{"id":381,"date":"2014-04-27T13:09:46","date_gmt":"2014-04-27T13:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zacharybaiel.com\/blog\/?p=381"},"modified":"2014-05-03T13:55:40","modified_gmt":"2014-05-03T13:55:40","slug":"bikelala-planning-and-cognitive-dissonance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zacharybaiel.com\/blog\/2014\/04\/27\/bikelala-planning-and-cognitive-dissonance\/","title":{"rendered":"#bikelala, Planning, and Cognitive Dissonance"},"content":{"rendered":"

In April 27th’s\u00a0Sunday paper, Dave Bangert<\/a> writes\u00a0Drivers, cyclists and a mirror of shared blame<\/a>, discussing\u00a0the recent APC study regarding bicycle crashes in Tippecanoe County from 2007 – 2012<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The report is a good reference point with statistics, maps, and suggestions. \u00a0Crashes are denoted by time of day, weather conditions, etc.<\/p>\n

In this particular map (page 18), it shows the location of the crashes and their density by color.<\/p>\n

\"APC-Bicycle-Crash-Map-2014\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The report does not state if the cyclist had proper gear on their bicycle. \u00a0For instance, I cannot find the words\u00a0bell, whistle, siren, or audible\u00a0<\/em>in the report.<\/p>\n

In my own riding, I find that, during daylight hours, my bell is the most important piece of equipment on my bicycle.<\/p>\n

Per Title\u00a09 of the Indiana Code<\/a>, a bicycle should have something that makes noise that is not a siren or whistle. \u00a0Yelling also does not count, however, communicating\u00a0On your left!<\/em> is helpful and respectful.<\/p>\n

<\/a>IC 9-21-11-8<\/b><\/a>
\nBell or other audible signaling devices; sirens; whistles
\n<\/b>\u00a0Sec. 8. A person may not ride a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet. A bicycle may not be equipped with and a person may not use upon a bicycle a siren or whistle.
\nAs added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.<\/i><\/p>\n

Making everyone mindful\u00a0that a bicycle is present is one of the most important defensive riding techniques one can employ. \u00a0If you don’t have a bell, I highly recommend purchasing one ASAP. \u00a0I personally use a Crane and find them to be amazing in their clarity and have a pleasant tone. \u00a0You can purchase them at Virtuous Cycles<\/a> in Downtown Lafayette.<\/p>\n