[SDCBC] [GPC] 2 bikes abreast = legal on narrow roads?

[Pierre La Plant]

At 11:00 AM -0800 2/21/08, Jeffrey Kurtock wrote:

>  the next time advise turns into "advise," you might ask the Ranger 
>to take a look at the CalTrans Highway Design Manual.

Margot and I carry a slip of paper in our wallet with the appropriate 
lines of CVC  21202(a)(3) to wave in front of Mt Diablo SP rangers 
and most CHP and city traffic cops.  We've been told several times to 
get out of the lane.

For the last 2 months I've been riding with a tiny digital movie 
camera mounted on my handlebars - designed for the car dash.  I had 
tried the  uber gizmo  GoPro Hero camera, with its' high resolution, 
for several months, hanging it around my chest when I rode.  Kinda 
wobbly.  But the biggest complaint is that the "on" LED is in the 
*front* so you cannot see when it is on, unless you peer thru the 
tiny viewfinder.  The helmet model (sold at REI) also has the 
disadvantage of not being able to see it (or even reach it).

The *dash* cam, however, has been very useful on bike rides.  It's 
not just for Brittany Spears anymore.  It has LEDs in the back you 
can see (may have to squint in the sunlight).  A red LASER to aim it. 
Even tho the pictures are low resolution, they are good enough to 
record the license number of the car that just buzzed the cyclist 
ahead of you.  *Everything* in a 70 degree cone in front of you is 
recorded. Makes you ride legally cause the cop  (er - cam) is 
watching that intersection.   No erasing needed, because it 
continually loops.  If a recording is needed, connect the cam, or the 
SD card in any reader, thru your computer or TV, for archiving.

I use the dash cam as it was intended too, in the car.  Then you can 
use the 12V adapter.  Great! That's the main reason I like it over 
the GoPro.  Otherwise, the AAA batteries get eaten up.  I got 7 hrs 
on Li batteries.  I need 12V socket from something smaller and 
lighter than a car battery.  Anybody?

Both cams use SD cards (2GB) and can record 60 min for the GoPro and 
about 7 hrs for the dash cam. I forgot to mention, the Go Pro comes 
with a waterproof housing and can take 5 MB stills.  Great little 
camera.
About $150 for the GoPro, and $80 for the dash cam.  SD cards are $10-$50.

Pierre