Looks like they cracked down on Critical Mass (Houston, Mission: home, neighborhood)

[TVC15]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

In SF, bikes rarely slow cars down in City traffic. It's usually the other way around.

Not true. Take a drive down Oak towards 101 in rush hour and see how the bicyclists hog an entire lane and cause traffic mayhem.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by xsatyr

Houston has passed the 3 ft. law this year and you can bring bikes on the metro rail. They are also developing a 150 miles of bike paths to make it easier and safer for bicyclists to commute around the city.

This is good to hear and like it or not (I personally don't), it's probably attributable to Critical Mass. Since bicyclists don't take the whole lane in Houston (often the speed of traffic doesn't allow it and Houston drivers aren't accustomed to giving a cyclist a full lane), the 3 ft. rule will condition drivers to give way, if it's observed. Having ridden in Houston, I know it isn't, though. The other side of this point is banning bikes fro sidewalks. This forces drivers to learn to deal with them.

One question--why would someone take a bike on METRORail? its route is one of the most bikeable parts of the city. Bikes are for commuter lines, not inner-city people movers.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by TVC15

Not true. Take a drive down Oak towards 101 in rush hour and see how the bicyclists hog an entire lane and cause traffic mayhem.

Oak is a chiefly residential, three-lane, one-way street. I don't believe its speed limit gets above 35mph. It's as much a bike environment as it is a car one, so I'm not sure how a bike is "hogging" the lane, whatever that means.

[TVC15]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

Oak is a chiefly residential, three-lane, one-way street. I don't believe its speed limit gets above 35mph. It's as much a bike environment as it is a car one, so I'm not sure how a bike is "hogging" the lane, whatever that means.

They bike in groups hogging up one of the 3 lanes. Oak is very busy during rush hour as it is one of the main veins getting you out of the city via 101. I have personally seen it with my own eyes. I am lucky in that I ride a motorcycle so they don't stop me from riding in all 3 lanes. But I have seen the back up that they cause during rush hour.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by TVC15

They bike in groups hogging up one of the 3 lanes. Oak is very busy during rush hour as it is one of the main veins getting you out of the city via 101. I have personally seen it with my own eyes. I am lucky in that I ride a motorcycle so they don't stop me from riding in all 3 lanes. But I have seen the back up that they cause during rush hour.

Are you sure we are talking about the same street? Oak is one-way going into the City, not out. And like I said, it's almost all residential. You should probably cut through the park to get up to the bridge, anyway.

In any case, stay safe on the bike. I've been wanting to start riding again lately, but see so many signs like the accident the other day, that tell me this isn't a very good place to ride a motorcycle.

[TVC15]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

Are you sure we are talking about the same street? Oak is one-way going into the City, not out. And like I said, it's almost all residential. You should probably cut through the park to get up to the bridge, anyway.

In any case, stay safe on the bike. I've been wanting to start riding again lately, but see so many signs, like the accident the other day, that tell me this isn't a very good place to ride a motorcycle.

I am certain. Fell takes you towards Masonic/the Panhandle and Oak takes you back to 101.

Motorcycling is so much fun! Hey since you live in the city maybe we can meet up for a drink and end our flame wars?

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by TVC15

I am certain. Fell takes you towards Masonic/the Panhandle and Oak takes you back to 101.

Motorcycling is so much fun! Hey since you live in the city maybe we can meet up for a drink and end our flame wars?

I wasn't aware you thought they were still going.

[TVC15]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

I wasn't aware you thought they were still going.

They are not but you never know with some posters

[Mr. Krinkle]

Yes, I would love to sit at a traffic light for 10 minutes.

Houston's Critical Mass Bike Ride (aka mass traffic mess) - YouTube

[xsatyr]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

This is good to hear and like it or not (I personally don't), it's probably attributable to Critical Mass. Since bicyclists don't take the whole lane in Houston (often the speed of traffic doesn't allow it and Houston drivers aren't accustomed to giving a cyclist a full lane), the 3 ft. rule will condition drivers to give way, if it's observed. Having ridden in Houston, I know it isn't, though. The other side of this point is banning bikes fro sidewalks. This forces drivers to learn to deal with them.

One question--why would someone take a bike on METRORail? its route is one of the most bikeable parts of the city. Bikes are for commuter lines, not inner-city people movers.

As it stands the Metro Rail in Houston is not that extensive but you still see bicyclists us it. I've personally parked at Stude Park and then rode my bike down the White Oak Trail to the UHD Station. From there I went to Hermann park and enjoyed a show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. I've seen people in scrubs with bikes commuting for work and I'm sure there are many other miscellaneous reason why people would hop on the rail.

The North Line expansion which starts running next month will have a station four blocks from where I live so I will surely use my bike more for errands. Also Houston has many bike sharing locations around the heart of the city. Surprisingly people are actually using them.