Helmets Not Even In Top 10 Of ThingsThat Keep Cycling Safe

British Cycling policy advisor Chris Boardman says it’s time for the cycling community to put the debate about mandatory cycle helmets to bed and get across the message that helmet use is one of the least important cycling safety measures.

Even talking about making helmets mandatory “massively puts people off” cycling, Boardman said, and likened the culture of helmet use among keen cyclists to people wearing body armour because they have got used to being shot at.

Talking to road.cc at the London Bike Show, Boardman said, “I think the helmet issue is a massive red herring. It’s not even in the top 10 of things you need to do to keep cycling safe or more widely, save the most lives.”

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The Bike-Share Boom

Does it feel like suddenly, bike-share programs are everywhere? The seemingly simple concept has indeed swept across the globe in a matter of just a few years. This is the story of just how quickly a great idea can spread when combined with the right technology—and a few fateful bumps along the way.

Read the story here.

Nine-Year-Old Asks To Adopt Highway For Christmas

When 9-year-old Jameson Vaughan was asked what he wanted for Christmas, he told his grandmother Winky Vaughan that he would like to adopt a highway.

Jameson attends Mason Cove Elementary School and enjoys helping people and the environment.  He got the idea after passing an Adopt-a-Highway sign on the way to a family reunion. “It sounded pretty cool to me, so I asked my grandmother if she could make that happen, and it wouldn’t cost anything,” Jameson explained.

Jameson’s request prompted Vaughan to contact the Virginia Department of Transportation to inquire about the program for individuals, businesses or civic groups to clean up litter and have their efforts recognized with a sign along the roadway.

Vaughan connected with Brenda McGuire, VDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway coordinator for Roanoke, Botetourt and Craig counties, to pursue making Jameson’s Christmas wish a reality. “I was blown away when I found out someone so young was interested in the program,” McGuire recalled.  

Only individuals age 18 and older may adopt highways but those under age 10 can participate in cleanups with adult supervision and permission from VDOT’s local residency administrator, who determines if the pickup location is safe for children.

Vaughan was pleased to learn that Route 912 (Absolom Smith Road) in Roanoke County near her home was available for adoption.  A blue Adopt-a-Highway sign denoting a portion of Route 912 as adopted by “Jameson Vaughan & Family” will soon appear there.

After a recent visit to VDOT’s Salem Residency Office to receive his safety vest, trash bags and highway cleanup signs, Jameson is ready to begin picking up litter on his newly adopted road.
“I was going to ask a couple of my friends to help,” he said with a smile.

“I have 12 grandchildren and all they usually want is video games,” Vaughan explained.  “Jameson is so excited.”  In addition to his adopted roadway, Jameson’s Christmas gifts also included two trash grabbers and a sign to display in his room.

Anyone interested in adopting a highway on VDOT maintained roads can learn more on VDOT's website.   

A Look Inside Hamilton's Surprising Bike Share Success Story

A couple of weeks ago, Owen Anderson, 54, went for a 27-kilometre bike ride — on a bike he doesn't own. 

Monumental trips like that help explain how Anderson, who does magic shows for kids for a living, is Hamilton's bike share top user.

As of Sunday, he'd ridden 2154.88 kilometres on the SOBI bike share bikes. He joined in May, so that's about 300 km a month, roughly 10 km a day. 

Sometimes he goes further, like that 27-km ride on the Rail Trail out to Highway 54 and back.

Unlike the majority of riders who use the bikes for commutes and errands, Anderson uses it entirely for recreation and exercise.

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