Newspaper reader wants to injure cyclists with coins

Here is the letter to the editor of the Californian promoting injuring or even killing cyclists by throwing rolls of quarters -- rather than loose coins.

July 26, 2012 12:00 am  •  By Readers of The Californian

(2) Comments

Coins for cyclists
I read your informative article about motorists throwing coins at bicyclists the other day. I then went on to drive along Jefferson on my way to Murrieta.
As I left Old Town, a solo cyclist attired in stereotypical Spandex rode in the space designated for a vehicle. He then blew the four-way stop and proceeded to block my way again, so I sounded my horn. I managed to pass him, but he pedaled hard like the Energizer Bunny, weaving erratically around traffic to make it to my window as I waited at a stoplight to angrily yell "calm down."
I would suggest throwing rolls of quarters.
Steven Stone
Temecula

Cyclists being hit by coins -- our response

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/temecula/temecula-cyclists-taking-fire-from-passing-motorists-coins-cans-and/article_6b50fbfd-f949-512c-9155-eca31d18cbc6.html

The following letter was sent today to the editor of the Californian in response:

I am shocked, though I guess I shouldn't be after cycling in the city of Temecula for the last 25 years, that someone is throwing coins at a cyclist in a twisted attempt to injure or even kill them. Ask any active cyclist and they will tell you about beer cans, fast food and other projectiles aimed in our direction by passing motorists. Why? We are in a vulnerable position. They obviously have issues.

But what is even more shocking is that letter writers to this newspaper applaud the assailant and the illegal, dangerous act. One suggested that someone throw a roll of quarters. That would be a criminal act if it were carried out. If it were a car to car shooting, there would be outrage and panic because we all drive cars. Some of us are also out there on two wheels, but attacks against cyclists don't seem to generate outrage or action. Let's prosecute every attack against cyclists.
Rick Peoples

Founder

Temecula Bicycle Coalition

No plans for bike lanes on freeway crossings

In answer to questions about whether there will be bike lanes striped on any of the freeway crossings in Temecula to help cyclists cross, the answer is -- wait a few years. The city has no plans for bike lanes on Rancho California Road over the I-15, the most logical and useful place for bike lanes. Consider tourists visiting old town, wanting to cruise out to wine country. That is the way to go. No plans for lanes on Winchester Road. No plans for lanes on Overland. Years down the road -- no pun intended -- there will be a bike path UNDER the freeway along St.Gertrudis Creek. There may be bike lanes on the new interchange the city is building north of Winchester Road.  For now, there is only Santiago at the far south end of Old Town.
Remember -- we can cycle any of these bridges -- bike lanes or no bike lanes. Roads in this nation were paved for cyclists long before motor vehicles started rolling around. We have the same rights as motorists, and the same responsibilities. Don't let motorists in this car-centered town tell you cyclists don't belong.
That argument is not only wrong, it is shortsighted. The city has a long range "livability" plan. Cycling and pedestrian traffic are a big part of that plan. This is not the time to start excluding cyclists It's time for more cyclists, not less.

Harveston Community Bike Event

A good turnout for Harveston's Community Bike Event on July 23. Good to see kids riding their bikes, and kudos to the city of Temecula for sponsoring bicycle related events. Thanks for the support from the city, from the Temecula Bicycle Coalition, and as always, repairs and maintenance on a lot of kids' bikes by The Bike Shop. Thanks Rick!

Harveston Bike Night

Tonight is Harveston's First Bike Night, 6-8 p.m. Should be fun!

Attending the July 28 Memorial Ride/Blood Drive for Randy Pruett from the JAX group. The Ride is 8 a.m. at Cal Oaks Sports Park, Blood Drive 9 a.m. See you there.

One out of four bridges with bike lanes

I am posting an observation made by many cyclists in Temecula about crossing the I-15 to reach Old Town, or any of the business on the west side of the freeway. Winchester Road, Overland and Rancho California Road all lack safe crossings (i.e. bike lanes). In fact, the city's master plan for bike trails says specifically to avoid Rancho California Road, the gateway to Temecula, because of the difficulties crossing. Currently, the one bridge with a bike lane is Santiago, at the far south end of Old Town. So if you live in the north end of town, ride three or miles south, cross on Santiago, ride three or four miles north. Easy? No. Other cities have attacked this problem on much busier crossings. The city is about to spend millions bulding a new freeway interchange north of Winchester Road. Will there be a bike crossing?If we are going to spend a little money and add bike lanes, I vote for Rancho California Road. It goes directly to Old Town, directly out to Wine Country. We should be focusing our efforts there. Of course that will mean restoring the bike lane that was paved over in favor of a third traffic lane on Rancho Cal between Ynez and Moraga. If we are serious about bicycle issues, this is a good place to start.

Temecula Bicycle Coalition at the Temecula Fourth of July Parade!

Watch the Temecula Bicycle Coalition group at the Temecula Fourth of July Parade. Thanks to everyone who turned out for the ride. We had more than 100 riders, and rolled right behind the mayor's car. A great day for cyclists in Temecula!
http://youtu.be/QChzf113bw0http://youtu.be/QChzf113bw0