One of our members, Clark Mackey, sent in this example of a #sneckdown from Kenilworth, based on the 12/9/2017 snow event. Here’s what Clark said:

“I saw your call for sneckdown photos and the intersection of Forest Hill Drive and Sherwood in Kenilworth caught my eye. This intersection is unusual: It is very large and it has many pedestrians using the sidewalks. It also occasionally produces near-collisions as cars heading east on Forest Hill veer north, at speed, to take advantage of the easy radius curve onto Sherwood. Similarly, cars descending Sherwood sometimes roll the stop sign and flow onto Forest Hill, headed west, toward Biltmore Ave. But both of those vehicle groups do so while unable to clearly see the approaching traffic that actually has the right of way, which includes all the traffic leaving Kenilworth on this main neighborhood road. It’s also an Asheville bus route and quite close to the intersection of Forest Hill Dr and Biltmore. It is the main entrance to this neighborhood. I took some photos of the unused portions of asphalt, shown covered in snow, and drew some quick mock-ups on top of an aerial view.”

View looking east, down Forest Hill Dr, from the middle of Sherwood. Possible sneckdown outlined in chalk:

View looking North, from sidewalk on Forest Hill Dr, showing the full intersection, with multiple sneckdown opportunities:

Option #1 is based on the part of the intersection that vehicle traffic is not using:

 

Option #2 is based on the thought that delaying an eastbound vehicle’s ability to turn north would improve sight distance and result in fewer “car turned right in front of me!” near-misses.

And option #3 combines the two approaches:

We love this stuff! Please send us any similar photos that you take. Tag us on Twitter where we are @AshevilleonBike. #sneckdowns are a great tool for illustrating how roads and intersections can be improved.

The post Example of a Sneckdown in Kenilworth in Asheville, NC appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

With planning, practice, and the right gear, winter bicyclists can boldly go where motorists currently cannot.

Experienced cold-weather cyclists choose layers of insulating, wind-resistant clothing and extra care for extremities like fingers and toes;  optimize bike set-up for snow and ice; and learn extreme-weather handling skills.

“Riding in the Rockies means studded snow tires, cantilever or disc brakes, and a flask of warm water in your kit to de-ice frozen parts,” offers Andy Albershardt, a Colorado-based randonneur.

Beyond winter equipment, extreme weather requires different bike handling strategies. With decreased traction, braking becomes a science. Decreased visibility and accumulations of snow and ice require careful attention to lane positioning and lighting. Learn more here and here.

Love to ride your city? Learn more about safe winter cycling, and you too will be dashing through the snow.

The post Safe Winter Cycling appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.