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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 -
Pedal power: The amazing bicycle powered by the sun
A solar-powered bicycle has been invented, which could soon take the strain off a commuter's legs and the environment.
The bright yellow 'Cycle Sol' operates like a normal pedal cycle but has a canopy lined with solar cells overhead. When the user pedals in the sunshine the rays charge up a battery which powers a small electric motor hidden in the back wheel.
This then propels the bike forward at speeds of up to 15mph. It also lowers the resistance in peddling to make it easier for the rider to cycle up hills.
The bike was invented by designer Miroslav Miljevic. 'I designed the bike as an eco-friendly piece of technology to help commuters.' he said.
Mr Miljevic, who is based at Z & Co Design in London, says that the motor can be fully charged while the recumbent bike is chained up outside on a sunny day. And when the sun isn't shining the bike can be charged up by plugging it into the electricity mains.
The Cycle Sol is in the concept stage at the moment but Mr Miljevic hopes to mass produce it once he has found a manufacturer.
'It is just like an electric bike but the motor runs on a battery that is powered by solar energy. A solar-powered bicycle has been invented, which could soon take the strain off a commuter's legs and the environment. ... more -
Automaker Bailout Appears Imminent, Detroit May Ask for More, Get ready to pay up!
Were you aware that you may be bailing out the dying Big 3 in Detroit?
It seems everyone is jumping on the bailout bandwagon.
I for one will not be funding this fiasco.
I have chosen to claim EXEMPT on my W4.
I have paid my taxes for fiscal '08. They will get nothing more to help fund this raping of the American public.
Click on link above for full story on Detroit's handout.
Ride a Bike.
Ride on! Were you aware that you may be bailing out the dying Big 3 in Detroit? It seems everyone is jumping on the bailout bandwagon. ... more -
Pedal-powered Japanese roller coaster
An amusement park in Japan (The Skycycle at Washuzan Highland Park in Okayam) has upped the ante on eco-friendliness. They've installed a pedal-powered roller-coaster. An amusement park in Japan (The Skycycle at Washuzan Highland Park in Okayam) has upped the ante on eco-friendliness. They've ins... more
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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 -
Flickr Bikes Shoot Pics With Solar and Pedal Power
This is pretty bad ass. Better than a one-handed manouver, it is a gadget on wheels. lovely!!
You can even download the software if you are willing to geek out
'HELLO IM THE CONTROL PANEL'- LOL
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Gina Trapani's new bike is one of a small fleet of GPS- and cameraphone-equipped bicycles that Flickr has deployed in several cities around the world. Flickr + GPS + solar power + bicycles = how can I not be utterly charmed?
The bikes have handlebar-mounted cameraphones (Nokia N95s, based on the metadata in the Flickr photos) that are set to snap every 60 seconds while the bike is in motion. The photos then get uploaded, along with their geodata, to a special Flickr account. This is pretty bad ass. Better than a one-handed manouver, it is a gadget on wheels. lovely!! ... more -
Bicycle Film Festival San Francisco
First Rule presents We Got the Block at the Bicycle Film Festival in San Francisco, California. We Got the Block took place July 26th, 2008. The Bicycle Film Festival was supposed to get a permit to have the block party but forgot! The guys at First Rule decided that the event must go on no matter what. Everyone had good fun and when the cops came they were really nice. =) They just told us to move to another location and so we did! Look out for First Rule events to take place at every Bicycle Film Festival in 2009! First Rule presents We Got the Block at the Bicycle Film Festival in San Francisco, California. We Got the Block took place July 26th... more
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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 -
More Bikes Less Accedents?
According to a study by researchers at the University of New South Wales, the number of collisions decreases as the number of bicycles in traffic increases. It sounds like a paradox, they say, but motorists are more likely to drive carefully and respectfully when there are more cyclists on the road.
If that is the case, let's get the pedals turning! According to a study by researchers at the University of New South Wales, the number of collisions decreases as the number of bicycles... 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 -
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 -
Donate your bike, save the world?
In the new eco-conscious urban world, cycling to work is a growing trend. Cities are promoting this form of healthy commute by painting bike lanes across towns, and Paris has become the latest city to stock streets with free "public" bicycles for commuters to pick up and drop off at will. In the new eco-conscious urban world, cycling to work is a growing trend. Cities are promoting this form of healthy commute by paintin... more
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Calories come off and lights come on
"Welcome to people-powered exercise for a small planet."
way to go Portland!
---click on link for full article---
PORTLAND, ORE. -- As Adam Boesel pedals an exercise bike, he sends power to a generator that converts his workout calories into electricity. Across the room in his small eco-friendly gym are half a dozen energy-efficient treadmills. On the roof, solar arrays gather more natural energy.
In Boesel's new gym, people will not only slim their waistlines, they will also shrink their carbon footprint.
Welcome to people-powered exercise for a small planet.
Boesel says the Green Microgym -- which is to open Friday in the eclectic Alberta Arts district of northeast Portland -- is the first fitness center in the country to use solar power as well as human-powered cycling and cardio machines to generate renewable energy.
"We are creating a neighborhood gym that is as comfortable and effective as any other," he said. "At the same time, our members are doing their part to help the Earth."
Boesel recently showed off the Human Dynamo prototype, an exercise machine consisting of four spin bikes attached to a small generator. As he pedaled one of the human-powered bikes, a digital readout showed the amount of watts, a measure of power, that he was producing by pedaling and turning an arm crank that strengthens the upper body, he said. As many as four riders can propel the prototype system, which can produce 200 watts to 600 watts of energy an hour. "Welcome to people-powered exercise for a small planet." way to go Portland! ---click on link for full article--- ... more -
Bicyclists ride over 400 miles through Oklahoma
A 400 mile bicycle ride in the Oklahoma heat may not sound like a vacation to most of us, but for one group of hardy souls, Oklahoma Freewheel is a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery. A 400 mile bicycle ride in the Oklahoma heat may not sound like a vacation to most of us, but for one group of hardy souls, Oklahoma F... more
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One Percent Water exhibition
1%= percentage of drinkable water in the world. A wonderful display of concepts and utilitarian art and design that brings attention and awareness of a vital element, water.
---click on article for more great pictures/full article---
One Percent Water is an exhibition curated by Ilse Crawford and Jane Withers that explores the social and environmental impact of water.
The exhibition features work from artists and designers including Brandon Ballangéem, Lucy Orta (top image), Fulgaro, Ideo and Doshi Levien (above).
And yet - largely through the way we use and abuse this precious resource - we face a water crisis and many of the ways we use water today are no longer appropriate to our future. 1%= percentage of drinkable water in the world. A wonderful display of concepts and utilitarian art and design that brings attention a... more -
Bay Area commuters moving beyond cars
Interesting article not only about bikes, but the multiple ways many people have found around instead of driving. Scooters, public transportation, and my fave: the lovely bicycle
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Gas prices have also driven more people to commute by bike. BART officials report an increase of 10 to 15 percent in bicycles aboard trains, and bike racks at stations are fuller than ever. In San Francisco, a traffic count by the Municipal Transportation Authority in July found that during a one-hour stretch of the morning commute, there were more bicycles than cars, taxis, buses and streetcars heading eastbound on Market Street. According to Judson True, an authority spokesman, 509 bike riders were tallied compared with 400 cars, 43 taxis and 30 transit vehicles. On Bike to Work Day in May, he said, officials counted twice as many bikes as motorized vehicles. Interesting article not only about bikes, but the multiple ways many people have found around instead of driving. Scooters, public tra... more -
Mountain Bike: Meet Rachel Athertos
Rachel Laura Atherton (born 6 December 1987, near Salisbury) is a professional racing cyclist specialising in downhill mountain bike racing, and is a multiple national champion. She began BMXing at the age of 8 and mountain biking at the age of 11.[1] She was The SundayTimes' Sportswoman of the Year[2] and BBC Midlands Junior Sportswoman of the Year in 2005.[3]
In 2007, Rachel Atherton joined the Animal Commencal race team along with brothers Dan Atherton and Gee Atherton.
In June 2008 Rachel Atherton became the first British woman to win the Elite UCI Downhill World Championship, defeating second placed Sabrina Jonnier by 11.99 seconds in the final.[4] Rachel Laura Atherton (born 6 December 1987, near Salisbury) is a professional racing cyclist specialising in downhill mountain bike r... more -
Rock band travels on bicycles and uses bikes to generate electricity for all perfo...
Cycling rockers launch world tour: in 2007, the Ginger Ninjas became the first band in the history of rock and roll to tour by bicycle unsupported by automobile. On a 5000 mile odyssey to the pyramids of southern Mexico, they promoted transportation cycling while also exploring the frontiers of pedal-generated electricity, using their own bikes to power a hyper-efficient sound system. The audience took turns getting on stage to pedal the bikes to make the sound, taking crowd participation to a new level. Originally conceived as a one-time adventure/statement/experiment, the band became addicted, and now has its sights set on a world tour.
"Before the Mexico tour, I honestly didn't know if what we were setting out to do was even physically possible," says frontman Kipchoge Spencer. "A couple of months in, we realized that it wasn't just possible, but there was something easy about the rhythm of it (despite the grueling uphills with 200 pound bikes), and the next logical thought was, 'let's tour the world this way.'"
Bicycle powered electricity: the Ginger Ninjas' mobile human-power stage is the first of its kind in history. Coupling super efficient digital amplifiers, lightweight components, and generators attached to working bicycles (as opposed to purpose-built stationary bikes), the system allows a band to play off-grid anywhere, wall outlet or no, and to also carry the system to a gig on the same bicycles (Xtracycle sport utility bicycles, a company started by Spencer). This enables a new kind of completely self-sufficient bicycle touring, sans automobile support. On the band's most recent tour, the system and touring style enabled them to avoid generating close to 60,000 pounds of CO2, or 95% of what a similar sized band creates in a similar tour.
They call their style "mind shaking love groove folk funk roots rock explosive international pedal powered mountain music for a pleasant revolution."
Tour schedule: the Ginger Ninjas and supporting act, Crystal Stafford (indie-electro-folk), will be launching their world tour in August, hitting the Democratic and Republican Conventions before cycling around the East Coast and Florida through September and October, and then leaving the country for Mexico, Central America, South America, and Europe.
Catch the film: a feature film of the first tour is expected in 2009 from the award-winning Argentine director Sergio Morkin, and his crew will film the current tour as well.
“One of the best concerts of my life.” - Arturo Garcia, Meretrices Literary Review
“With each number the crowd got louder, larger and more appreciative. Between songs, a man wearing riding chaps and a Stetson came up and said that he never liked American rock music—until now. For the rest of the set people were practically fighting each other for the opportunity to pedal-power the band.” – Stanford Magazine article about the Mexican tour. Cycling rockers launch world tour: in 2007, the Ginger Ninjas became the first band in the history of rock and roll to tour by bicycl... more
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