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Guest: Raul Avelar – IIHS
This is the first episode we’ve also turned into a video podcast. Click here!
This is the second in our series about safety. And, while it isn’t a long conversation, it’s an important one because it helps to set the context for how safety trends are playing out.
My guest is Raul Avelar, Senior Research Transportation Engineer for the IIHS – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Raul’s area of work is a focus is on bike/ped safety. And that fits right into our series here!
One of the things Raul says not too far into our conversation that piqued my interest is about the difference in behavior between men and women when they are riding and even walking; that men seem to be more aggressive and less likely to “follow the rules” when it comes to traffic safety.
As Rachael Maney said in our conversation from last week, there’s also the difference that seems to be experienced by those who are kitted up like cyclists – flashy jerseys, helmets, and cycling footwear – and recreational cyclists, perhaps in a T-shirt, cargo shorts, and sneakers. Raul’s research seems to confirm those experiences.
Then there’s the issue of whether new features in today’s cars work – warnings such as those that keep you in line and automatic braking. According to Raul, these features work; so, why would someone NOT activate them in their new car?
What Raul has given us is some details about what may be coming that should help us navigate an ever more crowded, speedy, and dangerous transportation world as technology begins to connect roadways, signals, and cars. Perhaps our learning how those things work will give us more confidence to navigate the roads more safely.
While the research shows so much that can be done to make our roads safer, what is most disturbing to me is what seems to be the deliberate removal of that information from the public’s view, putting cyclists and pedestrians in harm’s way unnecessarily.
For more information about the work the IIHS does and to contact Raul, log on to IIHS.org.
My guest is 
Secretary of Transportation claws back $1.7B from the infrastructure bill that promised the money to hundreds, if not thousands, of projects, claiming that he was going to redirect the funds to roads and bridges, not to and I quote “
I’ve had this conversation archived for way too long and in re-listening while editing it today, I thought – how interesting that we are at this strange place with the announcement last week of so much money being rescinded from bike and ped infrastructure, to the amazing 50year project that completed the
scenery of Colorado coupled with great amenities along the way without climbing the Rockies!
While we will be celebrating our 250th Anniversary here in the States, the Grand Departe of the 
intense heat could impact the race as we well as the teams, and what this year’s course has in store for us.
Today’s conversation falls into the latter category and my guest is Will Chavez, the associate editor of the 
they travel the almost 1000 miles on the 
Seven years ago, 
eleven different cities as Melissa and Chris shine the spotlight on what can only be termed a modern transformation of urban thinking.
Lung diseases affect 35 million people in the U.S. and the 
fundraising efforts but are enjoying the beauty of the State of Maine with a fully supported 3-day ride. 
My second guest today is 
pandemic had on cycling just a few years ago.
I don’t think I’ve met a more fascinating person than adventurer 
months-long “
Then, in the second half of the show, we take a 180-degree turn when my guests are Carlos Rogers and Robin Morton. Carlos is one of the partners who owns the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and Robin is the race director.
In addition to world-class men’s and women’s pro racing on Philly streets- with equal prize money for both I might add – there is a festival, a citizen’s time trial, and the joy of being in one of the most interesting and historic cities in the country.
the event, log on to philadelphiacyclingclassic.com. BTW, if you are planning on going, I’d book a hotel sooner rather than later!
My guests today, 
who worked for a local tree company, told us they were going to ride this event to celebrate trees! 
Then, I speak with cyclist and author Paul Dunt. In the summer of 2014, Paul, who lives in the U.K., came over to the States with a traveling companion to ride the original 4,000+ mile 
and his comments about the differences between folks in the U.S., where he learned more about someone in half an hour at a gas station stop than in the U.K. where people are much more reserved, were amusing if not quite illuminating!
As we wrap up our third and final episode on eBikes, 
legal to ride an eMoto – because they exceed the attainable speed limit ascribed to an eBicycle – and parents are unwittingly buying them for their kids – we find ourselves in a no-win situation.
On a positive note, there is finally a bill that was introduced on the House Floor –