February 27, 20141 Comment on 63% hematocrit
I haven’t followed this stuff lately so I’ve lost track: Does the UCI still ban athletes from competition of their blood hematocrit tests above 50%?
An Italian-sponsored UCI Pro Continental cycling team dismissed Venezuelan rider Jimmi Briceño after he tested at 63% hematocrit.
February 26, 20141 Comment on California to lower state gas tax
The California State Board of Equalization looks at the excise tax on gasoline on an annual basis. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, the tax will drop 3.5 cents per gallon for non-diesel fuel.
From KGO News:
The board approved lowering the excise tax rate on non-diesel fuel from 39.5 cents to 36 cents for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, just as the summer driving season kicks in.
The excise tax funds highway and mass transit projects. The board adjusts it annually and raised the tax by 3.5 cents per gallon last year.
More at KGO, including a quick explanation of why this excise can change every year, and a short mention that the price of gas at the pump doesn’t actually change in spite of the tax change: California gas tax drops but pump price may not. Via Silicon Valley Transit Users.
February 25, 2014Leave a Comment
We welcomed some newcomers to the San Jose Bike Train this morning, which is our casual morning bike commute from San Jose Diridon Station to destinations north along the Guadalupe River Trail. Photo of the ride start courtesy of San Jose DOT bike coordinator John Brazil. More bike stuff under the photo. And remember, California: Rain begins tomorrow!
February 25, 20141 Comment on Santa Cruz Tesla driver arraigned, pleads not guilty
The alleged killer of Santa Cruz cyclist Josh Alper was arraigned last Friday in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Siegel decided not to set bail for Navindra Kumar Jain, the driver who lost control of his car on Highway 1 last November 2. He veered across the center line and struck Alper, who was cycling in the shoulder, head on. Judge Seigel said, “As long as the individual does not operate a motor vehicle, I’m not concerned about the community’s safety.”
Does this mean Jain has lost his driving privileges pending his trial?
More in the Santa Cruz Sentinel — Tesla driver enters not guilty plea in fatal Highway 1 bike crash.
February 24, 20142 Comments on Dust off your fenders Bay Area
Happy Monday, all. Yet another gorgeously warm and sunny day , but we finally have significant rain on the way to Northern California. Wednesday may begin dry, but we’ll have one to two inches of rain throughout the San Francisco Bay Area along with gusty winds so be prepared for your evening commute. Another storm is on the way Friday and Saturday.
Bike goodies under the photo of the Google handlebar grips, and then a short essay on gender inequality in bike advocacy.
February 13, 20142 Comments on Felony trafficking charges for Tempe bike thieves
In the United States, bike theft is a low risk risk crime with minimal consequences. Even when bike thieves are caught by police, it’s usually catch and release for the alleged criminal because of overcrowded jails and an overburdened justice system.
Police in Tempe, Arizona and at Arizona State University have been targeting the problem of bike theft since January. They’ve upped the ante for bike thieves by pursuing felony trafficking charges against suspects. From AZ Central:
Authorities say that, rather than considering bicycle theft to be a typical misdemeanor crime, officers from Tempe and Arizona State University police are investigating theft rings, serving search warrants to recover stolen bikes and seeking felony trafficking in stolen property charges against suspects.
“They are stealing $1,000 bikes and selling them for $150-$200,” [Tempe police spokesman Mike] Pooley said. “They are using the money to buy drugs and feed their addiction.”
Pooley urged bicycle owners, many of whom depend upon their bicycles as their primary means of transportation, to register them on the city’s website so that it would be easier for police to match stolen bicycles with their owners.
Pooley said police realize some of the bikes that investigators have recovered are stolen, but police have not been able to return them to their rightful owners because the serial numbers are not registered.
Online bike registration? What?
Did you catch that? “Register them on the city’s website…” <-- Does any other city do online bike registration? All you need is your name, address and bike description and boom you’re done. Now the question: is online bike registration and good thing or bad? Can this online registration be used as proof of ownership when the bike is recovered?