FLCC> steel bridge crossings

[Ernie Bayles]

Ouch!

Steel deck bridges are an absolute horror in the wet.  As are all steel 
things (pothole covers and rain grates). And they're unsafe for cyclists 
even when they're dry.  Falling usually results in stitches, dislocated 
fingers, and a lot of other bad stuff.  I don't ride on them if it is 
wet and I am very careful in the dry.  When it's wet I do the hobby 
horse thing and put my feet down as I scuff across so that I can catch 
myself when the bike slips out from underneath me.

Of particular concern right now is the bridge by the Police Station that 
you have to use to get from south hill to points north.  The problem 
being that you are coming down hill and if you need to slow a bit for 
the traffic at the light and you put on your brakes you will go down 
pronto.  Even in dry weather.  Slow well before you get to the bridge.  
The pedestrian walk to the side is also steel, but it's spaced closer, 
so it's a bit less hazardous.

Steel deck bridges are really cool to walk over--I really love them and 
would hate to see them disappear, but they're not good for bikes.  And 
they're slippery for cars too, which is probably why you don't ever see 
new ones. 

I remember a particularly grisly scene at the Tour DuPont back in the 
day.....

Take care.

e

Ruth E. Sherman wrote:

>I just want to remind all riders to use caution when crossing steel
>bridges - especially when wet. Two of us went down pretty hard while
>crossing the steel bridge in Ludlowville on yesterday's ride. There had
>been a deluge right before we got to the bridge and it was very wet. Terri
>and I both basically hydroplaned and wiped out. Falling on that steel
>grate really hurts, and it also does a lot of damage to your bike. I don't
>know what the best strategy is for crossing them - maybe some of you have
>suggestions.
>
>Ruth
>
>
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-- 
Ernie Bayles, Architect
209 Utica Street
Ithaca, New York  14850

607-275-3722 (tel and fax)