The Drive Smarter Video Contest (http://www.drivesmarterchallenge.org/contest/) invites anyone with a camera to submit a two-minute video illustrating one or more of the Drive Smarter Challenge campaign’s gas- and money-saving tips to compete for a $5,000 grand prize.
The goals of the campaign are to encourage people to drive smarter, reduce their gas consumption and drive fewer miles by combining errands, biking, telecommuting, walking, carpooling, or taking public transit.
The first 80 entrants whose videos meet the contest criteria will receive a $25 ExxonMobil Gift Card and a Car Care Council Car Care Guide. Once the contest judges select the finalists, the public will vote for the winners of these prizes:
• Grand Prize: $5,000
• Second Prize: Choice between one VIP NASCAR Race Package (two tickets and two garage/pit passes to a NASCAR race event) or one VIP Indy Racing League Package (two tickets and two garage/pit lane passes to an Indy race event, plus a ride in a specially modified Indy car driven by a pro driver);
• Third Prize: Whichever prize package hasn’t been selected by the second prize winner (either the VIP NASCAR Race Package or the VIP Indy Racing League Package);
• Fourth Prize: Transportation Efficiency Package: A set of 4 Michelin Energy Saver All Season Tires (or comparable tires for the winner’s vehicle), one-year AAA membership, and two Silver Spoke League of American Bicyclists memberships.
UK folding bike manufacturer Brompton Bicycle has established a subsidiary in the United States led by industry veteran Ed Rae. He will work from his home office in Portland, Oregon.UK folding bike manufacturer Brompton Bicycle has established a subsidiary in the... more
In Montreal they call it Bixi – a portmanteau of bicycle and taxi. In Paris, it’s known as Vélib’, and in Rio de Janeiro, it goes by the name of Samba.
Now New Yorkers will have the chance to see what bike share — a network of self-service two-wheelers available at any time — could offer their city.
There is no immediate plan for a full-scale system, but during the Summer Streets events this month, several providers will showcase their wares.
“People are hungry to use their streets differently,” Janette Sadik-Khan, commissioner of the city’s Department of Transportation, said at a news conference on Monday morning. “This is the first time that we’ll have a bike-share program in the city.”
For the second annual Summer Streets, the Department of Transportation will create a car-free route on the next three Saturdays — Aug. 8, 15 and 22 — from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park via Lafayette Street, Fourth and Park Avenues, and 72nd Street.
At two places between Park and Lexington Avenues, at 26th and 47th Streets, several bike-share companies will demonstrate on a small scale the kind of systems that exist elsewhere in the world.
Montreal’s Bixi design, the Samba system from Rio and the Ecotrip — produced by the Collegiate Bicycle Company — will all make an appearance.
The San Diego-based Collegiate Bicycle Company is introducing its first automated bike-share system at the University of California’s Irvine campus this fall.
Jonathan Sobin, the company’s chief operating officer, explained how it will work.
“All the bikes are locked to an automated bike stand, and a user of the system can come to the system, swipe a student ID card, membership card or an ID card,” he said. “It’s all completely customizable.”
Mr. Sobin added that the system is designed to discourage vandalism or theft.
“When a student or city resident swipes their credit card or ID card, their information is associated with that particular bike using R.F.I.D.,” he said, referring to radio frequency identification technology.
“It addresses the failure of bike programs it the past by adding responsibility and accountability to the user,” he added.
According to Mr. Sobin, Ecotrip uses the same technology as Paris’s popular Vélib’ system. But the Parisian bikes have suffered from vandalism.
National Public Radio recently reported that 16,000 bikes had been replaced because of damage or theft, and that 8,000 had been stolen.
Vélib’ is two years old.
Alongside the demonstrations of high-tech bike-share systems, the Summer Streets events will also offer more conventional bike rentals.
Users will leave their credit card details as a deposit, said Dani Simons, director of strategic communications at the Department of Transportation, but the actual rental will be free.
Around 180 bikes will be available — the majority provided by the Dutch government as part of its contribution to the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson in present-day New York.
Others come from the Manhattan bike store Hub Station.
Hub Station’s George Bliss said that the Biria and Batavus machines he is providing are well suited to use in New York.
“They’re for civilized city dwellers; they’re not sports bikes,” he said.
At Monday’s news conference, the Department of Transportation commissioner also showed off the winning designs from the Bike in Style challenge, in which Fashion Institute of Technology students competed to create chic yet practical cycling gear.
After Jessica Velasquez, a 21-year-old from Queens, was announced as the winner in June, DKNY built prototypes of her designs.
A battleship gray poncho and a bag that folded out envelope-like to carry clothes and shoes were both on display on Monday.
“I hope that someone will love to wear it and be safe and still be fashionable with it,” Ms. Velasquez said.
At the news conference, the bag cradled a V-neck ruffle dress in scarlet crinkle chiffon.In Montreal they call it Bixi – a portmanteau of bicycle and taxi. In Paris, it’s... more
An ambitious public-bike-rental scheme called Velib is celebrating its second anniversary this month in Paris. While the bikes have transformed the city, they've also proven to be as popular with vandals as they are with commuters.
There's no doubt about it, Parisians have taken to Velib. In just two years the chunky gray bikes have been used for more than 50 million trips and have become a part of the cityscape. As many as 20,000 of them now flood the streets of Paris. The first half-hour's rental is free and the charges are reasonable after that. Users can take a bike and return it at any of the city's 1,000 bike stations.An ambitious public-bike-rental scheme called Velib is celebrating its second... more
Photographer and cycling enthusiast Brent Humphreys is currently showing work that offer "ambient" impressions of the Tour de France competition at Mellow Johnny's in Austin, Texas (July 9 - 31, 2009). His images explore the race from the sidelines along Le Tour's sinewy route through the mountains, alpine country, and rural settings around France. The view of the race engages the excitement, drama, and sometimes tedium, from those watching the sport as cyclists spin past them during each stage under the hot summer sun. Check out this site for a selection of images by Brent Humphreys, which he is assembling for a book project on Tour de France. His work has been published by the New York Times, Texas Monthly, and Wired Magazine.Photographer and cycling enthusiast Brent Humphreys is currently showing work that... more
A German brothel is going green in a bid to attract more business in tough economic times.
Customers who arrive by bicycle at Berlin's Maison d'Envie will receive a five-euro ($7, £4.30) discount on the usual fee of 70 euros.
The discount also applies to those who can prove they took public transport to get there, owner Thomas Goetz said.
"It's good for business, it's good for the environment and it's good for the girls," he said.
The recession had hit his industry hard, he told the Reuters news agency. But he said that the offer did appear to be working.
"We have around three to five new customers coming in daily to take advantage of the discount," he said.
And, he added, it had helped ease traffic congestion and free up parking in the neighbourhood.
Prostitution is legal in Germany, with an estimated 400,000 people thought to work in the sex industry.A German brothel is going green in a bid to attract more business in tough economic... more
The hottest twins in history, how tequila can make you rich, and Conor kisses a corpse - all in this week's magazine roundup.
We've Got You Covered is a recurring segment on Current TV's weekly television show, infoMania. In each episode of We've Got You Covered, Conor Knighton catches you up on everything you need to know about what's in this week's magazines. For more We've Got You Covered visit: http://current.com/topics/88829107_weve-got-you-covered/ and Current TV.
infoMania is a half-hour satirical news show that airs on Current TV. The show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload brought about by the constant bombardment of the media. Hosted by Conor Knighton and co-starring Brett Erlich, Sarah Haskins, Ben Hoffman, and Sergio Cilli, the show airs on Thursdays at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific Times and can be found online at http://current.com/infomania/ or on Current TV. And make sure to check out our facebook profile for special features at http://infomaniafacebook.com.The hottest twins in history, how tequila can make you rich, and Conor kisses a corpse... more
On this week's infoMania the ghost of Michael Jackson makes an appearance on Larry King, Ben gives his thoughts on why Sarah Palin is too big for Alaska, Bryan explains why Bruno is leading the new gay revolution, Conor makes some new friends (conservative and of the corpse variety) and Sergio gets all hot and sweaty to the All American Rejects.
infoMania is a half-hour satirical news show that airs on Current TV. The show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload brought about by the constant bombardment of the media. Hosted by Conor Knighton and co-starring Brett Erlich, Sarah Haskins, Ben Hoffman, and Sergio Cilli, the show airs on Thursdays at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific Times and can be found online at http://current.com/infomania/ or on Current TV. And make sure to check out our facebook profile for special features at http://infomaniafacebook.com.On this week's infoMania the ghost of Michael Jackson makes an appearance on Larry... more
Be happy, bicyclists of the world, because the lasertastic LightLane personal bike path is going to be a reality soon. It's already in the production engineering phase, as this demonstration video shows:
As you remember, Lightlane was just a very clever concept in a design competition. Apparently the response was so overwhelming from bicyclists all over the world that the inventors actually decided to make it into a commercial product.Be happy, bicyclists of the world, because the lasertastic LightLane personal bike... more
You've all seen how we roll here at Worldchanging -- by consistently cranking out some of the best solutions to the worlds most pressing problems...
But now, we want to turn the spotlight onto you -- specifically for Bike To Work Day, on Friday, May 15th.
What does your bike route look like? Are there any streets that can be improved? Or is your street totally "bike friendly? Are there any really amazing buildings or sights that make your ride that much more enjoyable? Are you sitting in a bike box and want to show the world what that is? What makes your city unique for bike commuters? What do you look like on your two wheeled, pedal powered green machine?
Bring your camera along for the ride on Friday and show us how you roll. Photograph any part of your ride that shows us that you not only participated in Bike to Work Day, but also shows us what biking in your town looks like. We would like to see anything and everything from your days ride.
Submit your photos via flickr to our group or by emailing them to: sean (at) worldchanging (dot) com. Check back for the link to our Bike Day coverage that will be posted on our flickr group and either on Worldchanging Seattle or Worldchanging!You've all seen how we roll here at Worldchanging -- by consistently cranking out some... more
Don't let it go to your head, Portlanders, but we've been ranked #1 in terms of being a green city.
More parks, bike commuters and sustainable practices than just about anywhere else in the country, Portland proves itself as being a role model for the nation.Don't let it go to your head, Portlanders, but we've been ranked #1 in terms of being... more
This nifty contraption (prototype at this point) will project a personal bike lane behind you, giving other vehicles fair warning, and also making you seem oh-so-cool.
"Our system projects a crisply defined virtual bike lane onto pavement, using a laser, providing the driver with a familiar boundary to avoid. With a wider margin of safety, bikers will regain their confidence to ride at night, making the bike a more viable commuting alternative."This nifty contraption (prototype at this point) will project a personal bike lane... more
Portland, Oregon, known as the best bicycling city in the nation, is also known for it's dedicated bike lane markings to be made into funny characters.
"2009 marks the 10th anniversary of a proud Portland tradition: our creatively modified bike lane pavement markings or what I like to call, “bike lane guys”'Portland, Oregon, known as the best bicycling city in the nation, is also known for... more
Get involved in one of the greatest road races in the US. Pick a stage, a volunteer position and you'll be part of the action.For all the cycling fans out there....
Get involved in one of the greatest road... more
Using a Facebook application called "I Crossed Your Path," cyclists will be able to make connections with each other by exchanging information - online or through a smartphone - about which routes they took that day. With the information it collects, the project might also help urban planners make better decisions on things like where new bike paths should be built.Using a Facebook application called "I Crossed Your Path," cyclists will be able to... more
Ever wondered what the stars of the sporting world would do for a living if they weren't playing sport? Well, wonder no more... Read on to discover the ideal alternative employment for ten prominent sports figures.
Usain Bolt — SAPS officer (Foot Patrol)
One hundred metres in 9.69 seconds. How many of South Africa's finest, bellies swinging in unison over police-issue belts, can claim to do even ten metres in that time? This country's extensive array of criminals simply wouldn't stand a chance with Constable Bolt on the beat...
David Beckham — Hollywood hairstylist
From Mohicans to Mullets, Becks has had as many hairstyles as Victoria has pairs of shoes. And that's plenty. With container-loads of styling products no doubt stashed away in his Beverly Hills back garden, David has the know-how to get the best out of the tresses of America's rich and famous.
Serena Williams — Construction worker
The younger of the Williams sisters has biceps that make Rafael Nadal's wings look positively skinny. She looks like she could bench press Jelena Jankovic, squat Roger Federer and still have the energy to crush Maria Sharapova in straight sets. Heavy lifting on the construction scene? She's your man... er, woman.
Kevin Pietersen — Talk show host
Who loves the sound of his own voice more than the world's most famous former South African? 'On the couch with KP' could give Miss Winfrey's show a serious run for its money. With celebrity wife Jessica Taylor clapping hysterically in the front row, the England captain could give his take on topics like "Help! My son plays for England" and "Freddie: How I conquered my pedalo demons".
Lance Armstrong — Paris tour guide
That's right; it's not about the bike. It's about the tour bus. With a champagne glass in one hand and a scruffy map in the other, Lance could share his intimate knowledge of the French countryside with throngs of Chinese tourists.
Kimi Raikkonen — SA minibus taxi driver
The Kimster's experiences behind the wheel of an F1 car, changing gear at somewhere close to 18 000rpm, would appear dull in comparison should he spend some time piloting a vehicle from South Africa's most (in)famous fleet. With a splash of octane-booster in his HiAce, and 'Iceman' emblazoned across the rear window, one can just imagine Raikkonen hitting speeds in excess of 300km/h down the yellow line...
Jonny Wilkinson — Physiotherapist
Let's face it, England's fragile flyhalf spends more time on the physio's table than he does behind a kicking tee. He must have picked up some expert knowledge by now. And having seen the inside of countless rehabilitation centres, who better to coax someone's granddad back to health after yet another pesky broken hip?
Michael Phelps — Wine maker
What makes an ace grape-stomper? You guessed it... massive feet. And this American swimmer's size-14 flippers would result in an unheard of grapes-to-wine conversion rate, winning him certain gold in wine-making department. I'd drink to that.
Tiger Woods — President of the USA
Who needs Barack Obama? Woods has absolutely dominated a sport once exclusively played by old white guys. In the process, Eldrick (as Tiger's mum might know him) has almost single-handedly created an almighty surge of interest in golf. Just think what he could do for American politics. Tiger for the White House, I say.
Yao Ming — Shoprite shelf-packer
Currently the tallest player in the NBA, taking care of the bulk packs of toilet rolls on the top shelf in aisle seven would prove a cinch for Mr. Ming. China's most famous basketball player towers at 7 feet 6 inches, invaluable height in the retail industry. Who knows, he could even help out in the parking area, spotting a vacant bay from 100 metres.Ever wondered what the stars of the sporting world would do for a living if they... more
If you've ever imagined what a city might be like without cars, check out these car-free days happening soon in Chicago and Miami.If you've ever imagined what a city might be like without cars, check out these... more
Apparently by biking to work I have managed around 200 miles a month on my bike. Which according to their site saves 200lbs of CO2 emissions, $40 dollars in gas, and uses 56,000 calories or 186 beers worth of energy. While I am pretty sure the first two numbers are monthly (I have saved way over $240 dollars in gas in the 6 years I have been without a car), I have an incling that the last figure is per year (I think I burn something like 60 calories a mile on my bike.)Apparently by biking to work I have managed around 200 miles a month on my bike. Which... more
New Belgium Brewing, the creator of that beloved Amber Ale Fat Tire has launched a blog devoted to supporting and promoting the social movement it launched in 2005: Team Wonderbike. Apparently, boozing and biking go hand in hand (well not literally) for the Fort Collins brewmasters—and it’s a good thing they do.
Team Wonderbike Rides Online
Team Wonderbike was started three years ago to encourage bicycle use, especially for commuting. The core component of the team’s manifesto is the simple pledge to ride the bike as much as possible. Now counting 13,000 cyclists—bikers of every kind—among its member base, New Belgium has made a sage move in uniting the community online (if you were wondering, those 13,000 cyclists have pledged to ride a whopping total of 13 million miles as opposed to driving next year).
On the website, cyclists everywhere can join the cause, make their pledges, arrange group rides, or simply discuss bicycling with fellow enthusiasts. Long ride Team Wonderbike!New Belgium Brewing, the creator of that beloved Amber Ale Fat Tire has launched a... more
