Re: [CR] riding fixed without brakes

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In-Reply-To: <569334.55606.qm@web83503.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
References: <1fc53f760910140829g134fc580kf006222e74ebdefa@mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:31:27 -0400
From: "George Hollenberg" <ghollmd@gmail.com>
To: sandranian <sandranian@yahoo.com>
Cc: Charles Andrews <chasds@mindspring.com>, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] riding fixed without brakes


Hi Stephan: There is no "Fixie Nation" just some idiots that place themselves and others in danger by riding bicycles without brakes. These same fools also have destroyed some important bicycles in order to pursue their stupid games (I know of two such bikes in particular, including a fabulous very early Colnago). Other than to decry these people and their dangerous and mindless behavior, I don't see why there should be more discussion of them on CR. Let me take this occasion to ask you whether you have added reference on your Gitane website to Anquetil's incestuous rape of his step-daughter? This information dwarfs the reference to Boyer's crime. In fact, it's been the subject of a book and movie.

On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 1:42 PM, sandranian <sandranian@yahoo.com> wrote:
> In California, state law only requires that the bike be able to "skid",
> which is odd, because it does not require that the bike be able to "stop".
> California Vehicle Code Sec. 21201(a) states that "No person shall operate
> a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake which will
> enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean
> pavement."
>
> While that appears to clearly require a mechanical brake, fixed gear fans
> have argued that the statute does not, in fact, require a hand-lever or
> other "mechanical" brake. The term "a brake", they argue, can be either (1)
> mechanical or (2) a technique by operation of the rider himself, i.e. a hand
> or by locking the back wheel.
>
> As an attorney, I think this argument is a loser in court, but it may
> depend on the judge, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear about people
> beating the ticket based on this argument. Interestingly, it appears by the
> text of the law that a front brake would not comply and would actually be
> illegal, as it is almost impossible to make the front wheel skid without
> crashing. Local ordinances may also require mechanical brakes, but the
> argument in the Fixie Nation is that they are not needed to comply with the
> law (at least in California).
>
> Stephan Andranian
> Costa Mesa, California USA
> http://www.GitaneUSA.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Equipment Requirements. VC 21201*
>
> *a)* No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped
> with a brake which will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on
> dry, level, clean pavement.
>
>
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> --- On *Wed, 10/14/09, George Hollenberg <ghollmd@gmail.com>* wrote:
>
>
> From: George Hollenberg <ghollmd@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [CR] riding fixed without brakes
> To: "Charles Andrews" <chasds@mindspring.com>
> Cc: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 8:29 AM
>
> The fixed-wheel fad is a counter-culture phenomenon which, like many other
> dumb crazes, has gotten the interest of some fools who, unable to attract
> attention to themselves by any other means, ride around city streets
> without
> using brakes.
> Some of these "fixie" riders are so stupid that they feign ignorance for
> the
> need of brakes on public streets. I think that fines, arrest and, if
> needed,
> jail time will help to correct their misconception.
> In any event, why the activities of these fools should occupy the
> band-width
> of Dale's great CR Forum is beyond me.
> I hope that this is the last we hear about it.
> George
> George Hollenberg MD
> CT, USA
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:39 AM, Charles Andrews chasds@mindspring.com<http://mc/compose?to=chasds@mindspring.com
> >wrote:
>
> > Kevin McCaul wrote:
> >
> > "As for brakes, well all I can say is if you feel the need for them, then
> > you
> > probably shouldn't be riding fixed. I've seen firsthand and heard
> numerous
> > stories of guys flying over the handlebars using them.
> >
> > Then again I'm sure there is a place for brakes in certain circumstances,
> > but I can't think of one that applies to me. Let me know! You ride on the
> > sidewalk only maybe?"
> >
> > ************
> >
> > I'd be interested to know just how many drivers and pedestrians you've
> > terrified in all those years because of what you had to do because you
> had
> > no brakes. I've seen it many times: fixed riders without brakes doing
> stuff
> > that should have got them killed, solely because they have no brakes.
> And
> > scaring the bejesus out of everyone around them in the process.
> >
> > The real tough-guy riders from 50 years ago always had brakes.
> > Purpose-made path-racer bikes from the time nearly always had front
> brakes.
> > They knew riding without brakes in traffic was simply an irresponsible
> > affectation. Had I not seen the results with my own eyes many times in
> > downtown LA, and elsewhere, I would not post about this, but people
> riding
> > without brakes give a bad name to all cyclists, regardless of the sort of
> > bike you might ride.
> >
> > I've ridden fixed with brakes many times; I've never even come close to
> > going over the bars. I wouldn't do it any other way, out in traffic.
> >
> > Just as being the only rider with brakes in a group on the track is
> > irresponsible and dangerous--and would never be allowed--so is riding
> fixed
> > without brakes out in traffic. Same concept. If you're not using brakes
> > out in traffic, you shouldn't be riding fixed.
> >
> > Charles Andrews
> > Los Angeles
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "everyone has elites; the important thing is
> > to change them from time to time."
> >
> > --Joseph Schumpeter, via Simon Johnson
> > _______________________________________________
> >
>
>
>
> --
> George
>
> George Hollenberg MD
> CT, USA
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>

-- George

George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA