Who Wants Bike Share in Jax?

[blandman]

Agree with others...why Bike Share before bike lanes? Would it be designed for tourists or commuters?  Seems like most cities with Bike Share did so with commuters in mind.  Do many bike to work in Jax?

[tufsu1]

^ actually most city bike share programs are used by visitors or those making transit trips (the last mile thing)....let's say we put in stations near the Landing and RAM....folks could use the Riverwalk, which is just as good if not better than a bike lane.

[blandman]

^ actually most city bike share programs are used by visitors or those making transit trips (the last mile thing)....let's say we put in stations near the Landing and RAM....folks could use the Riverwalk, which is just as good if not better than a bike lane.

Understood, but doesn't "the last mile" imply that you're finishing the last mile of your journey with a bike?  If I take a train or a bus into the city from somewhere outside the city and finish my journey on bike (b/c I didn't drive my car) it makes sense to me.  If I take the Skyway from San Marco, I'm barely a mile from the city in the first place.  Most people heading into the city in Jax seem to drive.  Why would you drive in, find parking, then locate a bike station?  Maybe on the weekend, but doesn't a bike rental "pop-up" make more sense than an installed bike share program for that sort of use?

[Adam W]

Of course dedicated bicycle lanes are the better answer in terms of safety.  That's obvious. 

It may be likely but it's not obvious.  Some would argue that cyclists are safer using the outside of a wide lane that does not have bike lane markings.

Good point, Dan. I don't know that it's true (and I'm not saying it isn't), but it reminds me of the whole bicycle helmet debate: some studies seem to show you're safer without a helmet (or less likely to have a traffic accident).

I think we'd all agree that developing a comprehensive plan for cycling in Jax would be the best approach, as opposed to doing little bits here and there without an overarching goal or strategy.

[acme54321]

Do you honestly think that it is safer to ride a bike without a helmet?

[Dashing Dan]

Bike lane or no bike lane - You have to wear a helmet!

Lights are also a very good idea.

[cline]

Of course dedicated bicycle lanes are the better answer in terms of safety.  That's obvious. 

It may be likely but it's not obvious.  Some would argue that cyclists are safer using the outside of a wide lane that does not have bike lane markings.

Are we talking about dedicated bike lanes that are separated from the lane of traffic or simply the shoulder of the road (which could be marked or unmarked for bicycles).

I think we'd all agree that developing a comprehensive plan for cycling in Jax would be the best approach, as opposed to doing little bits here and there without an overarching goal or strategy.

Indeed.  And one does exist.

http://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/community-planning-division/transportation-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-planning.aspx

[Dashing Dan]

Of course dedicated bicycle lanes are the better answer in terms of safety.  That's obvious. 

It may be likely but it's not obvious.  Some would argue that cyclists are safer using the outside of a wide lane that does not have bike lane markings.

Are we talking about dedicated bike lanes that are separated from the lane of traffic or simply the shoulder of the road (which could be marked or unmarked for bicycles).

I've seen video showing that motorists are more likely to make room for bicyclists if a roadway is wide enoujgh for a bicycle lane but is not painted for one.

I think we'd all agree that developing a comprehensive plan for cycling in Jax would be the best approach, as opposed to doing little bits here and there without an overarching goal or strategy.

Indeed.  And one does exist.

http://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/community-planning-division/transportation-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-planning.aspx

That plan is from 1999.  It is way overdue to be done over again.  In the meantime we are stuck without a workable plan for bicycle facilities in Jacksonville.  The best that we've got right now is the bicycle component of the mobility plan.

[Adam W]

Do you honestly think that it is safer to ride a bike without a helmet?

Personally,  I don't know, but I'm on the fence about it. But there are studies:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/5334208.stm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_helmet#Are_helmets_harmful.3F_Undesirable_effects_of_helmet_use

My way of looking at it is that the potential slight increase in the likelihood that you'll be knocked off your bike is mitigated (in part) by the protection offered to your head.

When I was a kid, I never wore a helmet and never had a problem. Of course, I didn't commute to and from work every day on a bicycle (and in traffic). These days, I wear a helmet, though I have been known to skip it from time to time.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Just an opinion, but I don't see any benefit to wearing a helmet on either a bike or a motorcycle. 

The only accident that a helmet would benefit is really only a fall backwards - when your head slams into the concrete.  Falling in most any other position allows you protection based on the direction of the fall.  Any collision is going to produce more neck / spinal trauma than head injury.   At least that's been what I've seen, albeit limited.

I'm sure the studies say otherwise, but there are also studies that say it's safer to drive under a moderate influence than it is to drive while texting.  Do we get to pick and choose which study to follow?

[Dashing Dan]

I'm sure there are studies that show people are safer without seat belts or air bags. 

I just wish someone would start marketing a helmet that looks normal - not like I'm part of the Tour de France.

I've got a commuter bike, so why can't I find a commuter helmet?

[cline]

You need one of those Time Trial helmets that are aerodynamic and have the pointy back.  That way you could shave some time off of you work commute.

[Ernest Street]

I don't like that quite a few helmets are Styrofoam based with a thin skin. The market is flooded with Fake bike helmets.

[Marley Weinstein]

Bike lanes are needed throughout the entire core

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

You need one of those Time Trial helmets that are aerodynamic and have the pointy back.  That way you could shave some time off of you work commute.

Don't forget the Lycra bodysuit.