is a 7:1 difference in size between an automobile and a bicyclist that cyclists must take into account; this size differential means that while the cyclist may see the automobile, it doesn't necessarily follow that the driver will see the cyclist. Furthermore, consistent with driver reports that they just didn't see the cyclist, most collisions between automobiles and bicycles occur at night, when visibility is reduced by low light conditions.
Underlying the legal issues in your question is the cyclist's lack of conspicuity-the ability to be seen. Conspicuity is important because it affects both perception and recognition distances. Perception distance is the distance at which a motorist perceives that there is "something" ahead of the vehicle, while recognition distance is the distance at which the motorist recognizes what that "something" is. In turn, both perception distance and recognition distance affect the motorist's reaction time; the more time the motorist has to perceive a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the road ahead, the more likely the motorist will be able to react and avoid the cyclist. Let's take a look at some factors affecting conspicuity:
Lights: Although state laws may require bicycle headlights to be visible for or up to 500 feet, and taillights to be visible for up to 1000 feet, actual lighting systems will vary, and may not meet the standard required by state law. For this reason, perception and recognition distances will vary, depending on the actual conspicuity of the lighting system.
Reflectors: State laws may require reflectors to be visible for up to 600 feet; the nighttime perception and recognition distances of reflectors will be at least equal to that of required bicycle lights, and may actually exceed them.
Reflective Material: The nighttime perception distance for reflective material will vary from 1,200 feet to 2,200 feet, depending on ambient light conditions; reflective material is more conspicuous against darker background lighting. Nighttime recognition distance varies from 600 feet to 700 feet, but with brighter background lighting, decreases to a range of 260 feet to 325 feet. However, motorists have difficulty recognizing what it is they are perceiving unless the reflective material is used in conjunction with a lighting system.
Color: Dark and drab colors tend to blend in with the background, rendering the cyclist virtually invisible. With dark colors, nighttime perception distance is only 75 feet, giving the driver less than 1 second of reaction time. With reaction times this short, it is virtually impossible for a motorist to avoid a cyclist "suddenly appearing" in the motorist's headlights.
Paradoxically, light colors also tend to blend into the background as the motorist approaches a cyclist, decreasing the cyclist's conspicuity as the approach distance closes. Nevertheless, light colors are more conspicuous. Fluorescent colors-particularly yellow-green, but also yellow, lime green, and orange-are the most conspicuous. In daylight, fluorescent colors may be up to four times brighter than their non-fluorescent counterparts, and are particularly effective during periods or conditions of low visibility, such as dawn, dusk, in haze, and in fog. Because the helmet is often the most visible part of the cyclist, fluorescent helmet colors increase the perception distance to greater than 600 feet. Fluorescent paint colors on the bicycle also aid the motorist in recognition. With fluorescent clothing, daytime perception distance increases from 400 feet to 2200 feet, while nighttime perception distance increases from 150 feet to 560 feet.
Conspicuity-The Statutory Requirement
Now let's take a look at what the law requires. In California, as in other states, a bicycle is required to be equipped with lights and reflectors "during darkness" - defined broadly to include nighttime, as well as other periods were visibility is reduced. However, as always, the law varies from state to state. By federal regulation, all bicycle manufacturers must equip their bicycles with reflectors on the front, rear, sides, and pedals. Beyond those requirements, each state vehicle code will specify what conspicuity equipment a bicycle must be equipped with while it is being operated. For comparison, let's look at what California requires and what the Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
The Uniform Vehicle Code requires:
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 500 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Taillight : Must be visible for 1000 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 600 feet; required at all times;
Side reflectors: Must be visible from 600 feet; required during low visibility conditions;
Side light: A light visible from both sides for 500 feet may be used in lieu of side reflectors.
Additional lights: Additional lights /or reflectors are allowed.
The California Vehicle Code requires (during periods of low visibility):
Headlight (white): Must be visible for 300 feet in the front and to the sides; the lamp may be attached to the rider instead of the bike.
Taillight (red): Not required, not prohibited.
Rear reflector: Must be visible for 500 feet;
Side reflectors (white or yellow front, white or red rear): Must be visible for 200 feet; bicycles equipped with reflectorized tires permitted to meet this requirement.
Side light: Code doesn't allow side lights instead of side reflectors.
Pedal reflectors (white or yellow): Must be visible from the front and rear for 200 feet;
Additional lights: Not prohibited.
Now, the Uniform Vehicle Code is a recommended code that the states are free to adopt, modify, or ignore as they see fit. For purposes of comparison, however, you can see that in California, the conspicuity requirements are not very stringent.
Nevertheless, there are statutory-mandated conspicuity requirements in California, and because the cyclist you encountered was riding during a period of low visibility, he was riding in violation of the California conspicuity requirements because he did not have the required headlight and reflectors.
Conspicuity and Negligence
Now what about that question of negligence? In California, as in other states, a violation of the traffic laws is prima facie evidence of negligence. This means that in the event of an accident in which conspicuity is an issue, a violation of the lighting and reflector requirements would be evidence of the cyclist's negligence unless contradictory evidence is produced. If a cyclist and motorist were both found to be negligent, that could reduce the cyclist's damages award in many states, and it could completely bar the cyclist from recovery in a handful of states. As you can see, negligence has real-world consequences that can be quite severe.
Now let's say you want to protect yourself legally, so you ride in compliance with the reflector and lighting statutes of your state. Is that it? Is that all that's required of you? Probably, although you should understand that the equipment statutes are the bare minimum required of you to protect both yourself and others. Think of compliance with the equipment laws as the floor below which you cannot legally go; there's nothing in the law that prohibits you from meeting a higher standard.
But could you be found liable for not meeting a higher standard? In Spence v. Rasmussen, a 1951 case, the Supreme Court of Oregon observed that
A careful examination of the record in this case fails to disclose even a scintilla of evidence to support the charge that decedent rode his bicycle in a reckless, heedless, and dangerous manner without any care or caution. He had a lawful right to be on the highway; he was riding his bicycle on the right-hand side of the center line of the road; there is no evidence whatever that he was riding in any unusual way; and in so far as his clothing is concerned, there is no rule of the common law, nor is there any statutory provision, which requires a person before venturing upon the highway to dress in light, rather than dark clothing.
In contrast, in 1984 the Supreme Court of New York observed in Weise v. Lazore that
There is ample evidence that the decedent himself was negligent. He was wearing dark clothing at night, traveling on a bicycle that had no lighting equipment and was in the south-bound lane of the traveled portion of an unlighted highway which had wide shoulders suitable for bike riding.
Although these two cases address conspicuity, neither court has definitively formulated a common law rule that wearing dark clothing is or is not negligent. But wait a minute-didn't the New York court just say that wearing dark clothing was negligent? Sort of, but it's not a ruling on an issue of law, just the court's commentary on the facts before the court. And although the court did cite the dark clothing as evidence of the cyclist's negligence, the court did not say that the cyclist had a duty to wear light clothing; instead, the court only addressed the cyclist's statutory obligations to have lights or reflectors and to ride on the right-hand side of the road.
Now, you should understand that neither of these commentaries are the same thing as saying that a jury couldn't reasonably find a cyclist negligent for wearing dark clothing. The courts just haven't ruled yet on whether cyclists have a non-statutory duty of conspicuity. On the one hand, a jury could find negligence for lack of conspicuity if that lack of conspicuity was the cause of injury to the cyclist or somebody else. For example, remember that dark clothing at night reduces perception distance to 75 feet, and driver reaction time to less than one second. On the other hand, it seems inconceivable that a cyclist who is riding in observance of the law's conspicuity requirements could nevertheless be found to be negligent for wearing dark clothing. After all, a cyclist who is equipped with lights and reflectors but wearing dark clothing is still conspicuous, even if the cyclist isn't as conspicuous as possible. It seems more probable instead that, if a cyclist is riding in violation of the law, a jury would consider dark clothing as additional evidence of negligence, rather than as evidence of negligence despite the cyclist's riding in observance of the law.
And that raises an interesting issue. Suppose you're riding in observance of the law-with the required lights and reflectors-and you're also outfitted in fluorescent and reflective material, and your lights stop operating. Would a jury find you negligent in the event of an accident? In order to analyze whether a particular action might be considered negligence, the cyclist should ask himself "Would a jury consider this prudent"? Typically, that will be the answer to the question "What would a reasonable person of ordinary prudence do in the same situation?" This is an objective, rather than a subjective standard; it doesn't have anything to do with what you personally believe to be prudent. It is neither the standard of behavior of the person who takes no precautions, nor of the person who takes excessive precautions; instead, it is the standard of behavior of the person who takes reasonable precautions, and will depend upon what precautions a particular jury believes is prudent in a particular set of factual circumstances.
In the scenario I outlined above, taking additional precautions beyond what the law requires, such as outfitting yourself with fluorescent and reflective material, might help convince a jury that you were not riding negligently, despite the failure of your lights. This would be an example of introducing evidence contradicting the prima facie evidence of negligence.
Conspicuity and an Ounce of Prevention
Of course, there's another, more important reason to take additional conspicuity precautions-preventing injury to yourself in the first place. As we saw, fluorescent and reflective materials significantly increase driver perception and recognition distances, both in daylight conditions and during darkness," especially when used in conjunction with lights and reflectors. Ultimately, prevention of serious injury to yourself is far preferable to arguing these points of law after a preventable accident; even when the cyclist wins in court, no amount of money can substitute for your good health.
Good luck,
Bob