Another step in the right direction - toward what THIS American wants.

David S, ever watchful for provocative post material, forwards this - from the Seattle Police Blotter of all places. The Seattle cops state unequivocally that they will not tolerate aggressive driving. No way, no how. Zero tolerance. Aw right.

The Transportation Secretary on What Americans Want.

Here's a NY Times interview with Ray LaHood, our national transportation secretary, on why he spoke up in favor of more support for walking and cycling, and why the reaction has been so severe.

LaHood and the Obama administration are taking America, critics say, in the wrong direction.

This is probably one of the most important interviews cyclists will read this year.

Why don't more women ride? from Seattle's Publicola

I feel terrible that writer Josh Cohen has sold his fixie, but I read the piece anyway. Interesting article, fascinating comments. Worthwhile, I'd say....

From the NY Times Freakonomics: Life and Death in the Fast Lane

Here's a quote from the first paragraph:

"Which has received more media coverage: 9/11, Iraq, and Afghanistan combined; or the repeal of the nationwide 55 mph speed limit? You probably guessed the former. But there’s a good case to be made that the answer should be the speed limit. Why?"

How much faster do we really go when the limit is raised? How many more of us are killed in accidents because of higher road speeds? What happens to fuel mileage...?

YouTube video: Pre Tour of Flanders excitement

There's no bike racing in this video. It's an ad for the Tour of Flanders by the sponsoring newspaper. But it captures the excitement in Belgium as the time approaches....

Thanks once again to David S, who apparently sees all. Oh, I watched this with the sound off (Tamar's doing schoolwork) so I missed that aspect. It was great as a silent film.

Timothy Egan in the Times re: Playing at Tragedy

Tim Egan and David Brooks are my favorite (male) NY Times opinion columnists. I've read two of Egan's books, one (The Worst Hard Time) about the Dust Bowl, the other (The Big Burn) about the great Rocky Mountain fires in the early 20th Century.

This is Egan talking about his friend John Rudolf, old enough one would suppose to ease up a bit, but bent on climbing yet another mountain, this time Everest. In the article, Egan describes his friend's cycling life. David S, do you know this guy?

VeloNews reader alert!

Bear in mind, as you read the news stories in VN this morning, that it is April 1st, observed for years in that fine print and online publication as April Fools Day. Contador is probably not suffering from an overuse injury in his "shooting" hand, and Patrick O'Grady will probably not edit a VN satellite touring magazine.

On the other hand, this blog has no opinion about the item in today's Cycling Examiner suggesting that Lance Armstrong may purchase a home in Nevada City CA, home of the NC Classic and start city for this year's Tour of California. And a pretty cool town, in this blogger's view.