Posted by Danny Graber on January 14, 2009
A Bicycle Evangelist With the Wind Now at His Back
By CORNELIA DEAN
Published: January 13, 2009 in the New York Times
Summary:
Earl Blumenauer, the founder and proprietor of the Congressional Bicycle Caucus, advocates cycling as a remedy for everything from
climate change to obesity.
Posted in Advocacy | 1 Comment »
Posted by Henry Scott on January 10, 2009
Matt Mooney and Bruce Spitzer, not deterred, still biking!
Then we had some days near the end of December that gave me pause. It warmed up just enough to produce some slushy ruts in the road — right before temperatures plummeted and froze them in place. Most winters have a few days for which the snow approximates cookie dough consistency, and I simply can’t make my bike go, but there have been very few days that I was afraid to ride. Those icy ruts crossed the line for me. I traveled on foot.
Today looks like riding will be challenging, at least within my neighborhood due to the depth of snow on the streets. It may be another day of walking, rather than riding, but to be honest, I don’t mind. I’ve enjoyed walking more this winter, but then again, I really don’t need to go very far: downtown (home of the wonderful Chicory Cafe and my gym) is only about two miles and my employer is just under one mile from my house.
However, I’ve been wondering how the rest of you, with longer commutes, have been doing this winter. Any stories?
Posted in Commentary, Ride Reports | Tagged: winter biking | 13 Comments »
Posted by Danny Graber on January 7, 2009
The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) is an outstanding and pretty unimpeachable source for consumer and technical information on bicycle helmets. Every year Randy Swart of the BHSI compiles a review of new and improved helmets, helmets designs etc., and the 2009 edition is now available. If you want a completely biased recommendation for a helmet, we suggest a Trek or a Fuji; both companies donate $1 of the purchase price to the League’s programs. from Danny Graber as posted by League of American Bicyclists in their e-newsletter.
Posted in Advocacy, Gear | 1 Comment »
Posted by Danny Graber on January 7, 2009
One of the easiest ways to support and promote bicycling infrastructure development is to support Michiana, state, and national bicycling associations. Everyone can help the cause just by joining and paying the minimal membership dues. All of these agencies need your monetary support as well as your name on the membership rolls. The more we “belong” the more political voice we have in development of Michiana-area bicycling infrastructure. Here is a list of associations that are making a difference in Michiana:
1. Bike Michiana Coalition
2. Michiana Bike Association
3. Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association
4. Indiana Bicycle Coalition
5. League of Michigan Bicyclists
6. League of American Bicyclists
If you were to join all of them it would empty your pockets of about $125 each year. But it is one of the best ways to spend your money if you want to promote bicycling. All of these agencies have staff and volunteers working around the clock to make changes.
Visit their websites. Once a member, you will get periodic e-news from all of them of things happening in bicycling – legislation, special events, bike rides, etc. — Danny Graber, League of American Bicyclists Certified Safety Instructor
Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | 2 Comments »
Posted by Adam Bee on January 7, 2009
Apparently photoshopped, but the point is real: not even helmets will save you from a loose quick-release lever, so make sure everyone you know understands how to tighten one correctly!
Posted in Gear, Maintenance | Leave a Comment »
Jerry Hinnefeld
Henry Scott
judithrobert
Jeff Nixa
memooney
Adam Bee
bspitzer
Nate Barnett
Paul Taylor
Danny Graber
lhierony
Phil G-E
petercolan
Jim Moffitt
Judy Lee
2wheelpeddler
dickkuehl
nimbabike
Snowbound
Posted by Danny Graber on January 14, 2009
Posted in Commentary | 7 Comments »