Nitto Handlebars Recalled

Handlebars made by well-regarded Japanese parts manufacturer Nitto have been recalled.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall after reports that the aluminum handlebars with model number B259AA may break during use.  These handlebars are particularly popular among fixed gear and single speed riders.  There are two reports of breakage resulting in at least one injury.  Users of the handlebars should contact Euro Asia Imports to receive a free replacement.

Chicago Bicyclist In Good Condition After Being Shot

A Chicago bicyclist is reportedly in good condition after being shot in the leg and buttocks, according to The Chicago Tribune.  The incident occurred at 12:20 a.m. this morning near the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Pulaski Road in the Avondale neighborhood.  The bicyclist is a 22 year old male.

Critical Mass: Bicyclists' Friend!?

Alex Weaver, a reporter at Medill Reports Chicago, wrote a reasonably balanced article about Critical Mass in which he interviewed yours truly.  Read the complete article here.

As I told Mr. Weaver, I have mixed feelings about Critical Mass.  Its spirit and purpose is good.  Sometimes the implementation is not so much.  Here's is the rest of what I said in the interview:

"I have not ridden Critical Mass myself, for no reason other than I just haven't been able to find the time.  Critical Mass is good and bad.  The message of, "Hey, we are here," is good.  Motorists need to get used to seeing bikes on the road.  When they do that should help reduce the number of collisions.  On the other hand, sometimes the way Critical Mass is carried out may be counter productive to bicycling.  I shed no tears for drivers who feel inconvenienced by people on bikes.  Drivers often don't realize that a person on a bike is one less car in their way.  Also, Illinois law is quite clear that cyclists are permitted users of the streets.  However, Critical Mass is sometimes carried out in a way that seems to goad drivers into confrontation.  That's bad.  Illinois requires cars and bikes to share the road.  Motorists often don't get that.  But Critical Mass is not sharing either.  It is bikes taking over the streets, in a sort of "in your face" way.  Chicago police seem to back off most of the time and permit Critical Mass -- from what I've heard and read -- showing considerable restraint."

Bicycle Video Should Be Required Viewing For All Illinoisans

Below is a very good, and fairly comprehensive video produced by the cities of Champaign and Urbana about bicycle safety and the law.  It is not slick, but chock full of real world demonstrations of how bicyclists and motorist should deal with each other, with bicycle specific infrastructure and with old-timey, not-bike-friendly road infrastructure.  The central message in the video, Champaign-Urbana Sharing the Road, is that, "Predictability is the key to bicycle safety."  I like that the video presents bicycling not merely as a recreational activity, but that people ride for all sorts of reasons, and should be encouraged to do so.  It shows and explains that people ride to shop, commute to the office, get to school, as well as for pure pleasure.  It encourages cyclists to use the whole road when appropriate and reminders drivers that bicyclists are not only permitted to do so, but should "take the lane" when it is the safest means to traverse an area.  This video should be required viewing for all Illinois residents.  How about making people watch it every time they renew their driver's licenses?

Chicago Cop Found Guilty In Killing Of 13 Year Old Bicyclist

A Chicago cop has been found guilty of reckless homicide in the death of a 13 year old bicyclist, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.  After deliberating for nine hours a jury found Richard Bolling guilty in the death of Trenton Booker who he struck with his car as the boy rode his bicycle near 81st and Ashland in May, 2009.  He faces up to 15 years in jail.  In addition to the reckless homicide charge, the off-duty officer was found guilty of aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.  He had denied being intoxicated and that he knew he had struck the boy.  Prosecutors had claimed that police officers responding to the scene gave Bolling preferential treatment.

Giant Bicycle Fork Problem Elicits Recall

Once again, bicycles with fork problems are being recalled.  Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of 2012 Giant Defy Advanced and Avail Advanced bikes.  Reportedly the forks can crack, posing a fall hazard to riders, though no incidents of injuries have been reported.  If you own one of these bikes contact a Giant dealer for a free inspection and replacement of the fork.

Click here to read the full press release.

Bike Accidents Are. . . Fun?

Yeah, not so much.  But the whimsical minds of the toy creators at Playmobile apparently have a preternatural ability to find fun even in personal tragedy.  Coming soon, the Playmobile mine collapse play set.

(Thanks to Tiberculosis for posting about this over on the Chainlink.)