Fear is reality sending you a message

A reader's comment to the Guardian story: I love cycling. But I drive---because I fear for my life:

After trying cycling short distances in urban environments I quickly and independently came to the conclusion that fear is nature's way of telling you that you are doing something stupid. Yes, it's nice to cycle, on a fine day---not too hot, not too cold. When you have the time, don't need to carry anything bulky, won't encounter any 1-in-5s and don't mind sweating like the proverbial pig when you arrive at your destination.

But I am not an extremist. I do not think that the freedom to cycle is a cause worth risking my life for. I do not want my tombstone to read "Here lies Graun, a keen cyclist but flattened by a lorry on the A406, even though he was in the right"

So I will surround myself with computer designed steel cages, crumple zones, collapsible doo-dads and improved visibility. Airbags, safety belts and every other safety device that is mandatory or optional. And I will do so in the knowledge that these are the major factors why accidents now are 3 times more survivable than they were 20 years ago.

But not for cyclists---no matter who's fault it is.

See also Oslo's car ban sounded simple enough. Then the backlash began.

And not just in Europe: Why Parking Still Matters in America’s Downtowns.

Bike guy Jason Henderson thinks Zero Parking is the way to go. Of course Henderson is a teacher at SF State and doesn't own a business or work downtown.

Thanks to Streetsblog

Men interrupting women

The Universal Phenomenon of Men Interrupting Women

Kamala Harris Pummels Jeff Sessions So Badly That John McCain Has to Stop Her.