Archive for the ‘News & Views’ Category

Underground Bike Parking in Japan

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

This may come in handy for home use, too…

…via ramblings.cyclofiend.com.

John forgot to turn off the iPod

Saturday, June 28th, 2008

Steevo

Most of our readers remember Steevo from the article Riding is My Religion from issue #7. He keeps an online journal, and it’s usually pretty entertaining. Enough so that I’ve got it bookmarked. This recent post struck me as an absolutely classic slice of life, and I thought I would share it with our readers: thesteevo.blogspot.com.

Pittsburgh’s BikeFest Begins Tomorrow

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

BikeFest 2008

So you’ve been looking for a reason to visit Pittsburgh, eh? Visit www.bike-pgh.org for more information.

Je t’aime Québec

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

Konflit Dramatik’s video Je t’aime Québec (I Love You, Québec) was filmed on a quintocycle in Québec City. The video was directed by Benny Zenga of The Winking Circle, who also directed the highly lauded film Ski Boys.

Roadbiketrial

Monday, June 23rd, 2008


As a retired, never-was trials rider this is even more impressive. Totally sketch, but impressive.

Flaming Tandem Stoker

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

This guy always bragged about the hot stoker he rides with… Now we believe him.

Niche bike shops are attracting new cyclists…

Saturday, June 21st, 2008

One on One Bicycle StudioThe new issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News features a cover story examining why first-time bike buyers aren’t spending their money at traditional mainstream bike shops. Instead, they’re attracted to niche bike shops and other specialty retailers (like surf and skate shops who now carry bikes).

One of the main reasons large shops aren’t making the most of the cycling boom is that they’re geared up for an enthusiast market. One that buys expensive, performance-oriented bikes as opposed to the bikes favored by commuters and first time buyers. They want an affordable bike that’s dependable and “cool”.

Urban Velo’s very own publisher was reached for comment:

Urban Velo publisher Jeff Guerrero has noticed more of his co-workers becoming interested in bikes at the non-profit he works for, and a few have begun commuting to work. But he needs to help them find a shop.

“Given $500 is the upper limit of what they want to spend, I find I have to help steer them to shops that can help them get the bike they need. A customer for a $300 to $500 bike doesn’t get a lot of help.”

Click here to read the whole article.

Pesky Petrol Problems

Friday, June 20th, 2008

$5 a gallon?The Urban Advocate recently visited the quaint community of Bolinas, CA - often thought of as a hippie-town that time forgot. Bolinas has just one little gas station. While most Americans are coping with the new reality of $4.00/gallon gas, residents and visitors to Bolinas no doubt can take pride in the fact that out in this tiny, southwestern Marin County community gas is now well over $5.00/gallon - perhaps the highest in the nation.

Of course, to put this all in perspective, Bolinas is (in)famous locally for tearing down road signs erected by Caltrans (the State Department of Transportation) that give directions and distances to the community. After 12 years of signs being snatched during the night’s darkest hours, Caltrans finally gave up. Currently, you can only get to Bolinas if you know the unmarked turn from State Highway 1. More information on Bolinas and it’s colorful cast of characters here .
Got any pictures of gas prices higher than this? Send your photos to the Urban Advocate: advocacy@urbanvelo.org

Philly Punx Picnic

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

The annual Philly Punx Picnic is coming up July 4-6th sponsored by Bicycle Revolutions, Fabric Horse, Tatooed Moms, RELoad, Spokepunchers and yours truly, Urban Velo. “Punk as fuck” with extra points for the weekend given for studs, mohawks, butt-flaps and leather. The Tour dead Milkmen alleycat ends with a punk field day. Get surly and do it up right.

A Slow Wednesday Jam

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008


A Slow Wednesday Jam from Bootleg Sessions on Vimeo.

Highlights include Tom LaMarche and Tony Fast jumping off a loading dock on their fixies, and music by Said Radio (who I initially mistook for Youth of Today). Courtesy of John Prolly.