June 2010 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] Cycling: the rapid decline of common sense
by Steve Karl 20 Jun '10

20 Jun '10

First - my cycling history: Age 59 - began riding Pgh. streets at the age of 8. Stopped for quite a few decades and began riding again in the early 90's when I bought my first helmet and began building my own bikes from scratch, and a few for others. I've ridden Boyce Park and many other trail systems and can do a 20 mile, in city, ride with ease. In other words, I've got a lot of miles under my belt and plenty of experience, on not only city streets but also major highways. I always am aware of, and stay out of the way of traffic that is behind me and traveling faster than I am. It's not only common sense, but it's courteous. I don't believe I have the right to slow anyone else down nor do I believe that I have any special privileges, rather I believe I have a greater responsibility because my vehicle ( the bike ) is much more delicate and much slower than a car. ------------ Second: These are my personal and subjective observations: What I have recently ( last 5 to 8 yrs. ) observed, mostly when driving an automobile, is a shocking lack of common sense exhibited by many (not all) cyclists when they are interacting with traffic. The "I own the road" mindset that becomes apparent from actions like the following sequence(*F1) not only endanger the cyclists, and motorists, but perpetuate the potential for resentment and even hostility towards all cyclists. I am a cyclist and have been for decades, and I look at behavior like the below sequence as irresponsible, childish and egotistical and with a flagrant disregard for the impact that actions like these have on the consciousness of others involved. And yes, I do mean involved, because everyone that sees you, or shares the road with you, is involved. (*F1) The sequence of events I observed this morning involving 3 cyclists traveling West on Penn Ave. at the intersection of Penn and Penn Circle: A) Seeing a red light and backed up traffic the pack of 3 form a single line, barely reducing speed, and skirt the line of automobiles on their right hand side and travel through the intersection just as the light turns green, putting them selves at the front of all traffic. I observed them in my rear view as they approached and watched them until they were 1/2 way to the next intersection. (aside) Now I can pretty much guess from my years of past observations, that it was only pure luck that the light turned green when it did. If it was still red, and there was no cross traffic, then the cyclists would have ignored the red light and continued on. B) After passing the intersection the cyclists immediately fanned out in a triangular formation that took up the full width of the lane, blocking the possibility of any automobile passing them, even though they were traveling well below the speed limit. Common sense begs the questions ... what is wrong with this picture? What impression are you (the cyclists) making on others that are now stuck behind you and limited to your below the speed limit pace? Is there a "pack mentality" being exhibited in situations like this that is trying to prove something? I really do wonder. ----------- Also: My observations have shown me that the cyclists most prone to exhibit an "I own the road" mindset will be riding in groups of 2 or more, will be dressed in the now typical cycling "style", and will be riding street(road) bikes, as opposed to off road bikes, beach bikes, or junkers. So motorists beware! The cyclists exhibiting the most common sense, that I have observed, are usually individuals or groups riding mountain bikes, hybrids, or older junkers with baskets on them and are typically dressed in their I was just out gardening, or sitting in the back yard, clothes. In conclusion: I do see individuals riding road(street) bikes, that are courteous and sensible and some of them are even typically dressed in "the style" , but it is not the norm, especially when I see them in groups of 2 or more and dressed in "style." I have never seen someone riding a mountain bike, beach bike or junker that has appeared to exhibit bad road etiquette. This may appear to be "stylistic profiling" on the surface, but I suggest you look a bit deeper and compare your own observations of the environment on the streets before pegging me as a biased profiler. If this needs discussion then please post a response to the list. I won't be responding to any personal emails about this as it would be fruitless in my opinion. Thank you and Sincerely, Steve Karl

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[Highland Park] Free Stuff- Sunday and Monday
by Kate Porigow 20 Jun '10

20 Jun '10

We have some leftovers from a large yard sale! It will all be out on the lawn at 5652 Stanton Ave (corner of N. St. Clair)... Literally on the lawn, because we don't have any tables. I'll put it out Sunday and if there's any left, then Monday too. Knick-knacks, decor, mags, women's clothes. There will be a donation can to fund our friend's move, but don't feel obligated to leave anything :) Kate

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[Highland Park] Free pet supplies for small rodents
by caroline.home＠att.net 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

I am getting rid of a water bottle, wheel, ball, climbing tubes and chew sticks. These will work for mice or any other small rodent. Caroline

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[Highland Park] For Sale: Scott Lawn Spreader - $15
by caroline.home＠att.net 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

This is a Scotts basic drop spreader. It still works great. We downsized our lawn so we were able to replace it with a hand held spreader. Picture attached. Caroline

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[Highland Park] daycares and kindergarten
by Margot Callahan 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

We are moving to Highland Park and are in search of daycare and elementary schools (3 and 5 yr old.) We understand that we are too late for the lotteries, but are looking for other options. Thank you. Margot -

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[Highland Park] Website Help!
by Susanne Gaetano 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

Greetings HP neighbors, I am looking for someone to assist with my website -preferably someone with a "fashion sense" or experience, for a clothing boutique . If that may be you , please give a call or return email. Thanks, Susanne 412-661-6008 _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multicalendar&ocid=PID2…

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[Highland Park] Paris 66 Father's Day Brunch
by Lori Rongier 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

Dear Highland Parkers, Take your special someone to Paris 66 for Father's Day! Open for Father's Day Brunch this Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. In addition to our Brunch Menu, we are offering a special Plat Du Jour . Please see the attached menu for the details. If we don't have the pleasure of seeing you for Father's Day Brunch, we hope to see you soon! Please visit our website for location and hours. Merci et Bon Weekend! Lori and Frederic Rongier Proprietors Paris 66 www.paris66bistro.com

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[Highland Park] Bryant Street Market New Hours
by Robert Collins 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

Hey There, Starting this Monday, June 21st, we will be open until 8:00PM Monday thru Friday. Weekend hours will remain at 9-5. We are trying to accommodate people who don't get home from work until later. We also would like to give people a chance to come down for gelato after dinner now that school is out. OK........Recap M-F 9-8 S-S 9-5 Thanks, Rob Bryant Street Market 5901 Bryant Street Pittsburgh PA 15206 Phone: (412) 661 8720 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM to 8 PM Sat-Sun 9 AM to 5 PM

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[Highland Park] Cast Iron Table
by KATHLEEN NAYLON-SCHULTZ 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

Cast Iron refinished table for sale. $25. Come get it today! Decided to use a much larger heavy wood table we found in the garbage. We have no room for it! Make an offer if you think this is too high! Thanks! 412 342 5400

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[Highland Park] Mac Book Pro
by istorch 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

Dear neighbors, my daughter bought a new 13" Macbook Pro six months ago and it had a serious accident which destroyed the body. She was able to retrieve the hard drive and is looking for a used body for it. Does anyone have one or any recommendations on how to get one? Your ideas would be most appreciated. Thank you. ________________________________________ PeoplePC Online A better way to Internet http://www.peoplepc.com

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