Fresno Famous

my gawd... that may have

my gawd... that may have been Ben.

It's truly weird to see something written so intensely, realize that it was only about a year ago, and how everything is so completely different.

Huh.

Okay:
-First:
I don't know if Bike Hop happens anymore, (best wishes and best of luck if it still does.)

Second:
No clue as to where it starts, where it goes, nor where it ends.
(I'm assuming Tower Velo is still involved with it, but am not really sure where that is anymore, (I'm hearing they got the old 'movies,' place on VanNess... probably there.)

Third:
-I havn't a clue who, as to who is in it... (I've honestly not been in one since... March or april or something of last year??? (It was cold, I brought two friends who are professionals, and the whole thing culminated in a matrimonial cannibus sort of thing, (though the friends and I were touched by the wedding and it was great to see everybody, the illegal drug use (marihooey) didn't sit too well... -but it was nice to see everyone, and they did make a lovely couple...

IF that was Ben who just posted...
-my god, I thought you died or just started to work at Tri-Sport (or both...)
--Still,
I do see you from time to time as this sort of apparition with a beard on a red bike that has like, no gears pedalling somewhere near Blackstone and Santa Ana or something...
--Nice to know you're still around.

'Big Pete,' (on a bike,) was in my neighborhood for some reason doing cement work (?) the other day... no idea why.

well...

whoever goes to bike hop,
wherever ya go,
to as many who go...
go...

have fun, enjoy the art and the comeraderie...

and if you need to be drunk?
...um
howza bout finding some other form of 'need' to be...
(...the DUI surely wouldn't be much fun... and besides...
time flies much too fast
when you're pedalling around drunk...
and going from:

'young and promising pedalling around drunk (for fun.)'
-to-
'pedalling around drunk, no longer young and promising (because that's all you can do, anymore...')

make good choices, have a happy life
and go for a bike ride...

-e

Biking under the influence

Biking under the influence nets you a DUI. Bike hop is a facility to be social, and booze is integral. Believe me, I ran enough to know.

Okay a couple of points need to be made here...

1. The string was started to promote BikeHop, (which starts this evening at 6p at Tower Velo, by the way.)

-Though there may be graffitti of all sorts in and around Fresno and other places?
BikeHop does not advocate breaking the law.
Am I BikeHop?
No.
I am one of many people who are a part of BikeHop.
I did 'lead the group,' last month, (it was small, but we seemed to have a good time.)

If there are any leaders
'IE people who head up the pack of BikeHop,' that runs around each month from venue to venue who advocate public defacing of property?
-They should speak up now, be proud of their stance and let everybody know who they are in the issue.
-I'd put a rent-check against anybody who HAS been a leader of BikeHop since I've been involved with it, or who currently IS a leader who would advocate defacing public property by graffitti'ng up messages such as 'f==k gas, ride your bike.'

I (personally,)
feel strongly that public expression should be done within the confines of the law, as well as harmoniously as possible.
Not only is graffitti (particularly of this type,) illegal, ugly, and offensive to me as an artist and member of society,
-I would be 'old school,' enough to find use of the word 'f==k,' to be socially incorrect and needlessly vulgar.
(I am speaking for myself, here.)

If there are other members of the community, (be they BikeHop or whatever,) who like using the word 'f==k,' all the time?
-feel free to do so and suffer the consequences when people look at you as a degenerate and ask you to leave their presence (as well as the presence of their families and businesses.) But to quote the 'Lonesome Stranger,' from 'the Big Lebowski' '...Have it your way, Dude.'

2. AntiMusic:
--hey, nice list.
Seriously,
It gives people a good ground to stand on in terms of defining what is safe operation of a bicycle in the eyes of the law.

--only thing I'd add (from personal reference work on the issue?)
Ape Hangers:
---Specifically those that are higher than your shoulders in a full upright riding position are considered unsafe and are illegal according to these laws as well.
(This would apply to both powered and non powered bicycles.)

-Further encouragement not to slouch in my opinnion, but be aware that if you are riding a highly modified bicycle or motorcycle, that there are acceptable limits, and you need to demonstrate to the local authorities that you can handle the vehicle you are driving when on a public road,
(RocketBaby, (which had moderate 'apes,' was not as easly to ride as when it had low-rise bars... If I was all over the road on Olive, and a cop saw this? I'd hope he'd pull me over and tell me to walk it, before I got my silly ass run over, or caused a wreck or hit someone.)

3. Riding as a group.

BikeHop has not ever been the same as Critical Mass.
It's ArtHop on Bikes.
BikeHop is not a political statement.
It's not a protest.
It is not a religious crusade.
It is not 'anti' car or 'anti' anything.
It is 'pro,' just pedalling around with some friends and checking out Art...
(That's it.)

-The main goal, (if I understand this correctly,) of BikeHop has been for a group of people to leisurely ride around from venue to venue check out the galleries, look at art, hear music, (even see performances other than that,) with a brief, (albiet meaningful) period of time spent at each point.

-The point of BikeHop is a 'pleasure ride,'
-We pick up and drop people off along the way, some are in for the full pull, others find something that they like, and hang out longer...
-we have traditionally tried to take quieter streets, we don't usually run the full span of the city, distance wise, and we obey the traffic laws.
-Wherever we can we stick to the right side of the road, the bike lanes, (we like quieter and vacant streets, actually,) and we are all about sharing the road with motorists.
-We ride in a group, but as a safe group and we give cars and trucks the right of way.

(By Comparisson:)
Critical mass is aggressive, (not assertive, AGGRESSIVE,) in that the group is not only vying for attention on public motorways,
but are looking to make a statement that 'we are traffic.'

Critical mass has a loose (at best,) interpretation of following roadrules, but I have never found them to be a 'front burner' priority, and are not looking to be in harmony with motorists, (per se,)
-as one of the key aspects is to take up lanes to a full extent, block traffic behind them, and do so to make a point that:
'we're vehicles too, we're a mass, we'er a critical mass.'

NOTE: when you are a hundred or a few hundred people riding like this, the public responds one way, -when there's maybe, 12 to 20? (key point, the less people riding in a group,) the crowds and motorists act entirely different.

There is definite safety in numbers when it comes to bicycles, (so if you are into Critical Mass, SHOW UP AND RIDE.
---There is also certain Martyrdom in a handful of bicyclists taking on even one Ford Taurus...
(Choose your fate and be ready to star on UTube and/or the Darwin Awards.)

Having ridden in both over the past year?
(and seen the reasonings behind the rides first hand consistantly?)

Though Critical Mass and Bike Hop may involve some of the same people, and both involve bikes and the streets of Fresno?
The motive behind the ride and actions taken by the riders are quite different.

I have my own feelings as to whether these motives are right or wrong, and encourage others to make their own decisions.

Bike Hop is meant to be a cruise-ride of a bunch of folks in varying types of bike ability, (both hard-core and neophyte,) just riding around, checking out art, meeting other folks and having a good time.

I think one of the key aspects between the two?

-Last summer a nice lady, recent transplant from LA came out to Bike Hop and cruised (most of the way,) with her two year old son on the back in a baby seat.
(...Truly a lovely situation, (BTW...the young man had good insights on shadow and contrast in three works hung at Spectrum that I found key to seeing the pieces as they were meant to be taken, his mention of the lack of 'zweibach,' toast -also was a point well made...)

-In BikeHop you can do that, and the nature of the ride is to allow folks to ride safely in a group,
---and even bring kids along if they'd like, (with it being as laid back) and fun as possible.

-If someone included a child in critical mass?
(Or if an adult was on the run who did not understand the behavior, intent, and impact of Critical Mass?) was on the run?
A.) -For the adult I'd consider it to be foolhardy, (as potentially violent and dangerous situations are constant, due to the provocation nature of the ride,)
B.) -and involving a child on the run not only puts a minor at definite risk,
-but could possibly be interpreted by authorities as definite child endangerment. I'd advise anyone against such stupidity.
(If you want to get your ass run over by an angry motorist for the sake of 'bike awarness?' c'est le vie,
---but don't jeopardize your kid too, 'k?)

BikeHop is riding around looking at art and winding up at a final destination (having gained and peeled off,) riders through the whole thing. It usually terminates at Tokyo, Broadway Studios, or back at the Tower,(last time we wound up at Full-Circle watching the Rogue Sampler.)

Critical Mass IS a rolling protest.
From my understanding it always has been.
Every one I've ridden in HAS been.
There has been, in each ride I've participated in, at least one or more circumstance with hostile motorists threatening the ride (either from the back of the pack, or with 'left-lane' riders.)

(I am more comfortable, personally, with peaceful protests, and am all about harmonious protests, and feel that protests, (if needed at all,) should be done with the end result in mind...
(...what is the goal? -are we accomplishing any sort of unity or equality here?
---or are we simply being a bag of hammers and seeing every social action as a nail we have to hit???)

The differences need to be understood by anyone in attendance so that people can choose wisely and be best prepared for either activity.

Final points:(In General)

Drunk Biking:
In discussions with people with regard to the nature of Bike Hop in terms of riding around drunk.
-Riding around drunk on anything (heck, walking around drunk,) is just plain stupid.
-I've seen people show up, down a few adult beveridges of their choice and go on either ride.

I don't think it's a good idea, as riding on the road means (you,) a 200lb? person (maybe,) on a 70lb bicycle,
---interracting with many several thousand pound cars and trucks, (not to mention other people, other bikes, curbs and trees, --could cause definite loss of life, and-or serious injury.)
-Use your head.

-I have heard folks voice discomfort at the whole thing 'having too much drinking in it,' (I've seen folks show up, pound a beer or two and head out, but this does NOT seem to be the norm.

As an adult?
I'd say exorcise responsibility for yourself and how you are going to be interracting with others.
(Otherwise? you run the risk of severe injury -and others (such as the police,) having to make decisions for you, that you refused to make earlier on in the evening.

-BackPack Searches:
I happen to live in an area where (for quite a while,) drug runners were on bicycles and would shuttle dope, money, weapons, (etc.) back and forth using bikes.
(strangely enough? the runners didn't wear helmets nor use lights, they also rode everywhere and stuck to the shadows... I wonder why????)
-I think the Police may be aware of this opportunity as well??? (duh.)

-So, my advice?
Don't carry anything that you could get in trouble with.

-Try this as an experiment:

-When attending BikeHop (heck,,, even Critical Mass?)

REALLY MESS WITH THEIR HEADS...!!!!
-yep, do EVERYTHING right.

-Don't drive hammered
-Don't break traffic laws
-Wear a helmet and lights

-(actually be,) courteous
--and maybe, leave your dope, (or whatever may get you busted in Fresno, like a Glock, Barretta, or Smith&Wesson, (Colt 45 for those attending from Clovis, (it's Rodeo Month, folks...), Slingshot, (whatever...) ...HOME...)

-That's it, really piss folks off by being nice to them, and acting responsibly... (smile, even, that'll really make them wonder what you're up to...)
Why not be an example by simply being a GOOD one???

(besides, art's more fun when you're not stoned or drunk, and I've never found firearms to be the way to assert onesself in a discussion about the fineries of various styles and palates and, it's hard to pedal and shoot, (makes for extremely short and unexciting chases...)
...just leave the stupid stuff at home, learn to enjoy others without drugs and weapons... (it is possible.)

(Again, Personally?)
I find two very distinct mindsets in town, and find the one quite regrettable.

Example:
I happen to own a truck, as well as several bicycles.
I think it's great to have a safe and suitable bicycle and use it whenever I can.
-I feel the same about my truck, (and about my car when I get one later on in the summer,)

---I find ALL vehicles to be essential and am not conflicted by use of any of them,
-I don't have ill-will towards somebody for using whatever mode of transportation that they are best at.

-This means that I find that those who operate their vehicles in a safe and sane fashion, (as well as keep them safe and well maintained,) are welcome co-inhabitants to the town... -and it's a thrill to be with them... even if they play music that I personally cannot stand, such as, um,,, Garth Brooks or Gangsta...)

--I have no problem with people who choose to purely bicycle, or purely operate cars and trucks, motorcycles.
I find it to be a bit naieve and dangerous to:
-not only have a bad attitude towards others who choose a different mode of transportation than myself,
(or worse,)
choose to become hostile, provocative, or aggressive towards others who have other forms of transporation than myself.

If someone is acting like an idiot?
(in whatever they're driving or riding,)
-they need to be told to stop,
-if they refuse to stop acting like an idiot,
they need to be stopped (if for only their own good, or the good of all.)

Surprise-Surprise:
-Though I feel strongly that folks should have their own personal rights,
-and such rights to individual expression and choice in life should be defended???
-I feel those rights should be challanged, temporarily suspended, or revoked when (said individual,) is choosing to do things that are likely to cause injury or death to themselves or anyone else.
-So, yeah, in my opinnion, no matter what your ethos is:
If you're breaking the law and endangering others?
You should be encouraged to stop, or be busted.
Choose wisely.

Personally?
Not as the leader, but definitely as a steady participant of BikeHop, I endorse an attitude of 'sharing the road, adhering to laws, and getting down the road (on whatever method of transpo a person has,) in a calm and happy fashion.'
(disclaimer: I like driving, ---anything.)

I do think if you do anything in this town, with an attitude of 'being pissed at folks' based upon an ideology, (such as 'motorists just because they're 'motorists.')
-that COUNTER ideologies will know this, and be happy to react against such...

It becomes more a spectacle with clashes, -and throwing in 'illegal substances and driving under the influence,'
-puts the law in the position of having to take action,
(which I'm glad that they do,)
as, ultimately it helps to assure the safety of either party and the public in general.)

-Eric

Ride Your Bike! Tower District Graffiti

riding with out reflectors

one of last years Critical Mass rides... some people did ride with out a light and reflectors and they did get tickets but they were just fix it tickets...

now to clear up what I meant... that a ticket for a bicycle for required items like helmets, lights, reflectors should not be over $25... but if your on a bike run a red light, are drunk, throw something at some one, it should be the same fine as some one in any vehicle gets.

Here is something a lot of people don't know about Bicycle laws...

http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/bike/index.htm

Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation Bicycle Safety List with some National Bicycling Laws, Bicycle Planning, FACTs, and even Engineering Solutions for "Traffic Calming"

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm
California DMV Bicycle Rules with links to California Vehicle Code Sections for Bicycles

http://fresnosheriff.org/Community/BikeSafety.htm
Fresno County Sheriff bike safety and rules this should be the same as the City of Fresno and other communities in Fresno County

local bicycle citations (municipal codes) the only one I found was:
Bike Riding on the Mall MC10-1813 it's as criminal as Jay Walking VC21955

http://cmtickets.com
Critical Mass Tickets a list of various tickets for Critical Mass riders in NYC

http://www.bicycledefensefund.org/summons.html
Ticketed Help for Bicycle riders

here are the rules (California Vehicle Code):

Section 21200 of the CVC basically states that cyclists have all of the same privileges and responsibilities that other vehicles have. (Obey posted signs, and have working lights for the night)

Bicyclists are "vehicle operators" in almost every sense under the vehicle code. They are not restricted to particular lanes or parts of the road, except that when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or to avoid unsafe conditions, they should ride as far to the right "as practicable" [CVC 21202(a)]. On a section of highway that carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, bicyclists may ride as near to the left as practicable [CVC 21202(b)]. They are also subject to the law on two-lane highways that slow traffic must pull over, wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, when 5 or more vehicles are behind it and where passing is unsafe [CVC 21656].

So if the cyclist was riding as far to the right as practicable for the road surface conditions and holding up less than 5 vehicles, he or she is within the law, and motorists are responsible for passing the cyclist in a way that is safe for all

The law says cars cannot drive in bike lanes, except to park where permitted, to enter or leave a roadway, or to prepare for a turn within 200 feet of an intersection [CVC 21309]

Cyclists are supposed to use bike lanes but they are not locked into them. CVC 21208 says:
Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that such person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane.
(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(3) When reasonable necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions.

There's no CVC section requiring to ride in single file. On the other hand, some people (including police officers, acting in their official capacities) interpret the requirement to keep as far to the right "as practicable" of CVC 21202(a) to require bicycles to ride single file. Under this interpretation, unless passing, turning, avoiding road debris, etc. (see quote of CVC 21208 above), the cyclist on the left is not as far right as practicable.

-from the California Driving (and Surviving) FAQ http://www.faqs.org/faqs/ca-driving-faq

Equipment Requirements. VC 21201
Every bicycle operated during darkness shall be equipped with a white light lamp which illuminates to the front, A red reflector mounted on the rear, white or yellow reflector mounted on each pedal, a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center except bicycles which are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with side reflectors.

Helmets. VC 21212
persons under 18 are required to wear a helmet a fine for not is $25, but I say protect your head, remember those people who fall off their Horses and are not paralyzed, luckily a bike will not throw you as often as a riding on an animal would.

Bicycles on Roadways VC 21650.1
A bicycle on a roadway shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to drive upon the roadway.

Bicycling on Freeways VC 21960
Is Restricted you should see signs that say you can't besides with cars driving 70+, do it if you have a death wish.

Hand Signals. VC 22111
are required, the three are: Left turn-hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle., Right turn- left hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the bicycle or right hand and arm extended horizontally to the right side of the bicycle., Stop or sudden decrease of speed signal- left hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the bicycle. see Diagram You can use your right or left hand to point were you will turn, Night riding makes these signal almost useless, unless you had a reflective glove or a holding a light in your hand.

Headphones in 'both ears' are Illegal when riding a bike VC 27400

A Bicycle License is a city or county ordinance... does it do any good? I would not know, but if there is a fee it gives them "no more than $4, for new and no more than $2 for replacement or renewal" VC 39004.a, if anything registering you bike is only good if it get stolen and it could help in recovering it. does that work? I do not know, how many stolen & recovered unclaimed bikes are there?
"All City of Fresno fire stations are capable of licensing bicycles. Take your bicycle, and $3.00, to the nearest city fire station, and they will issue a license."

Throwing Substances on Highways or Adjoining Areas. VC 23111 7 23112
No person in any vehicle shall throw lighted or non-lighted cigarette, or any flaming or glowing substance. No person shall throw or deposit upon a highway any bottle, can garbage, glass, wire, nails, paper or any substance likely to injure or cause damage to traffic using the highway. This also must mean that people in cars can't throw stuff at you when you are riding your bike on the road. Make note of their car make and model, and get the licence plate number if possible.

here is a list of tickets that have been given to bicyclists.
Tickets for lights/bells (California does not have a law for bells, but it does for lights & reflectors)
Ticket for under 18 with out a helmet is a $25 fine.
Tickets for riding outside the bike lane (it's only a white line your can ride out side of it) but ride on the right side of the road and with traffic you can get a ticket for that.
Tickets for riding on the sidewalk (it's possible to get these if your riding on the Mall)
Tickets for running red lights (it is against the law to run red light, but processions can get away with this with a lawful escort)
You can get a DUI ticket on a bicycle, they can ask to search your person too (just say NO to the search)

Got any more you have heard of?

hmmmm, welll

Over the past year or so with the Fresno Free Bike Clinic, there have been folks who have gotten the ticket (the 150.00 one,) for lights, -and as some of them have been slightly on the homeless side, (150.00 is a mammoth chunk of change...) I'm inclined to believe what I've heard on several occasions...

But heck..

In the name of science?

Anti:
-go out there and ride around without a light, (pass a lot of cops,) and let me know how you make out... k?
(I'm up for en-lightenment... send me the results...)

Easier En-lightenment?

I think Chris at Tower Velo has lightsets that go as low as 15.00
(I think, though he has more zippy and advanced ones that go from that to twice that (for the set,)
-and they come with free batteries too...

Also?
Wal*Mart has sets going on for something like 9 to 12 bucks... and I was hearing something about a local drugstore selling sets (as well as dollar stores,) for dirt cheap as well...

Either way?

Fresno is a dangerous town to ride a bike in... (I know, I ride all the time,)

Make it less dangerous,
(for you and others,) by having lights...
-(said lights can be purchased by aforementioned tree-huggin, Reclaimation employed gentleman -or- house of greed and exploitation of the tired masses, (who's store phone prefixes in the phonebook all start with '666.')

WHATEVER... i personally am not being kept up nights due to either stance...

just make sure to have lights...
(a helmet is'nt a bad idea either, I could have sworn I saw some 'scooter,' helmets going on for sale at Kragens for like, 6 bucks???...)

Biking under the influence

Biking under the influence is $250 fine. I think the $25 thingy is JUST for minors & helmets.

-s

$150 ticket? there is a law

$150 ticket? there is a law that states no bicycle ticket shall exceed $25 ... that maybe just for helmets but I thought I saw it listed under the California Vehicle Code for operating Bicycles.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm

but then the local codes could be different...
http://fresnosheriff.org/Community/BikeSafety.htm