Hit and Run Alert

An EIU student was hit by a Black Dodge truck with dual exhaust. The student was not injured, but did not get a license plate either. The driver of the truck appeared to be texting and did not see the cyclist. Two spokes were broken on the rear wheel and the rim was bent.

Be alert and be careful. Carelessness is everywhere.

Fresh gravel alert

Fresh oil and chip has been applied on some county roads west of Charleston in the vicinity of the Clear Water water tower. The gravel is fairly well packed, so it's not a big problem for road bikes, but it does require a little extra caution. Roads affected are CR E700 N (from N 1200E to N 1320E), N1320E north to E 720N (Drake Homes), E720N to Route 16, and N1380E to W. Hayes Ave.

There are some patches of loose gravel in the middle and edges of the road, but with a little car traffic, they'll be fine in a week or two.

Dog Watch

A number of us have had some encounters with dogs on our routes. I am going to try and compile a list of of address and dog descriptors (aggressive, etc). This may help us to avoid houses with owners that do not take the time to protect their animals.

If you have any house address/descriptors, pass them along, or add to this "Dog Map" using the Google maps tools (don't forget to save the map if you add to it.)

Click here to edit map --> Dog Map - for Charleston, IL cyclists.


View Dog Map - Charleston, IL in a larger map

Warning! Riding a Bicycle Can Have the Following Side Effects:

If you are thinking about replacing a car trip with a bicycle trip instead, it is important to know the repercussions of that choice. Read further for 8 side effects that your doctor or bicycle salesman may not have told you about.

1) Weight loss

If you are trying to get fat, then cycling might not be right for you. Cycling has been known to deplete calories stored in the body’s fat reserves, thus decreasing the gravitational pull on the affected body.

2) Slowed breathing

Those who cycle regularly have reported more time needed for each breath during both exertion and periods of rest.

3) Dangerously low amounts of stress

Those who commute to work by bicycle have been observed to be void of hostility, which some claim is an important survival tool in today's world.

4) Punctuality

Being able to navigate around traffic, take shortcuts through places where cars can't fit, and choose between both car AND bicycle infrastructure can often leave cyclists bored and twiddling their thumbs, waiting for the rest of their associates to show up at work or when meeting friends for lunch.

5) Caffeine free mental stimulation

Those who cycle often attain natural alertness and thus are unable to justify a delicious morning cup of coffee.

6) Feelings of Invincibility

Those who power their own commute often feel that they can accomplish anything.

7) It can be a gateway activity

Cycling can lead to the curiosity, exploration, and even a dependence on other natural, non-motorized activities.

8) Extreme joy

Regular cyclists often have trouble understanding road rage, and thus often get left out of the popular passtime. Too much smiling can also add laugh lines to the face.

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/bicycle-side-effects.php

LIB's Driver Education curriculum

The League of Illinois Bicyclists, with funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation, has produced a nearly seven-minute video on motorist-bicyclist safety. This video is available in both Flash® and Apple QuickTime® formats:


http://www.bikelib.org/video/

Illinois Bicyclist Guide pamphlet

A guide published by the League of Illinois Bicyclists. The guide covers, among other things, safe riding skills, commuting and how to find a club

http://bikelib.org/guides/illinoisbicyclistguide.pdf