GoogleMapsBikeThere.org was created to ask Google to help make the world safer for bicyclists by adding bicycle routes to Google Maps. Consider signing the petition, Google just might listen. Adding the “Bike There” option to the Google Maps toolbar of “Drive There” and “Take Public Transit” would be a valuable tool for both everyday and new cyclists to find routes, at home and on the road.
We got Ethan at Laek House to print us some new t-shirts with his Enhanced Light Visibility System.
ELVS printing is flat grey in normal light, but lights up bright white in a car’s headlights. Printed on 100% cotton American Apparel t-shirts, available in men’s sizes S-XL. The large print on the back of the shirt remains visible, even while wearing most standard messenger bags.
Get yours for $22 at www.urbanvelostore.com.
According to Punknews.org, Ted from the band This Bike is a Pipe Bomb is slated to ride in the AIDS/Lifecycle.
The AIDS/LifeCycle ride is an effort to help end the AIDS pandemic, and will take place June 1-7, 2008. Cyclists and volunteers will travel 545 miles through beautiful California from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Visit www.aidslifecycle.org for more information.
Available March 1st!
Contents include: What the HELL? LA World Cup Classic Track Racing Report, Independent Contractor Status in the Delivery Service Industry, NAHBS Photo Gallery, Residue Comics, License to Ride, I Love Riding in the City, No Exit and Wheelbuilding 101—the basics of how to build a wheel and impress your friends.
Subscribe or buy a single copy now, and we’ll mail your printed copy as soon as we get them from the printer.
The below guest essay is written by Patty Vinyard, Executive Director of the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation. It is but one person’s reflection on “Share the Road” signage from within the advocacy community, touching on the theme of how to more effectively communicate with the cycling and non-cycling public.
In the St. Louis region [and across the country] this is the signage of choice to alert drivers of cyclists on our roadways. This is a standard sign, approved in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. It seems innocuous, even like a good idea. But what does this sign really say? What does it mean to people who see it? Is the phrase “Share the Road” suitable for use in materials produced by bicycling advocates?
The sign’s literal meaning is: Caution! You might encounter a person riding a bicycle on this road. With its yellow background and black lettering, this is classified as a “warning sign” in the MUTCD. The underlying message is that a bicycle on the street creates a hazard. This sign inadvertently reinforces the idea that bicycling is dangerous and thereby discourages people who do not currently bike on the streets from ever doing so.
In an ideal world the sign should mean: Both motor vehicles and bikes have a place on the road and we should share the space equitably. However, as with any work of literature, there are other possible interpretations.
Continue reading ‘“Share the Road” – Is this a positive message for cycling?’
According to the Chicago Bike Racing website, 29-year-old Matthew Manger-Lynch was struck and killed by an SUV while participating in the Tour de Chicago alleycat. It appears that Matthew ran a red light, and the driver of the vehicle will not be cited for any wrongdoing.
You can read more at www.chicagobikeracing.com, www.cbs2chicago.com, www.chicagotribune.com and www.chicagocuttincrew.com.
Some of us have a problem – we like to ride fixed gear bicycles off-road, as well as on pavement. The off-road part isn’t the problem, more an acquired taste, but bicycle setup can be. You’re either stuck with a gear too-low to comfortablely ride on the road with or a gear too-high to ride trails once you get there. Even a fixed/fixed hub doesn’t solve the problem, as more than a tooth or two difference between the cogs on either side would require a different chain length. This is an obscure problem, with a limited audience. Surly is rather fond of solving such problems for some awful reason, and I hope they keep at it.
Atlanta’s Sopo Bikes hosted an alleycat over the Valentine’s Day weekend, and they’ve posted a short, sweet report along with a ton of photos. Check out the prom photos (taken at a checkpoint during the race) and Sean McGlincy’s glamour shots from the after-party.
Visit www.sopobikes.org for more information.
Contributor John Prolly seems to be stirring the pot of fixed freestyle once again with some of the other riders of the East with the Death Adders Road and Track team. Call ‘em DART for short. If you’ve been keeping up with the recent evolution of city fixed riding into new-school freestyle, you’ve seen the likes of the rest of the team before. Tom La Marche, Tony Fast, Willis Johnson and Luke Stiles have been all over the internet in countless photos and videos, and now with Prolly at the helm and the support of their friends at Mishka have decided to take things the next logical step.
Still in it’s relative infancy, fixed freestyle has been attracting significant attention since MASH-SF put it on the radar of most folks. Cadence has been big on the scene since the get-go, with nary a video going by without a flash of their logo while someone pushes the riding limits of the genre. Will DART become the east-coast equivalent?
As with anything new, nay-sayers spout derision at this branch of city fixed riding. Mountain bikes and bmx saw the same cranky finger pointed in their direction early on. Sorry kids, this is just the beginning of one aspect of what will further define urban cycling in the coming years. Manufacturers are watching, the riders are growing, the scene is solidifying. It may not be your thing, but it is part of our greater culture. Two wheels, one love.
The Bicyclist is a Portland-based online soap opera that revolves around—you guessed it—bicycles. Though it may take a little patience to get through the first few episodes, you’re most likely going to warm up to the characters by episode five—at least the recycled bike shop mechanic, Steve. Watch all the episodes at www.thebicyclist.tv, and keep an eye on their blog for news about the upcoming monthly episodes that start in March.
From the archives of the …Or Does It Explode? blog comes this story about a bike that once and for all does something about the indignity and promiscuity of a woman riding a bicycle. The built-in burqa would do wonders to avail fundamental Islamic women of the inherent and unavoidable display of sexuality that was best illustrated on the cover art for Queen’s 1978 single “Bicycle Race”.
Messengers and city bikers from across North America will compete on teams and individually. Each event features general instructions and pace lines. Competitions will include Matched Sprints, Miss and Out, and Team Persuit.
The race visits NYC on Sunday March 9th, LA on Saturday April 12th, and SF on Saturday May 10th. Top Male and Female messengers will receive R/T airfare to Toronto for the 16th Annual Cycle Messenger World Championships!
For more info and rain date information, check out www.cyclehawk.com.
After a couple years of road riding and commuting, I needed new wheels. Ok, maybe “wanted” is a better word, since I could have just replaced my damaged rear wheel’s rim. In truth, I was eager to upgrade the LeMond’s stock wheelset.
I was more interested in dependability than light weight, but I didn’t want anything too much heavier than necessary. If time and money were no object I might have chosen a slightly different setup—or built them myself—as my initial notion was to get 32 spoke, three cross wheels with butted spokes and aluminum nipples. But the opportunity to get some sweet hoops on closeout from Iron City Bikes came up and I couldn’t refuse. I spent my money on 36-spoke Mavic Open Pro’s laced to a Shimano 105 wheelset with DT Swiss 14g spokes and brass nipples. Handbuilt deep in gator-country, these wheels are built to go fast and last a long time. Probably intended for touring or race-training, they’re also great for everyday commuting. Continue reading ‘Mavic Open Pro/Shimano 105 Wheelset’
That’s right, we’ve updated our website with a new design. Hopefully it works on everyone’s internet browser. If you have a moment, take a second to click around and please let us know what you think.
If you notice any bad links or missing images, let us know ASAP and you’ll be rewarded.
Courtesy of DORC…
Tips For Cyclists – video powered by Metacafe. Check out www.bikeforest.com, too.
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