Reno Rambler

Bicycle Tripod

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

For every hundred "concept bikes" I run across there are probably 99 that are pretty useless and one worth investigating. This one probably slides into the useless category. Bike doubling as a tripod? Why not just get a camera mount for your handlebars?

That being said, I've been tempted recently to get one of those "Gopro" or whatever they are called, HD video cameras for outdoor adventure. Really, I'm just thinking I could use it more for getting some cool footage of the students when my school bike club hits the trails. The commercials for them are a little to "rad" for my tastes but it might be a useful accessory for the right application.

Sunday Morning Music - Eels

2012-01-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

A simple little ditty from the last Eels album.

Good Morning Sunshine

2012-01-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

I always enjoy the sunrises on my ride into work but I rarely actually stop. Yesterday I couldn't help myself and quickly snapped this with my phone. No justice here but you get the idea.

Bicycle Storage

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I think one of the reasons I find myself kind of obsessed with the various ways of storing bicycles that seem to be proliferating the scene is that they mostly cater to the idea of living in smaller, more urban spaces. And, they underscore the idea of the bicycle being right at hand as you head out the door of your apartment or home to run errands, head to work, etc.

With that in mind this is a pretty nifty design if you have a smaller space that you're living in that requires a more vertical storage solution. I particularly like the cubbies on the right side. But before you get out that credit card it is probably a good idea to go get some wood or ask that friend of yours who is a carpenter to help you build your own. Apparently this is supposed to run over $3000.

Disappearing Bicycle

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

This video has been making the rounds of a bicycle locked outside in NYC and watching it be cannibalized over the course of 365 days using time-lapse photography. Frankly, I'm surprised that the bicycle lasted as long as it did.

Sunday Morning Music

2012-01-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

Every so often I need to remind myself just how great Oingo Boingo were!

Bicycles Are Good For Business

2012-01-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

A great illustration that auto parking needs to be balanced with plenty of bicycle racks.

Here is a nice piece on the benefits of promoting cycling for businesses in Long Beach. There are some good testimonials from small business owners regarding the benefits of cycling infrastructure for local economic development. It shows what the commitment of a community can do, from the Major, but more importantly, the community members themselves, to make their towns and cities more bicycle friendly. This is something I hope Reno businesses and those involved with the economic development of Reno will bear in mind in the downtown and up and coming Midtown areas in particular.

Excerpt:

Perhaps most innovative has been the city's effort to establish bike-friendly shopping districts -- the first in the country, officials say -- engaging local merchants by showing them how, contrary to common belief, biking can actually bring more customers and vitality to shopping districts.

"The math is pretty simple," says April Economides, the principal of Green Octopus Consulting and the leader of the city's outreach to local businesses. "You can park 12 bikes in the amount of space it takes to park one car. And someone who shifts from owning a car to a bicycle tends to have more discretionary income, because, for a commuter, the typical cost of a bicycle is $300 a year, compared to $7,000 a year for a car."

Economides, a vivacious 36-year-old whose family owns one of the best-known restaurants in town, describes herself as a "social change agent" who leverages the power of small business. "At first, most merchants didn't think about bikes or even had a negative view of them," she says. "My job was to educate them about how biking can put more money in their pockets."

Scorched Earth Bike Ride

2012-01-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

I hadn't ridden along the Steamboat Ditch trail after the Caughlin Fire until yesterday (although I did walk the dogs a few times up there. Nice to get the 'cross bike out on a combined road/trail ride on the last day before winter kinda/sorta decided to arrive for the Truckee Meadows.

VELO LOVE

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Snow Bike of All Snow Bikes (if we actually had any snow)

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

I always thought the Surly Pugsley was the snow bike to end all discussions but this thing, designed to traverse Antarctica looks pretty unstoppable. Although I have to wonder if that little rear derailleur is going to make it. It sure looks flimsy compared to the rest of this beast. Full story here:

Excerpt:

Snowdrifts, blizzards, rutted ice, altitude sickness, frostbite and snow blindness. They're hardly the odd speed bump, tree root or wayward pedestrian a cyclist usually faces on a bike ride, but this isn't an average journey.

Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton is hoping to become the first person to use a bike to reach the South Pole. She is attempting to travel 500 miles (805km) across Antarctica and will cycle for large parts of it, as well as snowkiting and walking. She hopes to complete the trek for Sport Relief in 20 days.

At this time of year, the average temperature in Antarctica is -25C, but can drop to -50C. Severe coastal winds come from cold air flowing down off the interior ice sheet. Wind speeds can reach up to 125mph (201km/h) and average about 80mph.

The challenge

Trek starts at 83 degrees south
Will cover 500 miles (805km) to reach South Pole
Will be travelling for up to 14 hours a day
Will cover anything from eight to 40 miles (13 to 64km) a day
Will have to climb to altitudes of 3,000m (9,840ft)
Will burn up to 10,000 calories a day

In addition, she will be dragging 12.9st (82kg) of equipment and supplies behind her on a sledge.

It's no average ride and she is not using your average bike. The specially-built Hanebrink "ice bike" took designers in Los Angeles three months to finish. Dan Hanebrink and Kane Fortune have been building all-terrain hybrid bikes that can be used in all environments for many years.

Cycling Cuts Emissions...but What Else?

2012-01-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

This article from the Guardian about a study of carbon emissions caught my eye. Apparently if we all cycled as much as the Danish we would cut our transportation based emissions by as much as 25%. Important to note that it is not overall emissions, just from transportation. But still, it is nothing to sneeze at. The article later notes that the estimates might be underplaying the amount cut:

This figure is likely to be a significant underestimate as it deliberately excludes the environmental impact of building road infrastructure and parking, or maintaining and disposing of cars.

These kinds of studies are interesting in and of themselves but I prefer to think about the overall impact of cycling if we up the amount of miles on foot and by cycling over using motorized transport. It seems like the larger health and quality of life issues are far more important in the long term. I mean that if, as the study says, the average Dane cycles 600 miles a year, what are the far reaching effects that would have on the mental and physical health of Americans if they adopted cycling for an equivalent amount of transportation miles?

More:

It also points to the example of cities such as Seville in Spain, where the construction of segregated bike lanes and other policies saw cycling increase tenfold in just three years.
"It is possible," said Ferguson. "It just takes a bit of political will and a good dose of cultural change."

Cars Are Like Microwaves

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few months ago the microwave above the stove died. Or actually I should say that it became possessed. It would randomly beep...and if you looked at the screen you could see the numbers 6, 6, 6...being entered. I'm not kidding. Since I'm not particularly superstitious (or religious for that matter) my first concern wasn't that a kitchen appliance in my house had become possessed. What was it going to do to me, overcook my instant oatmeal? No, my real concern was that it would continue to wake me up in the middle of the night (I have to get up at 5 in the a.m. for Christ's sake!) or disturb me while watching Downton Abbey.

My attempts at exorcising this demon were to no avail. Apparently the power off/power on method doesn't work as well on microwaves as it does on PCs. No, the microwave would usually beep 6, 6, 6... more adamantly after being plugged back in. Occasionally it would just toy with me and act as if nothing had happened until I was comfortable back on the couch or in bed...then...6,6,6 me until I yanked the cord out of the wall and left it dangling like a hangman's noose behind the stove.

During the extended "down time" that my microwave enjoyed I started to notice something. I didn't really need the microwave all that much. I didn't really even miss it. Yes, there were a few extra pans to wash if I wanted to melt butter for popcorn. But then, I was making real popcorn instead of the kind that comes in a bag.

For that matter, I also noticed that the things that would normally go into the microwave, were not really things I should be putting in my body anyway. I could give you a laundry list of what those foodstuffs were but suffice it to say that they usually came with lots of packaging. The kind of so-called ingestible items whose flavors are "developed" in a lab somewhere to taste like cheese, tomato, noodle something or other and that usually have a cardboard box around them and contain any number of foil or plastic containers inside the box to keep said flavors nicely synthetic tasting until I am eligible for retirement some time in the 2020s if I'm lucky.

So it didn't take much of a leap after a few months of this to pull the microwave off its perch above the stove and put it out for the garbage collector. Instead of a new microwave on the shelf that my dad and I had installed years earlier there was now a nice spot for some of my favorite cookbooks, a nice bowl with fresh produce and my coffee maker.

Bear with me here but it seems like the use of and reliance on the microwave in our society is somewhat analogous to the generally accepted wisdom that one must always use a car to get around. This is a paradigm that is so infrequently challenged that we almost forget that it can be. More than that, the microwave/car parallels continue in that they both play to some of our worst character traits in modern society: convenience over enjoyment, speed over health, etc. All the while thinking that the quality of our lives have been truly improved by these modern conveniences. I'm less and less convinced that they have been as I get older and look at what continues to pass for advancements in quality of life these days.

2012-01-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

In honor of his 65th birthday (gasp).

Biketball?

2012-01-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

I was going to suggest that this trash can could double as some sort of basis for a bike/basketball game to replace the NBA since they couldn't get their acts together to avoid a shortened season. Then it occurred to me that nobody actually seemed to miss the NBA except the millionaires/billionaires that play/own the teams.

Pedal Savvy Fashion Show

2012-01-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

2011 Pedal Savvy Fashion Show from SF Bike Expo on Vimeo.

A pretty nicely produced video highlighting the fashion show at the recent San Francisco Bicycle Expo. If you know what I look like and pay attention you might see a glimpse or two of me taking photos in the front row.

I had a really good time at the SFBE but in hindsight and from watching this video I kind of wish the hip and lovely models used could have included a few people a bit older to demonstrate that bicycling for transportation is something that not just the young and fit can do. This was a fashion show, yes, but it was supposed to demonstrate functionality in cycling clothing as well. It's an easy trap to fall into. Here's a great example of just such an older person using the bicycle for every day riding.

I'm sure my reaction to the bike expo vid has been tempered a bit by watching too many Portlandia videos recently but if you had to choose between hanging out with Bill Cunningham or this guy, who would you choose?

The One Mile Bike

2012-01-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

Over the years I've used my bikes for everything from commuting, centuries and adventure riding, bike touring, trail riding, and errands. But in recent years I've seen a gradual decrease in my use of the bicycle for the errand running that I used to do. Considering that I live so close to downtown and a variety of other regular stops this is kind of a dumb and lazy on my part. Using a car for these trips is wasteful, expensive, and just plain unhealthy.

One of the best pieces of advice I've seen for people trying to lessen their use of the auto and move towards a healthier lifestyle is to take a map of where they live and draw a half, one, or two mile radius circle with their residence as the center. Anything that falls within the circle that is a destination (groceries, entertainment, coffee shop, bookstore, etc.) then becomes a primarily a place that you choose to walk or bike to rather than hop in the car. Especially since these short trips in a car are the least economical uses of a motorized vehicle and maybe very well not be any faster in an urban environment. I've certainly given this advice to others over the years but it seems I need to improve on this myself.

So with that in mind I'm going to add the increase of these short trips to my regular bike riding as a New Year's resolution. It's not like you need a special bike to do this but I happen to have a perfect choice for this short range type of riding. It's an old Bridgestone MB-3 I picked up a few years ago from the Reno Bike Project. Not a bike that I'd actually use for riding offroad but certainly solid mechanically and with no need for special pedal/shoe combinations. Add to that the semi-slick Specialized Armadillo tires and you've got a bike that is almost bullet proof and will require virtually no maintenance. For that matter, those tires are so stiff you could practically run them without air and they'd still be rideable. Another bonus is that it's a bike that I never have to really worry about keeping secure. A little cable is plenty if all I want is to grab a cup of coffee or run into the grocery store.

Bicycle Manga

2012-01-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I was asked by some students to be the faculty representative for a new club at my school for Anime, Manga, and Cosplay. I knew what anime and manga was but had never heard of cosplay so I had to do a little research to find out what that was all about. The artwork in this genre can be quite interesting and some of the graphic novels I've read in this style are certainly worthy literature. But it's hard not to be a bit creeped out by the some of the depictions of woman/child characters. I agreed to be the advisor for the group as much because if ever there is a time in a person's life where they need to have a connection with others it is in high school (I didn't have much of one until my senior year) and if ever a group of students needed some place to find a "home" it was the group of "island of misfit toys" that came to my room for that first meeting during lunch. I mean that in the kindest of possible ways because those "kids" were easily some of the most interesting people I encountered teaching high school.

Anyway, I happened across this artwork from a Japanese book via another bicycle site and I thought I'd pass it along. I've clipped a couple of the more interesting pieces of art but if you'd care to see more you can go to this link (with the caveat that it is marginally NSFW). The website notes:

“Bicycle Life with Kawaii Girls” is an excellent collection of gorgeous art work from some of the top manga artists and illustrators working in Japan right now as they pay tribute to the popular bike culture in the country.

Favorite Music of 2011

2012-01-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

Every year I look forward to reflecting on the best in music (and sometimes film) that I've encountered. In no way is this an exhaustive list and their are plenty of other lists out there that will tout the benefits of listening to Adele (I seem to be about the only person that thinks 21 was overrated). And I could have added a number of other obvious choices like Bon Iver or Wilco. But here are a few recordings from a stellar year in music. Quite an amazing range of my favorite artists put out worthy additions to their catalogs this year. And, it is worth noting, that I finally got to see one the single greatest artists of our times in concert. Leonard Cohen wrapped up his world tour with a couple of shows in Vegas and played a three hour set that I would have been happy to see go longer. So here is to 2011, may 2012 be as amazing musically in its own way.

In no particular order:

Charlatans at the Garden Gate - Tristen

If there was a better pop record released in 2011 I didn't hear it. Tristen, an Illinois native transplanted herself to Nashville, and spent the last few years writing and performing, performing and writing, until she came up with just the right concoction of hook-laden pop gems. The time and attention to detail paid off. From the opening track, Eager For Your Love, to the final song, Save Raina, Tristen demonstrates an uncanny ability to weave clever and memorable melodies throughout. It seems that when listening to her songs just when you think you're noticing one catchy melody she throws in yet another dazzling hook. All this could be too musically syrupy if not for her ability to write biting lyrics that cut to heart of the emotional intricacies of human relationships. Whether she is writing about the enabling girlfriend of a drug user boyfriend in Baby Drugs, or of keeping "her thin and hungry" in the aforementioned, Eager For Your Love. When critics review a debut record this strong there is an annoying tendency to be implicitly dismissive by calling an artist someone to "watch in the future." Tristen is certainly someone to watch. But in a year full of great albums, right here and right now, Tristen released one for the ages.

FOMO - Liam Finn

Neither as raw or exuberant as Finn's, I'll Be Lightening, Fomo still showcased some great songwriting. The production was lush and verged on Finn's elder statesman father's territory of hooky and subtle pop song writing. From the XTCish, Reckless, to the swoony guitars in Chase the Seasons, this was a great 2nd outing from Liam.

Let England Shake - PJ Harvey

Shake is on a lot of best of lists and for good reason. The two-time Mercury Prize winner put out one of her best collections in a career full of amazing records. Thematic, raw, riveting, are all words I would use to describe this album. It's one of those records that reveals itself over repeated listenings. I'm not sure Harvey has written anything as haunting as the beautiful, On Battleship Hill.

King of Limbs - Radiohead

Underestimate Radiohead at your own peril. The band keeps putting out unexpected collections taking a strange turn with each new work. The hypnotic, electronic, rhythms of Limbs were quite a surprise after In Rainbows. But again an album that could be dismissed if the band wasn't so formidable in the complexity of their songwriting. This is a band that is so far removed from The Bends at this point that I'm at a loss when I hear people complain about the lack of guitars and anthems on their records. They, and we, are far better for having followed them as they evolve. Bonus points for their wonderful stopover on the Colbert Report.

Move Like This - The Cars

The Cars will never get their critical due but this collection is as fine an example of pop new wave songs as you are likely to hear. Ocasek and company are masters and maybe few people missed them being on the music scene but I for one felt like they make songwriting look easy.

All You Need Is Now - Duran Duran

I know, I know, this is looking like a list of 80s throwbacks but DD returned with a near great record that made folks who remember how fun they were realize what a void in pop for this splashy new wave sound. Don't expect Simon Lebon's lyrics to be any better but do expect the album to confirm suspicions that John Taylor really is one of the most interesting bassists out there and Nick Rhodes still has a knack for swirling, atmospheric synth sounds.

Hot Sauce Committee Part Two - Beastie Boys

At some point this last year it occurred to me that out of all of the concerts I've been to I've never seen anybody as much as the Beasties (3 Times!). It's almost inadvertent since I caught them at a couple of festivals along the way but I still consider the crowd reaction to their performance of Sabotage to be one of the most incredible concert experiences I've ever had. Who would have known that after seeing them on the License to Ill tour that three decades later they would be putting out such great, fun, and important albums. Sidenote: is Elijah Wood the coolest actor working today or what?

Bad As Me - Tom Waits

Another solid collection from Mr. Waits that leaves most other artists in the dust. Yet the album feels somehow a lesser work than Real Gone, his last masterpiece, and certainly not as great as Bone Machine. But one can hardly complain. It is still better than 99% of what other artists are putting out. I guess that makes Waits one of the 1%. His songs however, capture the assorted tales of the least in our society better than anybody.

Pajama Club - Pajama Club

Unlike most people who think of Neil Finn as "that guy from Crowded House," I look at him as one of the great songwriters of the past 30+ years who has had various side projects along the way from Split Enz, CH (mark 1 and 2), to the new Pajama Club album. His solo record, Try Whistling This, is still one of the best crafted pop albums of the last 15 years. Where does Pajama Club fall in his body of work? Certainly it's an amusing detour but I hesitate to call it a trifle simply because he definitely pushed himself out of his comfort zone. That it isn't as riveting as some of his more notable records doesn't discount the merit of him trying something new.

50 Words For Snow - Kate Bush

I'm waiting to play this song cycle from Kate when it actually is snowing outside. Judging from the extended forecast I may be waiting awhile. 50 Words is one of the most gripping things she has done in years. Is it up par with any of her first five albums? Probably not. But it's a welcome addition to her canon and it proved that she still is an artist worth paying attention to.

Collapse Into Now - REM

2011 marked the end of an era for many people of my age with the disbanding of REM. I'll always remember driving around listening to Reckoning in high school and being dismayed that New Adventures in HiFi never seemed to get the credit it deserved as one of the best albums in an impressive career of classics. Collapse is a worthy way to end their run and showcases the range of songwriting they could achieve when they put their minds to it. They went out on their own terms with a quality record and not many of the great bands can say that.

Zonoscope - Cut Copy

This is a late addition to my list. Sounding somewhere between OMD, Thompson Twins, and New Order (I realize this will likely not sell you on the record) it is a great, playful album that elevates itself beyond just an 80s homage. I can't seem to stop playing this and every time I pick up something interesting that I hadn't noticed before.

Red Rock Riding

2011-12-30T08:36:00.001-08:00

I didn't put in as many miles as I generally do on my trips to southern Utah over Christmas but I certainly enjoyed every mile I did put in. With views like these how could I not?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Blue Sky Ride

2011-12-27T18:02:00.001-08:00

A little ride today through the red rock.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Bicycle Designs of the Future?

2011-12-25T22:10:00.001-08:00

I'm not quite sure what to make of these designs. At first glance they seem quite eye-catching but whether they are a functional improvement is debatable. They look more like props from a scifi movie. More here.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Can Reindeer Ride Bikes?

2011-12-24T05:42:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

R.I.P. Mr. Hitchens!

2011-12-23T05:38:00.000-08:00

No matter whether I disagreed or agreed with the man there is no doubt that he was one of the best writers of our time. I'd always heard of his hard livin' ways but never seen anything about him riding bikes until now.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Infrastructure Funding Video

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know how "cool" this is really but it comes by way of Ventura and they are asking an important question about the percentage of funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure vs. other modes of transport. Implicitly they seem to be taking a bit of a cue from the "Occupy" movement, in a sense asking, "what about the rest of us?".

More here.

The New Urban Vision?

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Salon has been running a series of stories about the new urbanism that is growing in our country and around the world and asking questions about the future of our cities. This piece is particularly relevant to Reno in that it is asking if it isn't better for everybody to slow down in the interior, or cores, of our urban centers, to create a safer and more pleasant environment for all users. It seems this is a primary argument for the "complete streets" philosophy which asks all users to take a deep breath and slow down a bit. On the bicycling side of this issue with the growing number of bike lanes and the hesitation that some cyclists have to them, it is important to remember that in this new model even more experienced (read Faster) bicyclists need to slow down a little in order to maintain safety. To be more specific, cyclists shouldn't be traveling on California street at too fast of a clip to be able to survey the parked cars, pedestrians, and motorists, that are also using the space. By slowing down it gives all users more ability to react accordingly to the multiple users of the urban space.

What Ever Happened To Putting Cards In Your Spokes?

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

You have to keep a close eye on the "animation" but this is pretty cool. You can still purchase these apparently over at etsy.

Brooks Bicycle Saddles

2011-12-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

I love the aesthetics and history of the Brooks saddles. But only recently have I felt compelled to give them another try after bruising the posterior on the wood like hardness of these elegant stretched saddles. Turns out my bad history with these was more about poor fit on the bike than there being anything wrong with my saddle. My new saddle sits proudly on my Rivendell and is working out just fine.

Anyway, I'd not seen this nicely produced promotional video but it's well worth the viewing for the historical footage alone.

Bicycle Baggage

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

There are all sorts of ways to carry stuff on a bike. For fully loaded touring the front or rear rack is the obvious choice. Trailers have certainly gained in popularity over the years as well. If you are carrying a load, whether across the country, or from the grocery store, those are two great options.

For day to day commute riding I prefer a good backpack for its balance and stability. I've had multiple messenger style bags, the only one of which that I felt was super well-made and had the aforementioned balance and stability, is the pacdesign bags. Pricey but worth every penny.

One of the reasons that I prefer carrying stuff on my back is purely an aesthetic one. To my eye bicycles look best when the "accessories" are pared down. I mostly find that racks and fenders clutter up the natural austerity and elegance of the bicycle unless they are actively being used. I realize this flies in the face of the current utilitarian bike chic and the randonneuring craze a la Bicycle Quarterly. I appreciate that style and the workmanship in bicycles but unless you are almost always carrying a big load and riding through poor weather conditions I find it to be overkill. Granted in Reno I have the luxury of not needing fenders for 96% of the year.

I was thinking about this when answering a question on the boblist about recommendations for bicycling specific backpacks. It occurred to me that perhaps the gear I use everyday and take most for granted is my Vaude backpack.

I don't have the latest incarnation of the Vaude bag but it is amazing! So many features, that are smart, and well-made. I've owned two and the only reason I bought a second was because the first was stolen when my house was broken into. The second one is 5-6 years old with no signs of giving out. And the price is amazing for what you get. Be sure to watch the video to get a better picture of the airflow and fit features!

Frankly, I'm shocked these aren't more popular with cyclists.

I Think Therefore I Shift - Part II

2011-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

I already posted some time ago about this project to create a bicycle that you could shift gears by just "thinking" about it. But this is a more thorough follow up on the project so I thought I'd pass it along. To be honest I'm not sure how one shifts without thinking since my brain is continually telling my hands shift gears as I navigate different terrain. I guess I just didn't realize how much effort and calories I was wasting by moving my finger until the little lever clicks.

More here:

With minimal training -- and perhaps a little sweet talking? -- a cyclist can shift the gears on the bike with just a thought. One type of brain wave instructs the bike to shift downward, while another type causes it to shift upward. It definitely takes some practice, so until your mental powers are refined, prepare to be tossed over the handlebars, steered into a giant pile of leaves or flung into the side of a parked car.

State Bicycle Survey!

2011-12-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Only a couple of days to complete this survey for NDOT. Deadline is December 6th.

There is also a PDF Version here with more info.

Sunday Morning Music - Velvet Goldmine

2011-12-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

I hadn't watched this film in a long time but what an odd and fun movie it is!

Bicycle Vending Machines?

2011-12-01T05:48:00.001-08:00

You have to watch most of this video to get to the Bicycle Vending Machine part. I keep imagining little elves inside using their magic to create a two-wheeler on demand. I'm not quite sure what to think of a culture that feels they need everything "on the go" so to speak.

The Transformation of Our Cities

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is the first article in a series from Salon and a good look at the future of urban design and a glimpse as to the ideas forging the work being done in Reno to develop a "complete streets" infrastructure. I eagerly await the follow up articles.

Excerpt:

Do the streets really belong to cars, or to bikes, streetcars and sidewalk cafes? Should we forget about manufacturing and focus on knowledge- and service-based economies? What can we do with the unused spaces — the empty lots, the abandoned islands — to create the cities of our dreams?

Those questions led directly to the bicycle boulevards, streetcars and revitalized waterfronts that have turned the urban renaissance into a self-perpetuating machine. The more innovative cities became, the more talented people wanted to live in them. The more talented people arrived, the more innovation they generated.

A Bicyclists Best Friend

2011-11-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

When I first watched this I was a bit worried about the dog. As a dog lover it's hard to see a canine put in harms way. But I'm going to hope that the owner (and the dog) know exactly what they are doing here. It's a gorgeous video of a rider sharing some trail time with man's best friend. No doubt "Lily" is one happy pooch!

Bicycle Balance!

2011-11-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

So many cyclists probably take the ability to balance for granted. Those first few minutes or hours of learning to ride a bicycle seem a distant memory. But when you think about it it truly is amazing the biomechanical act of maintaining balance. It's much more complicated than we often think. Shifts of weight in the hips, back, shoulders, all the while pedaling and maintaining steering and hand/eye coordination. Not to mention handling rough road surfaces. Speaking of which, I wonder how this bicycle riding robot would handle a less than smooth, flat course?

Fixie Frolicking

2011-11-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

Still one of the better videos of this type. Nice cinematography!

San Francisco Bike Expo - Something For Everyone

2011-11-13T18:35:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I attended the San Francisco Bike Expo for the first time. Held in the Cow Palace (pretty much what it sounds like) the event included a swap meet, trade show, trials and BMX demonstrations, and a fashion show. Luckily I wasn't on the hunt for a good deal at the swap meet because there were some nice frames and parts on the block. But the real highlights were the on display in the trade show with the fashion show being particularly fun. Here are few of the best things I saw from the event.

Renovo Hardwood Bicycles

Certainly one of the most striking looking bicycles had to be the Renovo Wood Bicycles. They make lots of claims about the superior qualities of wood on their website and after hearing about the merits of other organic bicycle frames such as bamboo over the last few years I'd love a chance to put a bike like this through its paces. The aesthetic alone is a show stopper.

Maya Cycle

Quite possibly the most interesting and practical item I found at the Expo was the Maya Cycle Cargo Carrier. There are a number of cargo/trailer options out there on the market but what makes the Maya stand out is how smartly designed it is to convert into "wheelbarrow" styled carrier once you've reached your destination. It looks like the perfect thing for urban shopping trips although I see from their site that they tout them as well for bicycle touring. I may need to see about ordering one of these for my urban errand bike. Too bad I didn't realize they had a nice price break on the ones at the trade show.

Other interesting products were the Rawland Cycles and the Virtue Bicycles on display. I'd been admiring the Rawland product line from afar for some time so it was nice to see them in person. Nice quality. Virtue Cycles out of San Diego also had a nice product line for the cyclist looking for something affordable but unique classic looking enough to stand out on the road.

Lights and visibility also seemed to be a theme at the show as you see from this video for MonkeyLectric.

A major emphasis at the San Francisco Bike Expo is giving fashion designers catering to the bicyclist a chance to show off their lines. With that, the Expo had a fun and appropriately playful fashion show. Pedal Savvy did a good job presenting some fun, (mostly) practical, cycling fashions. I'm not going to list all of the designers because the Pedal Savvy site does a good job with that. I've poked a little fun in the past about some of the "hipster" styled clothing making its way into the mainstream but I won't quibble with people wanting to avoid looking like a racer wannabe on a bike. Below are some video clips and photos from the fashion show.

And finally, a little outdoor action at the expo.

Who Rides a Bike?

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Olivia Hussey from the Romeo and Juliet shoot.

Been awhile since I visited RidesaBike but it's always fun to check up on some of the photos of celebs pictured on bicycles.

Agnes Moorehead of Sorry, Wrong Number fame. A radio drama I just listened to with my students.

The epitome of cool, Humphrey Bogart! I wonder if he knows how unsafe it is to talk on the phone while riding?

Don't Think Talking On Your Cell While Driving is Unsafe? Think Again!

2011-11-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

My dad was in Europe with his Blackberry when the problems with their cell phones was going on. I didn't really think about the potential benefit that this might have on the safety on the roads until I saw this article from Abu Dhabi:

Excerpt:

A dramatic fall in traffic accidents this week has been directly linked to the three-day disruption in BlackBerry services.
In Dubai, traffic accidents fell 20 per cent from average rates on the days BlackBerry users were unable to use its messaging service. In Abu Dhabi, the number of accidents this week fell 40 per cent and there were no fatal accidents....
"Absolutely nothing has happened in the past week in terms of killings on the road and we're really glad about that," Brig Gen Al Harethi said. "People are slowly starting to realise the dangers of using their phone while driving. The roads became much safer when BlackBerry stopped working."

Save Your Ass...and Not Much Else

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of fenders and living in Reno I don't have to be. They have their place of course and I've certainly used them. But this "ass-saving" device seems like a complete waste of plastic if the roads were actually wet.

Bicycle Lane Push Back and a Mini Manifesto!

2011-11-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Years ago when I first started using a bicycle as transportation I was pretty much of a mind that bicycling infrastructure already existed throughout our urban landscape. That infrastructure was called streets and they could be travelled on by both cars and bicycles legally to get you pretty much wherever you wanted to go. This is essentially the philosophy of John Forester's manifesto, Effective Cycling, which I read years ago.

To be sure this is an important part of any consideration of the rights of cyclists to use the transportation system. Bicycles are vehicles and have the right to be on the roads whether they have a striped bike lane or not. Of course, they also have the responsibility to use the roads legally, just like motorists are supposed to.

At the time I was less inclined to think there was much need for bicycle lanes as long as I could find a safe street to navigate the urban landscape. My attitude began to change a handful of years ago when I became a little more aware of the history of bicycle specific infrastructure as it developed in some of the great bicycling cities of Europe. To give an abridged history, cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and others, had city officials, bicycle advocates, urban designers, and politicians, who realized in the 60s and 70s that the model of urban growth they had been embracing in their urban centers was moving towards a car-centric model leaving little space for other users, both pedestrians and cyclists. Ultimately, this becomes not just a transportation issue, but a quality of life issue. Auto noise, congestion, and emissions, make for a pretty unpleasant experience whether you are driving, biking, or walking in an environment like this.

The planners in those and other cities in Europe made a decision to alter the underlying philosophy behind those early years of city growth and that a better model would be more in keeping with a "complete streets" approach. This philosophy tries to balance the needs of all users, not just motorists and is catching on not only because it creates a more pleasant place to walk, bicycle, and drive. It also is consistently being shown to be safer. Simply put, people go slower, are more aware of everyone else using the space, and there are typically fewer accidents and fatalities.

What we are really talking about here is a greater observance of the rules of the road and a ratcheting down of the "me first" mentality of many users. Essentially use of the urban space requires and acknowledgement of the social contract we all must observe. This has also been the philosophy of the Reno Transportation Committees Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the RTC itself and has been embraced by many in the law enforcement community as well (not just in Reno).

At times there is push back. Recently the mayor of Toronto has been actively removing lanes and calling an end to the "war on cars" that he feels has been going in what has often been called a great city for cycling. Closer to home plans to connect bicycle lanes heading north/south along a part of Plumas street were halted because of complaints by one particular landowner along that stretch of road.

On a personal level, I have a friend who bicycles and continually rails against the stretches of bicycle lanes along California Avenue in the downtown area citing them as being unsafe. Anecdotally, I ride the same stretch regularly and have never had an issue because I slow down and observe the rules of the road. I'd even go so far as to say in "problematic" areas such as zones where a motorist might be looking to turn right across the bike lane, I acknowledge that possibility and take extra care to be safe. It is my responsibility to do so.

To be sure, bicycle lanes can be problematic in places. Notably as they approach intersections. Various solutions have been implemented around the world to address these areas of potential conflict. But these areas of conflict are true for pedestrians as well and the best solution to make the streets safe is to encourage all users to be aware of the space around them. And it's not as if bike lanes belong on every stretch of road.

However, they do belong in my opinion and here is why. The bottom line for me is that the health of a bicycle community can be measured in the diversity of bicyclists on the roads. If you want to see a bicycling population that is as likely to have grandmas, families and kids on the roads as it is the younger, fit, (stereotypically) bike geek and recreation cyclist culture that already rides, you have to create infrastructure that makes those first groups feel comfortable and safe on the road. For me John Forester's vision of bicycling infrastructure falls flat because in ten, twenty, or thirty years you're going to be looking at the same limited groups of cyclists on the road as you usually see today. Not the diversity of riders you are likely to see on the streets of Amsterdam.

What I'm really talking about here is building a critical mass of cyclists using our roads regularly. Not "critical mass" in the sense of one Friday a month rides that happen around the country but a truly organic building of a cycling community that is as diverse as the overall population of this country and beyond. A "Complete Streets" model of urban design is one significant step in a long-term model that will hopefully build a cycling culture over the next few decades that rivals and surpasses the great cycling cities of Europe. That's my hope anyway as I look at going back to graduate school in urban design.

Sunday Morning Music - Kate Bush

2011-11-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

With the impending release of a new Kate Bush album I thought I'd go back to one of her best albums, The Hounds of Love. For those in the know, Kate is one of those artists that you have to take notice of when she releases music. Even if her most recent work hasn't quite reached the heights that some of her earlier albums have. She is an Artist with a capital A!

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

2011-11-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm probably jinxing myself by saying this but I've never had a bike stolen. I've regretted getting rid of a few over the years but that is a whole different thing. Yet this little video certainly captures the loss that one can feel for an object that can perhaps become greater than the sum of its parts and an extension of who you are. As one of my favorite Grant Peterson quotes puts it:

[A bicycle is] more like a violin or a fly rod-you work with it, it responds to every move you make, even letting you know when you're doing something klutzy . And like any fine instrument, it inspires great performances and makes even your worst performances (or your most dreary rides) more bearable because it's there beneath you, looking beautiful.

Sexy Cycling!

2011-10-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

This may be the only way to make bike trainers bearable...maybe. Still, a very clever ad.

Me, Cyclocross, Dirt!

2011-10-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

I don't often put photos of myself on this blog but this one isn't bad. Taken on the mountain bike club ride for my school by one of the parents. Obviously this is not my mountain bike but after this ride it made me wonder how much I needed a full-suspension bike. Of course, the route here is a whole different thing than coming down Peavine or Cow Canyon. Still, it reminded me of how much fun a nimble, light, nicely designed 'cross bike can be. I've felt like I was in love all over again after riding that day.

Tom Waits - Hell Broke Luce

2011-10-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but think of this movie when I heard the new song from Tom. And somebody already built a fan video for the song!

The Dandies are Coming!

2011-10-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not sold on the outfits but I'd like to build a Dandy Horse. Really, they are pretty cool! I'd probably opt for some pneumatic tires though. The design is ready for a 2011 upgrade.

Traffic Ballet!

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

The more interested and educated I become about transportation infrastructure the more I am aware of what an interesting relationship that exists between all users and the social contract that needs to exist between all of us. Unfortunately, the "engineering" that has gone on in this country in regards to bicyclists rarely takes into account the physics of riding a bicycle. Hmmmm...I could wax poetic about transportation/bicycling infrastructure and the philosophies behind them all day. That interest is likely to lead me to a fourth career at some point in the future.

Sunday Morning Music - Radiohead

2011-10-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Wireless Bicycle Brakes...Not a Good Idea!

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing a lot of press about these wireless bicycle brakes of late and I'm here to tell you...NOT A GOOD IDEA! Granted I'm basing this solely on my experience with my wireless bicycle computer and its tendency to tell me I'm going 80 mph when I'm on a certain section of my rides heading south of Reno. I'm assuming this is due to being near a cell tower or catching some interference from some electric lines. But if my speedometer can be mucked imagine if the same thing happened to your wireless brakes? Of course, the positive side to my computer foul up is that when I get home my average speed looks awesome. I don't think losing the ability to brake would be quite so awesome.

Yet Another Bike Blog

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Another recommended bicycling oriented blog. Real people on real bikes using bikes for real transportation. Love it!

Biking in the Dark

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

As the days have grown shorter and my morning commutes have gotten darker I've been mulling more and more the idea of getting something like this (glogloves) to supplement my array of lights and reflective gear. They come highly recommended by another cyclist and it seems like a good way to help with signaling my turns to oncoming vehicles.

Bicycle Powered Band

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've heard of bands inspired by bicycles so much that they named themselves or wrote songs about two-wheeled power. I've seen bands that toured by bicycle. But this is the first time I've heard of a band that relies on the power of the pedal to play their shows.

Owwwww!

2011-10-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Of course this is being turned into an argument to wear a helmet. Not a bad thing but a far better piece of advice might be to watch out for antelope when you are riding offroad.

Giant Bicycles Response to GM Ad

2011-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

See previous post for the back story....

General Motors Stupidity

2011-10-13T06:05:00.001-07:00

This story has been making the rounds about the advertisement from General Motors being offensive to bicyclists. Yeah, the general message is off putting because of the obvious disdain for cycling as a mode of transport. But frankly, I'm far more offended by the stupidity of a company that is essentially insulting a whole swath of the college student population. Have they been to a campus lately and seen how many students ride for transportation? Way more than the general population. Never mind that the ad design itself looks like it was transported from 1962.

Another Bike Blog!

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a nifty blog that was recommended to me. Nice artwork, a bit of wit, and (of course) bicycle centric! What's not to love!?

Bicycles Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering what role the bicycle might be playing in the Occupy Wall Street protests and sure enough Grist has a nice article about "Marching on Two Wheels." There's lots of reflection on what the protests "mean" in the media and the corridors of political power and plenty of hand-wringing by righties hoping the protests don't gain any more momentum. There's nothing simple about the feelings and circumstances that have led people out onto the streets which is what makes it so interesting and an authentic expression of outrage. But if you had to point to one person to correctly summarize the problem how about a Nobel Laureate?

Excerpt from Grist:

The environmental group Times Up! -- best known for its longstanding support of New York City's embattled Critical Mass -- has been using bicycle-mounted video cameras to document Occupy Wall Street, and they haul supplies in and out of the protestors' encampment by making use of a bike's capacity to carry heavy loads quickly through spaces too choked with people -- or barricades -- to drive. Logistical support for the encampment is "easier to do on a bicycle," one organizer told the Village Voice.
Many of these protesters are rediscovering that bicycles are effective tools not just for logistical support, but also for taking over large public spaces. This is particularly true in leaderless demonstrations such as Critical Mass and Occupy Wall Street, where participants are encouraged to bring their own diverse motivations to bear, whether out of protest, celebration, curiosity, or specific issues and demands.
For starters, as any urban cyclist knows, on dense, congested city streets, you're much quicker and more maneuverable on a bicycle than you are when confined to walking or a lumbering automobile. This is one reason bikes have historically played a role in military and police operations. (Keep an eye on the Swiss -- they've obviously got something up their sleeves.)

And because I'm firmly of the belief that a revolution must include not only bicycling, but dancing, check out the video below.

Sunday Morning Music - John Lennon

2011-10-09T07:52:00.001-07:00

"A Bicycle for Our Minds" - Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

There are far more eloquent people eulogizing Mr. Jobs today. Certainly many with a far greater knowledge than myself of his contributions to the world. But this video was posted on the iBob list and I thought it so perfectly captured the man that I have read about over the years and dovetails so nicely with the subject matter of this blog, that I had to post it. Enjoy! R.I.P. Steve Jobs.

File this under dumb bicycle gear ideas...

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now I could be wrong but this seems like one of the more odd ideas to come along in quite some time. I like being able to safely transport electronic gadgets on bikes, particularly when the gear is catering to the needs of commuters. But what do you make of such and exposed mount to carry the Samsung Galaxy? More info here:

It hangs underneath the main crossbar and aligns itself with the frame of the bicycle, which means that your legs should not be able to come into contact with it, accidentally knocking it off during your ride. Granted that this could be an interesting way of carrying your Galaxy Tab 10.1 around with you, according to 14 Bike Co, it can be used with a variety of Android apps to record mileage, plan your routes, download repair instructions and etc.If you’re an avid cyclist who owns a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and this sounds like it could be something you’d be interested in, the bike is unfortunately a concept at the moment, but it seems that if you contact them directly, they will build one for you, which is not surprising considering that their trade is in custom-built bicycles.

This design seems much more practical and useful.

No Handed Bike Moves...the Possibilities are Endless!

2011-10-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

"Golden Tree" by Martin Brooks from Ninian Doff on Vimeo.

Velo Fashion

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm generally a little suspicious of bicycles being used as fashion accessories but there's no doubt that the more bicycles are part of the popular culture dynamic the better it is for those that actually do ride. Pop culture being the crucible in which the values of a society are crystalized. This event looks like it would have been a great time. Someday I'd like to attend a big time runway show during fashion week. Here's another interesting site to check out.

Sunday Morning Music - Stipe/Coldplay

2011-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

So gorgeous...whatever you might think of Coldplay or Stipe.

Graffiti Cleverness!

2011-09-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

Apparently a graffiti artist is spraying this around New York City on sidewalks.

October 1st Bicycle Parade!

2011-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've mentioned the upcoming parade to celebrate bicycle awareness and a couple of laws that were passed this legislative session to protect cyclists. I'll let the Nevada Bicycle Coalition description of the event speak for itself but I hope to see a big group of cyclists down at city hall:

The Nitty Gritty Details:

Start / End – Reno City Hall Plaza, 1st Street and South Virginia Street, RenoRoute – we’ll ride mostly on 4th Street and Prater Way to Sparks City Hall at a leisurely pace and return mostly on Victorian Avenue and the Truckee River Bike Path: 8 miles total.When – Assemble in the Plaza from 9:30 to 10:30 and get a chance to thank the bicyclist friendly politicians who made these new laws possible. Teresa Benitez-Thompson, author of the law that increased penalties for injuring a bicyclist, plans to ride with us.

Bicycles Kill Fascism

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about this t-shirt design (recommended for purchase by an old college friend) is that I can make a case for every one of the claims listed here.

Sunday Morning Music - Velvet Underground/Bill Cunningham

2011-09-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Watching Bill Cunningham New York last night and couldn't help but be both inspired by his singular mission in life to document fashion design, and depressed by his this singular vision of life. I've often said that we seem to live in an era where everyone knows a little about a lot of different things but few have true depth of knowledge. It is quite the opposite for Bill Cunningham who knows so much about fashion that it is dizzying but it has been to the exclusion of almost everything else in life. But I suppose that was his choice to make. Love his bike.

Below is the trailer for the documentary and the perfectly chosen, I'll Be Your Mirror.

Bicycle Cockpit

2011-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is what (one of) my commute bicycle cockpits ends up looking like come fall. A bit busy but the bell, computer and light are all very nice to have on those early morning rides in particular.

Bicycle vs. Car Efficiency...

2011-09-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

His argument kind of falls apart when you get into any sort of further analysis of the costs of driving cars but it's still a fun read....

Is a Bicycle Really More Efficient Than a Car?

By Ronnie Schreiber on September 13, 2011

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood wants to get people out of their cars and start riding bikes and walking to work. Unlike LaHood, I’ve actually done 18 mile commutes on a bike, five days a week, seven months out of the year, and when I worked only 3.5 miles from home on nice days I’d sometimes walk.
Once, while doing intervals on my way to work and with my heart close to terminal rate and breathing pretty hard, contrarian that I am I wondered just how much CO2 a person puts out on a bicycle and how it compares to a car with an ICE. It turns out that it’s a non-trivial amount and it’s possible that with enough passengers a car-pool or bus filled with commuters has a smaller carbon footprint than the same amount of people riding bicycles to work.
Some said that I need to be a more focused and a more disciplined writer, that I must be more ruthless when excising or editing extra, redundant, superfluous, unnecessary, and/or gratuitous words. So I’m not here to talk about CO2, though I am here to talk about bicycles. Another of those funny thoughts occurred to me while out on the *Litespeed this morning : Are bicycles really more efficient than cars?
Bicycles are one of humans’ greatest inventions. The frame geometry of the modern “safety” bicycle (perhaps when compared to the old penny farthing high wheelers – bicycling still injures more children than any other recreational activity) hasn’t changed in 130 years. Though there have been innovations in the design of sprockets and chains, the basic drive layout, with a large front chainring driving a chain connected to a smaller sprocket on the rear hub, also hasn’t changed in over a century. Tests show that a bicycle can be up to 98.1% efficient in terms of converting energy at the pedals into forward motion.

The notion that bicycles are the most efficient form of human transportation has become a watchword among environmentalists and alternative transportation supporters. Cycling is said to be more energy efficient even than walking.
It’s true that on a kcal or btu per mile basis, a bike wins hands down over a car. A typical car with one passenger uses 50-80 times more energy to travel the same distance as an average person on a bicycle.
Energy, though, isn’t the only measure of efficiency.
What about cost?
A twenty mile round trip in a car that gets 30 MPG costs $2.00 when gasoline is $3.00/gal. According to Bicycling magazine, a 180 lb man going 12 mph burns 37.50 kcal/mile. That rises to 55.16 kcal at 19 mph. Everyone has their own comfortable speed, but let’s take 15 mph as a decent commuting speed. At that speed, a 180 pound man uses 42.13 kcal per mile. For a 20 mile commute, that’s 842.6 kcals. So how much does it cost to buy about 850 calories to fuel your body?
For the purposes of this comparison, I’ve decided to use what I call the BMI. No, not Body Mass Index, but rather the Big Mac Index. If there’s anything close to standard fare in the world, it’s a McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich. I see 540 kcals quoted as the caloric content of one standard American Big Mac (in Australia, they’re smaller). There are regional variations in price but in general, in the United States a Big Mac costs between $3.29 and $4.10. Big Macs aren’t kosher and I don’t know which part of the spectrum is most common so I’ll just take an average, $3.69.
Eight hundred forty-two point six kilocalories works out to 1.56 Big Macs. At three dollars and sixty-nine cents per, that bike rides going to cost you $5.75.
So in terms of fuel cost, it can be almost three times as expensive to ride a bike as it is to drive a car. There are cheaper bicycle fuels than Big Macs. Before Red Bull, cyclists refueled in the middle of rides with Coke. A twenty ounce Coke is 240 kcals. Those are ninety-nine cents at the corner 7-11. Fueling up with Coca Cola will still cost you three and a half bucks, 75% more than gasoline for the same commute. I suppose you could just eat refined sugar, at the world spot sugar price in September, that would only cost you about six and a half cents, but not many people are going to eat a 1/4 lb. of sugar in one seating.
So bicycles can be much less efficient in terms of fuel cost than cars. Bikes are great. Provided that nobody runs you down, they’re great fun to ride terrific exercise and can be, in some cases, a practical alternative to driving, but in terms of fuel cost, they may not save you any money.
*My bike is made of titanium and magnesium, is your car?

Wednesday Night Pick Me Up - Bright Eyes

2011-09-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Since the show is next Monday...

Premium Rush Or Quicksilver 2? - Bicycling Messengers Hit the Big Screen

2011-09-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

I saw something about this movie a few months back when it was filming and thought, uh oh! Another attempt to capture the urban bicycle messenger scene albeit with a murder mystery plot. It actually is a strikingly similar idea to a mystery novel I read several years ago that wasn't very good but had a messenger protagonist who got caught up in murder. We'll see how this one does...at the very least it has decent production values and a good cast. Some nifty bicycle riding in the trailer here with a few CGI shots to enhance the experience.

Bicycle Perch

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Easily one of the nicer designs of this type of bicycle "holder" out there. If you're tired of the large rubber coated screw drilled into a wall look (my basement has for of those) this might be just the ticket. I particularly like that it has a useful spot to put other bicycle gear. More here...

Sunday Morning Music - Talk Talk

2011-09-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

I know I must have posted this before but I woke up with it in my head. Probably because I was downtown last night and the Cal Neva was doing some sort of 80s night thing. This is one of the best songs from that decade.

A World-Wide Bicycle Sharing Movement!

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all of the news about how China is forsaking its historical embrace of the bicycle as a primary means of transportation, here's news that they actually have the largest bike share program in the world (50,000 bikes and over 2000 bike stations!). The rest of the article details many of the other bike share success stories from around the globe.

Bicycle Funding Under Attack!

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

On the heels of these recent articles and studies on the benefits of bicycling for our economy comes news that certain members of congress are refusing to fund transportation infrastructure for bicycling. I understand the fiscal conservatism at work here given our current global economic crisis. But it truly is so short-sighted to not look more deeply at the far reaching positives to increased cycling for our society.

It reminds me of a student I had a few years ago when I was teaching college English who believed that any funding for the arts by the federal government was a waste when people were going hungry. There is a certain logic to this on the face of it. But it ignores the far-reaching long-term impact of arts funding on the very core things that the arts teach us as humans. I pointed out to this student that statistically speaking people who studied art no matter what genre were more likely to donate their time and money to charity later in life. So while there is a direct logic to what she was saying it doesn't take into account the larger benefits of the arts funding to society.

Likewise, seeing federal funding for bicycling as less than a priority doesn't take into account the far reaching positive effects of cycling to our quality of life. From the more human friendly urban design that often accompanies cycling infrastructure, to the health benefits to our physical well-being as humans, it is (almost) impossible to quantify how important cycling funding can be. I urge you to contact your legislators to insist that bicycling be a part of the transportation budget.

Excerpt:
A type of bicycle and pedestrian funding that has allowed the region to improve things for cyclists and pedestrians is under attack at the federal level.
Several congress members are saying they won’t reauthorize the federal transportation program unless the transportation enhancement segment of the program is cut. Transportation enhancements are the biggest sources of funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the United States.

Reno is a Bicycle Friendly City!

2011-09-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

The official announcement isn't until Wednesday but Reno has been designated a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists! Congrats to all of the people who worked on the application and most importantly to all the people out there on the streets of Reno utilizing the ever-growing cycling infrastructure in the Biggest Little City.

Vintage Bicyclists

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

I find these old shots of bicyclists fascinating and this one even more so for some reason. Her expression, the geometry of the frame, and what she is wearing! Mesmerizing.

10 Years Ago Today...

2011-09-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

PJ Harvey won her first Mercury Prize but was unable to attend because she was trapped in Washington D.C. watching smoke rise from the Pentagon. 2011 and she receives her second Mercury Prize (the only artist to ever win two) for an album chiefly about the costs of war.

Bike Pic of the Day

2011-09-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Economist on Bicycle Safety

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm always curious when an article on transportation cycling makes it into a major non-cycling specific magazine. Unfortunately, when the journalist opens with anecdotes to prove how unsafe cycling is I can't help but get annoyed. What else can you make of the headline, "With a very few exceptions, America is no place for cyclists."

That being said there are some interesting points made here. Most notably regarding how motorists should be forced, via infrastructure and enforcement, to slow down! It is called "traffic calming" for a reason and a whole lot of cities have figured out this is the way to make the streets safer for all users.

Excerpt:

Calmer traffic is just the beginning. In much of northern Europe, cyclists commute on lanes that are protected from cars by concrete buffers, rows of trees or parked cars. At busy crossroads, bicycle-activated traffic lights let cyclists cross first. Traffic laws discriminate in favour of people on bikes. A few American cities have taken European-style steps to make streets safer for cycling, most notably Portland, Oregon, which has used most of the above ideas. The result: more bikes and fewer deaths. Nearly 6% of commuters bike to work in Portland, the highest proportion in America. But in five out of the past ten years there have been no cycling deaths there. In the nearby Seattle area, where cycling is popular but traffic calming is not, three cyclists, have been killed in the past few weeks.

Pump It Real Good!

2011-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great idea for a growing urban cycling center. With a nice clean design they would be perfectly suited for bike share stations around a city. More on the pumps here:

Cyclehoop, those innovative designers who brought us public bicycle locks have now created, and had installed, a series of elegant bicycle pumps for public use. They are at two bicycle parking lots, and hopefully more will come.
The pump is hand operated and features a high pressure gauge with a pump hose which fits a wide range of tire valves. It is housed inside a robust stainless steel body with a solid steel pump handle and an armoured air hose. The pump is designed to withstand constant public use and vandalism, as it needs to be in riot-torn London.

Cycling is Good for the Economy!

2011-09-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

I'd love to see a thorough study on the Economic impact of increased cycling on the U.S. and in particular for Nevada, and Reno specifically. This study from the UK certainly confirms a number of assumptions and other smaller studies I've seen over the years on cycling's effects on the economy. I particularly like the evidence that cyclists miss less work and have less impact on the health care system.

Here is a bit of an excerpt:

The report says that regular cyclists take 7.4 sick days per year, compared with 8.7 sick days for non-cyclists, saving around £128m through reduced absenteeism, with projected savings of £2bn over the next 10 years.

Dr Alexander Grous, of the LSE, who conducted the research, said: "The good news is that structural, economic, social and health factors seem finally to have created a true step-change in the UK's cycling scene."

Stewart Kellett, of British Cycling which is the governing body of UK cycle sport, said: "This report is further evidence that when more people get involved in cycling there are measurable benefits to the individual, their family, their employer, the environment and the economy as whole."

For a more thorough collection of stats on the benefits of cycling to our society you should read this series of articles.

Smoothie Bicycle!

2011-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've seen bicycle technology used to power a whole lot of things but never as a smoothie maker. I suppose the extra benefit is that you could make your own recovery drink at the end of a long ride.

More pics and the article here:

“We’re always trying to be playful and think outside the box,” said Elan Margulies, farm manager and educator at Pushing the Envelope Farm on Geneva’s southeast side, as he showed off his latest “green” creation.
This week Pushing the Envelope Farm offered fresh blueberry smoothies, made with organic yogurt, Michigan blueberries, locally produced milk and honey, mixed to order in a blender attached to the back of an old three-speed bicycle. For $4, patrons can watch Margulies measure out the ingredients, mount the blender pitcher into its base, hop onto the stand-mounted bike and pedal until the mixture is smooth and creamy. For a discount, patrons can pedal the bike themselves.
It took Margulies less than a minute of pedaling to whip up my smoothie to a creamy froth.
“It wasn’t hard to adapt the blender to the bike,” he noted. “We took out the motor and connected the spindle to a bolt with a rubber bumper on the end. The bumper is turned by the bike wheel, which turns the spindle, which turns the blades inside the blender.”

Wednesday Night Pick Me Up - Tom Waits

2011-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

As a little reminder that despite the oh so popular recent mashup with cookie monster singing this Tom Waits song, it really is a great song from one of the most talented songwriters of the last 50 years.

Bicycle Travel in Comfort

2011-08-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

If only it was a Lazy-Boy!

Bicycle Outlaws

2011-08-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting behind another cyclist at the intersection of Mayberry and McCarran heading west waiting for a red light to change. I'm in the newly painted bike lane with cars next to me when another cyclist comes up from behind and blows the red light crossing McCarran. Three seconds later the light changes to green. All I can do is shake my head and look over at the drivers next to me and wonder what kind of negative effect this has on bicycle/motorist relations. Especially as the RTC is making more efforts to embrace cycling and create infrastructure conducive for all road users and pedestrians.

With that in mind this video recently came to my attention. While I think law enforcement need to prioritize a bit better when they set up stings to ticket cyclists, I can't argue that there are cyclists out there that are aggravating and blowing through stop lights, etc. It's hard to have a whole lot of sympathy for cyclists who flagrantly ride in an illegal and unsafe manner.

Sunday Morning Music - Bright Eyes

2011-08-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of the upcoming Bright Eyes show at the Knit.

Inner Tube Vending Machine

2011-08-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

Not sure how cost effective this would be for most shops but I like the commitment to customer service. It's a pretty obvious idea really.

More info or link:

Installed in 2005, our vending machine sells items like inner tubes, patch kits and energy bars & gel. It is just a regular snack machine with the coils that drop product to a trap door. It is at our front door and is accesable 24/7. It takes bills up to $20 and gives dollar coins for change (the smaller kind: Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea or Presidential). If you have any ideas for items you would like to see vended, please email vendingmachine@RideYourBike.com

If you are thinking of installing your own vending machine, know this: We did it as a customer service more than anything else! We sell only 2 or 3 tubes per week. It is NOT a money maker, but when a customer comes by before or after hours it is usually for a tube and "Vendy" helps them out! Our machine cost $3000 and as of early 2010 it has almost paid for itself. There is no secret to the installation. It is just a regular snack vending machine like you would see at a freeway rest stop. People ask if it has ever been vandalized or broken into. Someone tagged the glass with scratches, but it is not bad. We were going to replace the glass, but it is not really noticable. The lock is not very secure and the door is prone to prying open with a crow bar. The lock mechanism is made out of aluminum. We installed a large hocky puck type lock they use on storage containers. We also bolted the feet to the concrete. We had to make a custom bracket as it is not designed to be bolted down. It is very secure now. One time, when we were doing inventory, and collecting the money, all of the money was gone! It turns out the money release switch is accessable thru the bill slot with a bicycle spoke, or similar. We installed a guard on the inside to make it impossible. We have had very little problem with the operation of Vendy. She seems to work great. A yearly cleaning and a little Boeshield on the moving parts and on the electrical connections helps. The machine needs a chip upgrade whenever new currency comes out. It did not accept the new $10 and $20 bills until we upgraded.

Bicycle to Work Challenge 2011-12

2011-08-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

As the school year revs up I've been pondering what my goal should be for mileage. Last year I didn't quite make my goal of 1500 miles missing it by less than sixty miles. I suppose I could beat myself up over it but I put in in so many miles this summer plus have met my goal the previous couple of years when I was aiming for 2400 miles. Of course, my commute used to be longer in those days.

Anyway, this year's goal is 1600 miles. With a sixteen mile commute that makes for approximately 100 days of riding to work out of my 180 contract days plus or minus extra miles for errands and such that might get tacked on the ride. Here's to some nice riding weather.

This year I'd also like to try doing more riding in my work clothes rather than changing into and out of cycling togs each day. We'll see how that goes. In the past I've found that my route is just long enough with enough of a hill to make it worth it to stick to cycling specific gear.

Bicycling Across America!

2011-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

The NY Times has been running a series on cyclist, Bruce Weber's bike tour across the country. I've been living vicariously and lamenting the canceled bike tour for myself this summer. Read his posts here and here!

Sunday Morning Music - Squeeze

2011-08-21T08:23:00.001-07:00

The Benefits of a Public Bicycle Sharing Program

2011-08-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

I thought this study on the benefits of a bike sharing programs was worth passing along. I'm curious if mid-sized cities like Reno will one day be able to support a bike share program. Clearly the benefits are there. Excerpt:

Dr David Rojas-Rueda and his researchers at the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, Spain decided to study the health impact of the public bicycle sharing initiative in Barcelona called Bicing that was started in March 2007.

With 182,062 subscibers to Bicing by August 2009, representing 11% of Barcelona's municipal population, the average distance traveled by Bicing on a working day consisted of 3.29 km with an average of 14 minutes.

Researchers estimated the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and number of fatal casualties linked to biking compared to driving for three main areas: physical activity, road traffic incident and exposure to air pollution. The study was based on a health impact model to integrate existing data from scientific studies and local travel information.

Flywheel Bicycle

2011-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Pretty fascinating look at this technology. Frankly, I tend to not be that open to "enhancing" the human power of a bicycle. But it's pretty fascinating to see how this work and maybe one day when I'm 80 this will be just the thing to keep me on a bike.

/>

XTC!

2011-08-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

This might be the single best performance from XTC's touring days that I've found. Smokin'!

Marble Bicycle Stand

2011-08-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm always interested to see bicycles displayed in ways that call attention to their elegance as machines. Even though they are great efficient tools for transportation there is something quite beautiful about an object that weighs around 20 pounds and yet can transport a human so easily for thousands of miles. Racks or stands that make the focus the bicycle are always preferable. Such is the case with this marble stand. I don't know how well it works but it certainly looks nice. More on the design here.

Bicycle Riding in Ghana

2011-08-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Bikelordz : Stunts and Styles from Accra, Ghana from Bikelordz on Vimeo.

Sunday Morning Music - Belle and Sebastian

2011-08-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

On Bike Lanes and Infrastructure

2011-08-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

I left town for a couple of weeks ago and came back to find the much awaited “road diet” of Mayberry Street from McCarran to Hunter Lake had been completed. Actually, I didn't actually see it until the following day but I got an earful from a cyclist friend regarding a portion of the new striping. But more on that later....

I knew that this change along Mayberry was in the works for months, if not years, because of sitting on the RTC's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. It's a logical extension connecting the portion of California Avenue that has already been striped with bike lanes (disregarding the always problematic hill near Newlands) and the portion of Mayberry on the west side of McCarran that underwent a road diet over a year ago. Of course, I can't help but wonder if cyclists heading in or out of Reno along that route aren't more likely to continue on California Avenue, hit the bike path under McCarran, and reconnect with Mayberry.

After getting some negative feedback the night before riding the route I was expecting it to be a bad experience. But frankly, since I use a portion of Mayberry on my regular commute home, the first thing I noticed when riding it last Saturday morning was that the automobile traffic was going a good 5 to 10 mph slower than normal. Meaning, it was going a reasonable 35 mph which is the posted speed limit. With the two full lanes going either way prior to the restriping, the typical speed seemed to be in the 45 mph or higher range. Now all of sudden the riding experience seemed much more pleasant. Of course, the real benefit of slower speeds even with the same posted limit isn't that it is nicer for cyclists, but that it is nicer, and safer, for everybody using the space, including pedestrians trying to get across the road. That little drop in speed gives motorists that much more time to spot and react to other users of the urban space. There is a reason that this model for urban transportation is called “complete streets.”

Now for the problematic part of the redesign. Smack dab in the middle of this new stretch of resurfacing, heading west to east, cyclists are going to be running into this:

Maybe literally. Essentially this is a ramp up to the sidewalk that blocks the bicycle lane for a few short feet. In order to create the ramp up they had to bow the sidewalk out into the bike lane which leaves a cyclist very little room to get through and possibly a precarious situation as the cyclist merges into the other lane of traffic to get around the obstruction. I don't know the reasoning behind this design. I suspect it has something to do with ADA and/or the proximity to Swope Middle School. After talking with a fellow BPAC member I found out that the paint/striping in this location was actually a mistake on the ground and will be corrected to accommodate the bike lane.

It's an interesting situation to contemplate and I don't have a perfect answer for how to address it. When you are integrating bicycle infrastructure over a car centric landscape what issues do you need to keep in mind? Bicycles are considered vehicles and the city is creating a bike lane, then abruptly stopping it, then continuing it. I saw this kind of thing in Portland, OR, on a visit about a year ago. Legally I can't help but wonder what would happen if a cyclist was hit at this crosswalk. Where does urban design responsibility start and end and where do the responsibilities of the cyclist pick up? There doesn't seem to be an easy answer to this quandary and I would be suspicious of anyone who believes they have an easy answer.

This NY Times article brings up some of these same issues that we in the U.S. (and in Reno) are grappling with that many European cities have already dealt with over the last 30 or 40 years. How do you transform an urban environment into a place that doesn't cater only to cars, but to bicyclists, and pedestrians as well, thus creating a better quality of life for all users? Here are some choice quotes from the piece:

Dutch drivers are taught that when you are about to get out of the car, you reach for the door handle with your right hand — bringing your arm across your body to the door. This forces a driver to swivel shoulders and head, so that before opening the door you can see if there is a bike coming from behind. Likewise, every Dutch child has to pass a bicycle safety exam at school. The coexistence of different modes of travel is hard-wired into the culture.

This in turn relates to lots of other things — such as bread. How? Cyclists can’t carry six bags of groceries; bulk buying is almost nonexistent. Instead of shopping for a week, people stop at the market daily. So the need for processed loaves that will last for days is gone. A result: good bread.
There are also in the United States certain perceptions associated with both cycling and public transportation that are not the case here. In Holland, public buses aren’t considered last-resort forms of transportation. And cycling isn’t seen as eco-friendly exercise; it’s a way to get around. C.E.O.’s cycle to work, and kids cycle to school.
For American cities to think outside the car would seem to require a mental sea change. Then again, Americans, too, are practical, no-nonsense people. And Zef Hemel, the chief planner for the city of Amsterdam, reminded me that sea changes do happen. “Back in the 1960s, we were doing the same thing as America, making cities car-friendly,” he said. Funnily enough, it was an American, Jane Jacobs, who changed the minds of European urban designers. Her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” got European planners to shift their focus from car-friendliness to overall livability.
When I noted that Manhattan’s bike lanes seem to be used more for recreation than transport — cyclists in Amsterdam are dressed in everything from jeans to cocktail dresses, while those in Manhattan often look like spandex cyborgs — Mr. Hemel told me to give it time. “Those are the pioneers," he said. “You have to start somewhere.”

It's easy to forget that a city held up as a great example of a bicycling friendly city like Amsterdam was created quite consciously over decades of concerted efforts to adjust the emphasis of the urban landscape away from a car centric one by bicycle advocates, political leaders, and urban designers. Case in point, a recent assertion made by the creator of Copenhagen Cycle Chic that the "cycle chic" movement over the last 4 years has done more to increase bicycling around the world than the decades of bicycle advocacy that created the infrastructure that he takes for granted. Talk about myopic.

So perhaps the place that many noted bicycling cities in Europe were in the 60s and 70s is where so many U.S. cities are now. We are slowly laying the groundwork for what in a few decades time will change the mindset of our culture about the viability of the bicycle as a more obvious choice for transportation in our urban landscapes. I, for one, am hopeful.

Cyclists Are Tough!

2011-08-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

This series of photos from the 2011 Tour de France published in the Atlantic is pretty stunning. The photography manages to capture some of the more playful and dramatic moments you are likely to find on a grand tour.

Even though professional cyclists are generally relatively pint-sized compared to many other athletes, I'm not sure you can get much tougher. I suppose few would survive the pounding that NFL players endure. Can you imagine what would happen if a linebacker tackled Alberto Contador? Perhaps Thor Hushovd would be ok. Still, for sheer suffering, it's hard to imagine a more grueling sport.