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California Teen Cycling The Globe2/3/12"While others her age are just getting used to life after high school, Erin Nelson is taking on the world on her bicycle. "At 18, she left her home in Turlock, California, in November 2010 and pedaled across the US, Europe and Asia on an around-the-world bicycle trip that now finds her in China." more...
Top 10 Western City Bike RidesHere's a top 10 list for the best city bike rides out west. And another top 5 list for the best U.S. urban bike paths. Roads Were Not Built For Cars"I'm writing a book about the US and UK cyclist organisations of the 1880s and 1890s which lobbied for good roads - and got them - before the motorcar came along and stole their thunder. "'Roads Were Not Built For Cars' will be a social history of the bicycle's contribution to public life, arguing that cars are the johnny-come-latelies on the highways of Britain and America." more... CA Park Closures Could Affect Bike Travel2/1/12"When I reached the West Coast after bicycling across country in the 1980s, one of the coolest things I discovered was the fact that many parks had hike or bike camping. " ...Now many of these parks are seriously threatened. In an attempt to balance its budget, California has plans to close 70 parks in the state by July..." more Specialized Adds Models To Fork Recall1/31/12"Specialized Bicycle Components is adding two bicycle brands to its voluntary recall of bikes with a brake that can snap off from the carbon fork. "The new recall involves 460 bikes from the 2012 Tricross Sport and Tricross Comp models. The bikes were sold at authorized Specialized retailers between June and September 2011 for $1,250 to $2,000." more... Everglades Shark Valley Loop Excellent For Gator Viewing"Shark Valley, the entrance to Everglades National Park off the Tamiami Trail directly west of Miami, is such a reliably wonderful outing that it's one of my favorite places to take visitors. "It offers what I contend is the best bike trail in South Florida: A smooth 15-mile paved loop trail through Everglades National Park with no traffic..." more Here are more tips for exploring the Everglades National Park. NYC Cops Bungle Cycling Death Investigation"Forced by a looming Freedom of Information Law deadline, on Friday the New York Police Department finally told the mother of Mathieu Lefevre what it knows about the cycling death of her son last fall. "The documents released directly contradict the initial version of events put out by police, and suggest an investigation so sloppy that the likelihood of getting justice for Lefevre's death is scant." more... Bike Radio Show In CO1/27/12"Chris Brown, owner of Brown Cycles, now has a half-hour monthly radio show on KAFM in which he lists the local race and ride calendar and trail and path maintenance dates and conducts interviews with cyclists. "'It's a lot of fun and entirely free. I don't know what a half-hour of radio time would cost if you had to buy it, but I get the time free to promote cycling around the area. You cannot beat that,' Brown said." more... Paddlers Link Up In Everglades"Two groups of explorers hooked up last Tuesday in the middle of the Everglades after separate weeklong paddling expeditions that began on opposite ends of the region." more... "Active Transportation" Not Just For Big Cities"...A new research report by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy demonstrates that, in fact, active transportation is a part of life even far beyond urban centers. "From tiny Burlington, Wyo. (pop. 250), to Elvis' hometown in Tupelo, Miss. (pop. 39,000), kids, seniors and working people walk and bicycle at rates that are not so different from what you find in metropolitan areas." more... Flooding Along Little Miami Affects Trail1/27/12"High waters that plagued the Miami Valley on Friday will linger along the Little Miami River through early Sunday morning. "...Water is expected to rise into low lying areas near Spring Valley, Roxanna, east of Waynesville, as well as Corwin, Waynesville and Middletown roads." more... Licking County Parks Levy On Ballot Mar. 61/27/12"Licking County voters again will see a parks-district levy when they go to the polls March 6. The Licking Park District is seeking a five-year, 0.25-mill levy. "Licking County commissioner Tim Bubb said the levy is essential for the parks district, which manages recreational parks, paths and trails, to operate correctly. "Bubb said the county is able to fund the parks district only at a "minimal level" to provide the 13 parks and 42 miles of trails (including 24 miles of paved trails) with essential maintenance. "...The levy is expected to generate $900,000 annually and would cost $7.66 per year per $100,000 of assessed property value." more... Enjoying Ray's MTB Park In Milwaukee1/27/12"If you can ride a two-wheeler, you're qualified to hit the timber and rock "trails" at Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park in Milwaukee. But don't be fooled: Ray's isn't your average family entertainment venue." more... Bicycling Boosts Local Economies1/27/12"Two studies released this week -- one in Iowa and the other in bike-friendly Boulder -- once again prove that bicycling is good for local economies. "The new studies support similar reports from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and elsewhere that bicyclists are capable of opening their wallets and spreading around some cash, sometimes at a jaw-dropping rate." more... Lorain County Parks Narrows Search For Director1/27/12"The Lorain County Metro Parks looks to name a new director when its board of commissioners meets next week. "An initial pool of 58 candidates has been culled to three finalists who include the park district's veteran assistant director James Ziemnik, a former parks director from Kansas, and a landscape architect from Virginia." more... 80-Year-Old Cyclist Does 100-Mile Birthday Ride"At 80 years old, it might seem ambitious to bicycle 20 miles, or 40 miles, maybe even 80 miles. "But for Turlock resident Ray Houlihan, nothing less than a 100-mile ride will do for his birthday." more... Nitto Handlebar Recall1/25/12"Several importers are recalling 2,000 faulty aluminum riser handlebars made in Japan by the Nitto Co. "The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging owners to stop riding bicycles equipped with the handlebars and contact the dealer where they were purchased or Euro Asia Imports for free replacements." more... Bicycling's Golden Rules"Cyclists are innovators, constantly hunting for an edge. Over the last half-century, we've tried thousands of methods to become stronger, faster, and smarter on a bike-many of which have been discarded through the years. These have endured..." more How To Ride In A Paceline"When carried out properly, a paceline is an effective tool for a group ride: It enables cyclists to share the work of pushing through the wind. When performed poorly, the formation becomes counterproductive. "Most people are never taught the proper way to ride a paceline," says Ray Ignosh, a USA Cycling expert coach based in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. "So they make the same common mistakes that eventually become habits." Whether you're riding in a single or double formation, try these tips for taking your pulls and pedaling in line." more... Summit County Parks Sets Visitation Record1/24/12"It was a record-breaking year for the Summit County Metro Parks, according to park officials. "The park system saw more than 5.1 million visits in 2011, its 90th anniversary year. That number is up more than 88,000 from 2010 and includes visits at 14 parks, the paved 33.5-mile Bike & Hike Trail, 22.4 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. "The most visited park in 2011 was Sand Run in West Akron, which attracted 1.75 million visits." more... Rail Trail Winter Uses1/24/12"Although in some parts of America, January is the time when bikes and hiking boots are put away in closets and garages, in other parts of the country it heralds the beginning of an altogether different season--a time to pull out the skis, snowshoes and sleds." more... New Bike Park Near Syracuse1/24/12"...Welcome to CranX Indoor and Outdoor Bike and Sports Park, a state-of-the-art and beyond complex nearing completion inside the former 90,000-square-foot Telergy warehouse space at 6341 Thompson Road in DeWitt (across from the Verizon building). "Its creators say its scope may reach beyond the handful of similar facilities in North America. They've been to the others and done the research." more... Beavers Vs. Trail-Builders1/24/12"Democracy may be an inherently messy business, as they say, but sometimes it get things right and achieves what it should. Such may be the case in the tale of two critters -- the battle of the beavers versus the trail-builders." more... Columbus: 2nd Largest City With No Downtown Bike Lanes1/24/12"A new national report from the Alliance for Biking and Walking shows that Columbus has maintained it's rank in 40th place out of the 51 largest US cities when analyze miles of bike infrastructure. The "Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.:2012 Benchmarking Report" also reveals that Columbus is now the second largest US city without any on-street bike lanes Downtown. "The City of Columbus has demonstrated great enlightenment and commitment to developing bicycle infrastructure in the past 3 years via the Bicentennial Bikeways Plan," says Doug Morgan, Board President of Consider Biking. "The Benchmarking Report reinforces the economic and health benefits of facilitating bicycling; we're concerned that our competition is moving much faster than us." more... Bike & Ped Funding/Fatalies Inch Upward1/23/12"One day before President Obama's State of the Union Address, the Alliance for Biking and Walking has released its 2012 Benchmarking Report. Once again, the report indicates, nonmotorized transportation is getting shortchanged by federal funders, while pedestrians and cyclists make up a disproportionately large share of all traffic fatalities." more... Biking To The South Pole1/23/12"...The hostess of a children's TV show in England is being touted as the first person to use a bicycle on part of an expedition to the South Pole that ended Saturday. "...The adventurer, Helen Skelton, 28, also traveled 329 miles by kite ski and 68 miles by cross-country ski to complete the 500-mile journey across Antarctica in 18 days. "The bicycle she pedaled for 103 miles across the frozen continent was a Fortune Hanebrink all-terrain bicycle, manufactured in the US. She rode the pedal model, weighing in at about 40 pounds, instead of the electric-powered vehicle that weighs nearly twice as much." more... 365 Days In The Life Of A NYC Bike
"Time-lapse photography demonstrates the life-expectancy of a bicycle on a New York City street -- about 270 days. "Quite frankly, I'm surprised it lasted that long." more... Studying Erectile Dysfunction To Build A Better Seat"While companies pushing drugs like Viagra and Cialis keep stalking their middle-aged male audiences with commercial after commercial on NFL Sunday-hawking little blue pills meant to evoke suggestive smiles and the dimming of lights-Dr. Craig Niederberger, professor of urology and engineering at the University of Illinois-Chicago, aims to investigate and reverse links between erectile dysfunction and his own target audience: male bicyclists." more... MTB Trail Maintenance 1011/24/12"We've seen a recent surge of interest in trail building here on Singletracks and we just started a new forum for discussions about building mountain bike trails. But building the trail is only half of the equation; maintaining the trails is a long-term task that will never completely go away." more... Artistic Wooden Bikes
Urban Tree to Bicycle from Spots Unknown on Vimeo. A Look At Cincy Bike Culture"Bicycling is incredibly popular in cities like Portland, Boulder and Seattle. Even Columbus and Cleveland make Bicycling dot com's list of the country's top 50 bike-friendly cities... but what about Cincinnati? All this week WVXU is exploring biking and bike culture in Cincinnati." more... Sustainable Delaware Making Green Plans"...Sustainable Delaware was founded in early 2010 by Sheila Fox and Tuesday Trippier. "I had been driving down to the Simply Living meetings in Clintonville and Tuesday and I were brainstorming about what we could do closer to home," Fox said. "We were familiar with the Sustainable groups in Westerville and Worthington and thought it would be a good time to launch one in Delaware." more... The Pedal Powered Talk Show
Watch more episodes. Have Bike, Will Travel1/22/12"Travel can be a major hassle these days, and it's even more frustrating if you're a cyclist. All of those days spent on the road usually mean days off the bike. "But what if the situation changed from being stuck without your bike, to that of a new place to ride? Yes, I'm suggesting you travel with your bike, and it's something I've vowed to do more this year." more... Bike Commuting In Georgia1/22/12"Bruce Sellers hasn't bought gas in about 18 years. He gets to work every day on a bicycle. "It's easier than you think. You just have to work at it," said Sellers, who works as a shop manager at The Bike Shop on Miller Road. Rain or shine, Sellers bikes 6.2 miles from midtown along Airport Thruway to the shop each morning. "Besides saving on gas, pedaling to work has other benefits. "I can work on my own bike," he said. "I get in about 200 miles a week, so I can eat just about whatever I want. I'm pretty fit." more... Set Up Your Bike For Snow"...Traction is an issue in the snow, even with the knobbies. I've gone down and lost grip with my rear wheel many times. "Short of buying a Surly Pugsly or other specially designed snow bike, here are a couple of ways to make your current ride more snow-friendly. Check out The World of Fat & Snow Bikes. Warning: these both seem a little bizarre but apparently work." more... Bike Tech: iBike Powerhouse Launched1/20/12"...New for 2012 is their iBike Powerhouse, which the company claims is the world's first intelligent cycling computer that can automatically adjust to a user's specific exercise goals.The specific fitness programs are designed by Hunter Allen, a well known cycling coach and author of Training and Racing with a Power Meter. This new gizmo works with an iPhone or iPod Touch to measure, guide and motivate the rider, and maximize the benefit of each ride. "The iBike Powerhouse combines three technologies," John Hamann, CEO of Velocomp, told BikeRadar..." more RTC Profile: Tom Murphy1/19/12"For the last 30 years, Tom Murphy has been a highly active and influential supporter of rail-trails. "As an elected official, his promotion of trails and urban green space has transformed the landscape of Pittsburgh and helped make Pennsylvania one of the nation's most trail-friendly states." more... Canals & National Road Led To Urban Growth1/18/12"Cities to a great extent look the way they look and grow the way they grow for a number of different reasons, not the least of which is transportation. "It is difficult today to realize just how hard it was to get around central Ohio a couple of hundred years ago. Most of central Ohio was a dark, deep, old-growth forest. Animal trails leading through the forests had become the trails used first by Native Americans and then by the frontier settlers who followed them." more... Giant Recalls 900 Road Bikes1/18/12"Giant Bicycle is recalling 900 road bicycles because the carbon fork can crack, creating a dangerous situation for the riders. "The recall involves the Giant Defy Advanced and Avail Advanced model bicycles. "The company and US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends owners stop riding the bikes immediately and contact an authorized Giant bike dealer for inspection and replacement." more... Shane Warne Has Dispute With Cyclist1/18/12"Former Australian test cricketer Shane Warne has become embroiled in a war of words with a Melbourne cyclist, who he accused of holding onto his car at a traffic light junction, striking his bonnet before intentionally blocking his and other motorists path." more... Great Miami River Plans Taking Shape1/16/12"The city of Miamisburg is making a pitch for $4 million in public funds to finance the first phase of a $17 million riverfront attraction, one of a series of proposals that could cost up to $30 million and transform the Great Miami River in five counties. "Miamisburg Riverfront Park and the other destinations are aimed at reviving downtowns by drawing paddling enthusiasts and other outdoor recreation fans. They'll all be part of Ohio's Great Corridor, a stretch that promoters say includes 80 miles of parks and multiuse paths from Sidney in Auglaize County to Fairfield in Butler County." more... Biking In Israel"Biking in Israel is a great way to see the country. Israel has a comprehensive selection of bike trails across the country, including extensive off road trails covering large areas of the country. "A National Cycle Trail set to run from Metulla in the north to Eilat in the south is currently under construction, however elements are open, as are many other official trails which have been created by other organisations and individuals who love the sport." more... Getting "Chicked"1/16/12"The recent Thanksgiving Turkey Trot presented this slightly older runner with a new reminder of a decades past, angst-filled running experience. "Getting "chicked," or finishing behind a female runner, was a prospective event to which some of us runners from the '70s rarely gave much thought. Deep inside, we might have known that if we ran long enough, it was fatefully going to happen. But getting "chicked" rated slightly lower on the worry scale than our own mortality, or musing over whether a pre-race bowl of chili would hinder or improve performance." more... Toledo Metroparks Considers NE Ohioan For Top Post1/16/12"Metroparks of the Toledo Area commissioners have advanced a lone candidate for the director's job -- Stephen Madewell, current director of the Lake Metroparks in northeast Ohio. "Mr. Madewell has been in leadership positions at the Lake Metroparks since 1988, according to his online resume. He previously was director of the neighboring Geauga Park District and has worked in regional park districts in Ohio since 1979. "Toledo Metroparks officials say it's not a done deal; Mr. Madewell is to be in Toledo Monday and Tuesday to meet with staff and board members and community leaders." more... "Crease-Free" Cycle Commuting"The practice of cycling to work, whether for convenience or keep-fit, has risen sharply in recent years, yet cycling is still impractical for many people who need to dress smartly for their job. "Commuters wanting to cycle often have to sacrifice either a sharp look or exercise in their struggle to find convenient ways to cycle to work and look slick. Cambridge Design Partnership today announces an innovative solution to this problem." more... 2012 Licking County Vistor GuideA new online brochure for Licking County vistors is now available. RTC Profile: Sally Jacobs1/14/12"Born in New York City and transplanted to the Black Hills of South Dakota as a teenager, Sally Jacobs spent a number of years in northern Colorado and Iowa before settling in Orono, Maine. "Her diversity of experiences in America's urban and rural areas was the perfect background for the many decades she has since spent as an advocate for reshaping community landscapes to better serve riding and walking." more... Bike-Riding Gene Hackman Hit By Car1/13/12"Hollywood icon Gene Hackman was struck by a car while riding a bicycle in Florida Friday and had to be airlifted to a trauma center, officials said. "The 81-year-old actor suffered non-life threatening injuries to his body and legs after a driver rammed him for "unknown reasons" around 3 p.m., Sgt. Tom Pikul of the Florida Highway Patrol told the Daily News." more... Thule Recalls 44,000 Bike Trailers1/12/12"...The Canada-based company is recalling about 44,000 bicycle trailers and 70,000 trailer conversion kits in conjunction with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. "The company is urging trailer owners to stop using the product, because the hitch mechanisms that connect the trailer to the bicycle can crack and break. Twenty-four breaks have occurred worldwide, with three in the US. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported." more... Man Dead After Fall Into Cuyahoga River1/12/12"A man who fell into the Cuyahoga River Wednesday night is dead, the National Park Service says. "The man has been identified as Scott Bickel, 21, of North Royalton." more... Dreambikes Auction Returns For 20121/12/12"CrankBrothers' Dreambikes programme, which raised $42,645 for cycling charity Wheels4Life in 2010, has returned bigger and better for 2012. Some of mountain biking's biggest brands have signed up to produce 14 one-of-a-kind bikes which will be sold at auction." more... U.S. Touring Cyclists Face Road Rage In NZ1/12/12"[Local] cyclists are upset and embarrassed over a road-rage attack on an American blogger and journalist visiting to tell the world about the pleasures of pedalling around New Zealand." more... Clark County Parks May Face $750 Fine"The Clark County Park District may be fined $750 for failing to file the organization's 2009 and 2010 financial statements on time. "With no financial statements being prepared, they are not available for public inspection," according to the audit. "Park district financial statements were due in February of 2010 and 2011, but were not provided to the state until Nov. 18, said Brittany L. Elking, a spokeswoman for the state auditor's office." more... CA: Cyclists Good For Business In Long Beach1/11/12"Look out, Minneapolis and Portland. Long Beach is making its move, aiming to surpass you as America's Most Bike Friendly City. Does that sound odd for a city whose chief claim to environmental fame has been its massively polluting port and offshore oil facilities -- a city that, like the rest of Southern California, has long been in thrall of the car? "...the city government has installed 130 miles of bike trails, established protected bike lanes (that is, lanes separated from vehicular traffic by physical barriers) on major commuter thoroughfares, created bike boulevards that enable kids and parents to bike or walk safely to and from school, and installed 50 new bike racks. "Perhaps most innovative has been the city's effort to establish bike-friendly shopping districts -- the first in the country, officials say -- engaging local merchants by showing them how, contrary to common belief, biking can actually bring more customers and vitality to shopping districts." more... Nation's Largest Bike-Share In D.C.1/9/12"In a generation consumed by eco- friendly and economically savvy initiatives, America's capital has gone back to the basics with the implementation of Capital Bikeshare, the nation's largest public bike-sharing program. "What started with 120 bikes in September 2010, Capital Bikeshare has grown successfully. Today, the program offers over 1,100 bikes in 108 stations: three of which are located within the Georgetown area." more... Winter Fun At Progressive Field1/7/12"For the second year in a row, the Cleveland Indians have transformed Progressive Field into a winter sports complex that provides fun for the whole family. "The venue features a regulation hockey rink, a skating trail through a maze of Christmas trees and lights, and, the main event: a snow tubing hill known as the Batterhorn. At its peak, the hill measures 200 feet above the field, allowing tubers to reach speeds of up to 30 m.p.h." more... Healthiest Cities To Visit"Lured by 300 sunny days a year, Denver residents and visitors swarm city parks, where they can ski, hike, mountain climb, bike and practice yoga. From June through September, the annual Yoga Rocks the Park series features weekly events with concerts and even yoga camps for kids." more... Child Helmet Recall1/6/12"...The US Consumer Protection Safety Commission recommends that kids stop using [Little Tricky helmets] immediately because product testing demonstrated that they do not meet CPSC standards for impact resistance. "No injuries have been reported, but Triple Eight Distribution is recalling the 30,400 youth helmets because users could suffer head-impact injuries in a fall." more... GA: "Tame The Snake" TT Gaining In Popularity"In less than a decade, the Snake Creek Gap Time Trial Series has grown from a mountain biking competition with two dozen local enthusiasts looking for a challenge into one of the Southeast's premier cycling events. "It started out with just a couple of the guys wanting to improve their own times, and it just sort of grew from there," said Matt Smith, vice president of the Northwest Georgia Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (NWGA-SORBA), which sponsors the event. "We had 460 riders last year and had people from Colorado, Ohio, New York and all over the nation." more... Fresh-Air Challenges1/6/12"..."People are looking for new challenges. In the 80s the thing to do was run marathons, up to a few years ago it was about cycling sportives, more recently people have started to look for different kinds of challenges, and I think the ruggedness and diversity and interest of doing things outdoors, and specifically off-road, is increasingly appealing to people." more... Polar Challenge Includes Cycling"An expedition is attempting to be the first to use a bike to reach the South Pole. It will mean tackling some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. So how can a bike manage it? "Snowdrifts, blizzards, rutted ice, altitude sickness, frostbite and snow blindness. They're hardly the odd speed bump, tree root or wayward pedestrian a cyclist usually faces on a bike ride, but this isn't an average journey. "Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton is hoping to become the first person to use a bike to reach the South Pole. She is attempting to travel 500 miles (805km) across Antarctica and will cycle for large parts of it, as well as snowkiting and walking. She hopes to complete the trek for Sport Relief in 20 days." more... Performance Bike Pedal Recall1/4/12"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. "Name of product: 2011 Forté Pro Carbon Road Pedals "Units: About 2,900 "Importer: Performance, Inc, of Chapel Hill, N.C. "Hazard: The pedal body can break or crack during use, causing the rider to lose control and posing a fall hazard." more... Top 10 U.S. Bikepacking Routes1/3/12"If you're like me, January is the time of year when you start planning epic mountain bike trips for the summer. And sure, some day trips qualify as epic but for the truly adventurous, here are some multi-day bikepacking routes you should consider tackling on your mountain bike this year." more... Best Road Tires In 2011"From the fast, benchmark-setting Michelin Krylion Carbon to the tough as old boots Schwalbe Durano Plus, we've reviewed racing and training tyres for all types of road cyclist. "While the prices and specifications of these tyres vary, they all have one thing in common - a top rating." more... Global Cyclists Take To The Sea1/3/12"What happens to global bicycle travelers when they've completed their journeys? In the case of two from the British Isles, they take to the sea. "Scotsman Mark Beaumont and Englishman Alistair Humphreys are separately embarking on trans-Atlantic rowboat journeys this month. Both are dyed in the wool adventurers and already have completed endurance expeditions off the bicycle." more... Mason Cop Back After Bad Bike Crash1/2/12"John Cullen recovered faster than he should have. The Mason police sergeant suffered a traumatic brain injury May 9 in an off-duty bicycling accident with his dog near his Loveland home. He wasn't wearing a helmet. His original prognosis was a minimum of six months before he would return and a year before he could go back out on the road. "Cullen was medically released on Dec. 5 to return to whatever duty the department wants him to do." more... RTC Profile: Mark Ackelson"Mark Ackelson's life has focused on protecting and restoring important natural, wildlife, recreational and cultural resource lands in his native Iowa. He has worked for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) since 1980 and became president of this member-supported, statewide land trust in 1994. "The INHF has been instrumental in protecting more than 120,000 acres of Iowa's wild places, including the conversion of more than 650 miles of former railroad corridors for conservation and recreation purposes." more... Portable Google Maps1/1/12"Google Maps isn't just for driving if you own an Android device. "If you have an Android phone, you may already be dependent upon the free, turn-by-turn driving directions Google's Maps app provides - unlike Apple's equivalent app on the iPhone. But you may not have tried two newer options that also lack parallels on that other smartphone platform." more... Bike Commuting 1011/1/12"New bike commuters tell us they have a hard time locating the basic information they need to get started among the more advanced and esoteric material on EcoVelo. I can't imagine why; the site only contains 1,997 posts and 17,425 comments as of this morning. LOL. "...Following is a list of the bare necessities required to get started bike commuting..." more Biking In Acadia National Park"If you are a biking enthusiast like me, then you are always looking for a great new trail to explore. The first step is deciding where you want to go. My suggestion for this trip would be to travel to Maine. Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the Union. Because of this, there are many parks and outdoor places to take your bike out to enjoy the scenery. "Acadia Nation Park is one of these great places that any biking explorer must find. The park, called a Mountain Desert, is filled with beautiful trees in the summer and great snow in the winter. This being said, the best time to visit this park is Spring-Fall. In the fall the leaves are the most famous for changing into beautiful colors across the mountain sides." more... Father-Son Duo Set Cycling Record1/1/12"...With their passion for [cycling] soaring, the father and son decided to take aim at a national record. "They competed last summer in the National 24-Hour Challenge in Middleville, Mich., a race in which participants ride as far as they can in 24 hours. "The father and son each rode 420.1 miles for a combined total of 840.2 miles, breaking the national father/son combined mileage record for such an event. The previous record was 782 combined miles set 15 years ago." more... Cinder Surfers11/31/11"Peering down from atop the Cerro Negro volcano, it's easy to see how a daredevil on a bicycle earned a land speed record gliding down its cinder cone slope. "The drop is a stomach-churning 41-degree angle, for nearly 2,000 feet. "Tourists do it for fun." more... Suburban D.C. Cyclists Tough It Out"In outer-ring DC suburbs designed without them in mind, a surprising number of brave souls are getting around by bike, willingly mixing with cars and trucks on busy, fast highways." more... Licking Parks Approves Interim Budget"The Licking Park District board unanimously approved an interim 2012 budget at its meeting Wednesday. "Operations Administrator Cathy Fetter presented the board with a $269,929 budget for its park fund, which is used to pay staff members, pay for services and repairs, maintain equipment and pay for capital improvements." more... Miami & Erie Canal History In Butler County12/29/11"Although only scant traces remain, the Miami & Erie Canal played an important role in the development of Butler County for nearly 100 years. "The history of Ohio canals has been documented in a new book, "Towpaths: A Collection of Articles from the Quarterly Publication of the Canal Society of Ohio." more... Cycling Accidents Spike In Winter12/27/11"The holidays may mean it's the most wonderful time of the year, except if you're on a bicycle, walking or running, alongside the road. With less daylight hours, and bad weather, the winter can be the most dangerous time of the year for non motorized users. "Following a dramatic rise in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities in Kansas City, the local alternative transport group, BikeWalkKC, has called on motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to practice greater awareness and to take safety precautions." more... It Takes A Village...12/27/11"After four months in my new, inside-the-beltway job, I'm firmly entrenched within the ranks of DC-area bicycle commuters. The local bicycling and transportation community deserves much of the credit for giving me the information, support and confidence to bike to work every day. "With nearly 500 miles of riding to and from work under my belt to date, I've saved money, benefited from a great new workout routine and developed an appreciation for some additional daily outdoor time. And, keeping my car off the road means that I've also made a drop more room on crowded transportation routes for traditional car users. "Looking back, I know that none of this would have been possible without an extensive and multifaceted network of resources available to bicyclists, and bicycle commuters, in particular, throughout the Washington region." more... 10 Best California MTB Trails"California is full of challenging and scenic mountain bike trails. Some of the best mountain bike riding can be found in the state parks and wilderness areas of California. "Here are some mountain biking tips and the best trails in California." more... $14.9M In Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits12/22/11"Offices and labs in Cleveland's Midtown neighborhood and apartments in downtown Akron are among the newest local projects to benefit from a state program helping developers revive historic buildings across Ohio. "State officials announced $14.9 million in Ohio historic preservation tax credits Thursday, during a news conference in downtown Akron. The tax credits help developers cut the cost of remaking historic properties." more... 9 Ways To Help Maintain MTB Trails"...here are a few simple daily rules that riders need to abide by to remain safe and environmentally conscious while riding in the trees." more... Stickers Offer Help To Traveling Cyclists12/22/11"Stick it on your car, your home, your roadside mailbox or the entrance to your business. The blue "Bicycle Friendly" sticker tells passersby that you support bicyclists, and any cyclist in need is welcome to stop in. "The sticker idea originated in Columbia, Kentucky, home to the four-year Lindsey Wilson College, which distributes the stickers online. "The college cycling team's coach, David Grigsby, explains that he was speaking at a local Rotary club meeting when one member asked if there was a way to communicate to the cyclists that it was OK to stop at his house to use the restroom, get water, make a call, or get directions." more... Holiday Spirit Delivers Bikes To Kids12/22/11"This time of the year there is no shortage of bicycle donation programs. Even with tight budgets and cost cutting, 'tis still the season of giving, and for some bicycle industry companies it is the season of giving back." more... Young Cyclist Has Bright Future"Kyle Lammie travels a well-lighted path. The senior at Sylvania Northview High School is a serious cyclist who often rides after dark, when there's less traffic. "I love biking at night," he said. "Everything from the empty streets to the cool air keeps me biking into the night." "His problem was that the flashlight he clamped to his handlebars didn't throw off the illumination he wanted, so he engineered a solution." more... A Trip Along Ohio's Canal System In 183612/22/11"The year is 1836. You need to travel from the eastern seaboard to Ohio. What will you do? A decade previously, such a trip would have been enormously difficult, requiring weeks of toil across poor roads. By 1836, however, you could take advantage of the United States' first interstate transportation network- its canal system." more... RTC Profile: Bob Thomas12/19/11"Bob Thomas is a widely recognized advocate for rail-trails and livable communities in his home state of Pennsylvania. "He is a long-time member and former president of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, where he has contributed more than 35 years of efforts to develop a seamless network of bicycle transportation in the state's southeast. In this role, Thomas has devoted years of work to open bridges and public transportation to people and bicycles." more... UK: Bike Yobs Attack Santa"Police are to quiz a Father Christmas after he was attacked by a gang of yobs. "Santa was having a break from greeting children when the gang began hurling abuse. They tugged at his costume beard and ripped off his glasses, breaking them, before riding off on bikes." more... Prison Programs Donate Bikes During Holidays12/19/11"There are several programs in the US in which prison inmates are transformed into Santa's helpers. "Many of the programs have them building bikes for those children who might otherwise go without this holiday season. It's a small way that the inmates pay their debt to the community, but one that can make a huge difference in the life of a child." more... Velodrome Coming To D.C. In 2012"...A group of cycling aficionados have banded together to build a velodrome -- an oval-shaped banked track used for racing -- in the shadow of Nationals Park in Southeast D.C. (It actually may be in SW, according to JD Land, but still near the park.) "According to David Butterworth, president of Pennsylvania-based Major League Cycling, his group is about two weeks away from finalizing the lease for a 1.5-acre parcel of land where the velodrome would go. The velodrome's estimated cost would be $300,000 for the first year, dropping to roughly half of that in the years thereafter. Butterworth said that a number of people have stepped up to cover expenses, but he expects to start a fundraising campaign and set up a membership program." more... Alabama Trailblazer Remembered12/18/11"...All across the country there have been volunteers who have dedicated years, decades of their lives to the funding and construction of trails projects - often facing stern criticism long before the true value of their work became evident. "Alabama's Janice "Teko" Wiseman was one such individual. This week, her passing is being mourned across the state by trails advocates and a broad array of people she inspired in a lifetime of volunteerism, community action and a passion for helping other people that has now left a generous legacy. She was 83. "Sixteen years ago, the Fairhope resident and Mobile native dreamed of building a countywide network of hiking and biking trails, joining people, towns and communities in Baldwin County, all while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Never satisfied just to dream, Wiseman took action and founded the Baldwin County Trailblazers." more... Obree Targets 100 MPH In HPV12/17/11"Scots cyclist Graeme Obree has set his sights on a new world record, aiming to break the human-powered vehicle land speed time by a considerable margin. "Obree, 46, famed for his unusual bike designs and unorthodox cycling positions, is hoping to break the current 83mph record on a new vehicle. "'I don't want to curse it, but I would like to do 100mph,' said Obree." more... PleaseCycle Promotes Commuting Benefits"PleaseCycle helps organisations understand, encourage and reward employee cycling - a proven way of saving carbon, increasing productivity and lowering absenteeism. "Our Cycle HubT system is an online portal containing educational content, safe route planners, weather updates and a company-wide leaderboard. This allows staff to see how much they're cycling, the resultant carbon saved and earn rewards for their mileage - like an "Air Miles" for bikes." more... NC Cyclist Killed On Training Ride12/16/11"Megan Baab, a freshman member of the Lees-McRae College cycling team, was struck head-on and killed while on a training ride near the North Carolina college on Thursday afternoon. "The driver of the pickup truck, a student at a nearby college, had fallen asleep at the wheel and veered into the oncoming lane. "College president Barry Buxton said she was airlifted to the Johnson City (Tennessee) Medical Center, but was unable to survive her injuries." more...
Cycling Gift Ideas From The UKHere are some gift ideas for your favorite cyclist from the UK's bikeradar.com: 'Top 10 Gifts For Roadies,'Top 10 Gifts For MTB'ers' and Best Cycling Books for Christmas. Blue Ridge Pkwy Plan Debate12/15/11"News broke last week that bicycles could soon be banned from the Blue Ridge Parkway. As word spread to numerous forums a debate waged on what this means for locals and cottage industry that thrives around cycling tours on the scenic road spanning from Virginia into North Carolina." more... Read a previous post on this subject. Manchester & Pebbles Safe Routes To School12/14/11"...The village of Manchester has worked tirelessly during the past few years with the Manchester Local School District to install a new walk/bike path to connect the Village of Manchester with the Manchester schools. This was done with a Safe Routes to School grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The new path is making it easier and safer for local kids to bike or walk to school, giving them much-needed extra physical activity on a daily basis. "The village of Peebles and the Ohio Valley School District recently received a Safe Routes to School grant which will eventually lead to a new walking path connecting the Peebles community to Peebles Elementary." more... Man Runs Mile Per Day For 30+ Years12/13/11"For some, running is a leisure activity. for others, it's a way to get in shape. For Midland's [MI] Bill Leibfritz, it's a way of life. A way of life for 30 years and counting. "Leibfritz, 55, has run at least a mile every single day for the past three-plus decades, earning him a spot on the United States Running Streak Association's national list. "And according to Leibfritz, he has no intention of ending that streak anytime in the foreseeable future." more... REI Comes To Ohio"Recreational Equipment Inc., one of the nation's most revered outdoor gear retailers, will open its first store in Ohio at Rookwood Commons next fall. "Popularly known as REI, it will be the most significant retailer to join Rookwood Commons since the Norwood shopping complex opened in 2000, said Mark Fallon, vice president of leasing with center developer and manager Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate." more... Global Cycling Record Attempts in 2012"Endurance rider Mike Hall has announced that this coming February he will take on a Guinness World Record attempt for fastest bicycling circumnavigation of the earth. The record attempt which will begin in London with a short tour of the city's most famous landmarks was originally planned to part of the "Global Bicycle Race" but Hall now plans to go solo with his attempt. "I was excited when I first learned of the Global Bicycle Race but after discussions with my sponsors, we have decided that it is best to focus our efforts on my attempt." more... Tech: Electric Mountain Bikes?"The SM Electric Bike is an electric bike designed for the world's toughest trails and roads. This bike was designed by Facundo Mehrbald to appeal to those who prefer to use their bikes both for transportation and recreation." more... 19th Century Touring Tips12/11/11"'Always use discretion and common sense. Be sure to have a sound and reliable machine.... It makes all the difference between pleasure and anxiety.' "So wrote F. Freeman of London in 1883 in his essay 'Hints on Bicycle Touring' in 'The Cyclist and Wheel World Annual.'" "I wonder if Thomas Stevens had read the "hints" before setting off from San Francisco in 1884 to become the first person to ride a bicycle around the world -- on a penny-farthing at that." more... Blind Couple To Ride Pan American Tour12/9/11"Looking for inspiration for this weekend's bike ride? You need go no further than looking in on a legally blind couple who are setting out on a Pan-American tandem bicycle tour. "The Arizona couple, Taura Chaw and Christiana Bruchok, plan to leave on their adventure from Usuaia, Argentina, in just a few days on their ride they've named 2Blind2Ride. "Unfortunately, the trip has been delayed by problems shipping their tandem bicycle on an AeroMexico flight. In spite of being assured on two previous occasions that they could check the tandem as luggage (with an extra fee), the airline turned them away at the ticket counter earlier this week." more... AR: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Opens"When I heard about a new museum of American art opening in the Arkansas Ozarks, I had two equally shameful reactions. "I'll confess: The coastal snob in me wondered what new collection could merit a trip to the deep American middle. Sure, the U.S. heartland and its erstwhile Rust Belt are peppered with world-class institutions - universities, symphony orchestras, art museums. But these are largely vestiges of more prosperous eras, when burgs like Kansas City, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Cleveland were vital centers of industry, before the cultural center of gravity shifted to the coasts. In Arkansas, I pictured a small, folksy museum full of blown glass and Grandma Moses-style paintings. "My other reaction was even more cynical. When I saw a photograph of the gorgeous building, designed by Moshe Safdie, I thought, here we go - another bid for tourism with stunning, big-name architecture and little worthwhile inside. I've been in plenty such museums in recent years." more... The 2011 IMBA Epic Rides"Each year, IMBA collects online nominations for a new crop of Epics®. In 2011, we've returned our focus to challenging backcountry excursions that most people associate with Epic riding. "For many years, the term 'Epic' was the only honorific IMBA used, so we started applying it beyond backcountry trails," explains IMBA Communications Director Mark Eller. "Today, the variety of Model Trail categories provides more options, so it's a good moment to go back to the original idea of an Epic ride." more... German Cyclist Still In Coma12/7/11"A German bicycle traveler is returning home from the US, in spite of his comatose condition. "Michael Sprick has been hospitalized in Roanoke on life support ever since he was struck by a delivery truck on a Virginia highway on Oct. 8. A judge fined the motorist $500 in court on Tuesday. "In spite of being thousands of miles from home, friends he had made during his travels in the US have gathered around to lend support. That support hasn't slackened as the days turned into weeks turned into months." more... Blue Ridge Pkwy Plan Upsets Cyclists12/7/11"The National Park Service wants to manage the Blue Ridge Parkway "as a traditional, self-contained, scenic recreational driving experience." "That might be fine for some, but unfortunately it doesn't consider the growing number of bicyclists who ride parts if not all of the 469-mile road along the crest of the eastern mountain chain in Virginia and North Carolina. "...The action alert from the Virginia Bicycling Federation says the three proposals in the draft management plan are all bicycle unfriendly. The one favored by the Park Service -- promoting the "driving experience" -- is the worst." more... Pearl Harbor Bike Couriers12/7/11"Bike couriers delivered the news of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor 70 years ago today. "The caption for this photo says these bike messengers scrambled from the White House after learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor the evening of December 7, 1941, presumably to deliver the facts to the news outlets of the day." more... Iron Horse Bicycle Classic: Bike Vs Train12/6/11"...how to describe the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic? ...this annual bike race set amongt the San Juan Mountains of central Colorado creates a unique connection between bike and train. As in, bike versus train. "Back in the day when mining for gold and silver was the biggest industry in the region, Jim Hayer worked as a brakeman on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which had run steam-powered locomotives between the mining towns of Durango and Silverton since the 1880s. "Jim's younger brother Tom was a bicycle enthusiast who grew up alongside the same tracks on which his brother worked every day. A healthy rivalry naturally developed between older and younger brother. One day, full of the flush of youth, Tom challenged Jim to a race--Tom on his bike, Jim on his train--from their home to nearby Silverton." more... Adventure Cycling Growing12/7/11"When the Adventure Cycling Association convened its local members in Seattle last year, at left, I had no idea we were part of the largest bicycling organization in the US. "But the nonprofit created to chart a cross-country bicycle route to celebrate the nation's bicentennial in 1976 has grown to 44,000 individual members who benefit from its mapping, tour hosting and bicycle transportation advocacy roles." more... Exploring Chagrin12/7/11"...In mid-October, I visited some outdoor nature-rich venues near Kirtland which are probably very familiar to Aurorans -- Holden Arboretum and Lake Metroparks' Penitentiary Glen Reservation. "Despite that Saturday being chilly and windy, I still enjoyed walking along several miles of trails. "After spending most of the afternoon at the two locations, I checked out Chesterland Historical Village and visited the falls and famous Popcorn Shop in downtown Chagrin Falls on my way back to Kent." more... 2012 Bicycle Calendars"We highlighted an upcoming calendar kickstarter page by Thought You Knew, who reached their funding goal plus another grand and change (you're welcome), but since one can never have too many calendars (right? I mean, I've got three by my desk) I've pulled together a handful of options that might suit your individual tastes..." more Urban Bike Snobs"...In March, New Yorker columnist John Cassidy blogged about the city's new bike lanes. He was annoyed that they made it harder for him to drive his Jaguar around Manhattan, and bemoaned the city's bicyclists as a privileged, insular aristocracy, a 'faddist minority intent on foisting its bipedalist views on a disinterested or actively reluctant populace.' "The Internet pounced. Cassidy's blog posts usually get around a dozen comments. This one got 109, and not all were adoring fans. "The most tone-deaf, philistine commentary I've ever seen in these pages," read one. "Honestly, if you love driving so much, please move to the Midwest," another suggested. "Philistine and desultory drivel." more... Haiku Traffic Signs In NYC"...Traffic warning street signs written as haiku are appearing on poles around the five boroughs, posted by the New York City Department of Transportation. The poems and accompanying artwork were created by artist John Morse. There are 12 designs in all, 10 in English and two in Spanish. "Poetry has a lot of power," Morse tells NPR's Scott Simon. "If you say to people: 'Walk.' 'Don't walk.' Or, 'Look both ways.' If you can tweak it just a bit - and poetry does that - the device gives these simple words power." more... Saxo Bank Opens Israeli Cycling School12/5/11"Late last week, Team Saxo Bank succeeded in finishing the cycling school in Akko, Israel. This morning, the numerous cycling activities on the ground surrounding the building were used by both Muslim and Jewish kids from the city where segregation has been a problem. "At the different activities, riders and sports directors were ready to welcome and support the kids. Alberto Contador and Troels Vinther were helping each other to guide the eager Israeli children: "It's been a lot of fun and giving working with the kids today. I enjoy seeing how easily they smile and have a good time in spite of their differences and in spite the lack of cycling experience as many never rode a bike before coming here today. So the project is about helping these kids to a healthy lifestyle and to teach them to navigate in the streets and in life." more... Midland MI's "Tridge" A Unique Structure12/4/11"...The Tridge is a three-way footbridge in downtown Midland. That's Tri as in three and idge as in bridge -- as in a three-way bridge. The Tridge has a center pillar with three legs crossing the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers and the convergence of the two. "The Tridge was constructed 30 years ago to replace a regular bridge that crossed only the Tittabawassee, according to Jan McGuire, president and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation, which raised the funds for a recent renovation of the span. "At the time it opened, it was the only Tridge in the world. It took 6,400 man-hours, 10 railcar loads of prefabricated wood, 337 cubic yards of concrete and $732,000 to build. Each arch weighs 44,000 pounds and each leg is 180 feet long and 8 feet wide." more... Top 10 Biking Blogs"These are my picks of the best blogs for cyclists. Before you get your chamois in a knot over all the killer pages I neglected and start sending hate mail about how out of touch I am, let me say this: These picks are personal, somewhat arbitrary, and based on the frequency I visit the blogs and the regularity that I ride away with something useful..." more Winter Riding Tips"Today I did my first official slippery-road, snow-coming-down, winter-is-here, denial-is-no-longer-an-option commute of the season. "I've been thinking about winter commuting in the abstract; from a blogging point of view. I've been thinking, Yeah, yeah. Every other bike blog is going to do the obligatory series of posts on winter bike commuting; regurgitating the same how-to's from previous years. I suppose I will have to as well. "...Then came yesterday's snow storm here in Flagstaff, Arizona." more... Great U.S. Bike Trails"Bicycling has come a long way since you pedaled the old neighborhood on your Sting Ray with the sissy bar and purple banana seat. "Just as you eventually graduated to a 10-speed, road bikes have evolved significantly, and then there's the highly popular category of mountain biking, which combines the pleasures (and pain) of road trips with the yee-haw attitude of wilderness adventure. "Whether you choose a mountain bike or a road bike, isn't it time for you to venture outside of the neighborhood and take on some of the terrific bike trails scattered across the nation?" more... 90-Year-Old Has Passion For Trails11/30/11"The people of North Carolina have a strong affinity with the American Tobacco Trail (ATT). Not only does the 19-mile rail-trail, connecting Chatham, Durham and Wake counties, represent a rich vein of the area's farming and commercial history, now it is a well-used and much-loved connector for the region's neighborhoods, schools, businesses and parks. "But few people could possibly appreciate the joy of the ATT more than Gordon Thorpe. Even at the age of 90, Thorpe gets out for a ride on the trail almost every week. The ATT is a key part of Thorpe's active lifestyle, which also includes a mile swim every morning. By his rough calculations, he has swum about 3,800 miles since the pool opened in his retirement home complex in 1995." more... Phoenix Bike Commuter Murdered11/30/11"A 26-year-old Phoenix man was shot and killed Nov. 21 while riding his bicycle to work, police officials said. "About 9 p.m., two Phoenix officers were in the area of 2400 South 107th Avenue when they saw a man fall off his bicycle. As they approached him, they discovered he had been shot. "The victim, Michael Harty, told officers that a Hispanic male in his early 20s approached him and shot him, according to the Phoenix Police Department. Harty was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries." more... Gifts For Cyclists11/30/11"I'm not going to hate on shot glasses with bikes on them or leather holsters for carrying wine bottles by bicycle, but if you want to give someone a bicycle-related gift this holiday season that is actually useful on a daily basis, this guide is for you. I'll start small and build from there." more... Tech: E-Bikes Doing More11/29/11"At what point does a bike have so much technology and assist features that it becomes no longer a bike? "I don't know, but the 2012 line of commuter models by Silverback bikes pushes us ever close to that debate. Their Starke models boast integrated motor assist technologies and, get this, a Dynamo front hub that generates power for the Supernova lighting system and a USB port to charge your ipad, smartphone, GPS device.uhh, toaster, coffee maker, electric car and anything else with a USB outlet." more... Wisconsin Amends Bicycle Laws"For cyclists in Wisconsin, there were exciting modifications to some bicycling-specific state laws as Governor Scott Walker signed AB265 last week. The new set of regulations, nicknamed the "Bicycle Tune-Up Bill," was introduced by Representative Keith Ripp (R) and drew bi-partisan support. "The Bicycle Tune-Up Bill addressed several antiquated laws, including regulations regarding hand signaling and rear reflectors." more... State-Wide Logging Plan"Ohio Gov. John Kasich plans to log our state parks. In this forestry region, he has initially targeted four parks: Lake Hope, Forked Run, Tar Hollow and Scioto Trail. Logging is planned for some two-thirds of the land area of Lake Hope State Park, as well as about half of Forked Run. This is according to the state's own plans for the parks. "The hillside overlooking the entryway to Tar Hollow is going to be logged; it's a done deal. I was told it would not be visible from the road, but looking at the map, it was clear that it will be a clearly visible eyesore." more... Study: Bikes Save Money/Lives11/28/11"What size impact can bicycles have on the planet? According to a recently study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, it could be as much as US $3.8 billion a year from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs." more... Re-Purposing The Michael J. Zone Recreation Center"The city [of Cleveland] is pouring $3.5 million into the Michael J. Zone Recreation Center with the goal of making it a national model for how to redevelop an older urban park into a state-of-the-art, ecologically friendly facility. "The project entails remaking the 22-acres around the center, with attention to opening up underutilized open areas for new uses." more... Boston Bike Share Exceeds Expectations11/28/11"After recording 140,000 trips in four months, Boston's European-style bicycle-sharing system is expanding across the Charles River, with stations planned for Cambridge and Somerville after a winter hiatus. Related "The 60-station, 600-bike Hubway system will shut down Wednesday night and reopen in March, weather permitting, when it will quickly expand - adding 30 stations and roughly 300 bicycles beyond Boston's borders." more... South Cumberland Conservation Plan11/27/11"The low country of South Carolina has one, and so do the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. "Like these great American landscapes, the South Cumberlands now have a single, overarching plan for protecting the unique natural and cultural resources of the region. "Titled 'Cumberland Voices: A Conservation Vision for the South Cumberland Region,' the 65-page plan covers 4 million acres of the Cumberland Plateau across Middle Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The region's ecological assets include Alabama's Paint Rock River, one of the most biologically important rivers in North America, as well as some of the largest privately owned forest lands remaining in the eastern U.S." more... The Trails Legacy Of Fred & Lena Meijer11/26/11"...They are best known locally for the millions of dollars in gifts to support development of pedestrian trails throughout West Michigan, including the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail in Greenville, Fred Meijer Heartland Trail from Greenville to Alma, Fred Meijer CIS trail from Ionia to Owosso and the new Fred Meijer River Valley Trail being developed from Greenville to Lowell. "Sometimes called "the Johnny Appleseed of trails," Fred said he hopes his legacy is marked by the contributions he's made for local trails. "I'm very enthusiastic about trails," he said on a 2006 tour of the Heartland Trail. "I'm just sorry I can't enjoy them myself on a bike." more... Paralyzed Cyclist "Cured," Turns Pro11/26/11"A Paralympic cyclist may represent her country in the Olympics after a bike crash miraculously gave her back the use of her legs. "Monique van der Vorst, 27, was paralysed from the waist down and had been confined to a wheelchair for 13 years. Powering a bike with her hands, she had represented the Netherlands at the Paralympic Games and won two silver medals. "But last year, after being knocked off her bike, her feet started to tingle, and within months, she was able to walk again. She now competes on a standard bicycle and was this week given one of just 11 places on a top women's professional cycling team. "Her dream is to ride in the 2016 Olympics." more... NYC Bike Share Funded Without Tax Dollars"...The contract with New York is a watershed moment for Alta Bike Share. It won't be funded with taxpayer money. Jon Orcutt, with New York's Department of Transportation, says the city kept a close eye on how other revenue models have panned out - particularly a big one in the U.K. sponsored by Barclays Bank. "'We clearly took note of London's ability to land a major corporate sponsor,' Orcutt says. 'We and London are peers in terms of big market, cities with huge numbers of eyeballs on the street.'" more... The Transformation Of Linear Corridors11/23/11"...Linear parks are dynamic rather than static; they are not peaceful retreats but ways. A huge network of outworn and defunct transportation systems and public-utility corridors-canal lines, railroad lines, waterfronts, abandoned ports, utility rights-of-way-is being converted into open public space. "That they have become a typology shows their success; they have exceeded and moved on from the artifact that generated them-the railroad corridor-and have spread to anything that can take a linear format." more... Traffic Fatalities Mapped11/23/11"Here's a visual representation of traffic-related deaths on our highways from 2001 to 2009. "It was created by ITO World, a UK-based transport information company that used data from US government sources." more... South African Bike Culture In Pictures11/23/11"A book investigating South Africa's bike culture and the use of them as integral tools in day-to-day life is nearing its fund-raising target for publication." more... Bike Building Program For Disadvantaged Londoners11/22/11"Disadvantaged Londoners are being given the chance to develop their bike-building skills in a bid to boost their employment prospects." more... Remembering NE Ohio Trolley Lines11/23/11"Let's return to "trolley days" -- riding in a wicker seat, clicking and swaying along the rails. The motorman's bell clangs; the conductor stokes his tiny coal stove and collects your ticket. "Trolley parks sprang up along Summit County streetcar lines. Hang onto your hats on a summer trolley that traveled to Cuyahoga Falls' Silver Lake -- it only has a roof and the rest is open to the weather. "An elderly gent I know recalled Silver Lake's passenger boat cruises, picnic groves and amusement park rides. He would pack a picnic basket and spend the day for a 50-cent round trip." more... The Lure Of East Bay CA's Hiking Trails11/23/11"Tell someone you're going for a hike in Oakland, Calif., and you're liable to receive all sorts of snarky comments. "Be more specific and tell them you'll be trekking in the Oakland hills, not the notoriously harsh urban milieu of the city, and then they'll understand. Oh, right, forgot about that part of Oakland. "Snobbish outdoors types from Marin, Auburn, Santa Cruz or Redding, Calif., might disagree, but the view from here is that some of the best trails in the state can be found in the miles of hilly expanse ranging from Richmond to the cusp of Castro Valley all courtesy of the East Bay Regional Park District." more... Tech: Retrofit Goggles For GPS11/22/11"We're unsure of the wisdom of displaying a wealth of real-time GPS-sourced ride information in your downhill goggles while ripping through treacherous terrain but that's just what Recon Instruments' latest system offers up if you're so inclined." more... 'The Man Who Cycled The World'11/22/11"What is worse than hearing rats scurrying around your hotel room getting into your bike panniers at night? It might be waking up the next morning with rat turds on the pillow. "That episode in India kind of strips the glamour off the idea of bicycling around the world in pursuit of a world record. It's just one of many experiences recounted in Mark Beaumont's book "The Man Who Cycled the World," recently released in the US." more... Advances In Bike Fit11/21/11"The art of fitting a bicycle to a rider has come a long way since I first realized that some of my aches and pains were caused by poor fit. "For my style of riding -- getting from Point A to Point B without unnecessary discomfort -- there are a couple of measurements that seem adequate. "But racers and competitive amateurs seek adjustments that will give them an edge. When you're plucking down several thousand dollars on a new bicycle, another couple of hundred doesn't seem like much to pay to get the most out of it." more... When Canals Were King11/21/11"Cincinnati has always been a river town. But it once was a canal town, too. "In 1825, Ohio launched a monumental project that resulted in a 1,000-mile network of canals connecting the Ohio River with Lake Erie. Two major systems took shape: "The Ohio & Erie Canal, which connected Portsmouth and Cleveland. "The Miami & Erie Canal (originally called the Miami Canal). The latter eventually stretched from Cincinnati to Toledo." more... Actress Hit By Cyclist Sues NYC11/20/11"A pedestrian who was critically hurt when a cyclist hit her in a Brooklyn park is now suing New York City for $3million, claiming 'negligent, careless and reckless' traffic enforcement was to blame. "Actress Dana Jacks, 37, was in the hospital for 25 days after she was hit by cyclist David Sonenberg as she walked through Prospect Park last summer on June 11. "She said that she suffered 'brain trauma and face and skull fractures that kept her hospitalized' for nearly a month." more... Bicycle Mount For Iphone 4"If you love your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S to bits and pieces, and bring it with you just about everywhere you go, then surely those who cycle around would love to have this bicycle mount from Joy Factory - known as the StormCruiser, this is the latest mounting system for both smartphone from Apple. "I suppose folks who use an app on the smartphone to keep track of how far they have cycled as well as the amount of calories that they have burned will find such a mount useful." more... Prepping For Winter Riding"Biking year-round as a university student living in Montreal taught me how to survive whatever winter weather was thrown at me: snow, slush, black ice, serious wind. "...No matter what time of year, once you get your heart rate up high enough, your body temperature rises dramatically. The trick is to wear just the right amount of clothing without bulking up so you get uncomfortable and overheat and start sweat a ton - getting drenched and not being able to dry off in the cold simply sucks. Plus if you're biking to work or heading out with friends, you likely don't want to walk in carrying a lot of extra stuff or spend time changing. So much depends on simply protecting your core with windproof materials and keeping your extremities warm." more... Man Casts Vote For BikesIn the weeks leading up to the election, my mailbox was clogged with campaign literature from local politicians, most of which went straight into the recycling bin. One small postcard caught my eye, however. "On the back was a handwritten note from a candidate, pledging to "work hard to improve and expand the bike lanes in Savannah [GA]." Was that enough to earn my vote? Sure was. "Admitting this surely casts me as a single-issue voter in the minds of many. Some might even say it's irresponsible to hinge my political loyalty on a candidate's stance on bike lanes, when our community must grapple with so many challenges. "But here's the thing: Encouraging more people to ride bicycles can help to solve most every major problem we face in Savannah. Let's look at a few." more... Video: A Look At Amsterdam Bike Culture11/19/11...The video below explores the culture of bike riding in what's considered by many to be the cycling capital of the world. Paying a visit to the world's largest cycle parking lot, Kona's Mitchell Scott speaks to a few of the people who leave their bikes in the 10,000-capacity, multi-storey building. On the agenda is what makes riding in the city so special and how bikes are passed down through the generations." View the video. $10K Road Bikes - What's The Point?11/19/11"We've all seen or read about them, and some have even been lucky enough to ride (or better yet, own) one: those ultra-premium 'halo' bikes that are cycling's equivalent of that old Lamborghini Countach poster on your childhood bedroom's wall. "These days, nearly every company has at least one in their range - but if only a handful of people can afford them, what's the point?" more... Perspective: The Trail Keepers Job11/17/11"When Jim Richards applied for the job to watch after the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes [in Idaho], he liked his odds. "I think it was between me and another person," he said with a chuckle. "The other person backed out, so I was pretty much a shoo-in." "...For the past two years, Richards has been the man behind maintenance of the state's portion of the popular trail that stretches from Mullan to just beyond Harrison." more... Bikes Belong Awards $62K In Grants11/17/11"A group promoting crosstown bikeways in San Francisco and a community bicycle center in Portland are among seven recipients of Bikes Belong grants this fall. "Other urban bicycle projects on the grant list include the linking of two bike lanes in Atlanta, and bikeway extensions in Memphis and Grand Rapids. Grants also are going to research studies on the economic impact of bike use in Minneapolis and Greenville, South Carolina. "In all, the bike industry association issued $62,500 to the projects. Together they show the broad scope of bicycle programs that are active in the nation's urban areas." more... Sperm Bike Causes Stir11/15/11"You've got to have a lot of spunk to be seen on a bike like this, but it's not just for show - it's been used to deliver sperm to fertility clinics in Copenhagen, Denmark since 2010. "Now the idea has been taken up on the other side of the Atlantic, too, with Seattle Sperm Bank buying their own delivery bike, complete with a freezer compartment to store donor sperm." more... Rail-Trail Inspires Relocation"...After reading our destination piece on New York's Walkway Over the Hudson and Hudson Valley Rail Trail in the Fall 2011 issue, Jeff Anzevino wrote to tell us about how the opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson did more than spark the urge to visit the trail--it inspired him to move there!" more... Long Distance Cyclist Overcomes Disability11/15/11"The fact that Dejan Zafirov lost one leg and injured the other in a work accident hasn't stopped him from his goal of bicycling around the world. "The Macedonian cyclist rolled into San Francisco on Friday after completing a two-month cross-country ride on his fully loaded bicycle. "He already has toured on his bicycle in South America, Europe, and Asia. His tour across the US was launched to inspire his fellow countrymen and raise money for adaptive sports equipment at home through his Citizens Association Gaia." more... 2nd Death On Cycling Superhighway11/15/11"An unnamed female cyclist has become the second person in three weeks to die on a section of the new Barclays Cycle Superhighway from Bow to Aldgate in London. "The accident involving a lorry occurred at about 4:45pm on Friday at Bow Roundabout. The driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving." more... Wet Weather Riding Tips11/14/11"You don't need the latest and greatest cycling gear to get around town by bicycle. A decent rain jacket and pants are your best defense. They both cut down on wind and keep you dry. "If you can afford it, GoreTex or other breathable fabric will keep the rain out and keep you from feeling clammy. "Fenders are also a very good investment - they keep your clothes from getting gritty and dirty. Nice extras include waterproof gloves, a snug hood or cap, a synthetic layer next to your skin to wick away moisture, and rain booties to go over your shoes." more... Property Issues In The Blackhand Gorge11/13/11"It's not well known that Black Hand Gorge offers Licking County's most intriguing collection of natural beauty and local transportation history. "The beauty of the gorge, where the Licking River winds through 70-foot cliffs, speaks for itself. The history of the Ohio & Erie Canal with its towpath and locks, former and current rail lines and abandoned 330-foot Interurban train tunnel can be a bit more difficult to discover. "Unfortunately, Black Hand Gorge's beauty and significance belies its complicated land ownership, a long hidden issue that's sadly led to threats and arrests for trespassing throughout the years, including some tales that defy common sense." more... Read a previous post on this subject. Thoughts On Rear Blinkies"One of the most common pieces of advice that newbie commuters hear is that you can never be too visible. From a mostly selfish point of view, I have to agree with this sage advice. If I'm riding at night through the streets of DC, I prefer to be as visible as possible so that cabbies, texting teenagers and responsible drivers alike can all see me and identify me as a moving human as they approach. However, is bigger and brighter and blinkier always the safest approach?" more... How Drivers Can Be More Cyclist Aware11/10/11"Before we begin, this isn't an anti-driving post, we're not lambasting drivers. As much as drivers need to be more cyclist aware, follow road rules and drive safely, vice versa also applies! "As a car driver you may think the road belongs to you, but nobody owns the road. Everyone has a right to pass and re-pass on public highways. By law, a bicycle is a vehicle, so treat it like one. "Counter-intuitive to what you may believe, cyclists actually reduce congestion on the roads by not driving cars. They 're reducing the time you spend in traffic jams as they're taking up so much less space. Cyclists have a phrase for this, often seen on t-shirts and posters: One Less Car." more... 80-Year-Old Hiker Rescued In Georgia11/9/11"An 80-year-old Flowery Branch man was rescued Tuesday after he became lost while hiking down from the top of Yonah Mountain in White County. "Ana Newberry White County Fire Department spokeswoman said Erwin Gandy was in pretty good shape, considering his age." more... Levee Problems Threaten Zoar11/8/11"...Gibbs, who represents the 18th District in Congress, is the latest political leader to visit the town as part of a campaign to save Zoar. The community is protected from flooding by a nearly 75-year-old levee which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given a Dam Safety Action Classification I, meaning that the need for repairs is urgent and compelling. "The corps is in the midst of a study to determine the best option to fix the problem. The three options are to repair the levee, tear down the village and let the area flood or relocate Zoar to higher ground. "Community leaders are pushing for the first option." more... Seattle Voters Reject Car-Tab Fee"A proposal to raise $204 million for transportation projects over the next 10 years in Seattle, including bicycle infrastructure, failed on Tuesday. "Voters in the city resoundingly defeated the measure that would have required car owners to pay an extra $60 car tab fee per automobile. Six out of 10 voted against the measure. "Half of the money raised by the issue, Proposition 1, would have paid for transit improvements and 30% would have gone to deferred maintenance on the city's streets. The remaining 20% -- about $4 million a year -- would have been shared by projects to install sidewalks and expedite some projects in Seattle's Bicycle Master Plan..." more Which States Allow Bikes On Sidewalks?"Sharing the road with cars is fairly straightforward: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. But when you're pedaling near people on foot-who move less predictably than drivers..." more Jakarta's Record Fixie Ride"Most days of the week, you'd need to be crazy-or have a death wish-to venture into Jakarta's rush hour traffic on a bike. On Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, though, you'd be in good company. Two days a week, for a few hours at least, the city's endless traffic jam turns into a fixed gear bike jam. "For fixed gear enthusiasts, Jakarta is an urban playground. No one seems certain how the psychedelically painted single-gear bikes became so popular in Indonesia's largest city, but Dian, one of the Jakarta's early adopters, says there are now over 1800 fixed gear owners in Jakarta and at least 4000 throughout Indonesia. "That's a big number in a city notorious for its lack of opportunities for outdoor exercise, and even more impressive is their dedication. 1522 fixed gear riders, plus an additional thousand other bikers, turned up at one of the city's malls, Epicentrum Walk, on a Sunday night in June to attempt to set a world record for the most fixed riders hitting the streets at once, crushing the 1000 rider target." more... Brown County Trails Receive Epic Status11/4/11"Brown County [IN] State Park's mountain bike trails have won the International Mountain Bicycling Association's honor of offering enthusiasts an "epic" ride. "...Overall, IMBA's list now includes 51 destinations in the United States, four in Canada, and one each in Italy and Wales. The organization started the program in 2000. "'If you are a mountain biker, this is your bucket list,' says IMBA's website. 'Every single one of the mountain bike trails listed on this page (http://www.imba.com/epics/rides) will blow your mind. Guaranteed.'" more... Keyless Locking Skewers"Locking or keyed skewers can be handy in the urban environment where wheels are both a valuable commodity and relatively easily stolen form bikes that are otherwise locked. "The problem with many of the keyed systems is that they require you to have a special tool in order to remove, in my case inevitably leading to a flat tire and not having the tool specific for that bike on hand. "OnGuard created the Minpin for people not looking for another tool in their life - the skewers instead rely on gravity to lock and unlock..." more A Tale Of Two Ohio Cities11/4/11"...In 2008, a study found that residents of Cleveland's Hough neighborhood have a 24-year shorter life expectancy than people who reside in suburban Lyndhurst. Cimperman said 13 1/2 of those years can be attributed to smoking and the diet of Hough residents. "He described the contrast between the two communities as a modern-day version of Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities.'" more... Call For The End Of Australia's Helmet Law"A filmmaker has produced a 60-second advertisement calling for an end to compulsory cycle helmet laws for adults in Australia. "Geoff McLeod spent $40,000 filming the ad in Italy and has applied to have it broadcast on television. It shows cyclists going about their business - without helmets - on city streets. While he admits helmets are a good thing, he doesn't believe forcing people over the age of 18 to wear them is. "'It's the equivalent of telling people who drive cars that they have to gear up like Craig Lowndes (Australian racing car driver), or telling beach goers they have to wear life jackets or surfers to wear headgear,' he told news.com.au." more... Cyclist Circumnavigates Australia In Record Time11/4/11"A Queensland police officer has shattered the world record for time taken to pedal around Australia. "Dave Alley, a 35-year-old father-of-three, took just 37 days, 20hrs and 45mins to complete the 14,251km trek, eclipsing the previous record held by Canadian Perry Stone by nearly four days. "Starting and finishing in Brisbane, he pedalled at an average of 377km a day, including 506km non-stop during one 24-hour stretch." more... How Breathable Jackets Work11/4/11"There's been controversy over the performance of waterproof/breathable fabrics, with some claims that they don't do anything useful. What wicks? What works? What won't? "We delve into the materials used in winter cycling gear." more... TE Funding: Not Just For Trails11/2/11"...Built in 1912, Union Station in Tampa, Fla., was closed to the public in 1984, as federal investment in highways and air travel reduced support for rail facilities during the preceding decades. Boarded up and uninhabited, water leaked from the roof and plaster fell from the ceiling inside this once iconic building. Nearby businesses had suffered or moved away, with the loss of Amtrak service decimating what was once a busy center of community. "Thanks to a $2.5 million TE grant, the heritage-listed Union Station was restored in 1998, not only renovating an important part of Florida's architectural history but, significantly, reconnecting Amtrak service and then adding bus, taxi and trolley service. "The station now serves more than 100,000 Amtrak passengers each year, and the TE-funded restoration has spurred redevelopment in surrounding areas--and contributed richly to the transportation landscape of the region. more... NARRP Seeking Nominees"...NARRP is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Annual Awards to be presented at next year's conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The awards recognize outstanding accomplishments in the field of recreation resource planning and management. Each of the award categories are for individual achievement, however, the Excellence in Planning Award also considers achievements by agencies or organizations. "New this year: NARRP has opened the award nomination process to the public. Previously, award nominations were only accepted from NARRP members." more... Guide To Winter Layers For Cyclists11/1/11"Cyclists ride in all weathers, from hot sun to freezing snow and a load of cold, wet days in between. "We also ride at extreme intensities and speed; one minute we're going as hard as we can up a steep, rocky trail at 5mph getting really hot and the next flying down a road at 40mph with no effort and getting cold. "The clothing you wear can make a massive difference to your ride experience. It's important to wear the right kit for the job and that requires a bit of layering. You're looking to wear thin layers of clothing that are best suited to its position. The advantage of thin layers is that you can unzip, add or take away during the ride to keep you warm, cool or dry." more... Family Demands Answers Over Cycling Fatality"The family of Mathieu Lefevre, the 30-year-old artist who was run over by a truck in East Williamsburg earlier this month joined Transportation Alternatives at a press conference today at 1 Police Plaza, calling on NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly to reinvestigate the case of Leferve, as well as other cyclist fatalities. "On Monday we learned that no charges would be pressed against the flatbed truck driver who left the scene after killing Lefevre. He parked his truck just two blocks away and, according to the NYPD, "had no idea" that he'd hit someone. "Lefevre's mother Erika says there were markings on the truck from the accident, which is why investigators decided to track down the driver." more... 
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Latest Blog..."Reoccurring stories or themes defined the news scene for 2011. So, along with our usual countdown of the "top stories" comes several news trends as well..." |
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