Cyclist vs. Motorists

Git Real's picture

Whether you’re a motorist or a cyclist, it’s safe to say that we each have legitimate issues with other. It’s understandable why cyclists would desire to ride on our semi-rural roadways in Fayette County. It’s also understandable why a motorist would occasionally desire to fling a car door open on a cyclist. But, what we’ve lacked in these debates are some quality alternatives that would work out for all of us and lessen the cycling on our roadways, thus enhancing our traffic safety.

Now this may not be an original idea, but it’s worth discussing on this forum. We’ve all heard about the Silver Comet Trail that stretches from Smyrna to the Alabama line.

CLICK HERE To Learn About The Silver Comet Trail

Well it’s obvious that the Silver Comet Trail is very inconvenient for those of us on the Southside. So, perhaps creating a similar trail on the Southside might be a feasible option.

I’m not sure but I think that there is an abandoned rail line that runs from Senoia to McDonough. I also think that the Georgia Department of Transportation holds title to these right-of-ways. If this is the case then maybe there is a somewhat inexpensive way to provide a multi-use, non-motorized trail for the use of both cyclists & runners too. I could see my family taking that trail from time to time. And just maybe the trail could be run to Newnan. I believe that this abandoned railway also passes through Brooks.

Maybe it’s not a feasible plan. But Hey! It just might work.

If by chance this is actually an original idea then perhaps consideration might be made in naming it the ‘Git Real Trail’.

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Git's Trail,
Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 11:09pm.

You have some good thoughts here. However, I sincerely hope that flinging open a car door is not a prevailing feeling.

I have ridden the SCT and it’s a pretty nice out and back path. But the SCT is more than just recreational riding. Cobb County has plans to extend feeder bike routes to the beginning of the SCT as it’s envisioned as a means of providing an alternative means of transportation. Imagine that, bicycles for transportation.

I’m curious about your definition of “our roadways”. I hope you’re referencing that as meaning all legal road users. I would hate to think that you’re contemplating an outright prohibition on bicycles operated on all roadways. BTW, my ancient jalopy is DOA in my garage so I might have ride to church tomorrow morning.

As for your multi purpose path, I have no direct objection. However, from my perspective, I would rather have that money spent on roadway enhancements such as wider lanes that would it benefit all road users.
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Hey Cy
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 11:29pm.

Hope you didn't say those words that want to come out of one's mouth when their wrench slips and bloodies their knuckles. I hope you get your truck fixed ok.

I sincerely hope that flinging open a car door is not a prevailing feeling.

Chuckle...no, it's not a prevailing feeling.

I’m curious about your definition of “our roadways”.

I'm referring to roads that are rural neighborhoodish in nature that seem to attract folks from all over the place. It was a beautiful day and there were several out there that I had to go around that honestly did deserve the car door. Luckily we don't get what deserve. Eye-wink Hey, I didn't even blast my horn at these two jerks.

As for your multi purpose path, I have no direct objection. However, from my perspective, I would rather have that money spent on roadway enhancements such as wider lanes that would it benefit all road users.

I just can't see them widening Sourwood, Old Greenville, & some of the other roads that don't need to be widened for a few cyclists. I suppose I would go along with widening it for cyclists if I'm then allowed to ride my four wheeler on it and extended the same rights as a bike rider has. By not creating a bike trail as suggested just how many miles of "widening" do you think we might get from those limited funds? Not enough to matter I think.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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Git's Big Adventure,
Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sun, 09/30/2007 - 2:43pm.

The SCT was a $13.5 million endeavour. By comparison, Fayette County's Public Works Department is budgeted for $5 million. An additional $13.5 million, or fraction there of, would be a big boost. Perhaps enough for a lot of road enhancements.

Four wheelers on the road; hey why not. Start with our state representative and see if a change to the Georgia Vehicle Code can be made. Make them a legitimate road user just like say.....bicycles.

BTW, and to change the subject slightly, I've seen those arguments that bicycles are not paying for their own way because of fuel and licensing taxes. All local road maintenance repairs and enhancements (not state highways)are paid through local funding. With that said, property taxes represent 48.8% of county revenues. So when I pay my almost $2,000 in property taxes I'm also paying for local roads.

As for state gasoline taxes, they go to the state and are redistributed to the counties for maintenance of state roads. The interesting thing about the this scheme is that the GDOT has to get additional money from general revenues because not enough gasoline taxes are collected. So when I pay state income taxes I'm paying for roads as well.

PS, About those words when one bloodies his knuckles - now I thought I was the only that did that. You mean to tell me that others do it too.
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Okay Cy... Stop It Right There
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sun, 09/30/2007 - 4:12pm.

You're hinting that I'm some kind of a pork barrel spending advocate. Shocked

Let me repent... Bless me Father for I have sinned.....

Let me tell you Cy that I am a huge advocate of raising voluntary corporate and private funds to subsidize sports and recreation funding projects. This seems to be an alternative that many a project seekers overlook these days and a great option to fund a project like this. It seems it's much easier to tap the tax coffers than to put some effort into rallying the public for a project such as this.

Perhaps you could rally your spandex wearing buddies to get started.......

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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Git - Tax and Spend
Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sun, 09/30/2007 - 5:02pm.

Perhaps we'll just leave things the way they are. To everyone else, Git is not a tax and spend liberal - regardless what might be said. Hack, for heaven sakes, don't spread any rumors!!!!

Thanks for the delightful blog.

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


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Abandoned Rail Line
Submitted by wrkhrd4it on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 10:17am.

Git,there is an abandoned rail line that runs East/West through Brooks..AKA."road cyclist central". From what I can see on Google Earth, it appears to run from Senoia to Griffin. It would make an awesome trail, but I'm not sure if the skinny tires would use it. I think most would prefer the open, albiet crowded roads. As for " The Git Real Trail", please stop!!! You're killin' me!! How about " The Southern Crescent Trail"??

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Southern Crescent Trail
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:21pm.

It does have a much better ring to it than 'Git Real Trail'. Perhaps they could name an possum crossing after me. Eye-wink

I'm thinking it would get used a considerable amount. I'd venture to bet that well over half the cyclists would love to get off the roads. There's another percentage that are just plain stupid and I'd say there are some really serious guys that ride across country and their patterns wouldn't change. But for the average cyclist, I think they would relish the opportunity to have a safe and designated trail like the Silver Comet to cruise on. Looking at the pic on the link I provided it looked like the entire path was 12-14 feet wide. That's a pretty good width wouldn't you say? I don't know..... there might be more 'skinny tires' on a trail like that than we might imagine.

Who has experience on the Silver Comet? Please chime in. Anyone, that is besides D.Smith aka DollarADayAndFound. You know he he road those trails years ago. In fact he was the one in charge of guarding the General when James Andrews and his men stole the train out from under Dollar's nose. Understand that Dollar has never gotten over the fast one that Andrew's Raiders pulled on him.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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It would be pretty cool
Submitted by wrkhrd4it on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:45pm.

to have something like the Comet down in south Fayette. I think many people would use it. As for the " skinny tires", I would hope they would use it. It seems it would be a win win situation: they can ride for miles without the threat of being run over, and we can get some of them off the roads. I think there's room for parking down there too.

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wouldn't
hutch866's picture
Submitted by hutch866 on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:31pm.

that have been the Git Rail trail?

I yam what I yam...Popeye


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Git
hutch866's picture
Submitted by hutch866 on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:26pm.

Now Git, you know that's not true, Dollar was retired by the time the Civil War started.

I yam what I yam...Popeye


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You're Incorrect Hutch
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:32pm.

If you study the history and geography of that time you would understand that all the able bodied men were facing combat on the front lines a hundred miles North of where Dollar was stationed. That's where they positioned all the young boys and old dudes like Dollar. Dollar is actually one of the few remaining survivors of the Grandfathers Of The Confederacy.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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$ is dirty old man
Submitted by susieq on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:45pm.

I think dollar is a dirty old man, looking for a dating or porn site. LOL

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SusieQ -- Good instincts!
Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 5:27pm.

You definitely have good detective skills! Laughing out loud

Is that the reason the library banned Dollar? Eye-wink

If he has access to a computer, I don't think that he could restrain himself from giving us his words of wisdom multiple times throughout the day. Laughing out loud


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Hey Susie Q
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 5:08pm.

Good to see you and also to see Tug resurfaced today. Gotta go! Gotta heat up the grill and entertain a bit tonight. See you friends after 10:00. Smiling

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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Natchez Trail
Submitted by d.smith700 on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 7:56am.

Git real has become unreal!
There was a similar trail in Mississippi that served as a perfect location for waylayers along the trail to rob and molest those on the trail! You can bet the cops wouldn't check it out.

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Hey Cy! Git Of The Couch Already And Wake Up!
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 4:26pm.

How about chiming in on this conversation since you're our X-Spurt bike dude! Eye-wink Oops... I meant chime in on the Southern Crescent Trail idea and not on Dollar's Natchez Trace Trail. He was the laughing stock a hundred and fifty years ago while in his prime. Can you imagine him riding the Trace with his front tire being 6 feet tall and his rear wheel being 12" high. Heck...no wonder he didn't get very far.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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Git,
Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 5:17pm.

I'm still in shock!!! I promise I will answer. I also, have a broken old truck in my garage that desperately needs my attention. As I work on the this truck I break things and I get really PO'd and come here to do some "therapeutic" chatting - nothing that requires deep thought - then get back in the garage and do it again. Not a good day.

BTW the bike that you described is called an "Ordinary". They're great for "face" plants.

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


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