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Caltrain will look at removing seats for bikes
--full article/click link--
Caltrain officials will consider removing some seats to accommodate the growing throng of bicyclists who regularly find themselves bumped from rush-hour trains when room runs out for their two-wheelers.
"We obviously know well that there is much more demand for bike capacity," Caltrain chief Michael Scanlon said Thursday.
Scanlon said he has asked Caltrain engineers to review how passenger rail cars can accommodate more bikes - either through reconfiguring or removing seats - without compromising safety or displacing walk-on riders.
He said the result could be modest. He'd like the study to be completed within the next few months so the changes, if feasible, could be implemented by spring.
The announcement came as the Caltrain governing board unanimously adopted the "Bicycle Access and Parking Plan," the rail agency's strategy to deal with bikes on trains and at stations.
"I can't think of anything worse than arriving at the station and not being able to get on the train," said director Jerry Hill. --full article/click link-- ... more -
SAVE THE DATE - BIKEMIAMI - November 9th | Transit Miami
What do New York City, San Francisco, Portland and Miami have in common? Ah…not much you would say. The first three are revered as some of our country’s most progressive, sustainable and livable cities. But Miami? Well, the times they are ‘a changin’.
Enter BikeMiami.
Last December I wrote an op-ed to the Miami Herald urging city officials to make a Miami more bicycle-friendly. I wrote because the pure lack of attention being paid to bicyclists represented a larger issue. Miami was choosing not to compete as a 21st century city. Although bicycle-friendliness does not encompass all things livable in a city, those cities who have pursued such a noble goal are those that are also progressive in many other ways. As a result, they are capable of outperforming others in the pursuit of new talent, investment and sustainability — a buzzword if I have ever heard one.
One of the items that I mentioned in said op-ed was Bogota’s Ciclovia, an event that closes 70km of city streets and hands them over to what makes a city work, it’s people. The shear success of Ciclovia — with thousands of bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers etc. participating every Sunday — has had a catalytic effect on how North American cities are starting to view their streets. In many respects, Bogota has become what Jane Jacobs calls a ‘pattern city.’ That is, a city that inspires other cities to emulate its success.
Well, mark your calendar Miamians, because the City of Miami is closing several downtown streets for what is now being dubbed BIKEMIAMI. Sources close to Transit Miami confirm this landmark event will take place on Sunday, November 9th. The exact times have not been scheduled, but know that it will likely run from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Bicyclists, skaters, pedestrians, joggers, roller bladers, yoga fanatics and everyone else and there mother will be invited to come downtown and enjoy their city — without cars.
All the details are still being worked out, but TM will be there every step of the way to report on updates and concurrent events as they become available.
A big thank you has to be bestowed upon the Bicycle Action Committee and those within the Mayor’s office who have made this little seed I planted grow into a reality. Also, please know the cooperation across City departments and with groups like the Miami DDA and the folks who run the ING Miami Marathon has been instrumental.
More to come…
In the meantime, check out StreetFilms‘ work documenting Ciclovia type events in the aforementioned cities. I think you will like what you see.
Spread the word.
Maybe we’ll put some magic back in this city yet. What do New York City, San Francisco, Portland and Miami have in common? Ah…not much you would say. The first three are revered as som... more -
Scrap Your Car for a Bike at the Tour de Fat
Forget about trading in your SUV for a Prius, how about scrapping it altogether in place of a bike?
Gas, as we know, is virtually a luxury item these days, and even still the reality of ditching ones car is more achievable for some than for others. But excuses won’t be stopping the Tour de Fat. The Tour de Fat is a rambling carnival of two-wheel toting cyclers advocating bike-for-car swap outs accross the country this Fall.
What you’re likely to find at one of these peaceful demonstrations are bicycles of all shapes, colors, and configurations, live local bands, and hordes of cyclers who fearlessly gather by the thousands in the name of pedal power.
You can burn at least 300 calories an hour or about 25 per mile which requires a good amount of fuel in the form of food, or in this case, beer. The New Belgium Brewing Company is the primary sponsor of the Tour de Fat pumping a steady stream of fermented hops and good spirits throughout this multi-city tour.
For some essential commuter cycling tips and more on the Tour de Fat, read on.
Photo by fastboy.
Read the rest of this entry » Forget about trading in your SUV for a Prius, how about scrapping it altogether in place of a bike? ... more -
Hot hipsters distress Hasids
Proposed bike lanes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn are being criticized by the local Hasidic Jewish community. They are concerned that the paths will encourage more scantily-clad hipster women to ride through their neighborhood. Hasids are not allowed to look at members of the opposite sex, if they are not fully-clothed. The community protested billboards for the new 90210 series, which were then taken down.
On one hand it makes sense to say that an insular community should be allowed to uphold its own standards, but on the other this is a public works project that benefits the entire city.
What do you think? Proposed bike lanes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn are being criticized by the local Hasidic Jewish community. They are concerned that the ... more -
More cyclists on the road mean fewer accidents
It may seem counterintuitive, but according to a recent report more cyclists on the road mean fewer accidents involving cyclists and motor vehicles.
This happens because as more cyclists hit the road, drivers are more aware of their presence. Not only are drivers looking out for cyclists, but as interaction between cars and bikes increase, drivers learn how to drive safely and respectfully around cyclists.
So, if you’ve ever thought about getting out on a bicycle, consider this: you will be safest in communities with the most cyclists; your contribution will not only keep a car off the road, but will help make everyone safer.
Happy riding! It may seem counterintuitive, but according to a recent report more cyclists on the road mean fewer accidents involving cyclists and m... more -
Why Not in America?
The recent surge in gas prices and growing concern over carbon emissions have goosed efforts to increase bicycle ridership in metropolitan areas, but the U.S. still lags far behind Europe and Asia. A recent survey of worldwide trends in the Washington Post suggests that the reason is not, as is often assumed, some uniquely American pattern of land use. Although no single policy is a magic bullet, the overall prescription is clear: when bicycling becomes more convenient and driving more expensive, many people
switch to bikes. The recent surge in gas prices and growing concern over carbon emissions have goosed efforts to increase bicycle ridership in metropol... more -
Bike Commuting Incentives
It's no surprise that many estimates show more people around the country using their bicycles to get around, and now some employers are actually rewarding employees who ride bikes to work with extra benefits. It's no surprise that many estimates show more people around the country using their bicycles to get around, and now some employe... more
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Bicycle makers get a welcome push from polls
Good article on the variants of the industry, politcs, economy and international affairs all surrounding the power of the two wheels. Pedal Power indeed, go India!
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Progress is happens one step at a time.
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(image) Pedal power: A file photo of activists at a BJP rally. Political parties have begun to distribute bicycles for free to pull in votes.
Commuting concerns
A significant proportion of the working population even in cities—postmen, newspaper deliverers, snack sellers, construction workers and so on— cycle to work every day.
Their cause hasn’t been helped by roads that have no clearly marked lanes for bicycles, making their daily commute a hazardous affair.
In recent terrorist attacks in Bangalore and Jaipur, bombs were found planted in bicycles. That could crimp demand if more cities and states ask buyers of new bicycles for proof of identity as New Delhi already does.
“This will create a problem because a majority of the people who need a cycle, say in a village, do not have any such proof,” says Ishwar Chugh, director, Atlas Cycles, which produced 250,000 cycles last year.
Still, those who have to, and those who want to, use bicycles, even in cities.
Postman Brahmanand Maji in New Delhi prefers to commute on a cycle. “It’s easier to distribute mail on a cycle.”
The children’s bicycles segment of the market is growing by around 18% a year. Several foreign companies such as Sri Lanka’s Lumala and the US’ Firefox Bikes Pvt. Ltd and Trek Bicycle Corp. are present in this market. At around Rs1.9 lakh, Trek’s high-end bicycle costs as much as the least expensive car currently available in the market, the Maruti 800.
“We are saved by the children, and now the government programme,” says Omkar Pahwa, managing director of the Rs325 crore Avon Cycles Ltd, which produces 1.5 million bicycles a month. The company saw its export m argins drop by 3% last year, but domestic sales grew three times “because of government buying”.
Still, India doesn’t have a cycling culture, says Ludhiana-based Avtar Bhogal, who exports axle hubs to Europe. “In Europe, you can expect a chief executive of a company to ride to office. In India, a politician rides for publicity for one day and the media is all over about it. Then, everyone forgets.”
In June, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party pledged to ride a cycle to work once a week to protest a hike in fuel prices announced by the Union government.
He stopped his pedal-pushing protest last week. Good article on the variants of the industry, politcs, economy and international affairs all surrounding the power of the two wheels. ... more -
Police Report Bicycle Thefts at UCSF
SF is pretty common for many stolen bike cases. With slim chances to get it back, we can still at least try to prevent it. Here are some important phone# (for UCSF students) and also smoe tips for everyone, that can always come in handy (like storing/writing down your bike serial#)
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During the month of August, UCSF Police have received reports of a number of bicycle thefts committed on or around the Mission Bay and Parnassus campuses.
In all but one of the thefts, the bicycles were locked, and in some cases had the additional security of being parked in the Parnassus campus bicycle cage.
When the bicycles were reported stolen to the UCSF Police Department, the serial numbers were not available, making it impossible for the Police Department to enter the stolen bicycle’s information into the nationwide theft recovery system. SF is pretty common for many stolen bike cases. With slim chances to get it back, we can still at least try to prevent it. Here are so... more -
Pedestrian / Bike Memorial
URBANVELO.COM //A short documentary about how the Ghost Bike project in New York City has spread to include pedestrian fatalities in their efforts as well. Raising general awareness that other road users are not just obstacles but human beings is an important part of the fight for safe access to our cities by all user groups. URBANVELO.COM //A short documentary about how the Ghost Bike project in New York City has spread to include pedestrian fatalities in t... more
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The End of Chains?
Bikes with chains may be becoming an endangered species. Belt-driven bikes, which were introduced by boutique bike makers a couple of years ago, are just starting to hit the mainstream. Trek has introduced two new urban bikes for 2009 with belt drives rather than chains, and they look pretty sweet.
The benefit to a belt drive system over a chain and shifters system is that it won't stretch and break over time like a chain, weighs significantly less, stays clean (and keeps your cuffs clean) and is quiet. The downside? It's more expensive. The two bikes Trek has unveiled, the District and the Soho, will run you $930 and $990, respectively. But as with all new tech, the prices are always highest right when it starts hitting the mainstream. Look for bikes with belt drives to start coming from many more big bike companies for much less in the coming years. Bikes with chains may be becoming an endangered species. Belt-driven bikes, which were introduced by boutique bike makers a couple of ... more -
A Brewery That Works Knees, Not Just Elbows - thedailygreen.com
Human-powered and carbon-free, the bicycle is the simple, accessible solution to reducing one's carbon footprint ... with sexy legs as an added benefit!
Team Wonderbike is a social movement created by the folks at New Belgium Brewing to inspire and increase the use of one of mankind's greatest inventions: the bicycle. Human-powered and carbon-free, the bicycle is the simple, accessible solution to reducing one's carbon footprint ... with sexy le... more -
New Belgium Brewing: Team Wonderbike
Currently more than 10,000 strong, we on Team Wonderbike have pledged to bike - not drive - better than 8 million miles in the coming year. But that's just the beginning. We need you (and your family and friends too) to take the pledge and commit to biking whenever you can.
Team members can upload stories and images and check in with other Wonderbikers at www.followyourfolly.com. We're building an online community with regional chapters and a national voice for sensible transportation alternatives. Currently more than 10,000 strong, we on Team Wonderbike have pledged to bike - not drive - better than 8 million miles in the coming ... more -
Cycling Boom Leaves U.S. in the Dust
While Northern Europe and Japan have figured out how to make bicycle commuting a safe, cheap alternative to driving, the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain have not. While Northern Europe and Japan have figured out how to make bicycle commuting a safe, cheap alternative to driving, the United States... more
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Bike Parking in Portland
As a bicycler and Portlander, I can attest to the usage of these forms of infrastructure. As a leftie, I think it should be far more widespread, and be seen commonly across the country and world. With a little planning and foresight, we can have cars and bikes co-mingle, increase business to local shops, and make alternative transportation smarter and safer. As a bicycler and Portlander, I can attest to the usage of these forms of infrastructure. As a leftie, I think it should be far more w... more
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New "fashionable" bikes for getting around town
A range of new bikes promise to make everyday travel as comfortable and fashionable as it is cheap.
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Let the good tires roll
My personal favorite is Vittoria.
A good non-pro review of various tires that do fit and perform well for the rest of us, non lycra riders :)
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(NY Times) Ramona Marks and Ted Liscinski, carless volunteers at a nonprofit bike repair shop in Los Angeles, the Bicycle Kitchen, tested five pairs of tires while commuting and running errands around the Southland.
The tires tested, in the order they appear (left to right) in the photo in the NY link/ above: My personal favorite is Vittoria. ... more -
Road Rage of the Pedaled Kind
Portland has seen its share of Bicycle/Driver road rage in the last month, including a driver hitting a bicyclist and carrying him on his hood, and a cyclist using his bike as a bludgeon to a driver's car. It now has made national news. As a biker in Portland, I don't see a lot of rage-inducing activity, but it seems inevitable with the significant increase in ridership. It's time for bikers to be smarter, drivers to be more aware, and everyone to take deep breaths......... Portland has seen its share of Bicycle/Driver road rage in the last month, including a driver hitting a bicyclist and carrying him on ... more
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Beijingers ride new cycling trend
pretty cool. take the pedal back!
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(China Daily) Taking inspiration from the "green" Olympics, which begin on Friday, a growing number of Beijing residents are opting for two wheels over four.
Estimates put the number of bicycles zipping around the capital at the end of 2007 at about 8 million - a figure most believe has grown to more than 10 million by now, including hybrids powered by rechargeable batteries.
An ordinary bike costs about 300 yuan in China and such models abound at neighborhood supermarkets.
At the Carrefour outlet in Zhongguancun, also known as China's "silicon village", Lao Pan and his small sales team are busy leading customers through row upon row of shiny new bikes. Summer is usually the peak sales season, but the showroom is particularly busy this year.
Founded in 2005, Bicycle Rental now has about 70 outlets in Beijing proffering a fleet of 7,000 bikes. It runs a shop near every major subway station, bus stop and famous tourist site. Customers can return the bike at any one of the company's outlets irrespective of from where it was rented.
In anticipation of the influx of foreign visitors expected to descend on the city for the Games, the company is running a bilingual hotline for customers who don't speak Chinese. pretty cool. take the pedal back! - ... more -
Bike instead of work
Bike instead of work – is the name of a ride taking place in LA. must be nice to skip work and go for a ride <3
Nice!
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Tomorrow night, August 6th, the ride comes local, as LaBonge takes cyclists on a two-wheeled tour of Downtown.
The ride leaves at 6:15pm from City Hall, and runs about 10 miles, including a stop for ice cream. CD4's release says to expect an 8pm end time.
The route includes a trip up to the Cornfields (or, officially, the Los Angeles State Historic Park), two trips across the Los Angeles River (via 4th and 6th), a turn through the Fashion District and a closing pass through the 2nd street tunnel. Bike instead of work – is the name of a ride taking place in LA. must be nice to skip work and go for a ride <3 Nice! - ... more
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Bicycle Commuting
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Bicycle Commuting
