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March 2009
The best bike sale in town
If you don’t already know about it, then you should. One of the best bicycle sales events in town is happening this week at Bicycle Sport Shop. The sale begins Friday and runs through next Monday. Get there early and you will find some great deals. This is always a good time of year to stock up on socks, tires, jerseys, gloves and tools. There will also be some incredible deals on complete bikes and components.
Another bonus to this event is you can register at either of location during the sale for a chance to win a $2500 cycling package. Sweet.
For more information, go to www.bicyclesportshop.com.
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Ladies’ night at the Driveway
The first Thursday of every month is for the ladies at the Driveway in east Austin. Join the Team Hotel San Jose women and Holland Racing to learn about racing bikes or simply improving skills while riding. Come support and be a part of women’s racing in a festive, community-driven environment.
This event is geared to give would-be, new, or first-year women racers a venue to learn some new skills or brush up some old ones. If you’re an experienced racer, come do your category race, and show the new gals what fast chicks (and guys) look like!
Schedule
6:15 p.m., Women’s skills clinic & women’s educational ride
6:45 p.m., Women’s USAC-sanctioned race
The event is $10 or $5 with a canned food item for Austin Food Bank. ANSI/SNELL approved helmets must be worn at all times while on the bicycle.
For more information email darlingpandora@gmail.com or go to DrivewaySeries.com.
Safe passing update
In the Senate Hearing Update:
Just a few hours ago, BikeTexas staff returned from the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing with one more step completed towards the success of the 2009 Safe Passing Bill. The Committee heard testimony in favor of the bill (CSSB 488) from tow truck operators and the BikeTexas executive director.
Family of slain cyclist Anthony Mungioli were not able to attend, but submitted written testimony; Commander Sean Mannix of the Austin Police Department had been called away when the bill came up, but was recognized as having signed up to testify in support.
The bill is now pending, and we expect the committee to vote on it within a couple of weeks. The hearing went smoothly and we are very optimistic.
What’s Next: If the Safe Passing Bill passes the Senate Transportation Committee, the next step will be a floor vote by the full Senate. At that time we will alert you to contact your State Senator to ask that he or she vote in favor of the bill.
In the House Hearing Update:
The House Transportation Committee heard the Safe Passing Bill (CSHB 827) on Tuesday, March 24, and we have received word that they will not vote on it this week. So you still have time to make a difference! The two Representatives below have not indicated that they will support the bill.
Rep. Larry Phillips, (Vice-Chair) R- Fannin, Grayson, Dist. 62
Rep. Tommy Merritt, R- Longview, Dist. 7
What’s next:
If the Safe Passing Bill passes the House Transportation Committee, it will then go to the Calendars Committee, which determines when and which bills go to the House floor for a vote by the whole House. At that time we will let constituents of the Calendars Committee members know that it’s time to ask their Representatives to vote for the bill. Once out of Calendars, it will be time for the full-court press - we will ask all Texas cyclists to contact their Representatives and urge them to support Safe Passing.
Week without pedals was horrible
Wow. What a lame week. I’ve been a carpet slug for nine days. I’ve barely touched my bikes. I hate it. Cycling as become such an intrenched part of my life that it’s removal, if only for a week, hurts like hell.
It wasn’t by choice, a careless driver carries the blame. To add discomfort to misery, my coccyx still hurts. Everytime I sit down in a chair, I think of that right hook by an SUV that knocked me down on the pavement with a monsterous thud. Butt first.
Granted, it could have been much worse. But that still hasn’t made this past week without cycling any easier. The only cool thing to come of this incident was I got a new set of black cranks for my single speed Salsa. They rock. I’m embarassed to say it, but I’ve already cleaned them once.
It really is a need, to ride and care for these marvelous machines. I used to think their main purpose was to help melt away fat. I’ve come to realize that is such a shallow indictment of their true potential.
Cycling creates a domino effect. Better health, better body, more condifence, new people, more friends, less stress, less carbon emissions, less wasted time, more fun, bla bla bla. It just keeps rolling on. And it will soon be time to jump back on the saddle to right what ails me. It cannot get here quick enough.
New hearing on safe passing bill
The 2009 Safe Passing Bill, Committee Substitute Senate Bill 488, will be heard by the Texas State Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. in Hearing Room E1.016 in the Capitol Extension. Be there if you can to support bicycle safety in Austin. After my collision with a car in the bike lane, we could use more legislation to help protect those on two wheels.
Bike lane barriers
Had an interesting conversation with some co-workers yesterday about the dangers of riding in the city. One guy brought up some interesting points. One of his ideas involved the city creating and maintaining paved bike lanes on either side of the railroad on MoPac. It would create a nice artery from downtown to the northern reaches of the the city.
I started thinking about how nice that would be, to not have to ride with cars. I thought about how bike lanes in their current state are not the answer, even though they do help. What if there was a way for the city to install more of a barrier between bike lanes and the road?
One idea is to have the city install white plastic poles into the pavement, right on the painted lines that separate the bike lane from the road. They could be spaced five or six feet apart, and would be two feet in height. The poles would be reflective and collapsible at the base, much like the poles on a snow ski slalom course. This would create a more visible barrier between cyclists and motorists, and it would force drivers to pay attention to turning between the poles onto side streets. It might even end drifting into the bike lane. I know while driving, I am more careful if there is a retainer wall or those orange caution cones near my lane.
I know it would be costly to install, but I think well worth it.
League of Bicycling Voters gives endorsements
The League of Bicycling Voters, after careful consideration of responses to a candidate questionnaire and questions at a public forum co-sponsored by the organization on March 23, has made the following endorsements for the Austin mayoral and City Council races.
Mayor: Lee Leffingwell
Place 1: Chris Riley
Place 2: Mike Martinez
Place 5: Bill Spelman
Place 6: Sheryl Cole
Comments on each race from Rob D’Amico, LOBV President:
As Austin residents we know there are a host of challenges and opportunities for our city that need to be addressed by the next City Council that stand apart from just encouraging bicycling. But we also know that bicycle transportation is the most effective and affordable solution to challenges like traffic congestion, declining air and water quality, increasing health-care costs, skyrocketing public safety budgets and creating sustainable development, not to mention dependence on foreign oil supplies. With that in mind we looked for candidates who were willing to take the lead in promoting bicycling.
Mayor As a city council member, Lee Leffingwell has been a consistent supporter of bicycle-related projects, including his sponsorship and participation on the Street Smarts Task Force. In his bid for mayor, he has shown an impressive command of the issues facing bicyclists, such as the need to have bicycle lanes free of automobile parking. Leffingwell also has pledged to include bicycle infrastructure investments in a possible transportation bond package in the coming years, and he is supportive of safety improvements like a three-foot passing law.
Place 1 Chris Riley is by far the most experienced and well-rounded candidate for the Austin City Council, and we’re elated that he’s also a long-time bicycle advocate who is passionate about the need for making cycling more accessible and safer for all Austinites. This is a candidate who is serious about doubling our percentage of bicycle commuters and will be watching the numbers to make sure we’re making progress. As a former planning commission chair, downtown commission member and member of many other city boards and task forces, including the Street Smarts Task, Riley is well-equipped to integrate the benefits of bicycling into other key strategies Austin will need for meeting the challenges ahead. And did we mention that he rides his bicycle just about everywhere? And when he can’t, he uses Austin CarShare, the nonprofit car-sharing organization he helped form. Bicyclists are indeed lucky to have such a highly-qualified candidate who they can truly call one of their own.
Place 2 Mike Martinez gets it when it comes to integrating bicycles into the transportation mix. As a city council member he’s often been the guy that makes sure bicyclists’ concerns and issues aren’t forgotten. As a parent of a young bicyclist, he’s cognizant of the need to make riding Austin’s streets safer. He too was a strong supporter of the Street Smarts Task Force and is excited about carrying out the recommendations for the group, which have been integrated into the city’s bike plan update.
Place 5 Bill Spelman was a key supporter of bicycle issues in his first stint as a council member almost a decade ago. We’re glad to have him back, and even happier to hear his current enthusiasm for promoting more ways to attract new bicycle commuters, such as expanded shower facilities.
Place 6 Sheryl Cole recognizes the need to beef up our commitment to bicycle infrastructure, and she has been a constant supporter of bicyclists as a city council member. We were glad to hear that she is emphatic about developing a significant bicycle facility, one that can be used by cyclists of all ages that parallels and offers access to the Waller Creek District project.
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A good way to get involved
If you want to get involved and do your part to push through valuable legislation for bicycle safety, then this is an event worth attending. …
It’s not too late to plan to attend BikeTexas Cyclists in Suits! This biennial event, held during the regular Texas legislative sessions, will be on Monday, April 20.
We will meet for orientation in the Central Meeting Room of the Robert Johnson Building, at 1501 Congress Ave., starting at 8:30 AM. We’ll visit members’ offices armed with informational materials for members and staff, watch resolutions in the House and Senate, then after a day of citizen lobbying, we’ll all return to the BikeTexas office for happy hour!
BikeDFW, BikeHouston and Bexar Trails are planning to charter buses, passenger vans and coordinate carpools for the trip. Check with your bike club about sending a group to Cyclists in Suits!
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Pay to ride? Bad call Aggies
Aggie students could have to pay to ride and lock up their bikes on campus. Not cool. Here’s the lowdown from Bike Rumor:
Texas A&M has drafted a proposal for a Bicycle User Registration program that will require a permit to use bicycle facilities on campus (presumably bike racks).
If you ever wanted to discourage people in riding bikes, here’s how you do it: Charge them to ride and lock their bike up on campus.
The program, to its credit, is proposed to alleviate congestion, which we assume means cyclists that lock their bikes to items that cause pedestrian traffic to bottleneck, by allowing campus enforcers to fine the owner of the bicycle for improper use. They also claim it’ll help return a stolen bike to the rightful owner.
Maybe, but don’t charge for the service, just make the permits free and have some coffee and donuts available while people are waiting in line. Heck, maybe Urban Velo or Bicycle Times could even donate some free issues to be handed out with every permit with a coupon for a local bike shop or a Planet Bike blinky light or something. Make the students feel rewarded for riding instead of driving, now that’s a novel concept.
Thanks for the support
First of all, I want to thank all of you for your support. I understand the questions being raised about not getting the woman’s information or contacting the police. I was stunned and a little dazed and she didn’t hang around that long.
I was really trying to make sure I got out of the street and that I wasn’t seriously injured. Looking back, I wish that I would have at least remembered her license plate number, but that was a big hit and I truly wasn’t in a good frame of mind. After three days of rest, my backside is starting to heal and it doesn’t look like any surgery will be required.
I am very lucky that there was no worse damage to myself or my Salsa. Hopefully there won’t be a next time, but if there is, I will make an official report to the police. But sadly, as many of my friends in the cycling community have said, the police usually don’t waste much energy with collisions involving bicycles and cars.
What happens after a collision with a car?
So I guess the question is this: Should fear rule one’s life? My immediate answer is no. This response is, of course, based on circumstance, and in a general sense, fear can help deter disaster in a person’s life.
I once had a bad experience on a plane leaving Portland, Ore. We didn’t crash, but there was an emergency landing with plenty of frazzled nerves in the cabin. I was shaken. So much so that I didn’t board a plane for four or five years afterward. I missed out on a friend’s wedding and some other great trips due to this fear.
My fear of flying was irrational. But some would say justified. After all, I could have lost my life that day. It’s easy to let fear swell inside and take control of your decision-making ability.
I had another scary incident this past Friday. I had a collision with a car. I was in the bike lane heading north on Congress. An SUV passed in the right lane. Without warning or a signal, the truck turned hard into my lane. I had maybe a second to react. I hit the brakes, unclipped and fell to the left as my front wheel made contact with the rear panel of the SUV.
The first and only thing to smack the pavement was my butt. I hit hard. But I was fortunate enough to have the awareness to fall straight down and not forward. When the driver figured out what had happened, she pulled up and apologized. She told me she had not seen me and had veered so abruptly because East Alpine Rd. was her turn. She asked if I was OK, and then was gone. I’m assuming the realization of what had just happened sparked her genetic flight response.
On a positive note my steel Salsa was fine. The left pedal was scraped to hell, as was the wrapping on the handlebar, but she made it through without any real damage. And a couple of other Good Samaritans pulled over and asked if I needed any help.
I went to the emergency room and got the once-over. Nothing is broken, although the pain is quite severe. I will meet with an orthopedic surgeon to get the final analysis.
My wife, mother, friends and co-workers were obviously concerned. Some of them don’t want me to commute anymore. “It’s a sign” some say. A sign of what, that cycling is dangerous? I already knew that. But here’s the thing; people die in cars, trains, planes and walking every day. We all know the risks when we leave our door in the morning.
Of course there are things cyclists should do to diminish the risks. But to let fear dictate how you live your life is a mistake. I know, I’ve done it before.
Will this incident affect how I ride? Definitely. I will stay off major roads and look for more quiet routes. But people should be aware that cycling is growing exponentially. There will be more incidents between cars and bikes, but I’m hoping there will be more understanding that cycling is an important mode of transportation in this ever-congested and polluted world.
The answer to SXSW traffic
Sometimes watching cars is funny. The big ones with terrible gas milege that can tote 15 people to the small ones that run on used burrito oil, they all have one thing in common during SXSW, they don’t move much.
With thousands of extra folks from all over the world here to endulge in our beautiful city, the traffic is slower than sludge. And anybody who lives here full time knows just how congested our roads are anyway. It’s annoying. It’s costly. And we all hate it.
So it comes as little surprise that I get a certain satisfaction when I’m flying past frustrated drivers stuck in their little enclosed worlds. Take Thursday for instance. I came down the hill on 5th St. heading into Barton Springs. It was a parking lot. From Lamar all the way to First St., there was no movement. I had just enough room to glide by on the right. It was fun watching the sour faces become envious as I sailed by those stuck in traffic.
I got to my final destination faster than the cars got to the next block. It makes so much sense to get around on two wheels, especially during these big events that bring central Austin to its paved knees.
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Bike Candidate Forum
For those of you who like to take an active role in helping the cycling community in Austin, this forum is for you. …
Austin cyclists and voters:
City council candidates need to understand the needs of the cycling community. To make your voice heard, come to the Bike Candidate Forum, organized by the Austin Cycling Association and the League of Bicycling Voters, supported by the Yellow Bike Project and Bicycle Sport Shop. It’s set for Monday, March 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 304 E. Seventh St.
This year’s City Council election, taking place May 9th, will feature a highly competitive mayor’s race with no incumbent, plus races for:
Place 1 (held by departing incumbent Lee Leffingwell) Place 2 (held by Mike Martinez) Place 5 (held by departing incumbent Brewster McCracken) Place 6 (held by Sheryl Cole).
Leffingwell and McCracken are both running for mayor. In the Place 1 contest between Chris Riley and Perla Cavazos, both candidates have earned an almost equal number of early endorsements from community groups. This race is likely to be highly competitive.
At the forum, the candidates will speak about cycling and pedestrian issues, and questions may be fielded from the audience if time permits. This is a nonpartisan event. Secure bike parking will be available.
For more information, call Scott at 389-2250.
3 feet please jersey could help
I’m not sure if this is a great idea, but I like the general principal. You can now purchase a “3 Feet Please” jersey and help remind drivers that cyclists need a safe passing distance. I think it’s a good thing, but I’m not sure I want to create any more distractions for motorists by having them try to read my back while they drive.
The battle for space between cyclists and motorists is intensifying — worldwide. And the need for space has never been greater. More must be done to educate motorists of the importance of sharing our roads and giving cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.
As a cyclist who spends a lot of time on the roads in traffic I have experienced numerous close calls. After one frustrating ride I decided to act. I designed a jersey with the words “3 Feet Please” on the back. I shared this idea with several fellow cyclists who thought this could make a difference. Fueled by their enthusiasm I placed an order for several hundred jerseys with Voler, built a website and launched a campaign to save lives.
Currently, thirteen states in the US have laws requiring motorists to give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. These “3 foot laws” are a good step in making our roads safer for cyclists. The challenge is educating motorists about the law and reminding them to follow the law.
The week that was
From this past week. …
OVERHEARD IN A BIKE SHOP
“I was rolling right along until I saw this gorgeous babe. I flashed her my smile and gave her a little nod. The next thing I remember was having a grass taste in my mouth and wondering why my shoulder hurt so bad.”
NOT COOL
Just a little reminder to some of those larger fellows at the veloway, wearing super-tight outfits when you’re just cruising won’t give you any tactical advantage. More importantly, it makes it hard for the rest of us to concentrate when your snow-white bellies are jingling in the breeze.
GLASS HOLES
I would like to personally thank the man or woman who broke about 10 glass beer bottles all over the road on Brodie. No really, thanks. It sharpens my reflexes when I have to avoid thousands of tiny, sharp tire goblins. It truly makes my commute more challenging.
BY THE NUMBERS
40
Miles ridden last week. I’m ashamed to admit this, but I let the foul weather get to me. I felt like a slug driving into work. I’m going to man-up next time.
5
Number of black bunnies spotted on a porch on 5th Street. I would have never noticed that from a car window. I admit it, I have a weak spot for animals.
0
Amount of money spent in the bike shop last week. Wow a number I can actually be proud of. It’s rare that I don’t gravitate to Bicycle Sport Shop and keep the wallet in pocket.
1
Pretty sweet trickster on a fixie showing off his moves near downtown.
4,000
Calories consumed on Saturday. Don’t ask.
2
Near-misses with idiots who don’t follow the three feet rule. I just don’t understand why drivers think that just because I am wearing a helmet it’s OK to pass too close.
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Tell Gov. Perry all about it
Congress has set aside funding for the transportation enhancement program, which funds bicycle and pedestrian projects. However, states have a time limit. If they don’t identify which projects they want to fund, and obligate the funding to those projects, they will have to give back the money. Call or write your Governor now to ensure that important bicycle and pedestrian projects get built. The League of American Bicyclists has an online form to make sure your voice is heard.
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Talk bike sharing at SXSW on Friday
This could be an interesting discussion worth the trip downtown. …
Meet Alex Bogusky, Chairman of advertising agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, as one of this year’s featured SXSW Interactive speakers, and listen to what he has to say about bike sharing Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. in the Austin Convention Center.
In increasingly turbulent times, it seems like more and more of us are wearing an extra hat or two in an effort to make a difference. Maybe that explains why Crispin Porter + Bogusky has joined with Humana and Trek bicycles in an audacious plan to bring bike sharing to America with a new venture called B-cycle. All three companies share one common goal: positive cultural change. It’s estimated that the U.S. could save 462 million gallons of gasoline a year by increasing cycling from 1% to just 1.5% of all trips. B-cycle can change the way we get around. And that can change our communities, our heath, our environment, and our future. Find out more about B-cycle and why Alex recommends we all begin sticking our noses in places where they don’t belong.
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Get your CLIF in a bottle
For fans of CLIF Bar and Clif Shot energy and recovery supplements, you will soon be able to drink your CLIF.
Clif Bar has officially released its new Quench sports drink in ready-to-drink format. CLIF Quench will arrive on shelves in June and comes in four flavors: Fruit Punch, Orange, Lime-Ade and Strawberry Citrus. (SRP: $1.49)
FROM THE COMPANY: Food alone can’t sustain active people. Hydration is critical for maintaining energy levels and performance. CLIF Quench is a new sport drink with a refreshingly clear difference - it’s made with all natural and 88 percent organic ingredients for healthy hydration.
CLIF Quench offers the optimal balance of ingredients your thirsty body needs, including electrolytes and carbohydrates to move water where your body needs it most. CLIF Quench is all-natural and contains no artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives used in many beverages today.
Continuing on the company’s journey toward sustainability, the CLIF Quench bottle and label are the most planet-friendly options on the market. The bottle is made of 40 percent post-consumer recycled PET plastic - the highest percentage of any U.S. bottled beverage - and the bottle and label are fully recyclable.
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More bike lanes
There’s more progress on the city adding bike lanes. Steck Avenue between Burnet Road and MoPac’s northbound frontage road were re-striped March 5-6. The re-striping included bike lanes on both sides of the roadway and is part of the routine resurfacing and maintenance project that began in the area a few weeks ago.
The new striping provides for two traffic lanes (one in each direction), a center turn lane, plus bike lanes. This configuration replaces the former configuration of two vehicle lanes in each direction.
Steck Avenue in this area is part of Bike Route 16 designated in 1998 by the Council-approved Austin Bicycle Plan. The bike lanes will complete a significant portion of Bike Route 16 connecting Mesa Drive to Ohlen Road, and will serve the North Village Branch Library under construction, Anderson High School, and recreational and commuting cyclists.
Similar bike lane projects have been implemented in other areas of the city as part of routine resurfacing maintenance. Those projects include segments of North Loop Blvd, Manor Road, Pleasant Valley Road, Duval Road and Walsh Tarleton Lane.
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Important hearing on Safe Passing Bill
Dear fellow Austin area cyclists,
Please attend the Senate Committee Hearing on the Safe Passing Bill - SB 488 - Tomorrow (Wednesday March 11) at 7:30AM at the Capitol in E1.016. Wear a suit!
We need as many attendees as possible to help insure passage of both SB 488 (Safe Passing) and SB 161 (Safe Routes to School). If you can get to the capitol tomorrow morning PLEASE do it. It is very, very important.
Send an RSVP to robin@biketexas.org AND mark@biketexas.org if you plan to attend. BikeTexas will email you tonight to let you know if the Wednesday hearing is on. If you are not sure, please contact Mark Stine at cell 512-921-0581. If you get no answer, leave a voicemail and Mark will call you back as soon as possible.
Important notes:
An announcement has been made that this week’s Transportation and Homeland Security committee hearing will be canceled if the State Senate stays in session tonight past 10:00 PM as they debate and possibly vote on the contentious Voter ID Bill. We will not know until the Senate adjourns this evening either by or after 10:00 PM. Our best take that the session will conclude by 10:00 PM and we are preparing to testify tomorrow.
The Wednesday Transportation Committee hearing, if held, will now start at 7:30 a.m. Please try to be there at 7:30 a.m. as we cannot be sure when our item will come up. Please remember to wear business attire including coat and tie for men.
When you fill our a card at the hearing to support SB 488, please also be sure to fill out a card supporting SB 161, a Safe Routes to School Bill which is also authored by Senator Rodney Ellis. SB 161 will help to make better and more timely use of underutilized Safe Routes to School funds currently held by TxDOT.
Thanks for your commitment and support. Please call or email Mark or Robin with your questions.
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How to not get hit by cars
With statistics showing an increase in people who have chosen cycling as a way of transportation, plus my close encounters with cars during my time as a commuter, I think it’s well worth examining the potential pit falls cyclists face. A fantastic resource is bicyclesafe.com.
This site has a section (including illustrations) on ten ways to not get hit. It’s easy to get overconfident after putting in some miles on a bike, but the truth is we all could use a reminder of how to ride safely.
This web page is packed with good information and I would encourage everyone to take some time to look at its contents. A lot of it involves common sense, but it never hurts to revisit practical advice from time to time.
The opening statement will give you a good idea of where this guy is coming from:
This is a far cry from normal bicycle safety guides, which usually tell you little more than to wear your helmet and to follow the law. But consider this for a moment: Wearing a helmet will do absolutely nothing to prevent you from getting hit by a car. Sure, helmets might help you if you get hit, but your #1 goal should be to avoid getting hit in the first place. Plenty of cyclists are killed by cars even though they were wearing helmets. Ironically, if they had ridden without helmets, yet followed the guidelines listed below, they might still be alive today. Don’t fall for the myth that wearing a helmet is the first and last word in biking safety. In truth, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s better to not get hit. That’s what real bicycle safety is about.
Pedal Thru the Pines
I went to Bastrop on Saturday and put in 50 miles during Pedal Thru the Pines. This event really has it all. It’s well organized, it’s for a great cause (benefiting the Family Crisis Center, which offers programs and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Bastrop, Fayette, Lee and Colorado counties) and the route is stunning.
I have played golf a few times in Bastrop State Park, but really had not seen much beyond the course. During the first 14 miles of the ride, cyclists are treated to a roller coaster of quick decents and short, steep climbs. The loblolly pines tower over the paved road, giving riders a nice shield from the wind. It was hard to tell what was around the corner, but it really didn’t matter. That is such a beautiful setting.
But man, those short hills were brutal. There were several people who had to dismount and walk their bikes to the top. But to be fair, there were plenty of stretches where you didn’t have to pedal much at all.
I was also curious to see some of the damage from the recent forest fires that ate up several acres of pines and, unfortunately, some homes as well. I really didn’t see too much except for a burned-out swath adjacent to Highway 71.
In any case, this is a great event worthy of checking out next year. Plus, it’s a training ride for those of you entered in the MS 150. This year’s turnout was close to 1,500 cyclists, and I cannot speak for everyone, but this was a cycling experience worth repeating.
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Don’t make us all look bad
To those who ride their bikes at night: Please, please, please make yourselves more visible. You probably think “I’m just riding a few blocks,” but you can get plowed by a car during that short distance.
I wrote an entry a while back about folks who wear dark clothing and have no lights and fly around the streets like they are invincible. Well, I saw something the other night that made me cringe, and trust me, I’ve witnessed plenty of cyclists with no common sense doing all sorts of dangerous things. It takes a lot to make me cringe.
This clown was the usual suspect, dark clothing, no lights, no reflectors, no helmet. He was riding north on the Congress bridge on a BMX, jumping from the curb and back to the street. He then decided to cross four lanes of traffic and jump on the opposite curb.
He dodged a few cars, got a few angry horn blasts and continued on towards downtown. What the @%#^& was he doing? I can understand jumping a curb to avoid a big obstacle, but crossing several lanes into fast-moving traffic is basically a death sentence.
Look, I am generally all for people doing whatever they want, provided they don’t put anyone else in harm’s way. The problem with this guy and others like him is they begin to represent all cyclists as idiots who are unpredictable. This in turn creates anger in motorists, which leads to reduced compassion for those of us who try to ride safely.
I’m tired of my friends complaining about the stupid stunt they saw by a guy on a bike. There’s just too many people riding in an unsafe way.
All cyclists need to understand that everytime they jump on the pedals, they represent all people on two wheels. Their actions count. It’s time to start realizing that cyclists are not immune to the laws of the road. I’m not asking for everyone to be perfect, just use a little more common sense when riding.
Strange takes on the bicycle
I’m all for innovation and creative alternatives for problem solving. But some things are better left alone. Take for instance the modern bicycle. OK, forget for a moment the technological wonders of carbon and Reynolds’ crazy 953 stainless steel. Those are innovations in material, not in basic process. The bike in its true form (fork, top tube, down tube, head tube, stays, bottom bracket, etc.) is close to a perfect human-powered machine. But some folks get bored and their creative energy becomes overwhelming, and then this happens. …
Again, I’m all for exploring options, but this is pretty out there. For more strange takes on the bicycle, head over to WebUrbanist and see 15 crazy concept bicycles.
Austin bike polo
There’s a bike polo game every Sunday around 4 p.m. in Austin. It’s not too intense, but it’s definitely competitive. It’s held at Eastwoods Park, just north of the University of Texas. They’ve got mallets made from Pvc pipe. The goal boundaries are marked by two orange cones. Out of bounds happens to be the nearest concrete wall or tennis net made from chain link fence. The bikes come in all flavors, as do the riders.
The rules are pretty simple. Score goals. It’s three players per team, no touching the ground with feet and the game ends after one team scores three goals.
I went to Eastwoods Park to find out what the local bike polo scene is all about, and this is what I found. …
Free bike valet for SXSW
Last year Bicycle Sport Shop partnered with South by Southwest to provide free bicycle valet services for attendees of the SXSW concert series on Lady Bird Lake. “It was a huge success,” said Chris Carter, Marketing Manager for Bicycle Sport Shop. “We parked more than 1200 bikes over 3 days and everyone seemed very appreciative of the service.”
This year Bicycle Sport Shop hopes to see more people on bikes taking advantage of the free bicycle valet parking. Riding bikes, whether for fun or transportation, is a great way for anyone in Austin to get around town, especially during the craziness of SXSW. If more people committed to cycle more and drive cars less the positive impact on our community would be enormous.
The SXSW Auditorium Shores Free Concert Series will begin Thursday, March 19th at 5pm. For more information on SXSW you can visit sxsw.com.
For more information regarding the SXSW Valet Parking, please visit bicyclesportshop.com.
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Ride for Riley
There is a ride for Austin City Council candidate Chris Riley on Saturday, March 14. I had a nice talk with him at a recent Bicycle Sport Shop function, and he seems pretty sincere about helping to improve our bicycle infrastructure, especially bike lanes, trails and parking.
The ride will be casual and will be about 12-15 miles. The ride will start at 10:30 a.m., but the starting location has yet to be determined. There is also a registration fee of $25 per individual and $40 per group of two or more. The fundraising minimum is $100 per individual and $200 for a group. Registration fees count towards the total fundraising goal.
To register for the ride, go to Riley’s web site.
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Single speed, the simple life
So I decided that I wanted a true commuter. The bike I had been using to slug it out with the crumbling pavement between home and work was full carbon. It’s a fine rig, fairly fast, very comfortable. But I didn’t want to subject my “good” bike to the mean streets of Austin anymore. It’s life would be better spent on the long and smooth highways of charity rides and centuries.
I needed a tough son-of-a-gun. I needed a bike built to take punishment, to laugh at pot holes and glass. I needed a bike that would be there for me, rain or shine, hills or flat, wind or calm, every day of the week. A bike comfortable, but mean.
Steel came to mind. There’s nothing steel cannot handle. It’s tough, comfortable, repairable and fairly inexpensive. I also wanted something with wheels built thick enough to handle my fat. You may not think of fat as very tough, but I’ve taken out several spokes on good wheels, and I’ve got the gut to prove it.
The only other requirement was that my new companion have only one gear. That’s right, I said it. One freaking gear. This way, I too, would have to become tough. A tough steed should have a rider who is equally stout. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good derailleur in the morning, but traveling with one gear forces the legs to not take any pedal strokes off.
Another benefit is that a bike with one gear won’t let you go beyond your capabilities. You have to learn how to pedal with rhythm. Spinning past your gear ratio won’t make you go any faster. I also love the quiet and the simplicity. It’s a bike built with nothing more that what is required to get from point A to B. I feel more connected to the bike and the road.
I made the purchase last week and couldn’t be happier. It offers a different style of riding and I know my strength is improving because the legs are groaning every morning. Sometimes simple is better.
