Free-For-All Friday 6/17/16
Decatur Metro | June 17, 2016 | 7:49 amFeel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
cfn
Deb
Robert Butera
JC
Rene
7.62 x 39
J_T
Chadwick Stogner
lumpintheroad
Mr. Mooney
DawgFan
Golazo
For general admission (which is all that is now available) at Amplify Decatur, the website says, “Seating is not guaranteed.” So we need to bring our own chairs for general admission, right?
Website FAQ says “No chairs allowed”, but “Blankets are allowed”.
OK, let’s start this rant again:
Yesterday, while walking around downtown running errands, I was almost run over in a marked crosswalk by a bicyclist. Later I observed two others running red lights.
Cyclists, if you want respect and cooperation, you have to follow the law rather than putting yourself and others in danger.
Okay, let’s start. Within two blocks of my house in Decatur this morning I was passed by a driver at a 4-way stop. Drivers, if you want respect and cooperation, you have to follow the law rather than putting yourself and others in danger.
Amen. I really don’t like the tone of the original post. Yes, it’s crappy for bikes to blow through a crosswalk, but bikers don’t have to “earn” the right to use the road.
Seeing more and more bikes on PDL and Scott Blvd, also Moreland. Sometimes 2 abreast. Won’t be long before one of these fools gets themselves killed because they think they have equal standing to a rolling ton of metal.
2 abreast is legal.
they won’t “get themselves killed”, they will be killed by a driver who despite rolling around in a deadly ton of metal disregarded the rules of the road and the value of human life.
Hey, I don’t discriminate. If it’s your wish to become ‘one with the road’, then by all means go out there and bike on a heavy traffic metro road. It won’t be me who hits you…it will be the geriatric, or the teen-aged texter. Don’t think that the blame will be solely on them. Your fooling yourself if you think your righteous gibberish is going to somehow protect you.
you’re fooling yourself if you think a) that’s gibberish and b) you think that i think it’s going to protect me. but you know, geriatrics and teen aged texters, and all the other texters for that matter, drive on all roads. i won’t let them, nor people who enjoy pointing out that i’ll be taken out for daring to ride a bike, keep me from going out and riding a bike.
2 abreast is legal. – It may be legal, but “share the road”. It seems like a self-righteous attitude to think a group of bikers or a couple riding abreast is somehow superior to someone commuting in a car. Share the road.
they won’t “get themselves killed”, they will be killed by a driver who despite rolling around in a deadly ton of metal disregarded the rules of the road and the value of human life. – Accidents happen, its why its called an accident…it doesn’t mean the driver didn’t “value human life”. Like someone else mentioned it could be a teen stupidly texting, or someone playing with the radio who accidently swerves into a biker. I’m sure they value human life…while these scenarios show fault, they do not show the driver doesn’t value human life. That is way to bold of a statement.
Absolutely you have every right to ride a bike, the point is, whether you like it or not, it is very dangerous. You will lose to a car in an accident. Sometimes people in cars are jerks, distracted, inexperienced…whatever. Be careful and just remember to “share the road”.
Bicycle Failures:
Bicycle Crashes:
ever thought about the fact that riding two wide can be safer? and there’s nothing self righteous about it. one could say it’s self righteous for someone in a car to think that his or her need to get somewhere on a public road is somehow more important than cyclists’ safety.
riding a bike is not very dangerous. it’s actually very safe. cars are dangerous. inattentive drivers are dangerous. vehicles weighing thousands of pounds viewing cyclists as inconveniences are dangerous. it’s cars that kill cyclists. cars are very dangerous things, they kill thousands of people every year. it’s always an accident though. i was accidentally texting, i didn’t see him crossing the street. i accidentally got in my car instead of a cab after drinking at the bar. i was accidentally going to fast around a curve and lost control.
If it’s legal, that means it is a-ok to do it. Take, for example, wearing pajamas to a fine restaurant. No law against it. And that is precisely why I get so upset when I get a glare while dining at C&A in my jammies. If the legislature said it’s ok, then who is anyone else to judge?
i take it from that comment that you equate riding two abreast to wearing pajamas to a fine dining restaurant, i.e. you probably think the only reason cyclists do that is to annoy you. i’m gonna stay out of this conversation until you have a better grasp on the subject.
No. The point is that whether something is legal is irrelevant to whether it is also rude or obnoxious. Two abreast on Ponce is all but certain to significantly impede normal traffic flow, making it obnoxious given the wide availability of alternate routes.
ok. cyclists are rude and obnoxious to impede your flow. i’ll keep that in mind next time i head out on your roads. i apologize for getting in your way and inconveniencing you. in the future, i’ll go out of my way to make sure you don’t have to go out of yours to respect my rights.
ant1, could be you’re shutting down a good opportunity to get folks mulling over your points (and for you to do the same with theirs). DEM’s hardly a road raging bike hater. He’s weighed in many times on streets related issues as a driver AND cyclist. Even when I’ve held a differing view, his take has always been well worth considering.
i think i understand his/her views. the road should be shared but cyclists shouldn’t be rude by riding two wide on busy roads and slowing down drivers. let’s not consider there might be a reason other then rudeness for them doing so. they should get out of the way of drivers; there’s plenty of other roads they can take. all within a discussion, complete with video evidence, rife with talk of cyclists being taken out “accidentally” by drivers that won’t be solely at fault when they do.
i apologize if i’m a little annoyed by the ‘you can use our roads, but pick which ones carefully or it’ll be your fault when you’re taken out’ mentality. it’s a big part of the problem, and sitting by quietly while cycling slowly gains acceptance isn’t a solution.
Disclosure: I used to cycle a lot on surface streets, including with cycling groups, but haven’t for years and now drive a ton (duh, it’s Atlanta).
As a driver, I find two cyclists abreast SAFER than a single cyclist rather than less safe:
1) Harder to miss noticing than a single cyclist
2) It’s unambiguous about what to do on a two lane road–you have no choice but to drive slowly behind cyclists abreast until there’s no oncoming traffic and no double line and you can pass them in the opposite traffic lane. When there’s just a single cyclist, drivers are unsure whether they should try to squeeze past between the cyclist and the oncoming traffic or whether they should annoy the traffic behind them by slowing down behind the cyclist until passing is possible or the cyclist turns off.
They don’t “think” they have equal standing, they do have equal standing. Cyclists and drivers both have a responsibility to obey the rules of the road. You break the rules, you accept the risk and responsibility for any resulting injury to yourself or someone else.
I think the original point is that cyclists have a tendency to break the rules (especially stopping at lights and stop signs) a lot more often than motorists, the implication being cyclists feel a sort of “privilege” that their actions are more right than drivers. Just my opinion.
I can see that, but there is no evidence that cyclists break the rules more often than drivers. Speeding, texting while driving, chatting on the phone, putting on make up or shaving while driving, are all things violate the rules or result in distracted driving. I see these things daily and at least as much as I see a cyclist breaking the rules. And I say this from the perspective of someone who drives and cycles to work.
I confess that, when i ride my bike, I treat stop signs as a yield sign (I slow down as I proceed through the intersection, and stop for cars already at the intersection) and stop lights as a stop sign. It just takes too much energy on a bike to come to a complete stop at every stop sign and would significantly detract from the efficiency of cycling to work in the first place. This is rule in several European countries and several states that are more “bike friendly.” However, I also know that I accept the risk of someone blowing through a stop sign and we will be equally fault for any injury to myself or the driver. But I choose to accept that risk. Similarly, drivers risk hitting a cyclist when they are texting while driving and not paying attention to the road. The driver has consciously decided that it is worth the risk in order to answer the text message.
Neither cyclists nor drivers are perfect. If we were, cars wouldn’t hit cyclists, cyclists, wouldn’t hit pedestrians, etc. Everyone has a right to use the roads, and everyone should pay attention to what they are doing. If you want to engage in risk taking behavior by deviating from the established rules of the road, then you have to be prepared to accept the negative consequences those actions might bring.
Confession: While making a left turn into the parking lot of The Sweat Box on College Ave at 6am, I didn’t realize I was cutting in front of a bicyclist because I didn’t see him in the dark. It was my fault for not being more aware, although I think he might not have had a light on the front of his bike; I might very well be mistaken regarding the light.
In any case, I felt horrible and was actually a bit rattled! I respect bicyclists on the road, and I have several friends and coworkers who are avid bicyclists (some commuting to work on bike), but this is an example of where my respect has nothing to do with human error or the value of life. That’s also not to say that bicyclists should ride in fear or shouldn’t ride at all. I’m just saying that the risk exists regardless.
I think a basic fact in Georgia is car drivers are not used to looking for a single headlight on the road, whether it’s a bicycle, moped or motorcycle.While there are quite a few who are conciencious drivers who may ride bikes themselves, the vast majority view bikes as nuisances in the “car lanes.” When it comes to either driver or biker disobeying the law, the biker always loses in an incident.
bicycle crashes 2:
more bicyclists:
these are hilarious, thanks for posting.
yeah, before [insert name of minority group here] get [insert thing that is afforded to other groups here] they’re gonna have to [insert ridiculous condition that isn’t met by any other group here].
and that, folks, is one of the convenient ways you can rationalize discrimination. try it in other areas of your life as well.
I have been knocked flat on the ground, and got all skinned up, while in a crosswalk, by a bicyclist who did not obey a stop sign.
Why so much hating on bikers? Do you really, in the course of a day witness more violations by people on bikes or people in cars? I always figure a bike on the road means 1 less car on the road.
Far more violations by motorists–after all, texting while driving is a violation.
and far more dangerous violations. the kind that very regularly kill people.
but let’s keep complaining about the cyclists.
we’re gona build a wall between the bike lanes and the car lanes… and we’re gonna make the cyclists pay for it. it’s time to make our roads great again!
I can top your bike rage, Steve. I recently saw a car run a red light and then it hit me on my bike. My outrage was tempered by my sense of being lucky to be alive.
Looking for a recommendation for a local golf pro for lessons, preferably one who gives lessons outdoors on a grass range.
I don’t know a golf pro specifically, but you could try contacting the Charlie Yates Golf Course (a public course in the East Lake area) or Candler Park Golf Course (another public course). You don’t have to have a membership at the public courses in order to play or take lessons.
I recommend Heidi Mitchell. She is the pro at Stone Mountain and gives her lessons there, Nice range.
http://www.heidimitchellgolf.com/
Jeff Dunovant is the Pro at Charlie Yates. I can personally testify that he has significantly lowered my handicap.
Give him a call at 404-396-5078
Does anyone know when the Callaway building is scheduled to be demolished? I’m sure kids would enjoy watching it. Heck I’m an adult – I’m using that term loosely – and I’d enjoy watching it.
Don’t know the answer but, once it happens, I think it’s destined to be underwhelming. Word is that pretty much every inch of that building — from the shell to the interior finishes — is riddled with asbestos. They’ll probably need to bag the whole thing and slowly dismantle it.
Yeah, I don’t think it will be a big implosion.
Well darn. Thanks for the info though.
Greetings Decaturites. Can anyone recommend a good (preferably local) pest control business?
While not local, I can recommend Allgood.
+1 for Allgood!
We use Inspectall Services, 770-483-2420. They’ve done our termite and pest control for a few years, we’re very happy with the people and the rates.
Avondale Pest Control
Cooks Pest Control
NorthWest
888) 466-7849
I also recommend Northwest. They use “green” products that are pet and family safe.
We’ve used Terminix for over 20 years. It is the quarterly general pest control no termite treatment. The price is up to $102 a treatment. What are you paying for a smilar service?
thanks.
Massey (they bought BACO), $75/quarter, same as it was with BACO for 10+ years.
Decatur Pest Control.
Pride Pest Control – owned and operated by David Jones (404) 502-5160. Quarterly service is $85 for my house and hasn’t changed since I started probably 12 years ago.
Bulldog Pest Control. Contact owner/operator John Roberts at (770) 466-4156. Very nice man and has done a great job for us for the past 18 years.
Sorry to continue Recommendation Friday but if anyone could give me the name of a good furniture repairperson, I’d appreciate it. We have a dining room chair that needs rescuing. Thank you!
On North Decatur Road, just east of the Kroger shopping center at DeKalb Industrial, on the hill overlooking the Last Chance Thrift Store is a place we have used three or four times and they did a great job repairing and reglueing dining room chairs. Wish I could remember the name. They are great.
Steve Bentz does excellent work. His firm is Bentz & Weathersby (http://furniturerepairatlanta.com/). We have used them for many different projects over the years. He does very high quality work and stands behind it. Highly recommended.
Multi-family yard sale in Avondale Estates on Saturday, June 18!
36 Wiltshire Drive/corner of Dartmouth Rd
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
9-4, no early shoppers, please
Furniture, crafting supplies, twin sleigh bed, Castle Creatures, books and games, lots more!
Thoughts on the teal window trim color added to the Old Courthouse? I’m hoping it grows on me. I’m very glad it wasn’t around for our wedding pictures.
What was the original window trim color for the Courthouse when it was first opened? I doubt it was teal but sometimes history fools you. Certainly Victorian houses out West sported some pretty wild colors when first painted that then got toned down over the years.
Tickets now on sale Ten (10) bands for $ 12 – can’t beat it…https://www.freshtix.com/events/decatur-bbq-blues–bluegrass-festival-
Has anyone spotted any new progress on Google Fiber in Decatur?
It can’t happen soon enough. I’m so ready to drop Comcast.
I’ve seen them working on W Ponce between Parkwood and Upland for the past two weeks or so.
Does anyone know of any weekend group bike rides here locally? I’m looking for 15-20+ miles. I’ve done several local ones and enjoy them but would like to leave straight from my house in the mornings on the weekend. I saw a list on southern bikes’ website but none of the info on there was correct. I called Decatur Bikes and their ride calendar was not up to date and they were moving soon and had no idea about rides.
give Bicycle South a try
Watch out for Steve, though.
SAMs Freight Room Ride every Saturday at 2pm. More info at Decaturs.com/biking and also check Southerb Bicylce League calendar.
Can anyone recommend a piano teacher who comes to your house? Preferably someone high energy, with jazz and hip hop influences.
Thanks!
Carolyn
I must admit I am curious about hip hop piano. That should be good?
My partner teaches piano and various stringed instruments. Here’s his website with schedule and contact info:
http://www.jameslittlefieldmusic.com
What happened to Amazon Prime now restaurant delivery? Read big article on Eater.com, but can’t raise it..
There is a random metal pipe sticking out of ponce in the westbound lane by Souper Jenny, and it’s pissing me off.
There’s an app for that. (Seriously — I’ve reported city issues with that app and an attached photograph). I’ll take a look when walking the dog tomorrow …
It actually has already been reported on the app.
I know!!!
I saw that random metal pipe too and it is just sticking out of the road like it is entitled to be there; and it is NOT following any rules of the road!!
It is dangerous to cars and bicyclists.
This is my rally call for motorists and cyclists to come together to fight against Random Metal Pipes and defeat the enemy together. There is no place on our roads for Random Metal Pipes.
And how dare that pipe live here and not pay taxes? Soon there will be other Random Metal Pipes and eventually Random Metal Pipettes that will be attending our schools.
Hey man, take a look out the window ‘n’ see what’s happ’nin’
Hey man, it’s rainin’
— Jimi Hendrix – Rainy Day, Dream Away