Davis Forever!

The Traffic Lights Turn Blue Tomorrow

Some people reading this will perhaps think I am referring to lyrics from the classic Jimi Hendrix song, The Wind Cries Mary. But no. This is a blog about Davis, California remember? The place where toads get tunnels built for them to help them cross the road, the place where crazy things can - and do - happen.

Well the latest wacky idea comes from Mr Hector P. Schulz of Antioch Drive, Davis. He has suggested to the town council that Davis should honor the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations in a particularly novel way. His suggestion is that all traffic lights in Davis should have a custom color makeover just for July 4th. And of course he wants those colors to be red, white, and blue. The following image is the picture that he created to show how this might look. It seems though that he didn't provide any explanation as to how this would be done or the potential costs that would be involved. It might be a fun idea to try, crazy and potentially dangerous, but fun nevertheless. I somehow think that this is one far out idea that our beloved council will not embrace, though you never know...!

When is a bike not a bike...?

...when it is two bikes! The reputation of Davis as the bike-friendly capital of the USA is well known. It is a reputation that is thoroughly deserved, and it obviously was a huge factor in enabling Davis to become the new host for the Bicycle Hall of Fame. Some estimates put the proportion of all journeys that are made on a bike in Davis as high as 20-25%.

However, it turns out that these impressive statistics are based on some slightly dubious accounting methods. It has been revealed to me this week that when the city of Davis calculates these figures they are counting the tow-along bike buggies (for toddlers) and bike trainers (the 'extension' part on the back of the bike) as a separate bicycle. I.e. two bikes not one. Occasionally I've seen a bike buggy attached on to the back of a bike trainer, so I guess that would count as three separate bicycles.

Now this seems completely unfair (and unnecessary to me). It's a bit like saying that a four carriage train is actually four separate trains. I'm sure Davis would be top of the bike-commuting charts without this strange need for double-counting. Come on Davis, let's be a it fairer about this. Remember, one bike good, two bikes bad.

Davis Forever is back from vacation!

My deepest apologies for my extended absence from this site. This has been due to a somewhat bizarre set of circumstances that have caused me to have my own extended absence (from Davis that is). I won't bore you all with the gory details but let's just say that a recent trip to Mexico turned into a bit of a nightmare when I was mistakenly apprehended on suspicion on being a drug mule. I know, it's crazy! Anyway, the surgery showed that I was completely clean and after the usual hassle with paperwork, I was released, and now I'm back here in sunny Davis.

It might take me a little while to get caught up with what's being happening in Davis, but rest assured...if it's quirky or murky then you will be able to read about it here. Actually, that's not the only place where you'll be able to read about it because as of today you can also follow me on twitter at @davisforever!

See you soon!

CJ

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