@sam wonders how to respond after a bad driver interaction:
Q6. When you have a dangerous interaction with a driver that doesn't involve a crash (drivers throwing things, pulling in front of you and getting out of their car and attempting to stop your bike, etc.) do you call the police, file a report later, get away and then do nothing, or something else? What factors go into making your decision?
@ascentale@sam It truly saddening that the majority of replies (seemingly all from #northamerica ) concerning reporting a life threatening incident on a bicycle involve such disparaging comments on interactions with our law enforcement agencies. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve seen a single comment about being helped or supported by police regarding #bicycle stuff. #bikenite@bikenite Sure seems to say something about how perceptions are being shaped.
We got two separate questions about cycle trailers this week and I will try to combine questions from @Iragersh and @scottsthoughts into one:
Q2. What do you recommend for utility trailers? What's best for light-duty?
What's best for heavy-duty (>150lb, for carrying @scottsthoughts's bartending gear (coolers, ice, folding tables, etc)?
How do they attach to your cycle?
edit:
Also, some details that were missing due to character limits:
There are some compatibility issues with seatpost/hub/axle hitches and cycle types, such as e-bikes
The Bikes at Work trailers are nice but very expensive
Q6. What is the consensus on listening to podcasts/music while biking? Earbuds seem a safety risk, while open air speakers may be annoying to fellow riders. Do different standards apply to a separated trail versus mixed use street?
@ascentale@andyw350 I'm definitely in the lane without ear buds or headphones while riding. For myself I really want to be aware of anyone or anything around me. Even with that I've been overtaken by faster riders who sometimes don't even call out or I've missed in my mirror and it's unnerving. Way too many walkers/joggers/runners who miss my announcements too so I wish they'd leave at least one hear open. I'm not sure if there are any legal requirements @bikenite#bikenite#BikeTooter A6
No one has asked me, but I propose "Minnesota Fierce" as the permanent name of #PWHL Minnesota. Much like how the #MinnesotaTimberwolves (#NBA) and #Lynx (#WNBA) have distinct names that pair together well, I think #MinnesotaWild and #MinnesotaFierce would make a great duo and "Fierce" is evocative of a competitive, brave team.
@eddeeMN@hockey@pwhl I originally was going with the Valkyrie crowd. Fierce I can get on board with. But overal at this point, I’m wishing they would stick with just PWL Minnesota. I think that really says it all, for good, or ill.
@moira asks a question about inner tubes that I've also been thinking about as I deal with so many flat tires:
Q4. How long do replacement tubes hold up in storage? And should tubes be changed out occasionally before they fail, and is it a time thing or a distance ridden thing?
Asking because I've had a replacement tube in my road repair kit for a while and I have no idea when or if I should swap it out.
@ascentale@moira#bikenite@bikenite I’ve never given up on a tube if I can repair it. I always carry a spare in my trunk bag. Tip I learned from a bike mechanic: always carry your spare tube in an old sock, not in the box. Tubes stored in the box can get worn/weak spots rubbing on the box over time. And, you have a built in rag for your hands.
@ascentale@etp I'm not familiar with Komoot. Hope that I see more comments, and I'll do some checking myself. Right now I'm using #ridewithgps but there's a subscription fee if you want any real useful planning/editing. #bikenite@bikenite@mastobikes
Today in NW #Minnesota, its 52 degrees. In February. We are on track for the warmest #winter on record. Its been disappointing not to be able to avail ourselves of all the winter activities and outdoor sports we typically enjoy. Instead, I am worrying about deer ticks in February. Wtf.
Next week with temps that could reach the 60s, I will probably get a jump on spring cleanup (which usually happens here in May), with the lawn tractor.
@darren For sure nutz with the non-winter winter. Just checked and over 200 miles on the bike in 2024 already and I don’t do snow/ice/winter riding. Going on a planned “skiing trip” next week. Except its going to be 60 and there is no snow. Lot’s of hiking I guess. #MNastodon
We need at leasst 17 more people using the #BikeNite hashtag (on public posts) to have a shot of trending.
Why do I care? Because Mastodon isn't the greatest for discoverability. I think BikeNite is a cool community and I would like to see more cyclists able to find us and participate in this a/synchronous weekly structured chat. @mastobikes@fedibikes@bikenite#Cycling#BikeTooter#fahrrad
Related to gravel: @MartyCormack has a question about multi-use paths:
Q4. In the USA over the last 50 years, a large number of abandoned railroad right-of-ways (and canal towpaths, etc.) have been converted to multiuse trails, not accessible to motor vehicles, that are often awesome for recreational, adventure, touring or even commuter bicycling.
Is there a similar trail or bicycle infrastructure in your area that you would recommend we come and visit and ride?
@ascentale@MartyCormack@bikenite#bikenite Is the “Rails-to-Trails” is US concept? @glightly noted wishing some of these could be returned to public transit, but many in our area are woefully old and seemingly not capable of upgrade. Wondering what the rest of the world is doing?
@ascentale@glightly#bikenite#BikeTooter#cycling cc:@fedibikes cc:@mastobikes A5 I have been very pleased with support from Priority Bikes. They’ve even created a reference page for me showing some fasters with correct torque values when I was having issues with loose bolts.