In addition to riding my bicycle, I utilize public transportation to get around, whether for responsibility or leisure. Sadly, Los Angeles doesn't have the most reliable or available or service, but for what it is, it's okay. I've been taking the bus regularly since I was thirteen - to school and to a part-time job with the LAUSD - so there's something to be said about its overall impact on my life. For instance, if people ask me how to get from Point A to Point B, I like that I can list off a few lines going in their direction. I like knowing this information myself. I also like the relative freedom of hopping on, taking a seat, and getting where I need to go.
For all the "no muss, no fuss" experiences I've had, there have been some serious "WTF?!" moments as well. This entry will cover some patrons' habits that - while extraordinarily general - fall in the middle. That fact, however, doesn't make them any less annoying and discourteous.
My biggest observational peeve involves those who take the outermost seat in each row of two seats. This I can understand if the bus is empty, but even then I don't really. Perhaps it's just preference, but I'd rather sit by the window so that should someone take a seat next to me, (a) I don't have to slide over and/or (b) they don't have to crawl over me. Which brings up another point - if you're not comfortable with being surrounded by people, then you might want to get a car. If you find yourself taking public transportation in Los Angeles for as many years as I have, you will inevitably experience having someone's crotch in your face, and it won't be mutual.
Pulling the cord for a stop shouldn't be complicated, but I can understand if you've forgotten your stop was coming up and you yank the thing with an unintended force. Realize, however, that pulling it once is all that's necessary. There are these flashing signs on the trains/buses now that say STOP REQUESTED, and for some reason in between flashes some patrons re-yank the cord with just as much gusto, sometimes causing the thing to break. I have been on buses before where the cord legitimately didn't work before, so at times it's justified - but in that case, a little "Driver, next stop, please" works just fine. And if he/she doesn't listen/didn't hear you, an impassioned "STOP!" never hurts either. I guess that's why they installed those red STOP buttons on the newer buses now. They got tired of people yelling at them.
I realize that we now live in a modern age where men don't have to necessarily be chivalrous, as in giving up their seats for women, women/men with children/shopping bags or the elderly - but I'm a 25-year-old woman who will give her seat up for a man who looks like he's 60. I will gladly stand unless he says no. My point is that it should be common courtesy to think of others. I guess that's what this whole thing is about, actually. Sometimes I admit to being a little aloof - either I've had a really crappy day or my iPod is turned up a little too loud - but it's rare that I miss out on an opportunity to make someone's moment a bit easier. It's my little give and take with the universe, what can I say?
To be continued...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
From the View of the Street
(Editor's note: I am writing this during the early hours of Tuesday morning and I have not yet gone to bed; therefore, it is still Monday in my mind. Forgive any references to "today" or "yesterday" as Monday and Sunday, respectively, as technically they will be one day behind.)
(That said, this is not an anti-car blog, neither is this an anti-car entry. I have owned two cars in the past, and one of these days life might result in my getting another car; I still have a driver's license in case of emergencies - I just believe that people sometimes forget how much control they actually have. Ironically, it has taken being a pedestrian and cyclist for me to realize that. These are observations on ridiculously haphazard driving habits that are considered by some to be normal. As BikeSnobNYC has so eloquently said, "idiots travel by foot, car, and bicycle"; rest assured that I have plenty of material lined up for the "foot" and "bicycle" portions, which will soon follow. Thank you for your understanding. Without further ado:)
Traffic-wise, the last two days have been particularly adventurous. Sunday brought the rain, while today threatened rain but instead brought pockets of unexpected traffic not abnormal in the West Valley[-ish area]. I'm not exactly certain what it is about either situation that brings the worst of driving habits out of people. While somewhat influenced by outward elements such as slick roads or too many cars, there is a degree of selfishness and disregard that seems to compete for being the utmost reason behind such habits. (Seriously, someone should make a bumper sticker that says something to the effect of "One a$$hole decision, a lifetime in traffic.") For example, it seemed during the last couple of days that most drivers were either not looking both ways (for other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists), were cutting in front of other cars, speeding towards stop signs (leaving skid marks and smelling of rubber), or trailing behind left-turning cars well after the opposing light had turned green. It was almost as if their inner jerk hadn't seen the sun for a while and was making up for lost time.
I appreciate being observant when it comes to driving trends and habits as much as I don't because it tends to anger me. Actually, what tends to anger me as much as frighten is when I see indicating factors that a car accident has ended on the sidewalk, not on the road - already horrible in itself. I recently saw one of those new bus benches - thick, ridiculously heavy beige plastic - smashed to pieces, bent, and broken. The middle seat was nowhere to be found. Now, I understand that life or the universe or God (or whatever) allows what eventually happens to happen (and should the worst happen we have to deal the best we can [if we survive]) - but when it boils down to it, we have a say as to whether the decisions we make are for the better of all or for the better of our need to get somewhere a little faster. That said, I'm so glad that I wasn't sitting on that bus bench. Blood belongs in the body, not on the pavement.
Cars are machines. They can be efficient modes of transportation, or they can be weapons. I have a feeling that if more people really and truly realized the power source behind the operating mechanisms (read: the general you) we would see a sizable percentage decrease in what are considered relatively avoidable accidents. Let's face it: such accidents are as much a result of oversight or being in the wrong place at the wrong time as they are a result of being a f#$!%ing jerk. The sooner the latter is realized and dealt with, perhaps more accidents can be avoided.
To be continued...
(That said, this is not an anti-car blog, neither is this an anti-car entry. I have owned two cars in the past, and one of these days life might result in my getting another car; I still have a driver's license in case of emergencies - I just believe that people sometimes forget how much control they actually have. Ironically, it has taken being a pedestrian and cyclist for me to realize that. These are observations on ridiculously haphazard driving habits that are considered by some to be normal. As BikeSnobNYC has so eloquently said, "idiots travel by foot, car, and bicycle"; rest assured that I have plenty of material lined up for the "foot" and "bicycle" portions, which will soon follow. Thank you for your understanding. Without further ado:)
Traffic-wise, the last two days have been particularly adventurous. Sunday brought the rain, while today threatened rain but instead brought pockets of unexpected traffic not abnormal in the West Valley[-ish area]. I'm not exactly certain what it is about either situation that brings the worst of driving habits out of people. While somewhat influenced by outward elements such as slick roads or too many cars, there is a degree of selfishness and disregard that seems to compete for being the utmost reason behind such habits. (Seriously, someone should make a bumper sticker that says something to the effect of "One a$$hole decision, a lifetime in traffic.") For example, it seemed during the last couple of days that most drivers were either not looking both ways (for other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists), were cutting in front of other cars, speeding towards stop signs (leaving skid marks and smelling of rubber), or trailing behind left-turning cars well after the opposing light had turned green. It was almost as if their inner jerk hadn't seen the sun for a while and was making up for lost time.
I appreciate being observant when it comes to driving trends and habits as much as I don't because it tends to anger me. Actually, what tends to anger me as much as frighten is when I see indicating factors that a car accident has ended on the sidewalk, not on the road - already horrible in itself. I recently saw one of those new bus benches - thick, ridiculously heavy beige plastic - smashed to pieces, bent, and broken. The middle seat was nowhere to be found. Now, I understand that life or the universe or God (or whatever) allows what eventually happens to happen (and should the worst happen we have to deal the best we can [if we survive]) - but when it boils down to it, we have a say as to whether the decisions we make are for the better of all or for the better of our need to get somewhere a little faster. That said, I'm so glad that I wasn't sitting on that bus bench. Blood belongs in the body, not on the pavement.
Cars are machines. They can be efficient modes of transportation, or they can be weapons. I have a feeling that if more people really and truly realized the power source behind the operating mechanisms (read: the general you) we would see a sizable percentage decrease in what are considered relatively avoidable accidents. Let's face it: such accidents are as much a result of oversight or being in the wrong place at the wrong time as they are a result of being a f#$!%ing jerk. The sooner the latter is realized and dealt with, perhaps more accidents can be avoided.
To be continued...
Friday, April 9, 2010
Warmer Weather Activities
I'm going to try and fit in a long bicycle ride in before 8:00 tomorrow morning - not only because I want to get on with the rest of the day, but because it's getting rather warm this side of the Valley. Keep in mind that it's not yet mid-April. Soon will come the months in which it will be ill-advised to do any strenuous outdoor activity after 10:30 am on any given day. Bad air conditions, heat stroke, dehydration - you name it, and the Desert... erm, the Valley pretty much specializes in it.
One thing that I need to invest in before it's too late in the season is a bottle of sunblock. Every year I tell myself that I won't be in the sun for too long, which isn't a lie as much as it is a gross underestimation. When springtime rolls around it is mad playtime. I live for April through October because, naturally, when the working day is done, girls just wanna have fun - my only deal is being three different shades of brown until the season ends. Hence the need for sunblock.
If I could veer off topic facetiously for a second, for some reason it seems that the fact that people with more melanin tan is some sort of a newsflash (if only phrased in more ignorant terms). I only mention this because of the kick I got in elementary school when I was "educated" by some classmates that 'black people don't tan'. I remember looking at them like they were aliens, but still find it hilarious years later and therefore mention it when it's somewhat relevant. Yes, my skin tans, but I personally don't find it worthwhile to spend hundreds of dollars a year on it as a seasonal accessory. With that said, uneven skin tone will be the bane of my existence until kingdom come. No matter what I do, my face will be a different color from my abdomen until at least late October - unless I buy a jumbo-sized bottle of sunblock. Although, over the years I've gotten really good at explaining the flesh-colored bathing suit.
Among other things besides sunblock, at least twice the amount of water, electrolytes, and water-rich fruits or vegetables are good "must-haves" if you're taking a ride in the heat. Unless you enjoy the feeling of collapsing on hot asphalt, of course. Now that I think about it, hot days mean deliciously cool evenings and therefore refreshing night rides - so it might be worth it to save up all energy until twilight hits.
EDIT: Weather updates say that tomorrow will be cloudy and cool, mid-sixties-like. Thanks, universe!
One thing that I need to invest in before it's too late in the season is a bottle of sunblock. Every year I tell myself that I won't be in the sun for too long, which isn't a lie as much as it is a gross underestimation. When springtime rolls around it is mad playtime. I live for April through October because, naturally, when the working day is done, girls just wanna have fun - my only deal is being three different shades of brown until the season ends. Hence the need for sunblock.
If I could veer off topic facetiously for a second, for some reason it seems that the fact that people with more melanin tan is some sort of a newsflash (if only phrased in more ignorant terms). I only mention this because of the kick I got in elementary school when I was "educated" by some classmates that 'black people don't tan'. I remember looking at them like they were aliens, but still find it hilarious years later and therefore mention it when it's somewhat relevant. Yes, my skin tans, but I personally don't find it worthwhile to spend hundreds of dollars a year on it as a seasonal accessory. With that said, uneven skin tone will be the bane of my existence until kingdom come. No matter what I do, my face will be a different color from my abdomen until at least late October - unless I buy a jumbo-sized bottle of sunblock. Although, over the years I've gotten really good at explaining the flesh-colored bathing suit.
Among other things besides sunblock, at least twice the amount of water, electrolytes, and water-rich fruits or vegetables are good "must-haves" if you're taking a ride in the heat. Unless you enjoy the feeling of collapsing on hot asphalt, of course. Now that I think about it, hot days mean deliciously cool evenings and therefore refreshing night rides - so it might be worth it to save up all energy until twilight hits.
EDIT: Weather updates say that tomorrow will be cloudy and cool, mid-sixties-like. Thanks, universe!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fascinating
Recently I had mentioned there being an island close to Cancun that is car-free. I found some information - not on the island, but - on Vauban, a district in the city of Freiburg, Germany.
Here's a YouTube video:
Here's a Wikipedia link (jump here for 'Transport').
It's all so fascinating, the measures some cities have made towards smart planning. How do you find it - as a wave of the future, or a breath of fresh air from the past, per our very-easy-on-the-eyes The Resident reporter?
Here's a YouTube video:
Here's a Wikipedia link (jump here for 'Transport').
It's all so fascinating, the measures some cities have made towards smart planning. How do you find it - as a wave of the future, or a breath of fresh air from the past, per our very-easy-on-the-eyes The Resident reporter?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Centered
My roommate got an idea from somewhere, I don't remember where exactly, to draw up a map of our neighborhood and to represent in some way a two-mile radius in all directions. So he did - as a result we've a modified Google map with a bright red circle therefore highlighting various places within "comfortable" bicycle-riding and/or walking distance. This so far includes (but is not limited to) the bank, the post office, a pet supply store, a few favorite restaurants, a few grocery stores, the every-Sunday farmers market. Again, I have no idea where my roommate came up with the idea, but it was a fabulous one. With its being stuck in plain view on the refrigerator, it serves as a good reminder of how possible it is to have one's life centered when it comes to the important things. Don't get me wrong; I like heading over the hill to Hollywood or the beach as much as the next person and manage to lead a life outside of my comfort zone. But in living in the Valley for the whole of my life and not really knowing what it has to offer, I've begun to like it more the more "limited" I've been. Surprises are found in holes in the wall, and in getting more acquainted with the Studio City area (a favorite, quite naturally), I've found it a little less imperative to head over the hill as often. At the risk of sounding redundant, it's a little like being over the hill without being over the hill - hip, chill, posh, and all other such loaded adjectives - except things still close around 9:00 or 10:00 pm, which I've always found insanely weird. Oh well, their businesses, their rules.
Still feeling torn when it comes to investing in four wheels, although not really. Yes, I'm referring to a car, not a Radio Flyer wagon, and therefore a never-gonna-happen these days due to unpredictable funds and exhaust fumes. Besides, I'm still loving the sweet smell of spring to be bothered [too much].
Still feeling torn when it comes to investing in four wheels, although not really. Yes, I'm referring to a car, not a Radio Flyer wagon, and therefore a never-gonna-happen these days due to unpredictable funds and exhaust fumes. Besides, I'm still loving the sweet smell of spring to be bothered [too much].
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Women and Bicycles, Part Two
To be honest, I wasn't aware that the first of these entries was a Part One, but after biking to the market today, I couldn't help touch on the subject of wanted and unwanted attention.
Sunday is my "get everything done" day, from grocery shopping to cleaning to taking out the trash to appearance-maintaining - all the things that need to get done to make the week run smoother. I'd already done the aforementioned with the exception of heading down to Trader Joe's via bicycle. Usually I like to be done with shopping by 2pm, but due to other pressing matters (read: sleep) I headed out a little later than intended. I hopped on the bike at around 4:30 pm, noting it was a bit chillier than usual when I noticed two guys on bicycles heading up behind me. I was naturally a little surprised but kept on riding. All of a sudden I heard a distinct "Wooo! Girl, I like your booty! I LIKE YOUR BOOTY!" I made a right on the next street.
Normally this doesn't bother me, but for some reason it did, as it invaded my space. I remember one time being told by some guy as I was mounting my bicycle that my thighs were 'thick and luscious'. My face was flushed out of anger and embarrassment, to be honest. First, no woman likes for her thighs to be described as thick, especially by a stranger. Second, the resulting responsive feeling was not one of flattery. It was eerily akin to the one time my ear was tongued out of left field in a club on New Year's Eve one year - I mean, really! Who was this guy?! Anyway, I eventually made it to Trader Joe's, but when locking up my bicycle I realized I'd left my wallet at home. So I bicycled back, grabbed it, and headed back. By the time I got there, the store had closed. Damn you, Easter Sunday. I didn't even get off of my bicycle.
Turning around, I headed back up the street and decided to sprint it back, just for fun. Rising body temperature cutting through cold air is always a thrilling sensation. Whoops, hollers, and whistles cutting through my euphoric space, however, aren't so much. Considering that I was wearing jeans, a bulky sweater, very little makeup and a helmet, I just don't know how anyone could find me attrac-- wait, let me re-phrase. How do you want me to react, gentlemen? Do you want me to give you my number? Take off my clothes? Drop it like it's hot? I mean, I know that people look, especially on warmer days and in tighter clothing, but I'll take the double-take over anything else any day. But I guess you can't help people, and you can't help what attention you get.
It's just so as;dl;ksflsk;'lk sometimes.
Sunday is my "get everything done" day, from grocery shopping to cleaning to taking out the trash to appearance-maintaining - all the things that need to get done to make the week run smoother. I'd already done the aforementioned with the exception of heading down to Trader Joe's via bicycle. Usually I like to be done with shopping by 2pm, but due to other pressing matters (read: sleep) I headed out a little later than intended. I hopped on the bike at around 4:30 pm, noting it was a bit chillier than usual when I noticed two guys on bicycles heading up behind me. I was naturally a little surprised but kept on riding. All of a sudden I heard a distinct "Wooo! Girl, I like your booty! I LIKE YOUR BOOTY!" I made a right on the next street.
Normally this doesn't bother me, but for some reason it did, as it invaded my space. I remember one time being told by some guy as I was mounting my bicycle that my thighs were 'thick and luscious'. My face was flushed out of anger and embarrassment, to be honest. First, no woman likes for her thighs to be described as thick, especially by a stranger. Second, the resulting responsive feeling was not one of flattery. It was eerily akin to the one time my ear was tongued out of left field in a club on New Year's Eve one year - I mean, really! Who was this guy?! Anyway, I eventually made it to Trader Joe's, but when locking up my bicycle I realized I'd left my wallet at home. So I bicycled back, grabbed it, and headed back. By the time I got there, the store had closed. Damn you, Easter Sunday. I didn't even get off of my bicycle.
Turning around, I headed back up the street and decided to sprint it back, just for fun. Rising body temperature cutting through cold air is always a thrilling sensation. Whoops, hollers, and whistles cutting through my euphoric space, however, aren't so much. Considering that I was wearing jeans, a bulky sweater, very little makeup and a helmet, I just don't know how anyone could find me attrac-- wait, let me re-phrase. How do you want me to react, gentlemen? Do you want me to give you my number? Take off my clothes? Drop it like it's hot? I mean, I know that people look, especially on warmer days and in tighter clothing, but I'll take the double-take over anything else any day. But I guess you can't help people, and you can't help what attention you get.
It's just so as;dl;ksflsk;'lk sometimes.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Letting Off Steam
This might not make sense to some of you, but it will make sense to others. Trust me, if you don't have a car and at times rely on public transportation in the Valley north of Ventura Blvd you'll understand what I'm venting about.
Metro is generally great when it comes to the Orange, Red/Purple, Blue, Green and Gold lines, but it's a constant fight when it comes to local buses. I try to avoid them at all costs, finding that my legs and bicycle are far more reliable at times. Still, when it's the only option, it's the only option. Sometimes I'm surprised at having a stress-free ride, but the only time that happens is when I'm not pressed for time. I often (daily) wonder how Los Angeles and its surrounding cities can call itself a city and still have at times a crappy execution of service. I'm venting, and since I'll be on a roll I'm throwing in some non-MTA material as well...
1. Connecting buses and their operators - if you see a bus has stopped at a red light and you have stopped at the connecting bus stop, why not wait a minute or two for the first bus to potentially let passengers off so they can cross the street to get on your bus instead of having to wait another 40 minutes?
2. Very happy to see the prominently placed bike lane on Reseda Blvd; bravo. Now, why does the 741 Rapid not operate on Saturday/Sunday? There are a million people looking to get somewhere every day of the week, not just Monday through Friday. While I understand the underlying logic, I don't understand the lack of availability. Sure, the 240 is operating, but not often enough. (This sentiment also applies to some lines stopping service just before 9:00 pm during the week.)
3. North/South buses tend to run very few and far between - not just on the weekends, but during the week. In fact, during the weekend I just pretend they don't exist. I am extremely thankful that where I generally need to go requires an East/West bus (whether heading to Hollywood or Woodland Hills), but good grief, man.
4. I find it a little ironic that the area bordering Warner Center Transit Hub has the most ill-paved streets and sidewalks. It is a deadly feat to bicycle on Canoga Ave between Owensmouth and Oxnard, and to be honest it is a real shame. It is literally right around the corner from the Hub. Also, the "I've a Lexus; hear me roar" mentality in the vicinity of Topanga Canyon Blvd/Victory is just... I don't know. You couldn't pay me to bicycle on Topanga. I'd be asking to die.
5. And finally, the problem of congestion. No one likes to ride in a bus that jam-packs patrons like sardines, but when you have to be somewhere, there's little to no choice. People have to be places; they're going to be pissed if they have to wait for the next bus. I remember one summer afternoon heading home from work at about 2:00 pm and the bus was already filled to capacity. The operator had to drive past a stop crawling with people; it was so sad. This bus in particular was running every 30 minutes that day - is that hint enough that there should be a touch more frequency? I mean, just a touch?
These are pretty much rhetorical questions, but if anyone would like to answer/discuss/vent, please do. I normally don't complain about Valley public transportation, because when it's good, it's exceptional. But when it's bad, it sucks like you wouldn't believe.
Metro is generally great when it comes to the Orange, Red/Purple, Blue, Green and Gold lines, but it's a constant fight when it comes to local buses. I try to avoid them at all costs, finding that my legs and bicycle are far more reliable at times. Still, when it's the only option, it's the only option. Sometimes I'm surprised at having a stress-free ride, but the only time that happens is when I'm not pressed for time. I often (daily) wonder how Los Angeles and its surrounding cities can call itself a city and still have at times a crappy execution of service. I'm venting, and since I'll be on a roll I'm throwing in some non-MTA material as well...
1. Connecting buses and their operators - if you see a bus has stopped at a red light and you have stopped at the connecting bus stop, why not wait a minute or two for the first bus to potentially let passengers off so they can cross the street to get on your bus instead of having to wait another 40 minutes?
2. Very happy to see the prominently placed bike lane on Reseda Blvd; bravo. Now, why does the 741 Rapid not operate on Saturday/Sunday? There are a million people looking to get somewhere every day of the week, not just Monday through Friday. While I understand the underlying logic, I don't understand the lack of availability. Sure, the 240 is operating, but not often enough. (This sentiment also applies to some lines stopping service just before 9:00 pm during the week.)
3. North/South buses tend to run very few and far between - not just on the weekends, but during the week. In fact, during the weekend I just pretend they don't exist. I am extremely thankful that where I generally need to go requires an East/West bus (whether heading to Hollywood or Woodland Hills), but good grief, man.
4. I find it a little ironic that the area bordering Warner Center Transit Hub has the most ill-paved streets and sidewalks. It is a deadly feat to bicycle on Canoga Ave between Owensmouth and Oxnard, and to be honest it is a real shame. It is literally right around the corner from the Hub. Also, the "I've a Lexus; hear me roar" mentality in the vicinity of Topanga Canyon Blvd/Victory is just... I don't know. You couldn't pay me to bicycle on Topanga. I'd be asking to die.
5. And finally, the problem of congestion. No one likes to ride in a bus that jam-packs patrons like sardines, but when you have to be somewhere, there's little to no choice. People have to be places; they're going to be pissed if they have to wait for the next bus. I remember one summer afternoon heading home from work at about 2:00 pm and the bus was already filled to capacity. The operator had to drive past a stop crawling with people; it was so sad. This bus in particular was running every 30 minutes that day - is that hint enough that there should be a touch more frequency? I mean, just a touch?
These are pretty much rhetorical questions, but if anyone would like to answer/discuss/vent, please do. I normally don't complain about Valley public transportation, because when it's good, it's exceptional. But when it's bad, it sucks like you wouldn't believe.
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