Now that everyone and their mother is riding bikes during this global pandemic (see Bikes Are The New Toilet Paper), I’m getting a LOT of questions about BikeNoodle. Plus, with my city about to be the first in the Southeastern United States with a Vulnerable Road User Ordinance in effect (as of this upcoming Friday, May 1), it’s more important than ever that drivers see clearly what 3-feet-to-pass looks like (I get thanked by a driver every single time I use it).
Bottom line: My BikeNoodle sticks out 2.5 feet from the backrack on my bike (where about an additional 6 inches of it is securely bungee-corded) and serves as a traveling protected bike lane. This is my 4th year using it in a suburb-city that is dangerous by design. It has been almost 100% effective at eliminating illegal passing and driver aggression*.
On average, drivers give not just 3 feet to pass, but more like 6 feet. Here is a short video about it:
Here is a catchy little ditty you can sing while using it:
Here is the sticker that you can buy and personalize for your own pool noodle (FYI, although Target was sold out of bikes yesterday, it did still have lots of pool noodles):
Here’s what it says at that link:
Chapter 6: Noodle Lady in my book, Traveling at the Speed of Bike, is all about BikeNoodle.
And here’s a message I received from someone I don’t know about the effect BikeNoodle had on the younger generation:
UPDATE: See here for the video footage from when I survived a hit-and-run on July 13, 2020 as a reminder that nothing will protect you from someone who may be distracted, impaired, or intentionally trying to harm you. The video footage, however, did lead to both criminal and civil cases which I hope result in positive change.
See more updates on my case here, including why a statewide Vulnerable Road User Ordinance is needed ASAP.
UPDATE: June 16, 2022: It is almost two years since I survived a hit-and-run in a self-proclaimed family-friendly city. My city continues to be dangerous-by-design with several new “paint on the road” bike lanes that don’t meet standards. Although some good things are happening, the city continues to misrepresent the danger of this subpar existing “infrastructure.” Here is my recent email to city hall.
UPDATE: September 18, 2022: See here.
Traveling at the Speed of Bike 