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Polling feature on the front page of the site

All- I'm playing around with a little polling feature on the front page. check it out and let me know what you think!


I'm toying with the idea of leaving it up for a week and posting the results in the "Week's Links" weekly feature on the blog.


Feel free to leave requests and ideas for future polls in this thread.


"Vikings or Pirates or Ninjas?" may be a future poll topic


erok
2011-03-14 19:56:45

Just top this thread when there's a new poll.


Can you ask for just a number? Example: "What's the ideal number of gear ratios?" with a drop-down of 1 through oh-I-dunno-maybe-40. Or just a blank.


stuinmccandless
2011-03-15 00:06:06

we can do anything stu. the future is yours


erok
2011-03-15 01:50:23

panniers are killing it over baskets


erok
2011-03-15 14:39:16

Basket or Panniers


Both is not an option. I can't vote!


rsprake
2011-03-15 15:11:33

you can vote on what you like to see other people using. think outside the box, man ;)


erok
2011-03-15 15:29:05

I am a programmer. Outside the box is wrong.


rsprake
2011-03-15 16:01:25

i am making it my personal goal to have baskets win


imakwik1
2011-03-15 18:40:52

that's the spirit!


erok
2011-03-15 18:54:16

I like this!


skipdip
2011-03-16 00:40:45

No messenger bag button?


igo
2011-03-16 02:49:18

how about trailers?


btw - jane, i think i saw you going to HD the other day with a trailer? i was coming out the exit with a load of plywood and tried to wave but i don't think you saw me. i would have said hi but the zipcar clock was ticking and i always seem to run out of time and have to extend (although i made it this time!). i guess if i had a trailer i wouldn't have needed the zipcar (maybe).


oddly enough, i passed someone else with a (single-wheel) cargo trailer going up shady on the way home. i guess it's a good sign.


salty
2011-03-16 02:55:59

I definitely voted more than once.


pseudacris
2011-03-16 03:43:23

Did all yinz move to Chicago where everyone votes early and often?


cdavey
2011-03-16 04:00:53

@salty: I didn't see you, Todd--Sorry! That was me. I was picking up some masonite for a friend which I could have done more easily with my car, but it was a good experience and I shall do it again. I too passed someone with a single wheeled trailer that day and they had a blue storage container on it..made me happy to see!


Man, I really want a basket for my bike! Panniers + Basket would rule.


skipdip
2011-03-16 04:12:05

my MIL bought me panniers for our 6 month anniversary. I can't figure out how to attach my basket to the new bike, the new handlebars have many many curves and no straight bits... and then I'd have no place to put the light.


Until last weekend, I'da voted crate, bungeed on with old tubes, and I'm very happy that is still compatible with my panniers.


ejwme
2011-03-16 13:03:03

I am a programmer. Outside the box is wrong.


i am an object oriented programmer. inside the box is off limits.


hiddenvariable
2011-03-18 17:50:12

erok - could you tweak it to have two polls running at the same time? One for chronological, or physical age, the other for mental or emotional age?


My guess is the former would be 2X the latter.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-18 19:14:27

I can't seem to find the poll.


rubberfactory
2011-03-18 21:25:34

it should be in the left sidebar up top


erok
2011-03-19 01:31:55

of the main bikepgh page, that is


erok
2011-03-19 01:32:13

I didn't see it, but I found it when I searched for "quick poll" using the search site function.


Also, I must seem older/younger than I am, because when I selected the 22-29 and hit "vote," it said, "You must select a valid poll option."


rubberfactory
2011-03-19 01:38:26

Can you keep the results in age-order? Reordering by popularity isn't good for this application


joeframbach
2011-03-19 02:33:56

i agree, but it does it's own thing. there aren't alot of options with embeddable wordpress polling plugins


erok
2011-03-19 06:41:26

alright, here are last week's poll results:

16 or younger (1%, 5 Votes)

17-21 (7%, 23 Votes)

22-29 (38%, 130 Votes)

30-39 (23%, 77 Votes)

40-49 (14%, 47 Votes)

50-59 (13%, 44 Votes)

60-69 (3%, 11 Votes)

70 or older (0%, 1 Votes)

Total voters: 338


be sure to take the latest poll: Have you ever ridden your bike naked?


erok
2011-03-25 20:16:08

alright, here are last week's poll results:

16 or younger (1%, 5 Votes)

17-21 (7%, 23 Votes)

22-29 (38%, 130 Votes)

30-39 (23%, 77 Votes)

40-49 (14%, 47 Votes)

50-59 (13%, 44 Votes)

60-69 (3%, 11 Votes)

70 or older (0%, 1 Votes)

Total voters: 338


be sure to take the latest poll: Have you ever ridden your bike naked?


erok
2011-03-25 20:16:10

Is it true that you can ride or be topless if you are female in new York state still ?


stefb
2011-03-25 21:17:46

Yes


stuinmccandless
2011-03-25 23:08:29

(Concurring opinion written by Justice Titone.)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-29 13:31:27

Ok, last week's poll results can be seen here: http://bike-pgh.org/blog/2011/04/01/weeks-links-4-1-11/


Looks like 84% (125 Votes) of you never rode a bike naked, while only 16% (24 votes) had.


The front page of the site has a new poll: How many bikes do you own?


erok
2011-04-01 14:32:50

I'm going with "number of personal bikes that can currently be ridden".


If I include spouse/kid bikes and partially assembled ones, the number jumps a bit.


reddan
2011-04-01 15:08:18

I like the above definition. I do have a lot of rescue bikes (trash day in Squirrel Hill is a wonderous thing) that I cannot ride and will get donated somewhere eventually.


helen-s
2011-04-01 17:23:26

Voted! I'm glad you just went with "7+", so I don't have to actually figure it out.


edmonds59
2011-04-01 18:12:36

I looked at the poll and thought, "The highest number listed is only 7?" I blame my husband for my warped views.


mmfranzen
2011-04-01 19:12:15

We blame him too!


swalfoort
2011-04-01 20:03:13

I pushed the 7+ button. While I have 10 bikes and BSOs, at least 7 of them are rideable now or can be with a couple hours and a few dollars. I think only two are more parts than recognizable as a bicycle.


This topic might be worth revisiting with choices of a) Can ride right now; b) Can be made rideable with a little work; c) Parts or worse.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-01 20:47:10

Yeah I nearly have 5 and I share yet another with the husband, but I answered 4 that are rideable.


stefb
2011-04-01 21:10:09

Based on the fact that, one of the things I like to do in the winter is tinker in the garage and tune up the bikes, this year, every bike is tuned to within an inch of it's life. I don't have anything else left to do. If winter lasts much longer I'll have to start undoing stuff just to fix it.


edmonds59
2011-04-01 21:17:25

"# of bikes that can be ridden" is temporarily 0. I'll wait till I get mine back from the shop before I answer :)


rubberfactory
2011-04-02 01:29:02

"If winter lasts much longer I'll have to start undoing stuff just to fix it."

I suspect some of us would be willing to drop some bikes by to work on.


helen-s
2011-04-02 15:16:48

we have a new poll up.


scott
2011-04-14 17:14:00

we have another one up.


scott
2011-05-11 20:23:43

You forgot the option "I'm a registered independent."


jeg
2011-05-12 19:04:41

you mean unaffiliated. it's different in pa. or at least it was when i registered.


hiddenvariable
2011-05-12 21:17:34

Non-Aligned.


pseudacris
2011-05-12 21:26:18

Poll-curious?


reddan
2011-05-12 21:31:49

I stand corrected. (I also didn't know that Green Party wasn't on the form, although it can be written in.)


First place I registered to vote was actually Wisconsin, where you do not have to declare affiliation or lack thereof!


jeg
2011-05-13 00:42:42

Non-Aligned.


i think you mean True Neutral.


oh god, it's starting again!


hiddenvariable
2011-05-13 06:01:49

^ Ack!


I had to look that one up. Definitely not what I meant, but thanks for expanding my vocabulary :-)


pseudacris
2011-05-13 07:30:35

:)


jeg
2011-05-13 09:56:56

TOP! The polls are back. Sorry, I forgot about it after BikeFest


erok
2011-10-20 20:44:25

It felt good to vote nothing stopes me.


marvelousm3
2011-10-20 21:02:18

super hero!


erok
2011-10-20 21:11:31

I've been wondering if the polls would come back. It's a great regular feature to check out other cyclists viewpoints - thanks erok, for starting them up again.


teamdecafweekend
2011-10-21 01:53:45

If "oversleeping" was one of the choices, I'd have picked it.


pseudacris
2011-10-21 02:13:15

[x] Equipment issues.


stuinmccandless
2011-10-21 03:34:40

Too Cold and Too Hot should be separate categories. I definitely don't like the heat, but cold doesn't bug me.


salty
2011-10-21 05:10:25

haha. we had the cold/hot argument in the office.


erok
2011-10-21 14:19:31

there's no gear to help you ride in the heat!


erok
2011-10-21 14:20:19

[x] More stuff to transport than can be carried safely & comfortably.


stuinmccandless
2011-10-21 14:28:53

[x] Dang family that always needs me to do something. Gah.


edmonds59
2011-10-21 14:32:24

[x] New motorcycle


erok
2011-10-21 14:34:06

[X] eating too much Kale


marvelousm3
2011-10-21 14:53:51

equipment to help ride in the heat include friendly en-route gardeners with hoses, poorly set sprinklers, and those water spray things at various playgrounds. And you don't have to carry them with you :D


ejwme
2011-10-21 16:06:51

[X] Unreasonable fear of transporting work laptop and ipad.


dmtroyer
2011-10-21 16:12:41

[X] rear ended by a rocket.


I know that was a cheap shot.


marvelousm3
2011-10-21 20:19:04

+1 on Pseudacris!!!! But only sometimes.....


bikeygirl
2011-10-21 20:24:29

New poll up today.


Here's the results from last week's:


What will stop you from riding? (Select all that apply)


Snow 110

Icy roads 159

Rain 53

Too Cold/Hot 34

Too dark out 38

Streets too busy 41

No one to ride with 8

Nothing stops me 66


Total Votes:509

Total Voters:242


erok
2011-11-04 15:48:49

Hmm, it appears that I can take the poll more than once. Does that mean I can also vote more than once?


@jeg - First place I registered to vote was also Wisconsin. After many, many years here in PA, I still think it is weird that I have to declare a party affiliation in order to vote in the primary.


swalfoort
2011-11-04 23:27:55

swalfoort, that was explained to me this way: if you don't register an affiliation for all voters, one party can organize and vote for the least electable candidate of the opposite party. So it ensures that only "party members" have a say in which candidates their party puts forward. Easily foiled by simply registering for the wrong party, but for some reason nobody does.


That could all be made up. I had some very creative teachers who tired quickly of my "well that's dumb" opining in civics and history classes.


ejwme
2011-11-05 01:56:09

Easily foiled by simply registering for the wrong party, but for some reason nobody does.


I registered as "R" long, long ago. Since then, the party has moved so far away from my views that I now qualify for that statement. Certain races are decided in the primary (Pittsburgh mayoral is the most notable), so sometimes it does matter.


stuinmccandless
2011-11-05 15:20:09

Last week's:

Do you plan to vote on Tuesday, November 8?

Yes (83%, 80 Votes)

No (17%, 16 Votes)


this week's: How old were you when you learned to ride a bicycle?


erok
2011-11-11 15:29:27

[x] 29+


reddan
2011-11-11 15:38:45

[x] still don't know how to ride a bike.


marvelousm3
2011-11-11 15:51:57

[x] Don't remember when I couldn't. But many things I don't remember. What was the question?


edmonds59
2011-11-11 16:01:45

I occasionally try to teach a mid-20's friend who still doesn't know how to ride a bike. I'm very interested in hearing from folks who learned as adults.


mick
2011-11-11 16:03:12

also, i'm open for ideas for future polls.


erok
2011-11-11 19:15:42

Favorite BikePGH staffer of all time.


dmtroyer
2011-11-11 19:35:36

Future Poll question..... message board member who makes the most posts but doesn't know anything.....

[x] mr marvelous


marvelousm3
2011-11-11 20:01:38

^ [x] mr marvelous


mrs-marvelous
2011-11-11 20:02:52

I would probably win that one.


rubberfactory
2011-11-11 20:16:35

I don't rememeber- maybe I can ask my older brother? Does this mean bicycle or do tricycles count?


Future question- How much does your bike weigh? (when you ride it- you need to count tools, bags, bells, and other accouterments)


helen-s
2011-11-12 14:25:12

trikes don't count. i'm talking balance here


erok
2011-11-12 15:51:09

I do remember when the Big Wheel(TM) became popular. I viewed them with disdain.


edmonds59
2011-11-12 16:01:36

Poll Idea:

Most Inspiring Message Board Member


My candidates would be RubberFactory, Dbacklover, Stuinmccandless and ejwme (just off the top of my head)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-11-12 16:19:55

Another poll idea: who taught you to ride a bike

sibling, parent, neighborhood kid, self-taught, babysitter, woolves, etc.


pseudacris
2011-11-12 22:56:14

Poll idea - I'm always curious, especially at the end of the year...

Approximately how many miles do you ride in a year? A range of miles, something like this:

<100

100 - 500

500 - 1,000

1,500 -2,000

2,000+


teamdecafweekend
2011-11-13 14:29:09

favorite hours to ride!


I prefer the wee hours of the morning (I actually feel safer riding at 4am). But I know that most people prefer different times of day to ride.


rubberfactory
2011-11-13 16:38:45

Future poll question:

How many times in the last 60 days have you used a bus bike rack?

[] Don't know how / Never tried

[] Zero, but have used one in the past

[] 1-2

[] 3-5

[] 6-10

[] 11-20

[] Over 20


@ALMKLM - Thanks!


stuinmccandless
2011-11-13 18:02:54

Ok, I voted, but I might have lied. I can't really distinguish, in my memory, whether I was 5 or I was six. I suspect it was younger than 6, and I definitely required training wheels. I vaguely remember learning to ride, my Dad pushing my bike and running along side. But I was from a big family, and I might be remembering him teaching someone else to ride. Like Edmonds, bikes were a part of our lives from the moment we learned to ride. I can almost not remember a time when I wasn't riding SOMETHING. The first bike most of us learned on was a 16 inch two wheeler than our neighbors had. I think most of us were more or less riding that by kindergarten. It had those weird permanently inflated (aka hard rubber) tires. I think it was indestructable. Moving up to a 24 inch bike required differnt skill sets - like braking. I am not certain the little green bike even had brakes. When I think of "learning to ride" a bike, I think of the 24 inch bike -- not the tiny near toy version.


swalfoort
2011-11-13 23:56:41

I remember having a gravel driveway that was a hill, and trying to ride my bike down it while wearing a dress (I was 7), and scraping up my whole side.

I know I learned to ride before I learned to swim...


rubberfactory
2011-11-14 21:09:16

by the time the training wheels got down to me, they were so bent out of shape if I landed on one of them I was going to continue the rest of the way over, so they didn't do me much good.


I figured I'd win MrM's lowest content poll, good to know my hot air fills some sails along the way :D


future polls:

- least/favorite maintenance to perform

- top criteria for purchasing a bike

- favorite trail (including option to not like them)

- favorite bike lane (including option to not like them)

- favorite cold-weather accessory

- favorite hauling accessory

- favorite bike riding myth to dispell (hills, weather, dangerous, dark, whatever)

- favorite type of ride (solo, race, group, A-B, alley cat, etc)


you could turn almost any discussion thread into a poll, just ask people what they're talking about :D


ejwme
2011-11-14 21:39:26

what is the myth about hills?


i learned to ride on a he-man bike, but unfortunately i can't find it anywhere on the internets. i received a huffy bmx for my fourth birthday. january first is a famously cold day for bicycle riding, so i had it put together with training wheels, and i rode it around my basement during the winter. when i actually learned to ride without training wheels, though, i was at my cousin's place, with the he-man bike. it truly was a wonder of modern machinery, i have no doubt. i remember trying on the grass in case of a fall, but that not working well. i think we started with my cousin, who is two years older than me, pushing. i may not actually have had an adult help me, i don't remember.


i have since been the one to teach my two nieces how to ride. one on her seventh birthday, the other when she was 5 (and a half). really proud of that fact.


hiddenvariable
2011-11-14 22:03:38

Last polling results:


How old were you when you learned to ride a bicycle?

5 or younger (53%, 137 Votes)

6-8 (39%, 101 Votes)

9-12 (5%, 12 Votes)

13-18 (1%, 3 Votes)

19+ (1%, 2 Votes)

I never learned (1%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 257


Check out the latest poll on the front of the site:

What is the most amount of miles that you've ridden in one day?


erok
2011-12-02 16:06:06

next poll: What is the least amount of miles you've ridden in one day (greater than zero):


1. 0.00001 - 0.00009

2. 0.00010 - 0.00019

3. 0.00020 - 0.00029

etc.


dmtroyer
2011-12-02 16:32:44

OK here's last week's results:

What is the most amount of miles that you've ridden in one day?


Less than 10 (3%, 9 Votes)

10-29 (10%, 29 Votes)

30-49 (17%, 51 Votes)

50-79 (23%, 70 Votes)

80-99 (13%, 39 Votes)

100-119 (21%, 64 Votes)

120-149 (8%, 23 Votes)

150-199 (3%, 9 Votes)

200+ (4%, 11 Votes)


Total Voters: 305


and next week's:

What's your favorite Pedal Pittsburgh route?


6 miles

15 miles

25 miles

35 miles

50 miles

60 miles

I've never participated in Pedal Pittsburgh


erok
2011-12-13 21:11:27

Pedal Pittsburgh is my favorite event, it's a great way to kick off the cycling season and I love being on the road with so many other cyclist but not needing to keep pace with a group. mrs. marvelous and myself do the 60 mile but at a relaxed social pace.


marvelousm3
2011-12-13 22:09:10

Here's last weeks:

What's your favorite Pedal Pittsburgh route?


6 miles (0%, 0 Votes)

15 miles (6%, 8 Votes)

25 miles (11%, 14 Votes)

35 miles (24%, 31 Votes)

50 miles (10%, 13 Votes)

60 miles (16%, 21 Votes)

I've never participated in Pedal Pittsburgh (33%, 42 Votes)


Total Voters: 129


Aaaaaand the new one:


Did you ask Santa or Hanukkah Harry for a bicycle this year?


Yes

No


erok
2011-12-21 16:04:23

I don't know what to vote on this do I vote yes because I ask mrs. marvelous for a bike for Christmas


marvelousm3
2011-12-21 17:25:33

"I've never participated in Pedal Pittsburgh (33%, 42 Votes)"

The largest block, that's rather surprising.


edmonds59
2011-12-21 17:28:11

@ mr marv -- Sure you vote yes. She has to go ask Santa and becomes your agent/go-between to do it. Right? :-)


cdavey
2011-12-21 17:47:09

I don't find the never participated vote surprising. It seems that many folks on the forums do a lot of riding on their own and don't feel the need to pay to ride with a bunch of others.


helen-s
2011-12-21 17:56:44

I think it would be safe to assume that everyone except people on the 6 and 15 milers (which got very low votes) also do a lot of riding on their own, but also enjoy the opportunity to ride with others.

So, especially since Bike Pgh! is now in charge, I think the poll needs to be "If you've never participtated in Pedal Pittsburgh before, why not?

_Wasn't aware of it.

_New in town

_Couldn't afford it

_Not interested in riding with a group

or something


edmonds59
2011-12-21 18:21:52

__Plenty of group rides in town for free and I can pick my own charitable cause.


stuinmccandless
2011-12-21 18:26:34

_ Nothing special about paying to ride with cars on the same streets I ride every day


we hope to change that.


erok
2011-12-21 20:15:07

In the past, I didn't care much either way for the charity that was supported.


Now, I imagine some of the bux will go for cycling advocacy.


mick
2011-12-21 21:26:51

_ intimidated by the length of the ride

and by that, I mean that I'd feel like I wasted the day by only riding 5 or 15 miles, but anything longer than that and I worry about embarrassing myself.


rubberfactory
2011-12-21 21:59:34

I don't ask either for a bike :)


Edit: I am buying myself a trainer. I already got 2 bikes this year


stefb
2011-12-22 00:08:18

i just said screw all you imaginary friend types and bought myself a bike. does that count? its a nice bike.


cburch
2011-12-22 03:39:31

I guess I still find some of the comments regarding Pedal Pittsburgh surprising. I have always viewed PP -AS- cycling advocacy. The mission of CDCP is healthy Pgh neighborhoods, and I think they recognized way ahead of the curve that biking is a component of safe streets and healthy neighborhoods, so I have always participated whenever possible. I never really viewed it as a "charity" ride. It just seemed like an opportunity to get as many bikes on Pgh streets at one time on one day as possible. Sort of a scattered "critical mass".

I actually have a thing against "charity" rides. I have never done an MS150 or any of those because I find it a bit odd to single out and support research regarding one disease over another. We should have a f'king national health care system for that. Plus I can ride out in the countryside on my own whenever I want.


edmonds59
2011-12-22 13:47:25

I completely agree with you re: getting as many bikes on the streets as possible. it has been very successful for that. i'm sure it's also empowered A LOT of people to try riding on their own afterward as well. and that's great. but it wasn't for me. i'm glad there are so many people on the streets that day, and i'm just one more because i'd be riding anyway.


i've only done one "traditional" charity ride, and to be honest, there was something nice about the value added part of it where you get rest breaks, you don't have to worry about the route on unfamiliar streets, there's a place to sleep at the end, and all of your food, gear, and friends are there.


To me, it never felt like there was enough of a "special" component to ride it. and from the comments above, the few value added parts, like water and snack stops, and even the food at the end, weren't even pulled off well.


erok
2011-12-22 14:36:24

also, i hope no one is implying that santa or hanukkah harry don't exist


erok
2011-12-22 14:37:06

To me the biggest missed opportunity about PP was always that as soon as their ride was done, all the "serious" cyclists pack their junk back in the suv's and run back out to the burbs. Probably because they got up at 4:30 am to check their VO2 max and get out on their serious ride. Whatever.

After a ride, I want an afterparty. After a ride I want hang around, have some adult beverages, chit chat, and party like a bike geek. Maybe that would be the "special" aspect I would expect. Keep that in mind.

I think the whole thing starts too early too.


edmonds59
2011-12-22 14:50:09

I completely agree. a fun social gathering would be a nice incentive.


erok
2011-12-22 15:09:43

One of the coolest post-ride get-togethers was after the Oct 2010 Tweed Ride, where we hung out at that little gallery caddycorner from Bike-Pgh's offices. It had all the great social aspects but w/o the huge background noise of an OTB-like venue. A bunch of Flock rides have ended at a park, where we just laid out blankets and talked and ate and drank. Those are cool, too.


stuinmccandless
2011-12-22 15:15:46

^+n


edmonds59
2011-12-22 15:26:59

People like to complain. Some random bitching and a few "bah humbug" comments doesn't prove that PP wasn't "pulled off well".


salty
2011-12-22 16:02:10

i didn't say the event wasn't pulled off well. not having water at a stop is kinda a big deal.


erok
2011-12-22 16:08:04

oh, that might have been in another thread, not "above"


erok
2011-12-22 16:09:57

Last time I did PP, the Highland Park stop was also notable for bananas so green that they were almost inedible.


That said, one good reason to do an event like this (or most charity events, really) is to meet a lot of people who normally don't ride in the same venues you do...great opportunities for conversation, education, and cross-pollination of cycling interests.


reddan
2011-12-22 17:16:21

Before I did pedal pittsburgh I never rode more than 10 miles in a day, so completing the 60 mile was a HUGE deal to me. After PP I took on lots of group rides and hills that I would never have considered before. I think PP is a great way of riding in a safer setting with lots and lots of other cyclist.


marvelousm3
2011-12-22 17:23:35

^ what Mr Marvelous said.

Plus, I'm not from here so on the first few rides it was an interesting way to check out some neighborhoods & architecture that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise...which I believe was one of the main reasons cdcp started the ride.


I think it could be a great touristic draw for Pittsburgh, kind of like the 5 Boros Ride in New York or various marathons.


pseudacris
2011-12-22 18:45:25

no doubt. i was giving my personal reasons


erok
2011-12-22 18:50:00

One thing I will say for it is that with there being loads of cyclists out on the roads, drivers can't help but notice them all, which makes it easier (i.e. less scary) for any lone wolves out there to Get on your bike and ride.


stuinmccandless
2011-12-22 20:19:36

I haven't done PP yet because of timing/scheduling issues.


ejwme
2011-12-22 20:47:06

Last poll:

Did you ask Santa or Hanukkah Harry for a bicycle this year?


Yes (30%, 28 Votes)

No (70%, 66 Votes)


---


The new one:


Did you make a cycling New Year's resolution?


Yes

No


erok
2012-01-02 15:50:10

Last poll:

Did you make a cycling New Year's resolution?

Yes (59%, 64 Votes)

No (41%, 45 Votes)

Total Voters: 109



The new one:

Has the unusually warm winter changed how much you ride?

I've been riding more

No change - I ride regardless

No change - I don't really ride in the winter


erok
2012-01-18 17:28:47

Last Poll:

Has the unusually warm winter changed how much you ride?

I've been riding more

(35%, 60 Votes)

No change - I ride regardless

(39%, 67 Votes)

No change - I don't really ride in the winter

(26%, 44 Votes)

Total Voters: 171




New one:

Solid or Blinking?

Solid

Blinking

Both

Neither


erok
2012-01-30 17:49:30

I'm assuming that this is with regard to lights?

Solid on my helmet, blinking everywhere else.


rubberfactory
2012-01-31 01:00:12

Unless it was referring to eyeballs- I am thinking that fake eyeballs do not have the need to blink, but don't really know.

Anyone?


helen-s
2012-01-31 17:22:55

^ I don't know the answer to that, but your question brought to mind one of my all time favorite headlines from the Weekly World News.


"Don't shoot marbles with your glass eye," wife tells husband. "You need it to look for work."


pseudacris
2012-01-31 18:15:36

Last week:


Solid or Blinking?


Solid (11%, 21 Votes)

Blinking (48%, 87 Votes)

Both (39%, 72 Votes)

Neither (2%, 3 Votes)


Total Voters: 183




Next poll:

Do you have a valid driver's license?


Yes

No

I'm not old enough


erok
2012-02-09 20:27:45

I don't even know how to drive. looks like I'm the only "no" so far.


rubberfactory
2012-02-09 20:35:33

my guess: 95% yes, 5% no


erok
2012-02-09 20:37:15

Another No here. I've been not driving my whole life. :-)


steven
2012-02-09 22:36:46

WE ARE THE 9%.


rubberfactory
2012-02-09 22:41:40

[x] I have a license, but I also have a family member who is old enough to drive and does not have a license (and does not use this message board).


stuinmccandless
2012-02-10 00:03:30

My younger brother does not

have a license. He says he did drive a car a short distance one time, but the whole time he was behind the wheel he felt a deep seated internal pain.


helen-s
2012-02-10 18:33:58

My Aunt lives in Sharpsburg, works in Fox Chapel, and hasn't had a license in about 25 years. She didn't like the hassle of car ownership, and saw no reason to keep a license without a car. She's a bus taker.


My dad's GF also doesn't have one. She's a hard core walker, but lives in BC not Pgh.


ejwme
2012-02-10 21:32:32

My daughter doesn't have a license, she has never driven in her life. Ironically today is her birthday.


marvelousm3
2012-02-10 22:14:20

My cat does not have a license. He is not tall enough to drive.


pseudacris
2012-02-11 03:40:20

@ mm - your daughter is what? like 4 or 5 years old?


@ Pseudacris - get a cat booster seat at Kittys R Us


teamdecafweekend
2012-02-11 13:05:47

My dog is tall enough to drive, but he is not old enough. And he is a dog.


stefb
2012-02-11 13:29:05

She turned 5 yesterday.


marvelousm3
2012-02-11 13:42:18

Hey, sorry, been on vacation. This was one of our most replied to polls. next time someone says: Bikes need to get licenses to use the road, you now have the answer that just about every cyclist already has a PA driver's license, which i assume since it allows you to operate a ton of metal at high speeds, should allow you to operate 25 lbs of it at really low speeds as well.


Do you have a valid driver's license?

Yes (93%, 352 Votes)

No (6%, 23 Votes)

I'm not old enough (1%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 377


New poll:


Have you ever taken a bicycle on a plane?


Yes

No


erok
2012-03-05 22:13:48

Aircraft carrier... yes. Plane, no.


headloss
2012-03-06 02:53:38

misread, my version has better visual: "Have you ever ridden a bicycle on a plane?"


I'd imagine unicycles to be perfectly doable, recumbents would need to stick to first class or business with the roomier aisles.


I once rode in a dry-dock around a carrier (and a sub). Never on-board, too chicken to test the people with guns.


ejwme
2012-03-06 17:36:45

While they place guns in the hands of idiots, we don't allow them to have ammunition unless there is a threat; you're pretty much safe if you are already on the dry-dock side of the fence. You can't ride a bike on a carrier in dry dock anyways, too many obstacles for there to be any point... so you didn't miss out on anything.


headloss
2012-03-06 18:21:12

When I worked on great lakes frieghters, there was one boat where I guys would ride a bike down the deck.


Now, sailors on freighters are like suicide cowboys, but even those guys thought this guy was teasing death.


I thought he was pretty cool.


mick
2012-03-06 18:41:09

wait, so those were all empty? man, biggest con EVAR.


My favorite Adm. Rickover story was when he drove through the gate onto a naval base or shipyard without stopping to see if the guards would shoot at or stop his car. They did (both shoot at him and stop him), and he was encouraged never to test them again. I don't remember which base/yard it was. Sad thing is, his stories were so crazy, in another generation or two I think everybody will assume they're tall tales.


Wait a minute - I've seen people jump out of planes with bikes. THEY'VE ridden bikes on planes. I wouldn't do that, but I feel better knowing it's been done :D


ejwme
2012-03-06 18:46:54

The guys at the gates are most likely armed and loaded LOL

Most of the guys on security detail on the ship itself also cut hair and serve food... i.e. not the brightest. When we were over seas, it was a different story.


Yeah, Rickover was something else. He'll always be famous in certain circles but I doubt the name means anything to most people which is a shame. If I haven't already admitted to it, I was a nuke (CVN 74 USS JC Stennis).


headloss
2012-03-06 19:40:22

Cool beans, I worked on the Stennis when it was in drydock at Bremerton back in '05. Bremerton is my favorite shipyard, by a long shot - just a hop, skip, and a jump from the ferry :D


ejwme
2012-03-07 14:44:47

Crazy... we may have crossed paths. I was usually stuck in #2 Reactor Room.

It's a shame we didn't know each other then, we could have gone on rides together! :D


I miss the ferrys! The best was the Southworth-Fauntleroy ferry which had amazing views of Mnt. Rainier. I lived in Seattle but commuted, so lots of time was spent on those ferrys. One of my daily habits was to dig a newspaper out of the recycling bin and read it. LOL


I'm just now realizing that you have a Nimitz hat in your gravitar pic... how funny.


headloss
2012-03-07 16:49:51

The Seattle and BC ferries have given me the hope that some day, Pgh with all its wonderful rivers and river communities can have an amazing ferry system. With roll on/roll off service, like all good ferries :D


We very likely crossed paths, as I always had to wait for you guys to tell me that I could start working, usually at 3AM!


I love my Nimitz gear, it was my first field service trip. Usually we never managed to get to (or find) the ship's store when it was open, but when we did, my favorite souvenirs are the belt buckles, which is silly because I rarely wear belts.


ejwme
2012-03-08 04:08:58

I think you should give up on your hope of a river ferry system in Pgh. For a system like that to work you would have to have some kind of very mobile and responsive intermodal system, with some kind of land routes right along the rivers to connect people to their final inland destinations. Ideally this "theoretical" intermodal vehicle would have to also be small enough to go right on a reasonably sized ferry. Oh, (sigh) if only.


edmonds59
2012-03-08 11:52:52

edmonds, you mean like bicycles on bike trails?


see, Ferries aren't totally OT. the dream will live on.


ejwme
2012-03-08 13:17:50

;)


edmonds59
2012-03-08 13:42:35

FerryPGH


erok
2012-03-08 17:05:57

Shepherd Ferry



edmonds59
2012-03-08 17:53:15

Lamb Bake


pseudacris
2012-03-08 18:15:27

Sheep Ship


erok
2012-03-08 18:16:34

Punny, very punny. But hey, throw in a few Steeler's jerseys and it might work!


headloss
2012-03-08 18:18:19

@Edmonds, I disagree about the ferries. Baltimore has a fantastic boat based shuttle system going on in and around their inner harbor. The shuttles run about every twenty minutes or less and usually you have to walk a few blocks to get to where you are going.


I can see a similar shuttle service running in loops from the casino, pnc park, a few spots on the south side, the point, mon wharf, convention center, mid-Strip, Laryvile, Verona (?).


I think the thing that has sunk previous attempts at this in Pgh is that they were thinking about people getting to work, with fixed schedules. Baltimore’s runs more like a continuous service, so people use it to bar-hop, go to the stadiums, or just for a boat ride. Over time they will also use it to commute just like in Baltimore, but they need to know that it works first. Their system used to run on a daily fare basis too, so you pay once and ride all day.


marko82
2012-03-08 18:34:42

Buddy of mine looked into setting up ferries for sports events and such.


Evidently there are licensing issues. There are people that own the exclusive licensing to ferrying folks around.


Kinda like taxis here I guess.


I actually like THAT shepard ferry.


mick
2012-03-08 18:41:45

THE GOOD SHIP LOLLYPOP FOR THE WIN!


Dude, totally doable. Have one boat route running the Allegheny, out to Oakmont (maybe back and forth across too). One boat route runs the Ohio (maybe to Sewickley? I don't know west). One boat route runs the Mon to kennywood. They could connect at the point for poly-river trips.


Whoever owns those licenses needs to step it up, or else whoever issues those licenses needs to open it up. This would be so epic, dare I say even more epic than the trail systems. This would be the coolest thing ever.


ejwme
2012-03-08 19:59:52

To Oakmont or Sewickley would have to go through a lock, which I imagine could be time consuming, or may even cost something, don't know.


edmonds59
2012-03-08 20:09:18

Hmmm....Now I wish I lived up-river so I could canoe in with bike strapped in, then bike out towing canoe. (Guess it could work in the opposite direction too)


2012-03-08 20:14:22

Everything has me convinced Millvale really is the limits of civilization along the Allegheny (no offence ALMKLM et eastern al.).


In France, the locks are an *attraction*. They put park benches and paths near them. People go to look at them and speak french near them and smoke and drink and take mass transit for granted. It's not a problem, it's a FEATURE. sigh.


ejwme
2012-03-08 21:13:39

Once I thought it might be interesting to take the kids to watch boats go through the locks at Emsworth, see how that works. Poked around a side road until I found what looked like an entrance. 10 foot high chain link fence with razor wire, security cameras and NO YOU! signs everywhere. Apparently an 18th century transportation system is a big target for terrorists. Homeboy Security strikes again.


edmonds59
2012-03-08 22:03:43

see? it's a FEATURE, even Seattle gets it. Thank you headloss ;)


Most pittsburghers don't even know we have locks, and if we don't even know about them, why would they be terrorist targets? Also - We just spent how much refurbishing the locks? Yet the public isn't allowed enjoy them unless they're physically inside a boat?


The things that slow us down in life and force us to pause should be celebrated and cherished as community assets. NOT locked up behind razor wire.


FREE THE LOCKS!


ejwme
2012-03-09 14:43:36

Unlock the locks! (I hesitated to write this as it may have appeared a gratuitous post in an attempt to boost my numbers.)


helen-s
2012-03-09 17:22:15

have we acquired any sizeable new green spaces since the bad old Robber Baron Frick/Schenley days? honest question. Everything I can think of is like a single lot of a house torn down that the residents reclaimed, or dates from some robber baron endowment.


ejwme
2012-03-09 17:39:09

Does tearing down a steel plant and putting a bunch of office buildings on it, with requisite parking garages, with an equivalent amount of grass for 1,000 geese to crap on, count? If so, consider Technology Drive off Second Avenue. Because of the geese, you're pretty much restricted to the sidewalks (again, watch for goose droppings everywhere), but it's sizable, it's green, and wasn't 30 years ago.


stuinmccandless
2012-03-09 22:15:59

seems to me the "geenways" are from the 90's. Not sure exactly what they are, though


mick
2012-03-10 00:19:43

Last week:

Have you ever taken a bicycle on a plane?


Yes (20%, 30 Votes)

No (80%, 123 Votes)


Total Voters: 153




This week:

Are you registered to vote?


Yes

No


erok
2012-03-15 16:00:06

my estimate was fairly close. i let this one go longer because i wanted to see a good sample size.


Are you registered to vote?


Yes (94%, 332 Votes)

No (6%, 21 Votes)


Total Voters: 353




New poll:


How long does it take you to bike to work or school?


less than 10 minutes

11-20 minutes

21-30 minutes

31-40 minutes

41+ minutes

I never ride to work/school

I don't have a commute


erok
2012-04-09 15:35:27

D'oh, my vote isn't listed: "Not Long Enough" :)


myddrin
2012-04-09 19:33:28

My commute to work is around 15 minutes. My commute to school its a little over 45 minutes. Do I pick one or add them together.


marvelousm3
2012-04-09 19:37:56

man, the one you do more. dunno.


erok
2012-04-09 19:41:50

add them., that's the total time you spend "commuting" right?


headloss
2012-04-09 19:57:52

Sounds good to me


marvelousm3
2012-04-09 20:12:55

interesting results.


How long does it take you to bike to work or school?

less than 10 minutes (10%, 53 Votes)

11-20 minutes (22%, 113 Votes)

21-30 minutes (20%, 105 Votes)

31-40 minutes (9%, 47 Votes)

41+ minutes (20%, 101 Votes)

I never ride to work/school (13%, 68 Votes)

I don't have a commute (5%, 26 Votes)

Total Voters: 513




New poll:


Have you ever used a trailer attached to the back of a bicycle?


Yes

No


erok
2012-04-30 20:40:17

last poll:


Have you ever used a trailer attached to the back of a bicycle?


Yes (32%, 143 Votes)

No (68%, 299 Votes)


Total Voters: 442


New one:


What best describes your usage of the Port Authority's bike racks on the front of buses?


I didn't know that there were bike racks on buses

I know they are there, but never used them

A handful of times

Occasionally

Frequently

All the time


erok
2012-05-21 15:43:29

Is once a "handful"?


mick
2012-05-21 15:47:44

I'd've labeled it "Daily", "weekly or better", "couple times a month", "less often", "never tried", "never knew about them" ... or some such.


But what's there is acceptable.


stuinmccandless
2012-05-21 16:22:16

I don't know if I'm "frequently" or "all the time."


If you average it out over the past few years, It's probably "all the time," because I used to live right at the top of Arlington/Elanor. Now, I only bus once in a couple times per month, though.


rubberfactory
2012-05-21 20:32:18

just go with what feels right


erok
2012-05-22 03:40:53

What best describes your usage of the Port Authority's bike racks on the front of buses?


I didn't know that there were bike racks on buses (6%, 19 Votes)

I know they are there, but never used them (61%, 192 Votes)

A handful of times (13%, 41 Votes)

Occasionally (11%, 36 Votes)

Frequently (6%, 18 Votes)

All the time (3%, 8 Votes)


Total Voters: 314




And for shits and giggles, here is the same poll from one year ago, before they outfitted 100% of buses were equipped with racks.


2011:


What best describes your usage of the Port Authority's bike racks on the front of buses?


I didn't know that there were bike racks on buses (8%, 15 Votes)

I know they are there, but never used them (63%, 121 Votes)

A handful of times (18%, 34 Votes)

Occasionally (7%, 14 Votes)

Frequently (3%, 6 Votes)

All the time (2%, 3 Votes)


Total Voters: 193




New Poll:


How many BikeFest Kickoff Parties have you attended?


All 7 of them!

5-6

3-4

1-2

Never


erok
2012-06-05 18:24:34

f) uh, my memories are a little hazy for some reason...


salty
2012-06-06 04:18:32

On the bus racks question, looks like the shape of the bell curve is about the same. Not surprising, though I am heartened by the huge increase, almost double, in the number who responded.


stuinmccandless
2012-06-06 10:57:45

I am not good at parties.


edmonds59
2012-06-06 11:07:52

I have attended "never" Bikefest Kickoff Parties :-)


dmtroyer
2012-06-06 11:59:56

I work the wrong days or I would attend. Oh, well :)


rubberfactory
2012-06-06 12:19:45

If cleaning up AFTER a BikeFest party counts, then 2. All the still slightly cold beer I wanted, and all I had to do was take down all the decorations, including 20 bikes hung on the ceiling, and push a broom for about six hours.


stuinmccandless
2012-06-06 13:57:45

How many BikeFest Kickoff Parties have you attended?

All 7 of them! (3%, 5 Votes)

5-6 (4%, 7 Votes)

3-4 (6%, 11 Votes)

1-2 (19%, 34 Votes)

Never (69%, 126 Votes)

Total Voters: 183


New Poll:


How often does your ride include somewhere on Forbes Ave?

Just about every day

A few times per week

A few times per month

Every month or so

A few times per year

Never


erok
2012-06-20 19:00:23

don't know whether to be disappointed or excited about the results of the bikefest party poll


erok
2012-06-20 19:01:22

@erok don't know whether to be disappointed or excited about the results of the bikefest party poll


There are a lot of people that come to the Bikefest party that, evidently, don't post here and/or don't take polls. No Surprise. But still , there were hundreds of people at the parties.


There are plenty of people here - most of them, it appears, that haven't been to a BikeFest party. Surprises me.


But that means you have a easy target for some pre-aprty publicity.


mick
2012-06-20 20:29:58

How often does your ride include somewhere on Forbes Ave?


I am going to assume that this does not mean crossing Forbes at Grant twice a day.


I wonder about where on Forbes one rides. I'm on the piece between Ross and Stanwix once or twice a week, Downtown and Oakland once or twice a month, beyond Morewood once or twice a year.


stuinmccandless
2012-06-21 02:28:48

That might be an interesting poll question too, Stu.


(My commute includes the lanes from Regent Square to Squirrel Hill, then up & down Squirrel Hill on the sharrows, and into Oakland.)


jamesk
2012-06-21 15:02:15

i rode a block of forbes twice daily until about two months ago. now i ride it probably once or twice a week. maybe i should split the difference?


hiddenvariable
2012-06-22 14:56:01

How often does your ride include somewhere on Forbes Ave?


Just about every day (24%, 61 Votes)

A few times per week (17%, 43 Votes)

A few times per month (17%, 42 Votes)

Every month or so (10%, 24 Votes)

A few times per year (15%, 37 Votes)

Never (17%, 42 Votes)


Total Voters: 249




New poll:


Have you ever taken your bike on one of Pittsburgh's inclines?


Yes

Never tried

Tried, but they didn't let me on

I didn't know you can take your bike on the inclines


erok
2012-07-03 19:08:48

I have! I would more often, but I never really need to go up that way.


rubberfactory
2012-07-03 19:27:30

I took a rented tandem up the Monongehela incline once - IIRC, we took it in the compartment where bikes really are NOT allowed and if the space had been two inches smaller, it would not have fit.


PS. Note to those concerned with personal safety: do not ride a rented tandem down Sycamore Street. That is all.


mick
2012-07-03 21:01:20

Have you ever taken your bike on one of Pittsburgh's inclines?

Yes (13%, 27 Votes)

Never tried (55%, 113 Votes)

Tried, but they didn't let me on (0%, 1 Votes)

I didn't know you can take your bike on the inclines (31%, 63 Votes)

Total Voters: 205




New Poll:

What percentage of your bike parts and gear do you purchase online?

none

1-25

26-50

51-75

76-99

All


erok
2012-07-10 19:41:23

What percentage of your bike parts and gear do you purchase online?

none (28%, 59 Votes)

1-25 (29%, 62 Votes)

26-50 (13%, 28 Votes)

51-75 (13%, 27 Votes)

76-99 (7%, 15 Votes)

All (9%, 18 Votes)


Total Voters: 211





How often do you go mountain biking?


Occasionally

A few times per month

A few times per week

As much as I possibly can

Never tried


erok
2012-07-18 16:55:01

Why is there no "daily" option? As much as possible could mean a whole lot of dirt, or very little.


cburch
2012-07-18 21:49:01

fair enough. I was going for something more than a few times per week. if i put daily, then there'd be someone who would be a stickler and be like, "well, i ride daily, except fridays, should i still put daily?"


erok
2012-07-19 15:50:35

alright, it was early enough in the poll that i changed it to "Pretty much daily"


erok
2012-07-19 15:52:41

btw, i'm taking requests for poll ideas. please keep 'em coming


erok
2012-07-19 15:53:53

How about something concerning staircases?


"Do you ever carry your bike up/down staircases?"

* Daily

* Weekly

* Never had reason to try

* Afraid to try


...something like that.


stuinmccandless
2012-07-19 17:29:44

I'm always curious about the number of miles other Bike Pittsburghers put on their bikes... How many miles do you put on your bike in one year:

<200

200 - 500

500 -1,000

1,000 - 2,000

>2,000


teamdecafweekend
2012-07-19 17:57:27

Having looked around at many of the group rides I'm always amazed at the variety of body types . How about BMI? (with a link to a calculator)


marko82
2012-07-19 21:39:52

a question about visibility might be interesting, like what people think makes them most visible: reflectors, solid lights, blinking lights, reflective clothing, etc. I can't figure out how to word it, it might be multiple questions.


ejwme
2012-07-25 17:15:08

I am curious what sort of weight we all lug around on our machines. I would like to see the type of bike, and what it weighs with a normal load (tools, lights, bags, lock, etc.).


helen-s
2012-07-25 17:30:19

How about "how many other cyclists are in your household?"


pseudacris
2012-07-25 20:33:54

wow, so busy i forgot about this.


here's the breakdown:

How often do you go mountain biking?

Occasionally(27%, 157 Votes)

A few times per month(15%, 88 Votes)

A few times per week(17%, 98 Votes)

Pretty much daily(6%, 37 Votes)

Never tried(34%, 200 Votes)

Total Voters: 582




New poll:


Did you participate in Sunday's Pedal PGH?


Yes

No

Registered, but didn't ride

Volunteered


erok
2012-08-08 20:34:52

I've participated and have volunteered. :) Where do I go?


2012-08-09 13:52:25

this is for last sunday's pedalpgh. if you volunteered and rode as well, just say volunteer


erok
2012-08-09 16:11:22

No. :( But only b/c I'm currently out of state.


headloss
2012-08-09 21:34:49

Did you participate in Sunday's Pedal PGH?

Yes (41%, 96 Votes)

No (44%, 102 Votes)

Registered, but didn't ride (3%, 7 Votes)

Volunteered (12%, 27 Votes)

Total Voters: 233



New:

How many events on the BikeFest Calendar did you participate in?

none

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

9+


erok
2012-08-22 15:38:33

Old:

How many events on the 2012 BikeFest Calendar did you participate in?

none

(32%, 82 Votes)

1-2

(31%, 79 Votes)

3-4

(8%, 21 Votes)

5-6

(4%, 11 Votes)

7-8

(2%, 6 Votes)

9+

(20%, 50 Votes)

Total Voters: 256




New:

Did you participate in the National Bike Challenge?

Yes

No

Didn't know about it


erok
2012-09-18 19:06:44

pretty impressive that 70% of website users attended at least one event. even more impressive are the 50 people that participated in 9+ events. i'm guessing it's many of ya'll


erok
2012-09-18 19:07:49

Did you participate in the National Bike Challenge?


Yes (44%, 62 Votes)

No (16%, 23 Votes)

Didn't know about it (38%, 53 Votes)


Total Voters: 141




Have you ever had a bike stolen?

Yes

No

Yes, but I got it back


erok
2012-10-01 19:48:23

WOW, kinda surprised there's been so many bikes stolen.


Have you ever had a bike stolen?

Yes (43%, 95 Votes)

No (53%, 115 Votes)

Yes, but I got it back (4%, 9 Votes)

Total Voters: 219




Have you ridden a bicycle in New York City within the past 5 years?


Yes

No


erok
2012-10-15 18:50:55

^It's probably people whose bike was stolen in NYC or Portland and they got miffed and moved to Pittsburgh.


pseudacris
2012-10-15 20:20:51

I'd've included 4 options,

a) Ridden a bike in NYC in last 5 years

b) Rode nothing but public transit in NYC in last 5 years

c) Have been in NYC in last 5 years but got around by car/taxi

d) Have not been to NYC in last 5 years


I would have answered (b).


stuinmccandless
2012-10-18 16:45:30

Have you ridden a bicycle in New York City within the past 5 years?


Yes (22%, 21 Votes)

No (78%, 75 Votes)


Total Voters: 96





Who do you plan to vote for in the upcoming election?


Barack Obama (D)

Mitt Romney (R)

Jill Stein (G)

Gary Johnson (L)

None of the above

Not voting

Undecided




erok
2012-10-25 14:28:22

just curious if anyone is following the presidential race on our front page


erok
2012-10-30 15:52:40

You misspelled "Ron Paul" and I'm surprised on how few Gary Johnson votes there are. Doesn't he race Ironman or some such?


sloaps
2012-10-30 17:07:35

3 undecided votes...really?


erok
2012-10-31 15:26:30

I am hoping the people not voting are not eligible. I certainly understand not wanting to support any candidates, but sometimes the lesser of two undesirables (I do not feel this way, but think some might) makes sense. And remember, if you don't vote, you have no right to complain in the next four years.


helen-s
2012-11-06 13:12:24

It's not a right. It's a responsibility. Don't like the "two" choices? Guess what? THERE'S MORE!


cburch
2012-11-06 13:58:29

I wish Rocky Anderson was on the poll


@helen


I don't see why not; voting isn't going to make ones complaints any more or less valid. My vote isn't going to magically transform the nation into what I want it to be


sgtjonson
2012-11-06 14:00:14

I'm going to admit something juvenile I do when voting. I always write myself in for Sheriff. Just because.


Please carry on with mature political discussion :)


pinky
2012-11-06 14:07:21

i only put the people on the poll who are on the PA ballot. Ole Rocky didn't make the PA ballot


erok
2012-11-06 15:01:50

@cburch Don't like the "two" choices? Guess what? THERE'S MORE!


+1


Some people say that if you don't vote for a major party candidate, your vote is wasted.


So, that means if I don't vote for someone who has been lying to me, my vote is "wasted"? (Both major party candidates have been demonstrably dishonest. I beleive one more so than the other, but still...)


If I dont' vote for someone who doesn't support any of the issue positions I consider important, then my vote is is "wasted"?


Seems to me the opposite.


(My positions: For Bikes. Against indefinite imprisonment without a fair trial. Against all terrorism, including war crimes by major nations - bombing civilians doesn't stop being terrorism when the bomb is dropped using high-tech aeronautics. For legalized pot. For a more balanced budget using a reasonable, progressive, but simplified tax code. Some others that don't seem to be supported by either major party. A few others that are only partly supported by one or more major parties.


When third party candidates start winning states there tends to be massive change. I dont' believe that change would happen if choices were limited to two candidates.


The people who wrote our constitution tried to prevent a party system. That was one of their failures.


mick
2012-11-06 16:51:37

Pierce- Imperfect analogy- we both see a cigarette butt on the sidewalk next to a trash can. You walk past, I put it in the trash, then we both comment on the irresponsibility of people who litter and wish everyone kept public places cleaner. We both have legitimate points, but I feel I carry more weight in my statement.

I recognize out need for multiple parties and also realize it will take a huge turnout of dedicated individuals to make that happen. The current financing of our two party system will make that near impossible unless some very deep pocked individuals get behind it. We can only hope.


helen-s
2012-11-06 17:55:17

Bring your voting stub to Market District for a free cup of coffee. No ID required. Tea drinkers, you may be s.o.l., which is a little bit funny. Still, the free coffee is a nice touch.


pseudacris
2012-11-06 18:15:13

@ pseudacris No ID required.


A poll worker asked me if I had ID.


I asked if I needed it and she said no, but I think I should of registered my discomfort mroe stongly "Since we're asking personal questions with no bearing on the issue at hand, How much money do you have in your wallet?"


Is there someplace I complain to without having to make too big deal of it?


mick
2012-11-06 18:46:44

My borough council president posted on Facebook that poll workers in Crafton were asking for ID. Though they ask, you don't have to show it.


She had hers on her and made a point of loudly clarifying that it wasn't needed - to make the point to the line behind her.


Complaints are filed according to this page (all of the way at the bottom): http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect/index.aspx


pinky
2012-11-06 18:56:29

Hi Mick, poll workers are allowed to ask you for ID, but if you don't have it or decline to show it, they may not turn you away if you're registered. If it is your first time at a new polling place, you do need to bring identifying paperwork, but a utility bill can work as well.


If you were given a hard time, you can call the ACLU hotline 1-866-OUR-VOTE.


If you want to complain about the new Voter ID laws (which are somewhat suspended right now), that would be at the state level. The congress.org web site can generate a list of your reps.


pseudacris
2012-11-06 18:57:54

@pseudacris & Pinky - I wasn't given a hard time, but I was surprized by the question.


I guess complaining to my state legislator is the way to go on this one.


mick
2012-11-06 19:22:56

@helen s


I actually picked up a trash bag or two of cigarette butts in Friendship Park; I'd definitely consider Obama being the one to comment on the trash, but then fail to actually do anything about it; he'd also probably praise the spirit of the hardworking smokers of America, himself one of them


@Mick


Marakay Rogers seems like a candidate that might have been up your alley:


https://www.facebook.com/Rogers4PAAttorneyGeneral?ref=stream


Why did the Post Gazette choose David Freed? From his site: "David will preserve our right to keep and bear arms, protect the sanctity of human life and defend the sacred institution of traditional marriage."


sgtjonson
2012-11-06 20:03:02

+1 @Pseudacris, they asked me for id, I respectfully declined to provide (been voting at the same place for 6 years), no problem, no provisional ballot.


ka_jun
2012-11-06 20:50:02

Our poll predicted the winner better than gallup.


Who do you plan to vote for in the upcoming election?

Barack Obama (D) (59%, 162 Votes)

Mitt Romney (R) (17%, 46 Votes)

Jill Stein (G) (8%, 23 Votes)

Gary Johnson (L) (5%, 15 Votes)

None of the above (0%, 1 Votes)

Not voting (7%, 18 Votes)

Undecided (3%, 8 Votes)

Total Voters: 273




How did you get to your polling location?


Bike

Walk

Drove

Transit

Other

Absentee

I didn't vote


erok
2012-11-07 17:18:49

I love my precinct, because I'm easy to find. I tell them to just search for me by my affiliation (Independent) rather than by name.


Lady still asked for ID...


sloaps
2012-11-07 18:06:36

this website predicted allegheny county's Barack Obama vote within 2 percentage points


erok
2012-11-07 19:10:14

The Voter ID thing will be in effect for the May primary. While I do hate the rule, as a pollworker, I will say it really helped make the line go faster. Just hand the worker your ID, s/he finds your index card in the file, hands your ID and index card to the pollworker who finds your name in the book. Your signature on the card, his/her initial in the book, and into the booth you go. It can be done in 30-45 seconds. Prior to this, easily a minute-plus by the time we get the name spelled right.


stuinmccandless
2012-11-08 11:44:36

I didn't have to show my ID, actually I didn't even have to tell them my name. I know my poll ladies and one was pulling my card out as I walked up. My poll ladies are it.


edmonds59
2012-11-08 12:03:42

stu, i gave them my registration card this time, and I've given them my licence in the past, and it doesn't help. i still have to wait as they slowly flip through the book. My last name starts with SW, but they still look through the SA... SE... this has been at multiple precincts across the city, btw.


epanastrophe
2012-11-08 18:10:54

I just showed them my voter registration card


As for the new poll, I walked to the poll, but was walking in cycling shoes


sgtjonson
2012-11-08 21:32:04

I wasn't even asked for my ID.


dmtroyer
2012-11-09 04:16:15

I walked up with my ID in hand. I'm not sure what the issue is, to be honest.


2012-11-09 04:42:19

For me, it was mainly that I thought the whole voter ID thing was overturned in PA.


Thatn and the particualr poll worker is a woman that works with various neighborhood groups - she's the one who changes meeting times if they think a renter will show up.


So I started with a bad attitude, and we were working from there.


mick
2012-11-09 05:17:48

It wasn't overturned, just delayed. There was no requirement to show ID for this election - but it's pretty obvious from the responses above that the FUD abounds.


Then of course there were these despicable pricks attempting to enforce the non-law themselves until they were ordered to stop.


The law is intended to disenfranchise voters - preventing (virtually nonexistent) voter fraud is just a pretext. You don't even have to believe me, listen to one of the supporters of this crap who was dumb enough to admit the true purpose of the law in public.


salty
2012-11-09 05:59:25

I am involved in a frivolous discussion with a former coworker in a comment portion of a current co-worker's Facebook account. I should have just not responded, but I know that she is a teabagger and i couldn't ignore comments such as: "Anyone who doesn't live an "underground" type of life needs an I.D. for something. Hell, you can't even open a bank account without one. Who are these people living in the shadows? I don't know any." I told her of elderly and working poor who may have had an ID at some point but don't have (a valid) one anymore, and that there is virtually nonexistent in-person voter fraud as per FACTS and she responded with " You're right, it wasn't an issue before, but it is now. Voter fraud is rampant. There are orginizations bussing people from poll to poll to vote & revote. Some of them have dementia & don't even know their own names. Some may be illegal aliens. What do you propose to do to eliminate fraud?" And this horrible link: http://www.truethevote.org/news/how-widespread-is-voter-fraud-2012-facts-figures


stefb
2012-11-09 10:12:37

So I ended up being asked for ID, and despite having it on me, I asked, "Do I need it?"


They checked my name and said, "No, but you will next time."


My understanding is that the voter ID law was not overturned - it was just postponed until the next election to give people that Stef mentions (elderly, working poor, etc) more time to get valid IDs.


As it originally stood, people would have had from mid-September to early November to get IDs, which is hard in a state where some counties do not have a drivers license center.


*Edited to add:

My poll workers were not requiring it, they were just getting people used to the question.


pinky
2012-11-09 12:46:05

For right wing assholes who claim to espouse smaller govt to generate this false need for an additional layer of beauracracy would be ironic, if it wasn't simply hypocritical and despicable. The bastards got hosed regardless.


edmonds59
2012-11-09 13:46:26

How did you get to your polling location?


Bike (22%, 69 Votes)

Walk (41%, 127 Votes)

Drove (22%, 69 Votes)

Transit (1%, 4 Votes)

Other (1%, 3 Votes)

Absentee (6%, 19 Votes)

I didn't vote (7%, 22 Votes)


Total Voters: 313




Do you own a folding bike?


Yes

No


erok
2012-11-28 20:42:23

I wonder what the other methods of transportation were


sgtjonson
2012-11-28 20:48:26

skateboard, segway


erok
2012-11-28 20:49:44

Dang it, I should have unicycled to my polling location


sgtjonson
2012-11-28 20:54:02

how's that been going for you?


erok
2012-11-28 20:58:18

wheelchair, surrey


pseudacris
2012-11-28 22:34:49

trebuchet


pseudacris
2012-11-28 22:35:49

flew (rocket, prop, glider, large bird, self propelled), pogo stick, swam (NY/NJ), boat (same- motor or paddle), I suggest hopping or skipping or running is different than walking, crawl, scooter, .........


helen-s
2012-11-28 22:43:00

i think a trebuchet is one of my favorite machines ever. i believe i once tried to use a trebuchet to solve each of these puzzles.


hiddenvariable
2012-11-29 05:59:47

Watched a unicyclist make his way up Centre Avenue from Ephihany Church (Washington Place) up towards St. Benedict the Moor the other day. He was making pretty good time, given the grade.


He took the lane!


swalfoort
2012-11-29 13:56:44

@Swalfoort mechanically unicycle would be equivalent to bicycle with 32/32 crank/cog (or 50/50, or 35/35) -- the ratio is 1. And wheel is a little bit less than 700c-23 (23-622 in ISO terms) so with the same crank length ratio wheel radius to crank length is better in the sense that it's easier to go (but at speed expense). The only problem for me would be balance. :)


2012-11-29 15:36:21

Having beaten the crap out of two unicycles at SUNY Geneseo in four years, I can assure you there's no hill below a 10% grade that someone on a 24" wheel or smaller would have any trouble with, assuming they could ride at all. (I couldn't climb Federal from the lower Perrysville corner to Mercy Street, in 2002; haven't tried recently.)


As with a fixie, which a unicycle essentially is, there's a limit to how fast you can have the pedals go, and unlike a fixie, you can't take your feet off. For me, top sprinting speed is about 15 mph on my 24".


stuinmccandless
2012-11-29 17:42:45