Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
@randomduck.bsky.social
Transpo analyst. Political activist. Cycling advocate. President of Potomac Pedalers. Alpine ski racing coach. All views my own.
Mastodon: @[email protected] (not there too often)
#bikeDC #ClimateChaos #AlpineSkiing #RoadCycling #GravelCycling
Mastodon: @[email protected] (not there too often)
#bikeDC #ClimateChaos #AlpineSkiing #RoadCycling #GravelCycling
45 years ago today we lost 1/4 of The Beatles, Paul McCartney's best mate, and one of the most gifted songwriters of the 20th century. Spinning this up because it's the right time to do so, and it carries a message the world's saber rattlers should hear. #WarIsOver www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kj...
HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER). (Ultimate Mix, 2020) John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band + Harlem Community Choir
YouTube video by johnlennon
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:58 AM
45 years ago today we lost 1/4 of The Beatles, Paul McCartney's best mate, and one of the most gifted songwriters of the 20th century. Spinning this up because it's the right time to do so, and it carries a message the world's saber rattlers should hear. #WarIsOver www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kj...
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Three mathematics professors explain why ranked choice voting better represents the whims of voters — and why U.S. democracy is straining under its current system.
New study finds a more effective way to hold US elections: 'Less likely to elect an extreme candidate'
Three mathematics professors explain why ranked choice voting better represents the whims of voters — and why U.S. democracy is straining under its current system.
www.goodgoodgood.co
December 8, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Three mathematics professors explain why ranked choice voting better represents the whims of voters — and why U.S. democracy is straining under its current system.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Streateries continue to come down on 18th street.
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
December 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Streateries continue to come down on 18th street.
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Nobody. I do not think you can eat chair
December 8, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Nobody. I do not think you can eat chair
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Look, I'm just gonna tell cishet white people right now--Newsom ain't the one. You got Walz and Pritzker out here. You do not need a Bill Clinton clone wearing Mitt Romney's skin.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday that the Democratic Party needed to be “more culturally normal” and “less judgmental.”
December 7, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Look, I'm just gonna tell cishet white people right now--Newsom ain't the one. You got Walz and Pritzker out here. You do not need a Bill Clinton clone wearing Mitt Romney's skin.
This is the way.
Mamdani: Oftentimes when we win elections, we tell people to go home and just trust us. But the message really has to be that we want you to come along with us… That’s something we’ve been looking to share with New Yorkers: We want to not only win with New Yorkers, but also govern with New Yorkers.
December 7, 2025 at 2:34 AM
This is the way.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Does anybody else have a bottle ready?
December 6, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Does anybody else have a bottle ready?
We're number 64! We're number 64!*
* - DC is 64th in the Copenhagenize global cycling index. We're 4th in the U.S., 8th in North America. That said, the top U.S. city (Portland, OR) is 35th globally. Montréal (top NorAm) is 15th.
We have a long way to go.
copenhagenizeindex.eu
#bikeDC
* - DC is 64th in the Copenhagenize global cycling index. We're 4th in the U.S., 8th in North America. That said, the top U.S. city (Portland, OR) is 35th globally. Montréal (top NorAm) is 15th.
We have a long way to go.
copenhagenizeindex.eu
#bikeDC
Copenhagenize index
copenhagenizeindex.eu
December 4, 2025 at 8:28 PM
We're number 64! We're number 64!*
* - DC is 64th in the Copenhagenize global cycling index. We're 4th in the U.S., 8th in North America. That said, the top U.S. city (Portland, OR) is 35th globally. Montréal (top NorAm) is 15th.
We have a long way to go.
copenhagenizeindex.eu
#bikeDC
* - DC is 64th in the Copenhagenize global cycling index. We're 4th in the U.S., 8th in North America. That said, the top U.S. city (Portland, OR) is 35th globally. Montréal (top NorAm) is 15th.
We have a long way to go.
copenhagenizeindex.eu
#bikeDC
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
If tiny cars are too dangerous to be allowed on our streets, think of how it feels to be a pedestrian or cyclist!
Unlike Europe and Asia, NHTSA & Congress have failed to create a regulatory category for minicars. Because they flunk US safety rules for full-sized cars, they’re effectively illegal to sell.
Only “collectable” minicars cars 25+ years old can be legally sold (and they’re quite popular).
Only “collectable” minicars cars 25+ years old can be legally sold (and they’re quite popular).
What Do US Vehicle Regulators Have Against Tiny Cars?
Super-small urban vehicles have found a place in European and Asian cities. But in the US, federal and state rulemakers seem determined to keep minicars at bay.
www.bloomberg.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:21 PM
If tiny cars are too dangerous to be allowed on our streets, think of how it feels to be a pedestrian or cyclist!
This makes as much sense as, say, the "Lance Armstrong Center for Anti-Doping Science" or the "Jeffry Epstein Institute of Child Behavior Research."
Face it, Donny: you'll never win the Nobel Peace Prize. This isn't a legitimate substitute.
#resist
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/u...
Face it, Donny: you'll never win the Nobel Peace Prize. This isn't a legitimate substitute.
#resist
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/u...
Trump Renames Institute of Peace for Himself
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:59 AM
This makes as much sense as, say, the "Lance Armstrong Center for Anti-Doping Science" or the "Jeffry Epstein Institute of Child Behavior Research."
Face it, Donny: you'll never win the Nobel Peace Prize. This isn't a legitimate substitute.
#resist
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/u...
Face it, Donny: you'll never win the Nobel Peace Prize. This isn't a legitimate substitute.
#resist
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/u...
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
At this point it’s tough to deny that Jeffries and Schumer are more scared of a democratically elected guy like Mamdani pushing the country a little bit left than they are of full on fascism.
Jeffries: "The border is secure. That's a good thing. It happened on his watch. He wants to claim credit for it, of course he'll get credit for that. In terms of making sure that we actually deal with the issues that matter, including on immigration, there's a lot that's left to be desired."
December 4, 2025 at 11:20 AM
At this point it’s tough to deny that Jeffries and Schumer are more scared of a democratically elected guy like Mamdani pushing the country a little bit left than they are of full on fascism.
Hey @ridelime.bsky.social: these three bikes at George Washington University Hospital in DC all have rear tires that are at risk of failure, the tread worn away and only the protective foam belt preventing a flat tire. Crash risk! Please fix ASAP! #bikeDC Attn: @ddotdc.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Hey @ridelime.bsky.social: these three bikes at George Washington University Hospital in DC all have rear tires that are at risk of failure, the tread worn away and only the protective foam belt preventing a flat tire. Crash risk! Please fix ASAP! #bikeDC Attn: @ddotdc.bsky.social
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
The DC I know is worth fighting for.
I’m Janeese Lewis George, and I’m running for Mayor.
youtu.be/aOBD45c3wVM
I’m Janeese Lewis George, and I’m running for Mayor.
youtu.be/aOBD45c3wVM
The DC I know
YouTube video by Janeese for DC
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 12:25 PM
The DC I know is worth fighting for.
I’m Janeese Lewis George, and I’m running for Mayor.
youtu.be/aOBD45c3wVM
I’m Janeese Lewis George, and I’m running for Mayor.
youtu.be/aOBD45c3wVM
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Don’t forget LBJ and the war on poverty. If the Dems could just divorce themselves from wall street and dirty money, grow a spine and a set of cajones, and walk the walk, that’d be super.
November 30, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Don’t forget LBJ and the war on poverty. If the Dems could just divorce themselves from wall street and dirty money, grow a spine and a set of cajones, and walk the walk, that’d be super.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
It’s very odd that we entrust the clearing of public sidewalks (which are part of our transportation network) to private property owners & businesses.
We get results like this business that cleared only their walkways & left the rest of the sidewalk covered in snow.
#PlowMPLSsidewalks
1/4
We get results like this business that cleared only their walkways & left the rest of the sidewalk covered in snow.
#PlowMPLSsidewalks
1/4
November 30, 2025 at 8:49 PM
It’s very odd that we entrust the clearing of public sidewalks (which are part of our transportation network) to private property owners & businesses.
We get results like this business that cleared only their walkways & left the rest of the sidewalk covered in snow.
#PlowMPLSsidewalks
1/4
We get results like this business that cleared only their walkways & left the rest of the sidewalk covered in snow.
#PlowMPLSsidewalks
1/4
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
The Countries In Red (Population 2.3 billion) Have As Many Murders Combined As The US (Population 330 million).
There is something truly rotten in the US, that sime think this is normal or OK. It's obvious it's the GOP and their gun lobby, but they need to be stopped. This is a modern crisis.
There is something truly rotten in the US, that sime think this is normal or OK. It's obvious it's the GOP and their gun lobby, but they need to be stopped. This is a modern crisis.
December 1, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The Countries In Red (Population 2.3 billion) Have As Many Murders Combined As The US (Population 330 million).
There is something truly rotten in the US, that sime think this is normal or OK. It's obvious it's the GOP and their gun lobby, but they need to be stopped. This is a modern crisis.
There is something truly rotten in the US, that sime think this is normal or OK. It's obvious it's the GOP and their gun lobby, but they need to be stopped. This is a modern crisis.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
The #TransitCat of the day wants separated bike lanes and traffic calming measures.💜
The cats in your life also appreciate separated bike lanes and traffic calming measures.
November 29, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The #TransitCat of the day wants separated bike lanes and traffic calming measures.💜
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
What else is only 2 feet tall and are in parking lots or crosswalks?
Watch carefully and you can see right through her eyes into the headrest.
#WorldBollardAssociation
#WorldBollardAssociation
November 29, 2025 at 3:11 PM
What else is only 2 feet tall and are in parking lots or crosswalks?
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Putin's plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
November 27, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Putin's plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Sixty years ago this week in the Berkshire (MA) Eagle: "Saturday, Richard J. Robbins, 19, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Arlo Guthrie, 18, of Howard Beach, N.Y., each paid a fine of $25 in Lee District Court after pleading guilty of illegally disposing of rubbish...."
web.archive.org/web/20201125... 1/2
web.archive.org/web/20201125... 1/2
November 27, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Sixty years ago this week in the Berkshire (MA) Eagle: "Saturday, Richard J. Robbins, 19, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Arlo Guthrie, 18, of Howard Beach, N.Y., each paid a fine of $25 in Lee District Court after pleading guilty of illegally disposing of rubbish...."
web.archive.org/web/20201125... 1/2
web.archive.org/web/20201125... 1/2
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
The KPop Demon Hunters float went sideways after the singers noticed that Al Roker has patterns.
November 27, 2025 at 2:16 PM
The KPop Demon Hunters float went sideways after the singers noticed that Al Roker has patterns.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
With DC shooter now identified as an Afghan national not the antifa secret agent White House hoped for a good time to remember the Trump admin has gutted domestic anti-terrorism capacity and reassigned many to finding grandmothers to arrest at immigration hearings.
November 27, 2025 at 4:06 AM
With DC shooter now identified as an Afghan national not the antifa secret agent White House hoped for a good time to remember the Trump admin has gutted domestic anti-terrorism capacity and reassigned many to finding grandmothers to arrest at immigration hearings.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
Post a famous bathroom scene.
November 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Post a famous bathroom scene.
Reposted by Rudi "Cooler Weather = Better" Riet
By the way, note that the description of Biden as being "in obvious mental decline" was left in the speech, while the description of Trump as the "most openly corrupt president in American history" was removed:
Note that the BBC openly admits in an email to me that the removal of this claim about Trump's world-historical corruption was done "on legal advice."
Translation: Trump's threat of a lawsuit, no matter how bogus, has now been rewarded.
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Translation: Trump's threat of a lawsuit, no matter how bogus, has now been rewarded.
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
November 26, 2025 at 2:03 PM
By the way, note that the description of Biden as being "in obvious mental decline" was left in the speech, while the description of Trump as the "most openly corrupt president in American history" was removed: