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Tag Archive for traffic laws
Morning Links: Scofflaw drivers and bike riders break laws at the same rate; too much news from Tour de France
July 20, 2015 / bikinginla / One comment
The next time someone complains about law-breaking cyclists, show them this.
Because a new study from the University of Colorado says bike riders and motor vehicle operators admit to breaking the law at similar rates — eight to nine percent for drivers, and seven to eight percent for bicyclists. And usually for the same reasons.
But there's one big difference.
Drivers — and pedestrians — will go through a red light to save time, while cyclists do it for perceived safety. By going through the light, bike riders say they can get a head start on traffic while feeling like they're more visible to others on the road.
Which is definitely true, since every driver seems to see the riders who go through lights and stop signs, while those who stop seem to be invisible.
Way too much news from the Tour de France today.
MTN-Qhubeka's Steve Cummings takes stage 14 of the Tour de France, the first TdF win by an African-based team. And they do it on Mandela Day, no less.
Andre Greipel outsprinted the pack to win Sunday's stage 15 of the Tour de France; Mark Cavendish claimed stomach problems after getting dropped.
Once again, Chris Froome is on the defensive against unproven accusations of cheating, although he insists cycling is past its Wild West doping era.
Not everyone seems to buy that, though, as Froome's yellow jersey got a little yellower when an angry "fan" threw urine in his face, while teammate Richie Porte got a punch in the ribs. Meanwhile Cycling Weekly asks if the French really hate Froome. Although I'd say a splash of piss in the face would seem to be a pretty good indication.
Then again, nothing has really changed, has it?
Not all the unruly behavior comes from the fans, as Tinkoff-Saxo sport director Sean Yates got grounded after a team mechanic heaved a water bottle at a TV cameraman who allegedly interfered with Peter Sagan's bike change. Although it doesn't really look like interference from this angle.
French rider Jean-Christophe Péraud won the respect of the peloton by not just finishing Friday's stage with horrific road rash after crashing hard, but making the start line the next day, as well.
And Bicycling explains the tactics of a mass sprint to the finish.
Local officials join with congressional leaders in Santa Monica to call for more transportation spending.
Hermosa Beach hopes bikeways can help it go carbon neutral.
Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio takes her kids out for a training wheel-assisted bike ride in Brentwood. No idea what it says about me that I didn't have a clue who she is.
An Orange County mountain biker was airlifted to the hospital after being found semi-conscious next to a steep trail at the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
Runners aren't safe in bike lanes either; two joggers running in a Poway bike lane suffered serious head injuries when a driver fell asleep behind the wheel.
Friends and family remember BMX legend Scot Breithaupt.
A 54-year old Oxnard bike rider was critically injured when he was hit by a car early Sunday morning; he was reportedly riding without lights and drifted into the right lane, where his was rear-ended by a car. Both stories note he was not wearing a helmet, but no word on whether one could have actually made a difference. Thanks to Anthony Navarro for the heads-up.
A San Jose writer declares a road diet a failure after just three months. By that standard, Walt Disney, the Eiffel Tower and the US space program were failures, too.
Generous Sunnyvale residents have raised over $8,000 to pay the funeral expenses of a 12-year old boy killed while riding his bike on Monday.
Mohammad Ali famously began boxing after his bike was stolen; evidently, that works to motivate mixed martial arts fighters, too.
A group of Muslim women from various Middle Eastern countries are riding in Iowa's RAGBRAI to promote equality.
A Niagara bike company specializes in crafting hollow-framed wood bikes weighing less than seven pounds.
A New York rider is in stable condition following a truly bizarre and grisly accident; he struck his head after hitting a pothole, then stumbled and fell onto a fence, impaling himself through the neck.
Police get a lot of bad press these days, but Newark officers are just the latest to pitch in to replace a victim's stolen bike.
It seems as though everyone could see a UK cyclist except for the bus driver who killed him. If the driver is shattered, imagine how the victim's family feels.
Welsh cycling casualties were up 38% in just the last year, possibly due in part to an increase in ridership.
German bike maker Canyon is changing the bike business paradigm by selling its bicycles only on the Internet, for around 600 euros apiece — the equivalent of just $650.
An 83-year old Aussie driver failed two driving tests before his license was finally reinstated; he killed a cyclist just five months later.
A Singapore bike coach says focus on quality components instead of a high-end frame when buying a bike. I've always believed just the opposite — buy the best frame you can afford, since you can always upgrade the components.
A Singapore letter writer calls for more consistency in designing bike and pedestrian paths.
New headlights from Ford could light you up based on your body heat instead of hi-viz. Those high-end racing wheels could be counterfeit.
And national hospitals are overflowing with the victims of bicycling near-misses.
Yes, that last one is hugely tongue-in-cheek.
Category: Bicycle Safety, Bikes & the Law, Car vs Bike, Morning Links / Tags: bicycling, breaking the law, car vs. bike, Los Angeles, scofflaw cyclists, traffic laws
OC bike cop run down by driver, Gardena starting to get it, and banning Banning from illegal bike laws
July 18, 2013 / bikinginla / 5 comments
Evidently, not even bike cops are safe from road raging and/or otherwise wacked out drivers.
According to multiple sources, an Orange County sheriff's deputy was patrolling on his bike at John Wayne Airport when he went to investigate a collision in the parking garage, and wound up on the bumper of a car driven by 48-year old Rebecca McLaughlin.
McLaughlin had reportedly driven her Toyota Sequoia through a locked parking gate. The wrong way, no less.
She then backed up, aimed her car at the unnamed officer and accelerated, knocking him onto the hood of her Toyota Sequoia and running over his bike. He then wrestled her out of the car after she crashed into a ticket machine, and placed her under arrest.
And no, wrestling the driver out of the car that hit you is not recommended for any riders not in uniform, no matter how tempting it may be.
The officer suffered minor injuries, while his attacker was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, as well as an outstanding warrant.
She's being held on over a half-million dollars bail.
Evidently, the courts take an assault on a bike riding police officer a lot more seriously than they do the rest of us.
Gardena police promise better enforcement of traffic laws, but fall short of an apology for illegally ticketing a group of minority riders.
Or shooting one, for that matter.
Looks like Banning has an illegal law on the books prohibiting bike riders from interfering with motor vehicles or pedestrians in any way.
It shall be a violation of law subject to punishment as set forth herein for any person operating a bicycle to obstruct, hinder, impede or restrict the lawful course of travel of any motor vehicle or the lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, alleys, parking areas, pathways, or trails in any manner whatsoever. When operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or other area routinely traveled by pedestrians, such operator shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.
Someone should tell them it's in violation of several state laws, starting with CVC 21200, and including the one that give the state — not local jurisdictions — full authority over traffic regulations.
Thanks to Chris Kidd for the link.
Tuesday was the 10th anniversary of the Santa Monica Farmers Market Massacre. I remember listening to the horrific, near-constant parade of ambulances, even though I lived over six miles away off Santa Monica Blvd, as the wounded and dead overwhelmed closer hospitals.
Streetsblog's Damien Newton takes on the Los Angeles News Group's biased Summer of Cycling series. Even having your mother along is no guarantee police won't pull a Taser on you during a protest ride. No bikes involved, just a driver sentenced to over five years for the allegedly intentional crash that cost two strip club patrons three legs. Actor Seth Rogan sports a sling here in LA after breaking his arm falling off a bike. The Weekly reviews Pedalers Fork in Calabasas, and kind of likes it, I think. A Newhall man has been charged with felony hit-and-run causing injury after turning himself in four hours after leaving a bike rider in the road with a broken back; thanks to Megan Lynch for the heads-up.
It nearly happened again, as a bike rider encounters a car on the same off-road bike path where San Diego cyclist Nick Venuto was killed two years ago. A deadly stretch of road in Ramona will be widened, straightened and have bike lanes added; evidently to cut crashes while encouraging speeding. Cambrian bike riders sample eight possible fixes for the Highway 1 road surface Caltrans ruined. A Bay Area bike rider survives traveling by BART. A Petaluma bike thief is found hiding face-up in a river next to the submerged hot bike. A Santa Rosa writer asks where bike riders learn the rules of the road, not comprehending that most cyclists passed the same drivers test she did; that's not to say better education isn't needed for both drivers and bicyclists, but get real, already.
Not surprisingly, wealthier motorists are more likely to drive like jerks; certainly matches my experience. The Bike League is looking for a manager for their Equity Initiative. Apple is finally giving you back your Google Maps, including turn-by-turn bike directions. Now your bike can convert to a stroller once you get to your destination. People with far too much money on their hands can spend $400 for a Burley dog trailer. Not surprisingly, bike friendly businesses are doing good business. The Department of DIY wins one for a change, as Seattle decides to make a guerrilla bike lane permanent. A bike-riding writer in my hometown says cyclists who break the law deserve to be ticketed. The cross-country bike rider injured in the Colorado Dark Knight shootings intends to pick up where he left off before being shot. Bicycling is growing in popularity, even in Amarillo. Horrifying video of a crash with a cyclist captured from inside a bus. A Chicago suburb says no to fining parents whose kids don't wear bike helmets. Is it just me, or does it strain credibility just a tad that a bike rider would run a stop sign in front of the oncoming dump truck that killed him? A South Carolina man is charged with hit-and-run in the death of a cyclist — evidently, without ever making contact with the bike or rider.
The Brit twit who tweeted about running down a bike rider faces charges including failure to report an accident; what, tweeting about it wasn't enough? The head of British transportation charity Sustrans says slow down, you move too fast. Kill a cyclist while driving a cab, and get a whopping £35 — or $53 — fine. Before you can stop for red lights, you've got to have a red light to stop for. Tour de France leader Chris Froome is understandably upset over questions about doping; then again, given the race's recent history, those questions seem inevitable. The director of the Tour de France brushes off demands for a women's Tour. An Israeli entrepreneur want to help you electrify your own bike. An elderly Chinese man is charged as a reckless pedestrian in the death of an e-bike rider.
Finally, a Spanish cyclist is wrestled to the ground by a group of women parishioners after riding his bike into a local church waving a gun; not too surprising considering the church is named Los Angeles. And the 11th annual Beverly Hills Cycling Classic will be held today.
No, not that Beverly Hills.
Category: Bikes & the Law, Car vs Bike, Law Enforcement, Legal Cases / Tags: Banning, bicycling, bike cops, Gardena, just the links, Orange County, traffic laws
A little clarification on tickets and misdemeanors, and what police can and can't do
March 13, 2013 / bikinginla / 13 comments
Maybe I got it wrong.
Or maybe the person who explained it to me did.
But yesterday, I got clarification on what police can and can't do in cases where they don't witness a violation.
My understanding was that the police were prohibited from writing a ticket or filing misdemeanor charges unless they actually saw it happen. Which is why it's so hard to get criminal charges in a harassment case, for instance, because few motorists are foolish enough to threaten a bike rider when a cop is watching.
However, it turns out that's not quite right.
At Wednesday's meeting of the LAPD bike task force, officers who work in traffic investigations explained that they actually can write tickets for traffic violations after the fact — if the evidence or witness testimony makes it clear that a driver broke the law.
For instance, if the evidence suggests that a collision occurred because someone ran a red light, they can ticket the responsible party even though they didn't see it happen.
Criminal charges are another matter.
While police are free to make felony arrests whether they see the crime or not, state law prohibits them from making a misdemeanor arrest unless they see the violation.
However, the key word there is arrest; misdemeanor charges can be filed later if the evidence warrants, whether or not the officer was there when the crime was committed.
Clear now?
It seems like splitting hairs, but that's the current state of the law here in the late, great Golden State.
The good news is, that means your bike cam video can be considered as evidence leading to a misdemeanor charge.
It can also lead to a traffic ticket after the fact, though that's not likely in most cases. Particularly if the violation didn't lead to a collision or injuries.
A couple other quick notes from the meeting:
Police are seeing a number of bikes converted to use a small gas-powered engine. However, once you hit the gas, it's no longer considered a bicycle. Anything with a motor over 150 cc's is legally a motorcycle; anything below that is considered a moped. And both are subject to laws that bicycles aren't, as well as licensing requirements. E-bikes are not subject to the same requirements and are still regarded as bicycles under state law.
By far the leading cause of bicycling collisions in the Valley Traffic Division is riding against traffic. In fact, riding salmon resulted in nearly six times as many collisions reported to the police as dooring, the second leading cause. And not only does riding upstream dramatically increase your risk of getting hit, it also means you're automatically considered at fault, at least in part, regardless of any other factors.
Finally, those long-awaited stats on hit-and-run requested by the L.A. City Council are unlikely to be delivered before the end of the month. The LAPD still working on compiling detailed data breaking down just how prevalent the problem actually is. But it would be great if they could step it up just a little, since there are currently two state laws under consideration to address the problem, and a little solid data might help.
Category: Bikes & the Law, Law Enforcement / Tags: bicycling, California, L.A.P.D., Los Angeles, traffic laws
L.A.'s groundbreaking anti-harassment ordinance moves forward; Box says the journey continues
March 10, 2011 / bikinginla / 6 comments
Unfortunately, transit issues kept me from getting to Wednesday's Transportation Committee meeting until after the hearing for the proposed anti-harassment ordinance.
The good news is, there were plenty of other cyclists there to support it, including Ross Hirsch, Jeff Jacobberger and BAC Chair Jay Slater. In the end, the measure received unanimous approval to move forward to the full council, while the City Attorney's office considers minor wording changes to clarify the penalties and to add a line prohibiting forcing cyclists off the road.
The committee also voted to support a study to develop solid data for a Safe Routes to School program, and to recommend funding of bike and pedestrian projects from Measure R.
Damien Newton offers a full recount of the meeting on Streetsblog, and LADOT Bike Blog provides an in-depth report on the anti-harassment ordinance. And you catch up on the meeting by following the Twitter feed.
As for me, I gained first-hand knowledge of why Wilshire Boulevard so desperately needs a Bus Rapid Transit lane.
And why I will avoid the 720 bus from here on, even if it means walking another 10 blocks to catch the 728.
Stephen Box says even though he lost, the journey continues; let's not forget that he remains the city's most forceful bike activist. It will be interesting to see if the beard comes back, or if he stays in his new clean-shaven politico mode.
Meanwhile, Tom LaBonge says thanks, and Damien Newton offers his thoughts on Tuesday's election results; as usual on Streetsblog, the comments are worth reading, too. Mark Elliot offers an insightful post-mortem on Better Bike Beverly Hills in which he blames you, if you were one of the overwhelming majority of voters who didn't bother to.
The Economist says if motorists paid for all the costs they impose on others, there'd be fewer drivers complaining about bike lanes and more people using them. And a writer for the Washington Post nails it when he says if you love driving, buy your neighbor a bike:
I see the (New York City) Bloomberg administration's aggressive pursuit of bike lanes and related alternatives as an almost radically pro-car position. If driving is to remain half as pleasant as Cassidy wants it to, it will only be because most New Yorkers decide against purchasing cars. And they're only going to do that if the other options seem attractive…. I've seen that future and it's called Los Angeles. New Yorkers should want no part of it.
Neither should we.
Meanwhile, suddenly embattled NYDOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan escapes the media-generated backlash to present at the National Bike Summit. And a DC writer says hatred of cyclists is not a partisan issue; she's got a point, I'm sure liberal drivers blame cyclists as much as conservatives do. And Dave Moulton says the whole argument is a sign that we're winning.
CSU Long Beach and UC Irvine were named Silver-level Bike Friendly Universities by the League of American Bicyclists; UCLA was awarded Bronze. Needless to say, USC, which banned bikes from parts of campus — including a walkway Metro lists as designated bikeway — wasn't.
The upper levels were held exclusively by California schools, with UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara awarded Gold, and Stanford the only school recognized with a Platinum award. And that little school in my hometown gets a little credit, too.
Thanks to Evan G. for the tip.
The next Folk Art Everywhere ride rolls this Saturday from noon to 3 pm starting at Rudy Ortega Park in San Fernando, giving you a chance to tour the Northeast Valley in a fun and easygoing way while you learn about the Valley's past and present Native American tribes. Guest speakers will represent Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural, Pacoima Beautiful and Pukuu Cultural Community Services.
ABC's Modern Family talks up cycling and safe streets; maybe some of the other Hollywood shows will join in. Without bike parking, bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure won't encourage commuting or shopping. More on the national Best Practices Award given to LACBC's City of Lights Program. LADOT Bike Blog reports on the March BPIT meeting. A 55-year old rider known as the Unigeezer becomes the first to ride a unicycle up L.A.'s steepest street.
Thousand Oaks residents argue over widening a roadway for a planned bike lane; opponents actually call for a separated bike path instead. A look at Amine Britel, the cyclist killed by an alleged drunk driver in Newport Beach last month. Russ Roca says this bike is not a bike, it's a Brompton — but please don't tell. Santa Rosa senior citizens oppose a bike lane through their retirement community. Lodi is the latest city to crack down on cyclists, though most of their scofflaws are children. Cal State Fullerton police use GPS trackers to bust bike thieves. Visalia's bike plan calls for 200 miles of new bike lanes. The Art of the Group Ride, a great new — well, new to me at least — Bay Area blog enjoys a group ride for two, even if the other rider is just 2-1/2.
Rising young marathoner, trail runner and triathlete Sally Meyerhoff was killed in a collision with a pickup in Maricopa AZ on Tuesday when she reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign; thanks to Todd Munson for the heads-up. Looks like bike cafes may be the latest trend. The new Urban Bikeway Design Guide is out for all you traffic engineers, street planners and infrastructure wonks. Nine tips for beginning cyclists. Detroit focuses on biking to attract young professionals to the city. As part of CNN's Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge, a cyclist discovers the challenges of clipless pedals. Traffic isn't the only risk some riders face.
Christian Vande Veld is passing on this year's Giro. Former Liquigas rider Franco Pellizotti says a two-year doping ban probably marks the end of his riding career. Pro riders threaten to strike over a ban on race radios; somehow, Eddie Merckx and the other legends seemed to do okay without them. Brisbane pedestrians call for a ban on sidewalk riding "lycra lunatics" because "we were here first." A Christchurch NZ cyclist is determined to ride again after breaking his neck while riding to check on his neighbors after the recent earthquake.
Finally, Bike Rumor says now this is a bike lane. Anyone want to bet there's nothing like it in the L.A. or L.A. County plans?
Category: Advocacy & Politics, General / Tags: anti-bike bias, bicycling, car vs. bike, L.A. anti-harassment ordinance, Los Angeles, Stephen Box, traffic laws
Explaining the rules of the road, and your President's Day links
February 21, 2011 / bikinginla / One comment
Gary Kavanagh of Gary Rides Bikes offers a clear and insightful explanation of the often misunderstood rules of the road, particularly as they apply to his home in Santa Monica.
And as usual, he does an exceptional job of explaining the hows and whys of bike and traffic safety, and how to share the road safely.
To have a truly sustainable city, being able to get around by foot and bike is an essential component. However, if some people live in fear of walking or cycling in the city, which is often the case presently, it not only undermines sustainability, it effects the quality of life in the community….
I do feel that motorists ultimately have the biggest responsibility in promoting safety since drivers are in the position to cause the greatest harm. When drivers don't know the rules of the road, they sometimes lash out and try to intimidate cyclists in fits of rage. I cannot count the number of times I have been screamed or honked at for doing nothing at all wrong under the law. Then, when some cyclists flee the road to ride the sidewalks as a response to such harassment, we get the string of complaints about sidewalk riding by those on foot. While yes, a cyclist riding on the sidewalk in Santa Monica is in the wrong—outside Santa Monica the rules are more fuzzy, which adds much confusion—ultimately, I believe it is a failure of our transportation system and our culture that cyclists have a right to the road under law, but frequently do not feel they belong there or are welcomed there.
Seriously, read it. Then send it to every cyclist and driver you know.
Mr. Bicycle Fixation, Rick Risemberg, invites cyclists to join him for a birthday ride next Sunday, Feb. 27th. Over 80 cyclists ride 50 miles from the Eastside to OC in support of the Dream Act. Good says better designed streets are coming to L.A. Bikeside takes LADOT to task for what it considers the wrong applications for Metro's call for projects, though LADOT Bike Blog offers a few corrections; meanwhile, Bikeside is working on version 2.0 of their innovative L.A. Bike Map. The C-Blog writes about how to choose an adult bike. Palo Alto's California Ave is scheduled for a diet. The Claremont Cyclist offers great photos from the first day of the LAVRA Cup at the Los Angele Velodrome. Just Another Cyclist says he wants his sport back; I know exactly how he feels.
Boulder CO's bike corral program appears to be a roaring success; Columbia MO may get another one. Austin TX may finally get its first bike boulevard this summer. A look at New York's possibly illegal pedicab king. A Virginia bike commuter beats his motorist coworker home by five hours in a recent blizzard. An Alabama cyclist writes about the dangers posed by distracted drivers. According to reports, a Ft. Meyers FL woman rode her bike into the path of a van in America's deadliest state for cyclists; odd how careless and/or suicidal cyclists can be in police and news reports.
Not surprisingly, Riccardo Ricco has been fired following a botched self-administered transfusion. A group of bike activists ride through Quebec in the dead of winter to call for year-round bikeway maintenance. The UK's BikeAware calls for bike training to be part of the driver's test. Irish man is awarded €48,000 — $65,640 — when he went over his handlebars after having his bike serviced. Kraft Canada donates 4,000 bikes to cocoa workers in Ghana to help their children stay in school. Taylor Phinney crashes out on the final stage of his first professional race in the Tour of Oman; fortunately, he seems to have come out of it okay.
Finally, Malaysian cyclist Azizulhasni Awang has an 8" splinter from the Manchester Velodrome driven all the way through his calf in a fall — and still manages to finish third, winning a third consecutive World Cup Overall title in the process; thanks to Todd Munson for the heads-up.
Category: Bicycle Safety, Car vs Bike, General / Tags: bicycling, car vs. bike, just the links, Santa Monica, traffic laws
Bike plan moves forward, police crackdown in OC, Box and bikes profiled in LA Weekly
February 10, 2011 / bikinginla / 3 comments
First the big news, as the joint Transportation and Planning and Land Use Management votes to move forward with the draft bike plan, with a five year plan for implementation.
While that's great news for city cyclists, it also means no for now to the proposed South Venice Beach bike path extension.
The debate was dominated by discussion over whether to allow bikes on city trails currently used by hikers and equestrians — something that safely occurs around the world, yet according to the local horse crowd, would lead to inevitable disaster here in L.A.
While there's an obvious need for people to use trails safely and courteously, and observe the rights of other users, public parks and trails belong to everyone and shouldn't be set aside for any single group. Or exclude any single group of users.
The committee voted to have the Planning Department negotiate language between both types of riders; however, anything that doesn't find a way to accommodate all users would be a failure.
Meanwhile, the plan will now go to the full committee for final approval before going to the Mayor for his signature; all indications are Villaraigosa will sign off on the plan.
You can still follow yesterday's live coverage of the meeting from L.A. Streetsblog, LACBC and Christopher Kidd of LADOT Bike Blog by clicking here.
New York cyclists have been justifiably up in arms the last few weeks over the NYPD's efforts to crack down on lawbreaking cyclists, while ignoring more dangerous violations by drivers.
Now a similar move is underway here as the Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa police departments are banding together to conduct a "specialized Bicycle Safety Enforcement Operation" on the 19th and 24th of this month.
Despite the title, the press release promises officers will address traffic violations by cyclists and other vehicle operators that could "lead to bicycle vs. vehicle collisions, injuries and fatalities."
The goal of the program is to educate the public about the safe and lawful use of bicycles, as well as the safe and lawful use of vehicles that share the roadway with bicycles. Prevention is a key component of the program, which centers on the traffic laws that can prevent bicycle riders from becoming injured to killed due to illegal use or reckless behavior by bicyclists and vehicles. In addition, the Police Departments involved may be required to enforce obvious violations to the City's Municipal Code to maintain safe operations.
I don't have any problem with enforcing traffic violations by cyclists; frankly, I've seen some cyclists who should be ticketed, if not thrown into leg irons. However, I would expect — and all cyclists have every right to expect — that unlike the situation in New York, the crackdown will address violations by drivers as well as cyclists.
And it should take into account which violators pose the greater risk to others.
Neon Tommy Editor-at-Large Hillel Aron offers an in-depth profile of CD4 City Council Candidate Stephen Box and the history of L.A. bike activism in this week's L.A. Weekly.
As the article notes, it's almost impossible to unseat a sitting council member in L.A.; even the most unpopular usually cruise to victory over seemingly more worthy opponents once special interest money starts pouring in. Despite that, there's a growing sense that Box may have a real shot at forcing incumbent Tom LaBonge into a runoff next month.
LaBonge has long supported cycling, though not always in the way cyclists would prefer; if he were smart, he'd move to strengthen his support of bicycling to undercut Box's strongest base of support. Instead, he seems to be focused on shoring up support from the anti-bike crowd, as many cyclists see him, rightly or wrongly, as an obstacle in the way of many bicycling issues.
And it's hard to take the other candidate in the race, Tomas O'Grady, seriously when he ignores questions from the city's leading newspaper.
You have your own chance to evaluate the candidates tonight when the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council hosts a candidate's forum at Silver Lake Community Church, 2930 Hyperion Ave. Or you can meet Stephen Box at an open house from 2 to 4 pm this Sunday at 3311 Lowry Road in Los Angeles.
Box has also received an endorsement from MobileFoodNews; not to surprising since LaBonge has been seen as an opponent of L.A.'s popular food trucks.
One other note — the writer of the Weekly article gave me every opportunity to attack other bicycle advocates and advocacy groups; I chose not to do that. It's my firm belief than anyone working to support cycling in Los Angles deserves my support and gratitude, whether or not I happen agree with them. I'm saddened that not everyone feels the same way.
If you're looking for a good ride this weekend, consider the Tour de Palm Springs, with rides ranging from 5 to 100 miles. A little further down the road, the Santa Clarita Century rolls on April 2nd offering a full century, half century, 25-mile and family rides.
CicLAvia has received a $25,000 grant from the California Endowment. Meanwhile, GOOD is throwing a fundraising party to benefit CicLAvia on Saturday, March 5th; tickets range from $20 to $500.
The newly unveiled draft plans for South Figueroa range from good to wow, though Josef Bray-Ali says they could use some polishing; then again, there are more important things than signing in for a meeting. L.A. will soon get its first bike corral in Highland Park. Rick Risemberg, who appears to be everywhere these days, writes about taking part in last weekend's LA Brewery Ride with Flying Pigeon. Cool Claremont bike racks. Long Beach replaces a mandatory bike licensing law with voluntary registration through the National Bike Registry.
A popular retired Bakersfield educator died of a heart attack while riding with friends. A three-year old Visalia girl is killed when she's backed over by a neighbor's pickup while riding on the sidewalk. San Francisco police have refused to take reports or issue citations for collisions involving cyclists unless an ambulance is called; so not matter what a driver does, if they don't seriously injure a rider, they walk. Shameful. Matt Ruscigno rides from San Louis Obispo to L.A. in a single day — while sick. This year's Amgen Tour of California won't tour California exclusively.
J. Edgar Hoover on a bike, sort of. It's not the same as an Idaho Stop Law, but Oregon considers lowering the fines for cyclists who roll through stop signs. Somehow I missed this; Dr. Matthew Burke, the orthopedic surgeon, U.S. Army Major and Iraq war vet critically injured by aggressive driver while on a group ride last October, passed away over the weekend after 4 months in a coma; the driver is charged with reckless homicide.
Yet another London cyclist is killed by a large truck, this time a 28-year old art curator. More bikes than cars expected to cross London's bridges during morning rush hour in 2011. Irish physicians urge the passage of a mandatory helmet law, even though you're over six times more likely to die walking on the sidewalk. Europe already has the kind of airport bike lanes John McCain wants to kill. Looks like rising star Taylor Phinney will compete in the Tour of Oman after all. South African cyclist Michael Dean Pepper is banned for three years for a failed drug test; sometimes I think we should just ban everyone for two years and start over.
Well, that's one more problem we don't face in L.A. — a South African cyclist survives after using his bike to fight off a leopard attack; evidence suggests that the animal had just escaped from a snare and was fighting for its life, as well.
Category: Advocacy & Politics, Bikes & the Law / Tags: bicycling, CD4 City Council Race, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, Los Angeles bike plan, Newport Beach, Stephen Box, Tom LaBonge, traffic enforcement, traffic laws
A call for tougher hit-and-run laws; cycling legend Gino Bartali hid family from Nazis during WWII
December 30, 2010 / bikinginla / 3 comments
Tuesday night, yet another person was run down and killed by a hit-and-run driver — this time, a pedestrian in Playa del Rey.
Just the latest in a long, long list of cyclists and pedestrians, as well as others, killed by cowards who lack the basic human decency to stop and render aid as required by law.
Let alone just see if their victim is still alive.
According to the Denver Post, Colorado law actually makes it wiser for drivers who've been drinking to flee the scene, rather than risk a higher penalty for drunk driving; chances are, they'll sober up before the police ever track them down.
I've long argued exactly the same point holds true right here in the late great formerly Golden State.
That's because California's stiff penalties for drunk driving far outweigh the relatively light penalties for hit-and-run. Many drivers don't even lose their license after leaving an injured motorist, pedestrian or cyclist lying in their wake; something Bikeside has tried to address with their Life Before License campaign.
Personally, I think LB4L is a good start.
I just don't think it goes far enough.
What we need is law that makes license revocation an administrative process, rather than judicial, so that hit-and-run drivers will lose their licenses regardless of whether or not they're convicted. And make it automatic, so that the license is permanently revoked — not suspended — as soon as it's shown that a driver has the scene of a collision. By leaving the scene, their actions have already proven they're unfit to be behind the wheel.
Then make them go before a judge for permission to apply for a provisional license — and only after any sentence has been served.
But as we've seen, the lack of a license isn't always enough to stop some people from getting behind the wheel.
As a result, any car used in a hit-and-run should be impounded as soon as an arrest is made. Then if the driver is convicted, the car should be seized by the state and sold, with the proceeds used to compensate the victim.
After all, it's been used to in the actual commission of a crime.
Robbers and murderers aren't allowed to keep their guns after they're convicted; a car used in a hit-and-run shouldn't be treated any differently. And California law already permits the seizure of any vehicles used for drug crimes or to solicit prostitution.
Isn't leaving someone dead or bleeding on the side of the road just a little more serious than offering money for a blow job?
Maybe when drivers face the prospect of making payments for the next several years to pay off a car they no longer own, they might think twice about hitting the gas instead of the brakes.
And maybe then, finally, they'll actually stick around after a collision.
On a related subject, NY Streetsblog responds to outraged NIMBY's complaining about dangerous bike lanes by showing where the real danger comes from, with a devastating list of cyclists and pedestrians killed on the city's streets in 2010.
Meanwhile, Treehugger asks why not aim for zero deaths?
My thoughts exactly. Our only goal should be to make sure the last cyclist or pedestrian killed on our streets really is the last one.
More evidence that Italian cycling legend Gino Bartali, three-time winner of the Giro d'Italia and two-time winner of the Tour de France, was a genuine hero of the Holocaust.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Bartali used his bike to smuggle documents on behalf of Italian Jews during the Nazi occupation. Now comes word that he also hid a family of Jews in his cellar for nearly two years, saving their lives at the risk of his own.
These days, when the internet and sports section seems to bring more bad bike news with every passing day, it's nice to be reminded what a real cycling hero is.
Join the LACBC for the first monthly Sunday Funday Ride with the Valley Pride Ride at noon this Sunday starting at Los Encinos State Park, led by board member Heidi Zeller; the ride is free for members and a guest.
Speaking of which, I'll be hosting the next one with a four-city, 35 +/- mile tour of the Westside on Super Bowl Sunday.
And L.A. Critical Mass rolls on New Years Eve, just in time to confront the many, many drunks on the road.
I got an email earlier today from someone looking for a 64-65 cm lugged steel bike frame, or possibly a full bike; he says an '80s era Trek 720 frame would be ideal, but he's open to anything that meets those specs. If you have one you're willing to part with, or know where he can find one, let me know and I'll forward the information.
More on the teenage cyclist shot to death in South L.A. last night. Damien Newton names the Livable Streets People of the Year, as well as the year's many low lights. The city may — or may not — be liable for injuries or damage caused by potholes; Council President Eric Garcetti directs you to the right form to file your claim. Bike lanes may come to Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills next year; thanks should go to Better Bike Beverly Hills. Stanley Goldich forwards a spectacular photo of the recent storm damage. Bob Mionske points out you could be arrested if you're stopped by a cop for a traffic violation and can't produce ID. Cyclelicious lists the top 10 bike stories of 2010.
A comprehensive list of Twitter bike hashtags for cities around the world from my new friends at Bike Commute News. The tax benefits of riding to work. Motorists may be facing a crisis of confidence as the former(?) alpha dogs of transportation. An interview with leading bike advocate Elly Blue on women, cycling and why Portland still has a way to go. Even Seattle cyclists have to deal with snow this year. Just one of 16 bike/ped bridges in the Twin Cities. Michigan adopts a Complete Streets policy. A 17-year old Ohio man is under arrest, suspected of intentionally stalking and killing a cyclist. Mapping crash data to build awareness of bike danger areas.
Now you can have a Porsche of your very own, without sacrificing cycling. Road.cc looks back on the highs and lows of the 2010 racing season, while VeloNews offers a complete calendar of 2011 racing events. Turns out that Aussie study that showed the country's mandatory helmet law did not reduce head injuries contained "serious arithmetic and data plotting errors." A bad knee will keep Lance out of a Kiwi triathlon, but he still plans to race with his RadioShack team in the Tour Down Under. An Israeli cyclist is sentenced to three months in jail for allegedly organizing a 2008 Critical Mass ride; thanks to Patrick Pascal for the heads-up.
Finally, more on the Dutch cyclist disqualified from the 2012 Paralympics after miraculously regaining use of her legs — remarkably, after being hit by another cyclist on a training ride.
Category: Advocacy & Politics / Tags: California, genuine heroes, Gina Bartali, hit-and-run, traffic laws
Stopping for stop signs — or not
September 9, 2010 / bikinginla / 9 comments
Experience says there's a 50/50 he didn't stop — and about a 95% chance he didn't stop completely.
If our elected leaders really want to balance their budgets, all they have to do is start enforcing stop signs.
Take the one on the corner near my building.
Simple observation — standing on the corner and counting cars — reveals that maybe one in 20 drivers comes to a full stop if there are no pedestrians or cross traffic. About the same number blows through the stop even when someone else has the right of way.
The remaining 90% are evenly divided between drivers who slow down to a near stop before rolling through — known around the world as a California stop — and those who just slow slightly or blow through if there's no one else at the intersection.
And while I've never conducted a similar study of cyclists, I suspect the same percentages would probably hold true.
After all, most of us drive as well as ride. And we tend to carry the same habits with us, good or bad, as we switch from four wheels to two.
As for myself, I fall somewhere between the 5% that comes to a full stop and the 45% that slows to a near stop before rolling through the intersection.
I confess. I didn't use to.
I've always made a point of stopping if someone else had the right-of-way. But when no one else was around, I'd usually slow just enough to verify that the intersection was clear, then ride across without stopping.
That ended the day I was crossing an intersection near my home — one that I always blew through because it lay in the middle of two hills. If I didn't stop, the momentum I carried from zooming down the first one would carry me over the second.
This time, though, I noticed a man walking near the corner with his young son. Then just as I sailed through the stop, I saw the boy point at me and heard him say, "I want to be just like him!"
And I realized I'd just taught a little kid to run stop signs.
That was the last time I ever did it.
These days, I brake to a near stop as I approach the intersection. If there's no one there, I'll wait until the exact moment my bike stops forward motion, then release my brakes and let momentum carry me forward.
Otherwise, I'll hold the brakes, doing a brief track stand until I have the right-of-way, then continue on my way — but only after making eye contact with any drivers who may pose a risk before I move forward. And I try to never put my foot down unless I have to wait for traffic to clear.
There are a couple reasons for that.
First, it's my experience that bad things happen at intersections; studies have shown that's where most bike/car collisions occur. And there's been far too many times when I've had to dodge out of the way of drivers who weren't paying attention, or move quickly to avoid cars spinning out of control after a collision.
If I'm still in the pedals, I can respond instantly by moving forward or turning to either side. If my foot is planted on the ground, though, I'm a sitting duck. By the time I can get my foot back on the pedal and try to move out of the way, it could be too late.
In fact, I've only seen a cyclist hit by a car on two occasions; both times, they were stopped at an intersection with a foot on the ground.
One of them was me.
The other reason is, contrary to a common misperception — and despite what some riders and police officials insist – there is absolutely no requirement in the California Vehicle Code that cyclists have to put a foot down to come to a full stop.
The applicable codes are CVC 21200, which says cyclists are "…subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle…," and CVC 22450a, which says that the driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign must stop at the entrance to an intersection or at the limit line, without entering the crosswalk.
That's it. Nothing about how to stop or how long you have to stop, and no special requirements for stopping on a bike.
Look at it this way — a driver doesn't have to stop at a stop sign, shift into neutral and put on the emergency brake before releasing the brake, shifting back into drive and going on his or her way.
And neither do you.
If you cease forward motion and allow vehicles with the right-of-way to go through the intersection before you do, you're complying with the law, whether or not you put your foot down. And even if you only come to a near stop and continue to roll forward slowly while waiting for your turn, you should be good as long as you observe the right-of-way.
I've done that countless times in full view of police officers, and never had a problem.
That said, whether or not you actually came to a stop is a judgment call. And it is possible to get a ticket if a cop thinks you didn't stop completely.
It's also possible to encounter one of those misinformed officers who thinks a cyclist can't come to a stop without putting a foot on the pavement. And have the misfortune of ending up in front of a judge who agrees.
Because it's not always what the law says that determines what's legal.
But how it's interpreted — or misinterpreted — by those who enforce it.
Update: Mark points us to a section of the vehicle code that I missed; CVC 587 defines "Stop or stopping" as "any cessation of movement of a vehicle, whether occupied or not."
Stage 11 of the Vuelta takes the peloton to Principality of Andorra and the Pyrenees, as Igor Anton bounces back on the final climb to claim a three second victory and reclaim the leader's jersey. Yesterday's leader Joaquin Rodriguez drops to fourth overall; Nicolas Roche and Frank Schleck are the best known riders still in the top 10, at 8th and 9th, respectively. Tour de France champ Alberto Contador says Anton could win it all.
Meanwhile, the best known American Pro-Am takes place this coming weekend in Souderton PA. And Kiwi track cyclist Adam Stewart receives a two-year ban for importing EPO and Human Growth Hormone.
Formerly bike-unfriendly Beverly Hills unveils its first ever bike plan; cyclists band together to demand that it includes a safer Santa Monica Blvd.
On a related subject, LADOT Bike Blog relates dates and locations for L.A.'s Bike Plan public meetings and webinar, as well as why it matters.
Malibu publications report on the concerns of cyclists at last week's Public Safety Commission meeting. (Note to Malibu Surfside News: when an item is reposted on another website, you cite the original source — not the repost, capice? Even the AP says it's okay to credit bloggers.) The City Council Transportation Committee gears up for the Metro Call for Projects. Metro's The Source gears up to accept comments — but watch your f***ing potty mouth. This weekend's Spoke'n'art ride features a collection of 9/11 memorabilia; if you're looking for something a little tastier, maybe you'd prefer Sunday's LA Tamale Throwdown, complete with bike valet. Those in colder climbs are gearing up for winter biking already; here in coastal L.A., we're still waiting for summer to get here. In yet another example of the DMV encouraging drivers to park in bike lanes, Brent forwards this question (#6) he encountered while studying to renew his driver's license.
Speaking of bike lanes, the NYPD loves them so much they park in one themselves. Don't steal bamboo bikes, bro. A Gallaudet University employee dies after falling from his bike — and waiting 15 minutes for campus security to show up. A Tuscaloosa physician is killed when his bike is hit by a car; in a rare occurrence, the driver is seriously injured as well. A St. Petersburg city councilwoman is seriously injured in a collision with a hit-and-run fellow cyclist. A St. Louis bridge has an opportunity for a beautiful bike and pedestrian makeover. A bike stolen from a cross-country cyclist in Missouri is discovered in Tom Sawyer's Cave, or close to it, anyway. Cyclelicious takes a detailed look at the newly unveiled Schlumpf Belt Drive System. A new device could give drivers 20 seconds warning before colliding with a bike. Lower speeds limits mean a better quality of life. Bicycling offers nine tips for faster fitness.
Russell Brand rides an ill-fitting bike in New York, while scofflaw cyclist Jude Law breaks the law by riding on London sidewalks. Scotland gets it's first bike share program. A Scottish bicyclist dies in the lap of a drunk driver's passenger after being hit at 70 mph and thrown through the car's windshield. Something UK drivers and cyclists can agree on, as both protest plans to turn off streetlights. Brit cyclists deliver a postal protest in an attempt to keep Posties on their Pashleys. A British cyclist dies riding without a helmet after downing eight or nine drinks. A three-year old is banished from the local park because his training wheels are deemed a threat to "health and safety." Don't carry your chain lock over your handlebars, seriously. Biking in Estonia, circa 1930-ish.
Finally, here's your chance to be the proud owner of a second-hand Brompton.
A 24-carat gold-plated Brompton.
For all those celebrating today, l'shana tova! or Eid saeedi!, respectively. And respectfully.
Category: General / Tags: bicycling, bicyclist safety, Los Angeles, stop signs, traffic laws
Is it right to pass on the right? Or dangerous and illegal?
It's a simple syllogism.
Passing on the right is illegal; I pass on the right. Therefore, I break the law.
Okay, so it's not up there with Socrates' classic hits, like "All men are mortal." But that was the gist of a conversation that took place last week, in response to my comments about the recent TRL study showing drivers are responsible for the overwhelming majority of British cycling collisions.
A reader named Doug questioned how closely the British data actually correlates to Los Angeles, which is a fair question. While British drivers complain about the very same cyclist behaviors L.A. drivers do — and vice versa — we have no statistics to back us up.
Primarily because no one has bothered to do an in-depth study of cycling in this city — let alone an analysis of how and why cycling accidents happen and who is at fault.
But more to the point, at least in terms of today's topic, he also complained about cyclists who run stop signs and red lights. And about riders who pass on the right.
Like I do. And like I often advise other cyclists to do.
Pass on the right, that is — not run red lights.
As Doug put it,
Splitting lines, by both motorcycles and bicycles, is legal in California. However, passing on the right is not, and that is very different. Certainly, a responsible cyclists knows that passing on the right is dangerous and should be avoided.
So who's right?
From my perspective, you're almost always better off at the front of an intersection, where you can be seen from every angle, than stopped in the lane behind a line of cars — where drivers coming up from behind may not anticipate the presence of a cyclist, and where you could be hidden from oncoming and cross traffic. And that often means working your way up the right side of the traffic lane.
There are other situations that seem to call for passing on the right, as well. Like riding in heavy traffic, where you can easily ride faster than the speed of the cars next to you. Or when traffic is stopped while you have a clear path ahead.
My justification for doing it is simple. CVC21202 requires that you ride as far to the right as practicable. So unless you're actually riding in the traffic lane, you're in a separate lane from the traffic next to you — usually the parking lane or a strip of pavement to the right of the actual traffic lane.
And according to the applicable traffic code, CVC21754, passing on the right is allowed "whenever there is unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in the direction of travel." In other words, if there's a clear lane of travel wide enough for your bike, it's legal.
Look at it this way. Say you're driving in the right lane on a four lane street, with two lanes of traffic in each direction. The cars in the left lane come to a stop while the lead driver waits to make a left turn. Does that mean you have to stop as well, even though you're in the next lane? Or if the traffic to your left slows down, do you have to slow as well to avoid passing anyone?
If that happened, traffic would grind to a halt on virtually every street and highway in the country. And since the same laws apply for bikes as for other road users, if it's legal for drivers, it's legal for us.
But that was just my opinion — based on nothing more than the rationalizations of a highly opinionated, semi-analytical long-time cyclist. Then I read almost exactly the same arguments on cycling lawyer Bob Mionske's Bicycle Law website.
But as Rick Bernardi's column there makes clear, just because something's legal, that doesn't mean you may not still get a ticket for it. And you may not win in court, either.
The other question is, is it safe?
Only about as safe as any other maneuver on streets filled with sometimes careless and inattentive drivers.
Some drivers may not check their mirrors and blind spots before moving to the right, never considering that anyone else might want to occupy that same space.
Or operate under the mistaken assumption that it's illegal for cyclists to pass on the right, and therefore, none would even try. Because, you know, drivers never do anything we think they're not supposed to do, either.
So you have to be careful.
Keep a close eye on the cars on your left, watching for right turn signals or front wheels turned to the right, as well as cars slowly inching over or drivers turning to look over their shoulders. Always pass on the left side of a right turn lane. And never, ever pass to the right of a car that's waiting to make a right turn.
But consider this. The recent landmark study of cycling accidents from Fort Collins, Colorado, listed passing on the right as a contributing factor in just one of 354 cycling collisions.
In other words, about 213 less than the number of broadside collisions that occurred as a result of simply riding a bike across an intersection.
And I don't know anyone who says that just riding across the street is dangerous.
Or illegal.
Category: Best of, Bikes & the Law, Streets and Infrastructure / Tags: bicycle safety, bicycling, CVC21202, CVC21754, drivers vs. cyclists, Los Angeles, traffic laws
Bike law change #4: Clarify the law allowing drivers to leave their lane to pass a bike
October 15, 2008 / bikinginla / Comments Off on Bike law change #4: Clarify the law allowing drivers to leave their lane to pass a bike
As a driver, I was taught to give riders plenty of clearance when passing, even if that meant briefly going into the other lane or crossing the yellow line. And I've always understood that the law not only allowed that, but actually encouraged it.
But I've noticed that while many L.A. drivers do just that, others are reluctant to pass a cyclist if it means even putting their left wheels on the divider line, let alone actually crossing it. Instead, they wait behind the rider, becoming angrier and more impatient with every passing moment. Or they zoom past at the first opportunity, whether or not there's room — let alone if it's actually safe.
So let's clarify the law, so that every driver knows it's okay to cross into the other lane or briefly cross the center line in order to pass a cyclist, as long as it can be done safely and there are no other vehicles in the way.
Category: General / Tags: bicycle safety, bicycling, California, California Vehicle Code, leaving lane to pass cyclists safely, Los Angeles, safe passing distance, traffic laws


text:
using BufferType = std::vector<std::uint8_t>;

// --------------------------------------------------
// Forward declarations for static functions
// --------------------------------------------------
// Util to load files
static std::unique_ptr<BufferType> LoadFile(const std::string& filename);

// Util to load file data to containers
static void LoadFiledata(
    std::vector<const std::vector<PropertiesManager::LoadInput>*> input,
    std::vector<PropertiesLoader::InputContainer*> out,
    std::vector<std::unique_ptr<BufferType>>& dataBuf);

// Print validation results
static void PrintResult(const PropertiesValidator::Result& r);

// --------------------------------------------------
// Header function implementation
// --------------------------------------------------
Properties::SceneFile PropertiesManager::Load(
     const std::vector<PropertiesManager::LoadInput>& scenes,
     const std::vector<PropertiesManager::LoadInput>& materials,
     const std::vector<PropertiesManager::LoadInput>& models)
{
    // Output buffers
    SceneFileContainer sceneBuf;
    MaterialFileContainer materialBuf;
    ModelFileContainer modelBuf;

    // Merged properties buffer
    Properties::SceneFile merged = {};

    // Load Properties Pipeline
    ParseProperties(scenes, materials, models, sceneBuf, materialBuf, modelBuf)
    .ValidateProperties(sceneBuf, materialBuf, modelBuf)
    .MergeProperties(merged, sceneBuf, materialBuf, modelBuf)
    .ValidateMergedProperties(merged);

    return merged;
}

PropertiesManager& PropertiesManager::ParseProperties(
    const std::vector<LoadInput>& scenes,
    const std::vector<LoadInput>& materials,
    const std::vector<LoadInput>& models,
    SceneFileContainer& sceneBuf,
    MaterialFileContainer& materialBuf,
    ModelFileContainer& modelBuf)
{
    // Create containers
    std::vector<std::unique_ptr<BufferType>> filedata;
    PropertiesLoader::InputContainer sceneIn, materialIn, modelIn;

    // Load filedata
    LoadFiledata(
        {&scenes,  &materials,  &models},   // Input
        {&sceneIn, &materialIn, &modelIn},  // Input containers
        filedata);                          // Filedata buffer

    // Create the loader
    PropertiesLoader loader;

    // Parse properties
    loader.LoadBulk(
        sceneIn,    sceneBuf,
        materialIn, materialBuf,
        modelIn,    modelBuf);

    return *this;
}

PropertiesManager& PropertiesManager::ValidateProperties(
    const PropertiesManager::SceneFileContainer& scenes,
    const PropertiesManager::MaterialFileContainer& materials,
    const PropertiesManager::ModelFileContainer& models)
{
    // Validate properties
    PropertiesValidator validator;
    PropertiesValidator::Result r = validator.ValidateBulk(scenes, materials, models);

    // Print results
    PrintResult(r);

    return *this;
}

PropertiesManager& PropertiesManager::MergeProperties(
    Properties::SceneFile& mergedPropsBuffer,
    const SceneFileContainer& scenes,
    const MaterialFileContainer& materials,
    const ModelFileContainer& models)
{
    // Use std members for verbosity
    using std::move;
    using std::begin;
    using std::end;
    using std::back_inserter;
    using std::vector;

    // Create buffers to store properties in other files
    vector<Properties::Texture> texturesBuf;
    vector<Properties::Material> materialsBuf;
    vector<Properties::Geometry> geometriesBuf;
    vector<Properties::Model> modelsBuf;
    vector<Properties::SceneNode> sceneNodeBuf;

    auto addMaterialToBuf = [&texturesBuf, &materialsBuf](const Properties::MaterialFile& mf) -> void
    {
        texturesBuf.insert(end(texturesBuf), begin(mf.textures), end(mf.textures));
        materialsBuf.insert(end(materialsBuf), begin(mf.materials), end(mf.materials));
    };

    auto addModelToBuf = [&geometriesBuf, &modelsBuf](const Properties::ModelFile& mf) -> void
    {
        geometriesBuf.insert(end(geometriesBuf), begin(mf.geometries), end(mf.geometries));
        modelsBuf.insert(end(modelsBuf), begin(mf.models), end(mf.models));
    };

    // Scan material files
    for (const auto& p : materials)
        addMaterialToBuf(p.second);

    // Scan model files
    for (const auto& p : models)
        addModelToBuf(p.second);

    // Scan scene files
    for (const auto& p : scenes)
    {
        addMaterialToBuf(p.second.extraMaterials);
        addModelToBuf(p.second.extraModels);
        sceneNodeBuf.insert(
            end(sceneNodeBuf), begin(p.second.scene.nodes), end(p.second.scene.nodes));
    }

    // Merge everything into a single scene file
    Properties::MaterialFile& mergedMat = mergedPropsBuffer.extraMaterials;
    Properties::ModelFile& mergedMod = mergedPropsBuffer.extraModels;

    // Reserve space to move contents
    mergedMat.textures.reserve(texturesBuf.size() + mergedMat.textures.size());
    mergedMat.materials.reserve(materialsBuf.size() + mergedMat.materials.size());
    mergedMod.geometries.reserve(geometriesBuf.size() + mergedMod.geometries.size());
    mergedMod.models.reserve(modelsBuf.size() + mergedMod.models.size());
    mergedPropsBuffer.scene.nodes.reserve(sceneNodeBuf.size() + mergedPropsBuffer.scene.nodes.size());

    // Move contents
    move(begin(texturesBuf),   end(texturesBuf),   back_inserter(mergedMat.textures));
    move(begin(materialsBuf),  end(materialsBuf),  back_inserter(mergedMat.materials));
    move(begin(geometriesBuf), end(geometriesBuf), back_inserter(mergedMod.geometries));
    move(begin(modelsBuf),     end(modelsBuf),     back_inserter(mergedMod.models));
    move(begin(sceneNodeBuf),  end(sceneNodeBuf),  back_inserter(mergedPropsBuffer.scene.nodes));

    return *this;
}

void PropertiesManager::ValidateMergedProperties(Properties::SceneFile& mergedProps)
{
    // Validate properties
    PropertiesValidator validator;
    PropertiesValidator::Result r = validator.ValidateGlobal(mergedProps);

    // Print results
    PrintResult(r);
}

// --------------------------------------------------
// Utilities
// --------------------------------------------------
static std::unique_ptr<BufferType> LoadFile(const std::string& filename)
{
    auto rVal = FileLoad<BufferType>(filename);
    if (!rVal)
        throw std::runtime_error("Couldn't load file (" + filename + ")");
    return rVal;
}

static void LoadFiledata(
    std::vector<const std::vector<PropertiesManager::LoadInput>*> input,
    std::vector<PropertiesLoader::InputContainer*> out,
    std::vector<std::unique_ptr<BufferType>>& dataBuf)
{
    size_t vecPos = 0;
    for (const auto& i : input)
    {
        for (const auto& j : *i)
        {
            dataBuf.push_back(LoadFile(j.filename));
            out[vecPos]->insert({j.id, *dataBuf[dataBuf.size() - 1]});
        }

        ++vecPos;
    }
}

static void PrintResult(const PropertiesValidator::Result& r)
{
    // Errors
    if (!r.errors.empty())
        std::cout << "Errors: " << std::endl;
    for (const auto& e : r.errors)
        std::cout << "\t" << e.id + ": " << PropertiesValidator::ErrorToString(e.code) << std::endl;

    // Warnings
    if (!r.warnings.empty())
        std::cout << "Warnings: " << std::endl;
    for (const auto& w : r.warnings)
        std::cout << "\t" << w.id + ": " << PropertiesValidator::WarnToString(w.code) << std::endl;

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I want to start by asking the obvious: what's your relationship to New York City? Your photos seem very personal but at the same time made for some sort of "spectacle".
GONZALEZ – I was born in Valhalla, NY and grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, but always spent the weekends in NY with cousins and family. I picked up skateboarding when I was in elementary school, I've always really loved music which led to me making often treks down to New York City for musical performances, which really solidified my love for the City of New York. Also, I guess I've always felt like I've identified more with New York than where I actually went to school in Connecticut. I noticed at a young age that it was a more diverse place, and being the child of immigrants myself as well as family living there. Like I said, I spent most weekends in New York with my cousins and most holidays as well, so I guess that answers the question about my relationship to the state of New York!
They also seem to have a unique glare to them, which makes the city looks like a fantastic city, almost surreal. Is that how you see the city?
GONZALEZ – A lot of my night photos are long exposure which definitely does give the photo really great lighting which can produce a glare effect especially if there are clouds in the sky. I guess you could say that my photos represent a sort of style and feel that represents me, but that I am also representing myself through the photos. I'm a huge fan of New York City hip-hop music and the various rappers like Nas, Big L, Biggie, Mobb Deep, Wu-tang, etc. so knowing that they grew up on the streets of New York and were apart of the city also inspires me to sort of capture that street hip-hop feel in my photos. And I guess I could say I also have my own editing style. I do make photos for a spectacle and that spectacle is Instagram, because that's the platform where my pictures and my work have the potential to reach the largest number of people, since it's like Facebook but for pictures. Of course not everyone is a serious photographer, not even me I just do it for fun, but it is a cool social media platform especially for photographers to engage with one another.
Do you follow a type of ritual when you go take pictures? Like specific times of the day or days of the week?
GONZALEZ – I don't have a ritual necessarily but I would say that night shooting is my favorite, however I will come in at any time of day usually just before sunset to catch the golden hour and then shoot the night away.
I've been connected to you through social media (and random real life events) for quite a while now and you always seemed to live a wild and alternative lifestyle. Your Instagram bio says "the world is yours". How does this affect your creative process?
GONZALEZ – Haha thanks! Well I grew up a skateboarder so maybe that's why I've always been a little on the wilder side. "The World Is Yours" is the title to a Nas song. I guess it's just sort of a reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to. The world really is ours. I guess that helps when doing what I do because where I go sometimes can get me in trouble whether it be a rooftop or the underground subways of NYC… So knowing that I can do anything if I focus enough and is good to know when doing things that I really need to focus on or I could get in big trouble, or even worse, die.
I noticed you take several shots of abandoned places and I have to admit I have a thing for abandoned places as well. One of my favorite is your shot from the Domino Sugar Factory. How was your experience photographing there?
GONZALEZ – My experience there was probably one of the best I've had urban exploring. Like I said before, I like to have a sort of street feel/rogue element in my photos so roof topping and photographing abandoned places like this definitely help to capture that feel since we're not allowed to be there. Me and a friend were just near by shooting the Williamsburg bridge and decided to go in, and turned out to be really cool inside. Very old and decayed, sort of creepy feel in there. The view from the roof of the city was great too. Thinking about going somewhere and then going, getting your shots of the place, and taking it all in with a nice view of the city is really rewarding and calming. It's sort of just a quiet reflective time up there thinking about whatever you want to think about, but at the same time taking in the view of the city and the experience you're having.
Do you draw inspiration from any particular photographers?


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Opened in 1977 in Marin County, CA, the Marin Computer Center was the world's first public access microcomputer center.  The non-profit company was co-created by David Fox (later to become one of Lucasfilm Games' founding members) and Annie Fox an author.

MCC (as it was known) initially featured the Atari 2600, an Equinox 100, 9 Processor Technology Sol 20 computers (S-100 bus systems), the Radio Shack Model I and the Commodore PET. In addition to providing computer access to the public it had classes on the programming language BASIC. Later it added Apple II and Atari 800 computers, for a total of about 40 systems.

The Foxes left MCC in 1981, turning it over to new management, and later to the teens and young adults who helped run it.

See also
 Public computer

External links
Marin Computer Center in People's Computers, Nov-Dec 1978
You Want to Open a What? - Article from Creative Computing, November 1984
Electric Eggplant
Scan of 1981 advertisement for Marin Computer Center

Buildings and structures in Marin County, California
History of computing

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Mount Prospect Academy donates $10,000 to Plymouth Police Department
January 16, 2023 /in News /by Sarah
At a luncheon ceremony in their Career Development Center in Plymouth, Mount Prospect Academy presented the Plymouth Police Department with a check for $10,000. The donation stems from a phone call Plymouth Police Chief Alex Hutchins had with MPA's President, Jeffrey Caron.
"I recently assisted Mount Prospect Academy staff here in Plymouth in a high-stress situation involving one of their students," explained Hutchins. "I was impressed with how the staff conducted themselves in a professional manner while de-escalating the situation. It was obvious to me that these staff members had been well trained for these types of situations. I really felt that they needed to be recognized, so I contacted Jeff to offer my commendation to his team. Jeff was very appreciative and asked if they could assist us in any way."
The result was two financial donations, totaling $10,000 to be used towards active threat resources for the town of Plymouth and surrounding communities. "MPA never overlooks the fact that we are more than just a school for at-risk kids," said Jeffrey Caron at the presentation ceremony. "We're a part of several communities, including Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Warren and Pike. As such, we're not only here to help our kids, but our communities. When Alex mentioned initiatives that would benefit from community support, I saw an opportunity for us at Mount Prospect Academy to help out."
On-hand was the MPA Plymouth team recognized by Chief Hutchins. They included Nayou Shar, Devin Michalewicz, Clayton Scala-Habert, Andrew Fosher, Adelaide Schumaker and Hilel Gubenko. The funds will be used to purchase equipment, tools and supplies to better prepare the department in case of an active threat situation in Plymouth or area towns. In keeping with MPA's mission, a portion of the money will also be used to purchase supplies for community events to continue to connect the police department and the community.
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/826B0684_4.jpg 792 1636 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2023-01-16 19:37:582023-01-16 19:38:58Mount Prospect Academy donates $10,000 to Plymouth Police Department
MPA hosts 9th annual Mayhew/McDermott Memorial Golf Tournament
December 13, 2022 /in News /by Sarah
This fall, over 84 golfers converged on Owl's Nest Golf Resort in Thornton for the annual Mayhew/McDermott Memorial Golf Tournament, an event MPA has hosted since 2013. It was a beautiful fall day, with unseasonably warm temperatures and a backdrop of fall foliage on full display.
The tournament is named after Dave Mayhew and John McDermott who both tragically passed away in 2013. Dave worked at MPA as Assistant Director of Academics. John was a Director of Operations.
After their passing, MPA leadership decided to start the tournament, with monies raised to benefit the aptly named Mayhew/McDermott scholarship fund, which provides current and former students with independent life skills assistance. Any current or former student can apply, which includes an essay submission as well as information about the request and their budget needs. Past scholarship recipients have used the funds for such things as the purchase of a bicycle for transportation to work, tools to help further a career, summer camp tuition, job interview clothing and job-related laptops.
The tournament would not be possible without the financial assistance from individuals and sponsors. In particular, companies such as Kinney Pike, Lockton, One Digital, PretiFlherty, Passumpsic Bank and White River Toyota have consistently stepped up to the plate over the years to sponsor holes and foursomes, allowing organizers to not only cover the expenses of hosting the tournament but growing the Mayhew/McDermott scholarship fund. To date, the scholarship fund has supported numerous students through the years.
Winner's of this year's tournament were the team from Becket: Christian Wolter, Dan Elliot, Tom Peters and Ben Peters. They shot 18 under which is commendable, a birdie on every hole! They were presented with a custom-made trophy, built and designed by MPA wood shop students. In the end, all the golfers left winners, having experiencing a day of golf with friends on a stunningly beautiful day. Organizers noted that the weather is always superior for this late fall event. It's as if Dave and John are there in spirit, smiling down on their MPA friends and family.
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Golf2.jpg 756 1008 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2022-12-13 21:43:322022-12-13 21:47:44MPA hosts 9th annual Mayhew/McDermott Memorial Golf Tournament
Under the Hood at MPA Automotive Center
September 30, 2022 /in News /by Sarah
It's not often you meet a teenager with the skills to change the oil in an automobile, repair its brakes, exhaust or suspension, let alone swapping out its engine. At MPA's Career Development Center, it's not such a rare sight after all.
Meet the kids of MPA's Livermore Automotive Center, an approved classroom that is a full service, auto repair shop located in MPA's Rumney Career Development Center campus. The program was started back in 1993 as part of the school's experiential learning program. Jeff Caron, MPA President, brought his vision of "vocational learning" to then part-time instructor at Laconia Community College, Dave Morrill, offering him a job imparting his mechanics skills to at-risk kids at MPA.
"Jeff had incredible enthusiasm and this idea that, if kids split their school time between the classroom and real, hands-on work, it would boost their self esteem and confidence, ultimately improving their behavior."
And he was right. Since those early years of working out of a 1-stall garage in an abandoned wood shop to the now, state of the art automotive center, complete with 2 lifts and superior air and electrical systems, the program has thrived. Hundreds of students have benefited from Dave's expertise, taking their skills outside the school and applying them in everyday life, some even pursuing careers in the automotive field.
"We typically have 6-15 kids each week in the shop performing work on company vehicles and those belonging to employees," Dave explains. "We run the classroom just like any other business out there in the community. We make appointments, troubleshoot, diagnose, repair and invoice. And the kids help from start to finish."
Jeff Caron notes that behaviors improve when students participate in hands-on, academic learning. "Statistically, we have very few behavior issues when students have hands-on learning opportunities. They gain confidence and realize they can succeed in a field of their choice."
These days, Dave and fellow mechanic, Ray Whitcher can be seen under the hood of numerous projects with eagerly listening students. Just recently, Ray supervised a student changing out the engine of a Kia Sorento. "Well, I was more of a bystander," Ray admits. "That kid knew what he was doing – even figured out the wiring harness was faulty and swapped it out before I noticed it was a problem. It kind of made me proud. You don't see many 14-16 year olds with those skills."
The Livermore Auto Center services over 60 of MPA's own vehicles and gives precedent to MPA team members, alumnae and their families. Dave is quick to point out that the school isn't looking to compete with local businesses. "Our main purpose is, and will always be, to teach kids to be successful. We just so happen to do it with a wrench, not a pencil."
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_0715smaller.jpg 1512 2016 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2022-09-30 15:29:322022-09-30 15:30:03Under the Hood at MPA Automotive Center
Student Council at MPA
August 23, 2022 /in News /by Rebecca
Recently, the Mount Prospect Academy's Student Council sat down and met as a team to discuss topics to improve and better their facilities. The 4 students, and 8 faculty met at noon to eat lunch and follow with facilitating discussions on ideas that ranged from making student handbooks, to creating a career day.
The MPA Student Council was created by Mount Prospect Academy's Richard Potack with the help of Denise Castonguay in the 2013-2014 school year. The purpose was to give students a forum in which they could have a direct and long-lasting impact on the school; where they could make changes for themselves and each other, while learning about how governments operate on this and other levels in the outside world.
The Student Council at MPA is important for student life because they address and tackle issues important to their community as well as making sure students' voices are heard. Much of what this group is focusing on, is how to save the environment and how to create better environments around the students. These students are working to make a change within their community by using leadership tools to work together and make a difference.
The Co-Student Council Presidents, led the meeting by inviting everyone to introduce themselves and then turning to business as they began reading the student council's agenda and discussion notes. There were many discussions and conversations that took place within the meeting, many important ideas were brought to the table; for example, creating a logo for MPA Student Council so that merchandise can be embroidered, creating more after-school activities, such as a soccer team, and basketball tournaments, a band, and a zen garden, as well as improving the MPA school store by creating and handing out a survey to ensure that the school store is carrying material that the students want to purchase.
One of the bigger announcements that was made within the meeting was the opportunity to meet and work with someone from the "You Got this Kid" campaign. Chuck Saia's "You Got this Kid" campaign is a leadership foundation that evokes positive change for youth. By working with this organization, the Student Council will participate in a workshop to develop better leadership skills and act to fundraise for a new green house. By enhancing leadership skills and raising money for a greenhouse, the student council will encourage saving the environment while creating another activity to partake in.
The Mount Prospect Academy Student Council carefully debated and reviewed numerous issues that are important to the students of MPA to provide advancements within the facilities and environments surrounding the schools. By addressing recycling issues, gym renovations, career expansion, and expanding curriculums, they are taking action in bettering programs and student life.This group is working to challenge themselves and each other in empowering their voices and ideas to boost and promote their progress!
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Student-Council_edited-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 Rebecca https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Rebecca2022-08-23 18:55:002022-08-31 18:24:31Student Council at MPA
June 2, 2022 /in News /by Rebecca
On the first of June, Mount Prospect Academy held an awards night for the staff who have been a part of MPA for 5 years, 10 years, 15, 20 and 25 years. The faculty of MPA were invited to the Common Man's "The Barn on the Pemi" from 5-8pm for an awards ceremony, accompanied by dinner and drinks. To kick off the ceremony, MPA's Director of Operations, John Fulp, said a few words. Fulp talked about the obstacles that MPA has faced through the duration of COVID-19 and how Mount Prospect Academy has continued to work as a team to overcome the hardships the company and the schools face. He explained that Mount Prospect Academy continues to grow stronger with the people and strategies they continue to use. Fulp closed by saying,"we just keep getting better and better and that's because of all you folks and all of us working together. So thank you everyone; thank you to those who have stuck with it year after year, we are able to honor you tonight." The microphone was handed to Mount Prospect Academy President, Jeffrey Caron, where he also showed appreciation to the staff within the room. Jeff spoke of their longevity at Mount Prospect, whether it was 5 years at the company, or 25 years. There were different gifts presented to the staff depending on how long they have been with MPA. Jeff pointed out that not only is MPA creating careers to help kids, but it's also a fortunate place that allows staff to change lives, for as long as 25 years. He spoke highly of the mini biking trip (National Youth Project Using Minibikes; ie NYPUM) that he and Jay Marshall, Head of Schools, went on earlier with 6 students. He explained how smooth, civilized, and pleasant the trip had been, showing that having great trips with the students of MPA is due to the amazing faculty and staff who work with the kids. "Treating students with compassion and leadership allows these children to respect themselves, their environments, and others around them. Working for MPA is beneficial not only to the students, but also to outsiders and our surrounding communities. The attraction Mount Prospect Academy creates, encourages other companies and corporations to want to be a part of something so influential and impactful." As Jeff Caron, John Fulp and Jeff Park hand out awards to MPA staff recipients, there is a light and grateful atmosphere; as everyone acknowledges their roles within a business that has one main goal: to better the education and environment of our youth.
Recognized were:
5 Years Award:
– Don Jones
– Rebecca Moulton
– Megan Smith
– Paul Thomas
– Corey Tower
– Dori Craigie
– Rob Alvey Sr.
– Harry Bearden
– Josh Colle
– Mike Burnham
– Becky Drapeau
– Jessie Gaudioso
– LeRoy Hollis
– Tyree Jones
– Derek Pitcha
Recipients for the 10 Years Award:
– Karen McAlpine
– Mark Labonte
– Richard Moulton
– Bill Greene
– Joe Cristiano
– Tom Corbin
– Lacy Hunt
– Mike Adamkowski
– Chris Boyd
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_3670-scaled.jpeg 1920 2560 Rebecca https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Rebecca2022-06-02 18:02:562022-08-31 18:24:42Awards Night
Sweet happenings at MPA in Pike!
April 4, 2022 /in News /by Sarah
March is Maple Month in New Hampshire and students at MPA in Pike are in the thick of it – literally! Just ask Mark Labonte, faculty member at MPA, who, along with Eric Underhill and Zach Cousino, has led a maple sugaring program for the school in Pike for the past 9 years. Venture past the cattle barn, just up the hill into a small clearing called the Sugarbush and you'll find MPA's very own sugar shack, complete with all the buckets, tubes, gadgets and tools necessary to turn tree sap into liquid gold.
The current sugar shack was built over 10 years ago as part of a student project led by faculty member Hugh Underhill. Today it attracts as many as 20 – 30 kids, itching to learn and lend a helping hand to the very hands-on process of producing maple syrup. Visiting MPA's sugar shack this time of year is an experience for the senses. One can't help but getting wrapped up in the sounds, sights and smells of a sugar house in full operation. It takes cords of wood and a network of hundreds of trees to feed the operation. Thankfully, there's no shortage of helping hands as dozens of MPA students can be seen hard at work splitting wood, emptying sap buckets, feeding the stove and monitoring the constant drip being fed to the collection bin outside.
"We have over 200 trees tapped in our network here," explains Labonte, who, with the help of Zack and Eric keep the operation rolling. "It's the warm days and cool nights that produce the most sap. Once things get rolling we'll produce about 20 gallons of Grade A maple syrup. We love watching the kids participate in the process. There's a certain pride they take when sitting down for breakfast and pouring a generous amount of syrup on their pancakes, saying 'I made that!'"
Of course, there's more than enough product to share. MPA traditionally gives away their syrup to local communities. It's a fittingly sweet end to a rewarding experience.
"Honestly," adds, Labonte, "that's what keeps me coming back each spring. The curiosity and excitement you see in these kids when they're listening, working together and learning."
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/826B0705.jpg 1267 1901 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2022-04-04 19:09:022022-08-31 18:24:59Sweet happenings at MPA in Pike!
MPA Hosts Its First Ever Employment Open House
February 23, 2022 /in News /by Sarah
As one of New Hampshire's fastest growing employers, MPA is constantly on the lookout for energetic, motivated individuals to join their team. The challenge in today's job market is effectively communicating to prospective applicants the many benefits to working at MPA. People can afford to be choosy and an ad or even a website can often be a limited forum in which to showcase your best attributes. Recently, John Fulp, MPA's Superintendent & Director of Operations organized MPA's first ever employment open house. It was held on January 26 at their Pike campus, with several MPA faculty on-hand to meet with applicants. "The open house was a huge success," says Fulp. "It allowed us to meet, face to face, prospective educators, counselors, and other support staff. We have a lot to offer here, so when you're given the opportunity to speak directly with applicants, get to know their goals and ambitions, you're more apt to make a connection. Not only that, applicants were able to see where they could be working; meet the people they may be working with. It was a win-win for all involved."
Based on the success of the Pike Open House, another has been scheduled for Thursday, March 3 from 4-7pm in Campton. Find out more by visiting mountprospectacademy.org/openhouse.
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/OpenHouse.png 158 435 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2022-02-23 19:35:002022-08-31 18:25:09MPA Hosts Its First Ever Employment Open House
Inaugural MPA Youth Snowmobiling Program Outing a Huge Success
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_1807-rotated.jpg 2016 1512 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2022-01-28 20:47:052022-08-31 18:25:26Inaugural MPA Youth Snowmobiling Program Outing a Huge Success
Adventure Based Learning at MPA
Whether or not you're familiar with MPA's curriculum, you've probably heard the term "adventure based learning" tossed around when there's mention of our school. That's because adventure based, or, "experiential" learning plays a large role in our mission to help students reach their educational and social potential. Quite simply, many of our students are here because they were unable to thrive in traditional classroom settings. They're better learners when they can see, feel and experience things, first hand. That's where adventure based learning comes into play. It's a way of teaching that actually puts students out in real world settings, engages them in hands on activities and lets them actively participate and learn from their experiences. At MPA, our campuses are perfectly situated to allow our students to take advantage of our surroundings. You'll find kids out hiking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, dangling on high ropes courses or even exploring in caves. Learning what, you may ask? "About life sciences, biology, geology, philosophy, math and more," says Mike Adamkowski, our Upper Valley Stewardship Center Director. "For every activity we take these kids on, I witness learning. From preparation and establishing safety protocols, to developing communication skills and making the connection between decisions and outcomes, these kids' curiosity sparks are ignited. As an educator it's incredibly rewarding to witness your students letting their guards down, exhibiting a sense of wonder and applying what they learn to real life."
When you see MPA kids out on your next hike, bike, camping or kayaking adventure, keep in mind they're not just out there having fun, they're in their classroom, learning . . .
https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20211207_115705-rotated.jpg 2016 908 Sarah https://www.mountprospectacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo.png Sarah2021-12-23 18:36:172022-08-31 18:25:34Adventure Based Learning at MPA

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Man fined for dog mess at Dafen Pond, then gets fined for cigarette litter
A man who failed to clean up after his dog has also been fined for dropping litter.
Council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol at Dafen Pond when the man, who was with his son, failed to pick up his dog's mess.
Whilst he was being issued with a fixed penalty notice for the offence, he threw down his cigarette end, despite being told by officers he would be committing a further offence for dropping litter.
He was then issued with a second fixed penalty notice for £75.
Officers also caught a woman throwing a bag of dog mess into the bushes; she too was given a fixed penalty notice for littering.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: "Officers carry out patrols across the county and anyone caught failing to clean up after their dog or dropping litter will be fined.
"I am astounded that someone picked up their dog's mess but then threw it into the bushes instead of waiting until they found a bin.
"I am also shocked that someone went on to litter right in front of officers after being caught for a dog fouling offence.
"I hope these people have learnt their lesson and I also hope that other members of the public take notice. We are determined to keep Carmarthenshire clean for both residents and visitors."
Carmarthenshire County Council