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The number of bicyclists that showed up this month was a little low, but the ride was unusually enjoyable for such a small showing.
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Bicyclists initially decided to cruise around the student housing areas on the West side. |
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Motor Vehicle traffic was fairly light due to Labor Day Weekend. |
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Heading along Langdon Street.
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Climbing a shallow hill near the University.
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This Bicyclist was stopped by the Fitchburg Police the day before for riding 2 abreast on Lacy Street.
There was no other traffic on the road at the time. Do you think this is legal?
Wisconsin State Statutes section 346.80 (3)(a) reads:
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may ride 2 abreast if such operation does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Bicycle operators riding 2 abreast on a 2-lane or more roadway shall ride within a single lane.
So, if there is no other traffic, how can bicyclists riding two abreast impede that traffic? Maybe the Fitchburg Police have something to learn about bicycling!
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For a minute or two, bicyclists occupied the width of East Johnson street, bringing about that magical moment when you can see the streets as they would be
if they weren't burdened by motor vehicle traffic. When this happens the whole character of a street changes.
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Compare that to what it looked like behind us. Which picture of East Johnson would you like to see more of every day?
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As we cleared the left lane, several motorists honked in support including this motorist.
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We turned on Baldwin, then right again on East Washington.
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After a quick left, we found our way to Williamson Street, where motorists were a little less happy about sharing the road with us.
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This Motorist revved his engine and honked several times before illegally passing the bicyclists on the left (note the double-yellow divider lines)
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A first time Critical Masser! He suggested that we should get a larger group together next time to make a statement about not supporting wars to protect our oil supply.
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Bicyclists slowly peeled away from the Mass. Eventually 4 bicyclists made it back to Capitol Square as vendors prepared for "A Taste Of Madison" that weekend.
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