Input Needed
With the recent 3 foot law (SB70) considered by the South Dakota Senate Transportation Committee and then the Senate itself and the South Dakota Bicycle Coalition (SDBC) being a driving force behind the push to attempt to get the law passed, there is little doubt that bicycle safety took a positive step forward, even with the bill failing. The SDBC plans to move forward with a "Share the Road" campaign, which will continue to better educate motorists and bicyclists alike on the laws and the general safety of all concerned when it comes to their interaction on the roadways. All things cycling seem to be taking a positive path in the great State of South Dakota.
With these new found advocacy efforts, I need some outside input as to the name of our local bicycle club, the Lane Hogs. Please ponder the following questions and comment.
1. What is your knee jerk reaction to the name Lane Hogs?
2. Does the name Lane Hogs have no effect, positive effect, or negative effect when it comes to assisting our club assisting with bicycle advocacy in the State of South Dakota?
3. If you held the ultimate decision, would you keep your longstanding (12 year) club name or would you look to move forward with a new name?
I appreciate any and all thoughts.
8 comments:
If you just want to be a club that is just about riding via club rides keep the name. If you want to be more of a voice for bicycling advocacy, change it. If you want people and other organizations to come to your club for advice, help, support change it. My blunt, 2 pennies :0
How about:
Lane Hogs = Road Bacon
I like that a lot!
Agree - I think it's a fun name and obviously represents 12 years of history for the club. However, if you are going to step more into the public spotlight with it then I think you're going to get at least somewhat of a poor reaction from non-bikers and people who don't really know who you are. I mean, I thought the name was fun/funny/catchy/empowering to cyclists when I first heard it, but I bike...
Too many people already think of cyclists as taking up the whole lane, making it unsafe for driving, not following road signs, etc, etc - I think the name might just spur that on. The less people know about you, the more they are going to look at things like the name "Lane Hogs" to judge.
On the flip side, I really like the name and if you aren't going to go full boar into the advocacy thing I think you should keep it.
That's just my limited view!!
Tough call... good luck!!
I think you already know the answer, grasshopper.
Okay....Please don't fry me for this.....But I have always thought "Lane Hogs" gave off kind of an arrogant and "I don't care what anyone else thinks" kind of attitude. That said I know you personally and I know that is not the intent. However - for those that don't know you, and for those that you are trying to impress upon that cyclists should be able to SHARE the road with motorists I think a name change would be in order.
It doesn't seem fair that something like a name should make such a big difference - but as you have heard before....you never get a second chance to make a first impression.....
Personally, I had a negative first reaction to the name, and I'm a biker. I can understand it for amusement purposes (after I think about it), but I don't know that others will be receptive to your advocacy with a name that can be so "in your face" upon the first impression. I also think Lane Hogs continues to perpetuate stereotypes non-biking drivers already have about us. People are generally sensitive to the idea that others may be "taking over" their space...
If you're hoping to get into bicycle advocacy, I'd change the name. If you're just wanting to have fun, keep the name. Just my thoughts!
What about Hane Logs or VAB (Vermillion Area Bicyclist) Now that has some sort of familiar ring ot it! haha!
I agree with CycleSD on this one.
I think it is all what you want to associate your bike club as.
I tread lightly but agree with ligeia. sorry.
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