Waze to create a better world for me and you. But mostly for me.

Published December 15, 2014 / by Richard Masoner / 12 Comments on Waze to create a better world for me and you. But mostly for me.

Modern disruptive innovations based around mobile technology applications implicitly promise a move towards the “pure” capitalism theorized by (paradoxically) 19th century economists. Informed consumers can theoretically compete more effectively on price. But what happens when the commodity — in this case, road space — is free?

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What’s going on in District 7?

Published December 12, 2014 / by Richard Masoner / 2 Comments on What’s going on in District 7?

I attended yesterday’s vigil for victims of traffic violence yesterday at San Jose City Hall. Representatives from San Jose DOT, Transform, California Walks and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition came to listen to those who lost loved ones to automobiles. Jaime Fearer of California Walks prepared this map showing San Jose traffic fatalities for 2014.

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Italian Mob Death Threats vs the All Powerful Bike Lobby

Published December 10, 2014 / by Richard Masoner / Leave a Comment

You might remember the Mayor of Rome, Italy, Dr. Ignazio Marino (formerly of Philadelphia), is an avid bike commuter. His daily bike commute apparently creates headaches for his chief of security, Giuseppe Pecoraro, who urges the mayor to ride in a car with police protection. #175378190 / gettyimages.com

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California: Bill to require rear-facing flashing white lights for bikes

Published December 9, 2014 / by Richard Masoner / 7 Comments on California: Bill to require rear-facing flashing white lights for bikes

Newly minted Assembly Member Kansen Chu, who represents a big chunk of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area, introduced a bill that would mandate rear-facing flashing white lights for bicycles operated at night. Yes, really. Alternatively, the cyclists may wear reflective gear in place of the light.

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