Cycling on a Roundabout - Part Deux

I recently posted something on how to cycle a roundabout. I took a longer route home from work today because the weather had turned very nice and I had the time. Heading southbound on Hale into the roundabout, I noticed signs that I had not noticed when eastbound on Trafalgar (although upon reviewing the video I saw that they were there too):

I think these signs are supposed to indicate that pedestrians will be on the sidewalk and at crossings, cars and bikes will be on the road and to watch out for all. Visuals being what they are, however, I think they also could easily suggest that bikes should be to the right of cars, which isn't quite what City planners were after, as you shall see.

The City of London posted good information on how to drive a roundabout when this one was introduced, including what I consider perfect advice for cyclists that matches my own except for my personal encouragement to ride in the lane rather than walk even if it makes you nervous. They suggest that experienced cyclists may choose to ride in the lane. Cyclists:

Hairsplitting aside, we are singing from the same song sheet.

They also mention some signage, but not the stuff pictured above.

I (in true lazy Rantwick fashion) had neglected to come through on my idea to suggest sharrows in the roundabout, but now I'm gonna direct some city folks to both of my roundabout posts in the hopes of achieving a little more clarity.

Yer Pal,

R A N T W I C K

Help the Creator of the Grumbear

I am a selfish person. Here's the deal: Rantwick Jr., creator of the world-famous Grumbear, is raising money for the Heart and Stroke foundation in a school-based initiative called "Jump Rope for Heart". He skips, you pay. The selfish part is that normally I would take his pledge form into work and make the rounds and try to raise some dough on his behalf. The problem is, there are so many things circulating at my work asking for cash right now that I just don't wanna be one more. So here we are, with me flogging his charity on my blog. My problems become your problems.

Selfish. Selfish because I know everybody knows somebody who has some kid raising money for some sort of crap at any given time. Ah well, my blog isn't entitled "Decent Guy With High Moral Standards Who Likes Riding Bicycles". I'll do whatever I want, including wasting your time and making you hate me by asking for money. Freedom rocks.

Nevermind the unfair nature of this plea, though. Jump Rope for Heart is a good idea. Plus, Rantwick Jr. is a real character, the kind adults want to hang out with even though he's 10:

my fine young gentleman.

I'm a bad person and will probably get in trouble with Mrs. Rantwick for that one... I confess (although to the photoshoppie among you, it is obvious) to tampering with the photo below to get the one above.



Rantwick Jr. was born with a heart featuring a minor hole between the filling chambers of the atria, or Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). We were assured that he would grow and the hole would close, and we were assured correctly. He is fine and all traces of the hole are gone. To the parents of a new baby, however, this was pretty scary stuff. When "Skip Rope For Heart" rolls around each year, I am reminded of it. Did any research back in the day make Rantwick's Jr's heart thing more understandable and treatable if necessary? Likely so.

Hearts, to the best of my knowledge, are pretty important to most of the worlds creatures, at least those that have one. One creature that has no heart is the Grumbear. He'll just lay his wool and construction paper fury on you for absolutely no reason. He don't care 'bout nuthin'. He just ANGRY.

Unless you want this badass haunting your dreams for the next month, you better click here and donate something. I'm not kidding. He'll invade your mind, I swear.

Yer Pal,

R A N T W I C K









What? You didn't click Rantwick Jr's donation page link? After that baby-with-a-heart-hole story? What the hell is wrong with you?

Seriously, though, thanks to all who give something, and thanks to those who wish they could but can't. I totally get that.

Just Ride Your Bike

Hey, don't let things like this get you down!

When something bugs me, there are two answers that work for me 99% of the time. 1) Take a shower. 2) Just Ride My Bike. I'm gonna play the odds with my readers a little now:

Hey, Just Ride Your Bike.

R A N T W I C K