Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Sorry to hear about your colleague.

    Greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    42mph in a wheelchair? LOL

    FWIW remember his friend's biking accident was on a down hill, not on the streets.

    -juice
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    I can't see how it would be more dangerous.
    I see you (on the bike) coming, and you see me (driving) coming. We both have awareness of each other's represence oppose to your back to me. From my experience as a cyclist and driver, you would have limited awareness and you're very vulnerable to what goes on behind your back.

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Get mirrors! I have one on my left handle bar. You can also get the ones that snap onto your helmet.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    fibber,

    that oscillation you speak of sounds like what we'd call a 'tank slapper' in motorcycle terms.

    they're caused by a light front wheel and/or bumpy road. once the bars start shaking they don't stop unless you put weight on the nose, dampen the oscillation, or the bumps in the road die down.

    anything other than that and you usually crash.

    my condolences Steve... even with motorcycle gear, you can die at 50mph if you hit something hard or immovable.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I remember after Ayrton Senna's F1 crash (and death), they said he could have withstood up to 4 Gs of deceleration force with a helmet on, so it also depends on what you hit and how the impact is absorbed.

    -juice
  • yellowbikedon1yellowbikedon1 Member Posts: 94
    Dave: 30% of bike-car accidents are caused by bikes being on the wrong side of the road. It is far safer (according to studies) to have bikes flow with the normal traffic patterns. To do otherwise is also against the law!

    Mike: Do you also intend on "outlawing" Amish buggies on the roads? They certainly travel at speeds less than the "traffic." I bike faster than a buggy goes.

    Bicycle Advocates are all for proper enforcement of traffic laws and ordinances for BOTH bicyclists and drivers. You can't convince me that only bicyclists run stop signs, lights, fail to grant right of way, etc.

    The best solution is to include more education for both driver and cyclist in driver-ed and other related programs. Enforcement by police and the courts is necessary as is mandatory inclusion of bike lanes on all new roads and improved roads. A four foot lane (which complies to AASHTO standards) would make life more pleasant for all. Afterall, the bicycle is a legitimate form of transportation!

    Enough ranting!

    Don
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Don-
    30% accident with riding facing traffic. Interesting. But has it been studied as to what percentage of the 30% is recklessness? I'm pretty sure it's all of it. I'm not on a mission to convince anyone, just expressing my observation(s).
    Incidentally, I was in Long Beach, NJ last summer and I noticed an ordinace requiring pedestrian to walk facing oncoming traffic. Same theory, you see me I see you.

    -Dave
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    as you are probably one of the most avid cyclists on this board.
    Ron
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    I ride my bike to work almost every day. I personally find it a lot less stressful then when I drive somewhere. That being said, I still love driving. Most drivers are courteous when I'm riding. I always obey the traffic laws, accept for "California stops" through stop signs. There are a few bicyclists I see who blatantly break the rules, but most are better than the drivers I see out there. I find it much more stressful when I'm behind the wheel wondering what that crazy driver in the big SUV is going to do. BTW, if you are looking for a bicycle friendly city -- visit Portland, Oregon -- a great place for pedaling.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I can vouch for the Amish going slow. paisan would dodge out of there way at the Gimmick Rally, but I'd get 'em with the door! (just kidding)

    -juice
  • yellowbikedon1yellowbikedon1 Member Posts: 94
    The 30% figure stems from drivers not expecting to find other vehicles coming at them and thus, not being able to react quickly enough to avoid confrontations. Walking facing traffic is another subject for a walker can more easily move out of the way while a bicyclist cannot. If your theory or observation had true merit, motor vehicle laws would not uniformly state that bicycles should move "with the flow" and not against it.

    Don
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Haaa Don surely you jest about laws? I mean these are the same law makers who come up with all kinds of whacky stuff that they have no knowledge of!

    -mike
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Juice - Bill was actually on a state road with a long downhill run when he crashed. He was pushing his new carbon fiber racer when (who knows what) something went wrong. Witnesses described the oscillation. I understand he regularly hit 50mph on this stretch.

    As an aside, I seem to remember the bike rules in the '60's directing bikers to ride against traffic, but being changed to go with traffic. I do agree, a mirror might be a worthwhile investment.

    Steve
  • yellowbikedon1yellowbikedon1 Member Posts: 94
    Mike, I don't jest. Today's motor vehicle regs are certainly not the result of someone's whimsey. There has been much improvement in the standards used eminating from some pretty prestigious traffic engineering school input. The bicycle world has been represented in this input as has pedestrian use. If you need a partial list of these groups, I'd be happy to supply them.

    As with most laws, the willingness of citizens to comply remains paramount. There is not sufficient monies available to provide for all the enforcement required.

    And, by the way, as an owner of two vehicles, I pay my road taxes and feel that sharing the road with other forms of transportation that don't polute, take up little space, are "silent," don't waste natural resources, etc., isn't such a bad thing.

    Don
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They should make people reg their bikes so they can help pay for those special lanes etc. Why should motor vehicle users pay for bike lanes? Is that fair? I think not.

    All I know is that if there are bikers around, generally traffic flow is significantly disrupted unless there is a special lane for em and if there is a special lane, they should pay for it like everyone else pays.

    Maybe out in rural America it's not such an issue, but in urban and suburban areas it poses a threat to traffic flow and safety of drivers and bikers alike.

    -mike
  • yellowbikedon1yellowbikedon1 Member Posts: 94
    All the world isn't NYC. As was posted earlier, try cities such as Portland, Seattle, Boulder, Chicago, Madison, WI., as well as most major European cities that have even less room to accommodate bicycles. You'd be surprised how "enlightened" engineering helps to safely increase the flow of ALL traffic. And, as far as paying for bike lanes, remember, that most bicyclists probably own motor vehicles and thus, pay their fair share of road taxes. So, in effect, they're already paying for a means of safer use for all means of transportation.

    You might also want to examine the current transportation act (TEA 23, I believe) and read why the feds are willing to share funds on things other than vehicular traffic. Should give you some insight.

    Don
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Don-
    Like I'd mentionied earlier, just thought it would be much more logical.
    The 30% confrontation occuring as a result of the unexpected, I can understand that. By law, as it is, I would be at fault for riding against traffic flow and for not being attentive. Moreover, the driver wouldn't be expecting me cause I'm suppose to flow in their direction.

    Yes, it is pretty difficult to move out of the way, but the same holds true with the vehicle coming from behind. Still, I believe I'll have a better chance to save my hide knowing what's coming because I'm given the opportunity to act, opposed to being blindsided not knowing what hit me.

    -Dave

    p/s Now, cyclist that speed and/or zips around recklessly, you're on your own. Doesn't matter which way you're facing.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    And, as far as paying for bike lanes, remember, that most bicyclists probably own motor vehicles and thus, pay their fair share of road taxes. So, in effect, they're already paying for a means of safer use for all means of transportation.

    Um this doesn't make sense, that means that I shouldn't have to pay to register my boat and boat trailer since I already pay to register my car. And my trailer doesn't even need special lanes!

    Hey I'm not against bike specific stuff, so long as you/they are willing to pay for it.

    -mike
  • yellowbikedon1yellowbikedon1 Member Posts: 94
    One major problem with bikes riding "on the wrong side" is the confrontations found at intersections. Studies have shown that it is much safer for all if vehicles (both motorized and bicycles) travel in the same direction. Fewer conflicts take place.

    Mike: As a motorist, I'm more than willing to pay road taxes to help improve traffic flow and safety. If this means sharing the road with other forms of transportation, I think this is a small price to pay. Most state road monies come from fuel tax. The federal government also contributes heavily to road construction costs via the transportation act. These funds are the result of taxes collected from all tax payers and are used to benefit all tax payers. Further, the levies paid by vehicles are many times determined by the "wear and tear" caused by their useage. This is why trucks are assessed more than cars. I don't think a bicycle really "wears" out the road!

    Don
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Really ride their bikes to work instead of driving? If that were the case I could see the use of tax money for it, but the few people I know who bike to work could easily take a subway or train. Most people around here drive 20+ miles to work so biking isn't really an option for them. I guess it's just different perceptions and we'll have to agree to disagree. To me bikers are just dangerous and slow down traffic flow in suburban and urban areas, and aren't a problem in rural areas.

    -mike
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    For two years I walked my dog every day, and it gave me a different perspective on bicycles in the city. In that time we were hit once (lightly) and had two very close calls that could have been serious . . . all with bikes, not cars. In two years, I never saw a car run a stop sign or red light where we walked. And in that same time, I saw only one bicycle stop for a light or sign. The two close calls were when I stepped off a sidewalk with the protection of a stop sign, only the cyclist blew through it as if it weren't there. These were guys in spandex and all the gear, very serious about their sport and clearly people who should know better.

    My sense was that cyclists often are bitter about lack of respect from cars. They take it for granted they can ignore traffic laws with impunity, and they are so wrapped up doing their own thing that they don't worry about others. Sorry, but that's the way it looked, and I love to ride my bicycle.

    Steve
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    got this email this morning and thought of you

    http://www.matchboxshop.com/mb/plsql/mbx1.wrap_search?searchstr=STUDEBAKER


    Serge

  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Serge - they are probably the most valued of postwar Studes, including the Avanti; I could buy 5 of my Larks for the price of 1 GH. '56s were incredibly nose-heavy with the Packard 352 V8, but '57-58 much better balanced with the supercharged Studebaker 289. Fast in a straight line, scary to stop or turn - just like most old American iron.

    Danbury Mint did a larger-scale (1:18?) '57 GH for which they used a friend's car as the model. He knew it was his when he saw that they even copied the wrong-colored heater hose that he'd replaced! They did it in several colors IIRC but his is black with gold fin inserts. Gorgeous.

    Thanks,
    Ed
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    may move further up market. I think this would be a wise move on GM's part. I've always wished for an American brand that could challenge the world's best. Whether Caddy can pull it off is another matter altogether. Also, by moving Cadillac up market, it will allow Buick to to focus on the near-luxury (and give up the senior) market.

    Bob

    http://industryclick.com/microsites/index.asp?srid=10250&magazineid=1004&siteid=26
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Rumors that Alfa Romeo will slide into GM showrooms in 2 years as a near luxo alongside SAAB.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Can't get that link to work! It's from Wards Auto World, if you care to check.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    in Canada, the "Dodge" name is only applied to trucks and SUVs? I didn't know that! I'm assuming that there is a "Chrysler" Intrepid, etc.? Ross, what's the scoop north of the border?

    Bob

    http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b060602.htm
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm all for bike lanes, they reduce traffic. And yes I'm willing to pay for them even if I don't use them.

    mike - I used to work for the Environment Department, and they ALL ride to work, it's amazing. We have a gym so they can shower when they get here.

    Caddy has to move up to make room for Buick, which ought to beef up their warranty and offer only higher-end models to reduce overlap with Chevy.

    -juice
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    I don't follow what Daimler-Chrysler does, but my understanding is that Dodge has gone the way of Plymouth - oblivion - as far as cars go. Trucks seem to retain the badge as do the minivans. All cars are Chrysler except for the Viper.

    Ross
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    so, does Canada have the Sebring (Chrysler down south) or the Stratus (Dodge down south)? How about the Intrepid/Concorde?

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    makes a lot of sense. They should do the same here in the USA. Dodge cars are not sold in Europe either. All cars are sold as "Chryslers."

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I set my screen to view "All" Subaru forums. When I visit the "Subaru Cafe," and don't post anything, I can still select "All" at the bottom of the screen, when I want to leave. No problem here...

    However, if I post something in the "Cafe," it does not give me the option of "All," but instead I get "Subaru Crew" as an option! Then I have to somehow find my way back to "All." Bummer!

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I just posted something in the "Forester" forum, and it gave me "SUV" as a choice, not "All" when I wanted to leave! Double Bummer!!

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Seem to be causing double post.
    Or is it just your computer, Bob.

    SU-term... so where would the Outback fit in?

    -Dave
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    To my mind, the Forester IS a SUW, a wagon with sport utility characteristics and looks. I'd call the Outback a wagon, adding that it has some characteristics (but not the appearance) of SUVs.

    Just my 2 cents.

    Steve
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    What is everyone's vehicle categorized as on their registration by their local DMV?
    My OB is a Suburban and the OBS, a wagon.

    -Dave
  • declansdaddeclansdad Member Posts: 120
    My Forester is classified as a wagon. If it were classified as a SUV or minivan, I'd pay more for vehicle registration.

    My friend just bought a minivan and was shocked to see that the MVA charged him more $ to register it, as compared with what he used to pay for his sedan. All multi-purpose vehicles are paying more in the state of Maryland.

    Michael
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    but,... almost ran over a cyclist after sending GF home. I was tired, but thank goodness my reflex is still awake.
    No, she wasn't going the wrong way. If she did, she would have seen me before veering. Heck, she should have seen my lights lighting the street to know I'm back there.

    Don-
    I'm not using the incident to proof a point.
    Just (bleep) and want to vent that the onus is on me, the driver, to have to step to preserve her vunerable hide, as a cyclist

    -Dave [in with the good out with the bad in with the good out with the bad]
  • yellowbikedon1yellowbikedon1 Member Posts: 94
    I agree that the onus is always on "the driver," whether it be a motorcycle, car or (heaven forbid) a bicyclist in front who's doing something stupid. Glad your reflex reaction is still good!

    Don
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Subaru wants buyers to 'get it.'
    With its new marketing campaign, Subaru hopes to connect with consumers emotionally.

     http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=39558

    Volvo to increase awd emphasis.
    With its upcoming generation of products, Volvo Car Corp. will increase its emphasis on all-wheel drive in product development and marketing.

     http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=39608

    Bob
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    I DON"T GET IT!
    saw that commercial the other day...daydreaming about driving thruu the forest with his VDC...the tag line is too obscure, even for us intellectuals
    Confused in Florida (first cousin to Sleepless in Seattle)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The only new Subaru commercial I've seen is the new Forester/CRV one, which I've seen a number of times already.

    Bob
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    Three new Subie ads are currently running in this region, and it feels like I see them more than any other car ad on the air. (Chrysler Corp and Mitsubishi and GM are usually the big advertisers here.) One is the putting-the-bunny-back-in-the-woods ad. One is the dog-chooses-the-Subie ad. The third is the I-helped-my-kid-with-her-science-project ad. They run over and over; Subaru has made a major TV buy.

    My concern: the ads push the idea of Subaru, yet you don't get to see much of the actual cars. I think people who aren't paying attention might get the sense that the ads are promoting good parenthood.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Too bad we don't have more details about that plant purchase. Imprezas were made there, so I'd be curious to know how much of the assembly line Honda re-uses.

    I don't agree with many of the categorizations made in that article, but that's just it - it's futile to even attempt it.

    "When you get it, you get it"? Sounds redundant. I like the old tag line better.

    Volvo needs more emphasis on AWD, I can safely say after driving the different models back-to-back. FWD just doesn't cut it at those price levels.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Stupid marketing concept, to be blunt.

    Not as bad as when the aging "Be All You Can Be" was replaced by "Army of One" but it's pretty terrible. The Beauty of All-Wheel-Drive was working fine IMO.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I had the same feeling about the "What to Drive" tag line before that one bombed.

    "you get it" is a perfect set up for stand-up comedian punch lines like "I don't get it".

    -juice
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