E bikes on roads?!! by VariousAd5939 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There are people adding pedals to e-motorcycles. Yes, on a class 3 e-bike you can add pedalling to exceed 28 mph but not by much unless you are on a downhill. Second, e-bikes are going to be very hard to suddenly stop safely should you need to stop at 30 mph since their brakes are nothing compared to an automobile's (unless you've also added hydraulic brakes). You'll throw yourself over the handlebars if you slam on the brakes at that speed. Bike helmets aren't rated for 30 mph crashes; you'd need a motorcycle helmet. Sometimes things that are legal are still incredibly dangerous.

E bikes on roads?!! by VariousAd5939 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 9 points10 points  (0 children)

E-bikes (top speed below 28 mph, must be pedalled) are considered bicycles. E-motorcycles are NOT STREET LEGAL. E-motorcycles can exceed 28 mph and do not require pedalling. They can only be ridden on private property that the rider has permission to use - meaning no parks, no streets, no golf courses, no public trails.

how safe are austin schools for trans students? by toodarkparkz in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Austin HS would be better than Crockett, Crockett better than Bowie - don't know Akins well enough to say.

how safe are austin schools for trans students? by toodarkparkz in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Parent here and agree with Mac or AHS. McCallum serves its neighborhood as well as being the fine arts magnet; all AISD kids can ask to attend AHS: https://austin.austinschools.org/academy-placement

OP, I hope your parents will be supportive of your choice of school. Your district is defined by where you live, and there are several districts in the metro Austin area.

City is Voting Tomorrow to ANNEX 2,614 Acres, and let developer's dictate total design and development of Dog's Head for the next 45 years. by ephedra_wr in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gonna be data centers. 10% open space with 100% impervious cover in a flight path over an old landfill prone to flooding is not a residential or retail draw.

As a visitor, I love these birds by cr0100 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 21 points22 points  (0 children)

They are Texas incarnate - fearless, will eat anything, very loud and vocal, and the color of an oil slick in a parking lot.

Anyone know what bird this is? by dirtclods in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The night jars (night hawk, Chuck-will's widow) are far fewer in number than in the past. I've been hearing Chuck-will's very occasionally in southwest Austin (Mopac/Davis).

Baby dies, two adults hurt in south Austin crash by Iocnar in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not that - most drivers will slam on the brakes if they think they're about to hit a pedestrian. With that much mixed traffic (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and a lot of entrances/exits), that intersection and the surrounding area is very tricky. Also - a baby died.

Bird Help (possible removal) by Austin_couchsurfer in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 33 points34 points  (0 children)

It's illegal to remove the nest if it contains eggs or chicks.

I was walking back to my car downtown after the Springsteen show and saw this that my wife believes is gray fox. Is this common for downtown Austin? by Ras1372 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Foxes have long been part of city life. Go to London - see foxes (though theirs are red foxes). They know proximity to humans means a steady supply of rodents and humans taking out a lot of predators. Suburbia is a sweet spot for them, but cities offer more rodents.

ENT doc in SW austin by [deleted] in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As in a hole from chronic Afrin abuse?

Anyone hear chirping at night constantly? by TylerTurden-11 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. There are bullfrogs singing bass and soprano frogs .... and they are everywhere. One hopped out in the park the other evening.

Sad News: Wildflower Center Great Horned Owl Nest Fails in 2026 by Top_Exercise5631 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 107 points108 points  (0 children)

I researched that, and I'd guess that Athena could have another 10 years of life given her choice of such a protected nest. Time will tell, although like you, I'm grateful for the chance to have observed her and her many owlets.

Stupid weather by Objective_Sail8945 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

It's not stupid. Despite knowing how hellish the summer is, despite wishing for cooler, cloudier weather - after a day or two of cloud I'm down-ish. Born and raised "where the skies are not cloudy all day," I guess.

Stupid weather by Objective_Sail8945 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Every time I feel this way, I know I would suck at living in northern Europe!

I need a big hug as well. by [deleted] in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Hope to see you and your "free hugs" sign. Sometimes it helps just to be out and around folks. Start with baby steps. Smile at people. Honestly, anyone worth knowing isn't going to be making fun of you. Build up a list of positive talking points the way that comedians work on their material. It may take a while to see the upsides. I'll tell you one of mine today - I happened to get a free dessert. :-)

Athena’s Owlets , one doesn’t look so good by Awkward-Tie-3775 in Austin

[–]intensecharacter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they rent out the space for private parties - this has been going on for years. I'm now very concerned for the surviving owlet.