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April 2009
Violet Crown offers custom city bikes
There’s a new custom bike builder in town. From a press release. …
Austin-based bicycle builder Violet Crown Cycles launched this week accepting orders online for the Ferguson, their line of custom city bikes hand built and tailored to customer’s bodies and tastes.
“With volatility in the fuel prices, global warming, and an economic downturn, people are looking for a lower cost, greener alternative to the automobile,” said Elliott McFadden, the owner and framebuilder at Violet Crown Cycles. “The Ferguson line provides you with an extremely practical choice in a very stylish package.”
Modeled after the classic Dutch city bike and English roadster, the Ferguson is designed from the drawing board with transportation as it primary purpose. Features such as fenders, chain guard, internally geared shifting and brakes, dynamo powered lights, and a heavy duty rack are all standard features on the Ferguson with frame locks and a variety of pannier bags as options.
“In America more often than not racing-inspired bikes are equipped with a mishmash of components like fenders and racks and called utility, urban, or commuter,” McFadden continued. “It does not have to be that way. You can have a bike that puts you in a comfortable, visible and dignified seating position and also includes all the features that make riding a bike for transportation practical.”
Fully custom Ferguson city bikes start at $2750 and can be ordered online at VioletCrownCycles.com. Sample bikes can be seen weekly on Saturday mornings at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market in Austin. Violet Crown Cycles will be holding a launch party open to the public on Sunday, May 31, 4- 6 PM at Mother Egan’s Irish Pub, 715 West 6th Street in Austin with a social ride afterwards starting at 6 PM. There will be sample bikes to view, door prizes, and a free raffle for cycling stuff.
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Political Pedal/Happy Hour coming up
Just another reminder that the Political Pedal/Cyclists’ Happy Hour event is Friday from 4:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Head out for a friendly ride from Austin City Hall to Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que at 1530 Barton Springs Road.
It will provide a good opportunity to ask all those burning questions to the Austin City Council candidates and elected officials.
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Bike the Vote!
From our friends at the League of Bicycling Voters. …
Bike the Vote!
Early voting started on Monday, but May 3 is the early voting rally!
Join LOBV as we rally to support bicycle-friendly candidates at an early voting rally.
What: LOBV Early Voting Rally
Where: Wooldridge Square / County Courthouse, 1000 Guadalupe
When: Sunday, May 3, 3-5 p.m.
Why: Vote for Bicycle-Friendly Candidates
Wooldridge Square is right across from the Travis County Courthouse, 1000 Guadalupe. Vote, then celebrate. The early voting location is open until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Friday is the Something Annual Political Pedal
I don’t know how long this has been going on, probably decades. Regardless, we once again will gather for the annual “Political Pedal” to celebrate political activism, the start of Bike Month, and the need to take an extremely slow ride around town.
All City Council members and candidates, along with mayoral candidates and other elected officials, have been invited, and usually several attend. This year, APD Chief Art Acevedo has shown interest and may come along, so get ready to cork some intersections! Best yet, the ride ends with the traditional happy hour, this year at Uncle Billy’s Brew Pub.
The Details…
Political Pedal and Happy Hour
Date: Friday, May 1 Time: 4:45 p.m. (ride leaves shortly after 5 p.m.) Location: City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street
For more information, or if you need to reserve a free bike to ride, contact Scott Johnson at 389-2250.
More bike month information and an event calendar.
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Mellow Johnny’s movie night
Head out to Mellow Johnny’s on Tuesday for a bicycle movie night. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and is the first of five cycling-related movie nights hosted by Mellow Johnny’s bike shop.
FROM THE SHOP Join us for instructional videos and documentaries all about getting around town on two wheels. Snacks and drinks provided. While you are here, sign up for the Commuter Challenge!
ABOUT THE MOVIE “Unyielding Cycle” by filmmaker Gina Szafraniec
“Unyielding Cycle is about four year-round, bicycle commuters in Minnesota. I was inspired to tell their story after observing them pass through my neighborhood in every type of weather imaginable. The year I followed these four individuals was also a year of extremely high gas prices and an extremely long and cold winter. In addition to filming the commuters in the different seasons, I wanted the film to show how the bicycle commuters have the same distractions and obstacles that most people use as excuses for not being able to commute by bike. One individual has three kids, another is going to school and working full time, and another has a wife on disability and only one income. The year begins Summer 2007 and ends Summer 2008. The film focuses on why they commute and what they experience while commuting through the extreme seasons while giving a glimpse into their daily lives, decisions and personalities.”
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Introducing the Cart Bike
I know some of you are participating in the Austin Commuter Challenge and are trying to find ways to make more trips on your bikes. What about going to the grocery store? Sure you can use a rack and panniers, but it just doesn’t provide enough storage space. Well, I’ve found the solution. It’s called the Cart Bike. And all you need is a bike, some tools and, well, a shopping cart. Granted it doesn’t corner very well, come to a stop very well, or even comply with any safety regulations, but it sure is goofy.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions. Check it out.
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Livestrong mural
Here’s a pretty cool time lapse video showing a Livestrong mural being put together on the side of the Montalban Theater in Hollywood, Calif.
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The amazing Mr. MacAskill
If you ever need some inspiration, this guy can provide it. I love it when someone takes a form of cycling to a whole new level. It’s truly amazing.
Here’s the background:
Filmed over the period of a few months in and around Edinburgh, this video of Inspired Bicycles team rider Danny MacAskill features probably the best collection of street/street trials riding ever seen. There’s some huge riding, but also some of the most technically difficult and imaginative lines you will ever see. Without a doubt, this video pushes the envelope of what is perceived as possible on a trials bike.
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A note to the confused
Before you yell obscenities and throw bottles at me, remember that I have no defense.
When your teenage immaturity rears its ugly head, know that some mistakes last a lifetime.
It’s always easier to act before you think, that’s why lazy people usually finish last in this world.
I am not a target. I am not sounding board for your curses. I am not lesser species because I ride a bike.
And I most certainly am not the cause of the confusion and insecurities locked inside your head.
So let me be. I choose to ride my bike for strength, joy and simplicity.
The latter two you will not discover for many years.
To some degree, the beginnings of your motivation have no blame.
Misplaced chemicals and hormones run wild in youth. You don’t have to control them, only your actions.
So next time we meet, keep it to yourself. Let two lives pass in the night with no remorse.
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Safe passing bill is a go
Great news cycling brothers, the Senate Bill 488 (Safe Passing Bill) was passed on Tuesday by the Texas State Senate by a vote of 28-2.
Over the last two weeks, BikeTexas has been working with Senators Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Dan Patrick (R-Houston) and their staff to craft language that would address Senator Patrick’s concerns while still preserving the safety benefits of the bill. This afternoon, Senator Ellis reintroduced the bill and Senator Patrick then offered a floor amendment to substitute the compromise language. Senator Ellis accepted the amendment, and the bill passed with 28 voting yes and 2 voting no.
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No respect
Seemingly, it is rarely anyone’s fault except for the one riding the bicycle. I hate to read stories like this one, but it does illustrate the point that many times cyclists are on the low end of the totem pole when it comes to collisions (Story from KHNL TV in Hawaii).
KAILUA - Emily Palmer is still a bit sore from yesterday’s ordeal. She says she just wants her life back to what it was before the accident.
She was resting at home with her boyfriend, after Wednesday’s bizarre bike accident on her way to work.
“A lot more sore today,” said the 28-year-old Kailua resident. “I think yesterday when I talked to you, I was still in shock and had my adrenaline going, and after sleeping on it overnight, I was really stiff. I went back to the hospital today, had x-rays done. Nothing’s broken, just a lot of bruising.”
Palmer says she was at this crosswalk waiting for the light to turn green. When it did, she started moving forward. That’s when the police officer came from this direction, made the right turn and hit her.
A short while later, she got a ticket for not having her bicycle registered. As for the officer? An accident investigation, but no citation for a moving violation.
“I want him to be treated if I was in the same situation he was in and as of right now, I don’t feel quite like he was,” said Palmer. “I feel like he was given privileges because he was an officer.”
The Honolulu Police Department declined a request for an interview because they say they do not want to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
“If everybody has got to follow the law, then everybody’s got to follow the law,” said John Lopes, Palmer’s boyfriend. “He should get a ticket. You or I would get a ticket.”
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Changing styles of riding is fundamental fun
I got back on the carbon road bike for the first time in a couple of months yesterday. Incredible how fast it felt. I have been commuting on a single-speed Salsa, and while it provides a smooth ride, speed is not on the agenda.
But one of the great attributes of a single-speed bike is that it will make you stronger and a better climber. Seriously, after grinding out 20 miles per day with more that half of those miles on hills, you have no choice but to become better.
When I bought the Salsa, I really just wanted to simplify my commute and get a dependable bike that I never had to worry about. The side benefit has been the added strength. I’m still amazed at how fast the body reacts to physical stress. Within two weeks of riding mostly with one gear, I could see a huge improvement.
And while going with a single has plenty to offer, one if its downfalls is no speed. I miss hauling arse. Riding low in the drops with wind on your teeth and a smile stretched from ear to ear is one of life’s great joys.
And that, my friends, is why most cyclists have several bikes in their arsenal. I have talked to a number of non-cycling folks who just don’t understand why I would need more than one bike.
“You can only ride one at a time,” they say. Or I get this line, “Aren’t there better things you can do with the money?”
It’s impossible to explain the different types of riding and why all of them are fantastic in their own way. It’s one of the best things about getting into bikes. When you try a new style, you become a more skilled rider. Plus, it’s just fun.
And the bottom line is this, when you enjoy what you do, odds are you’ll stick with it. You have probably read my rants about all of the great things cycling does for health and the environment. But they’re all true. And if you want to try different forms of cycling (which can require different bikes) to stay interested, then have at it.
You’ll be glad you did.
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Safe passing bill has problems
From our friends at Bike Texas. …
The 2009 Safe Passing Bill, House Bill HB 827 was heard and passed by the Texas State House Committee on Transportation by a vote of 8-0.
Unfortunately, the committee amendment to HB 827 includes problematic provisions. We have been here before and BikeTexas is asking cyclists to view the bill, even in its current unsatisfactory state, as a vehicle to get us to final passage of a Safe Passing Bill with the right provisions in place. We still have a number of opportunities in the process to remove or effectively resolve the problem parts. (For the bill text, check our website; we’ll post it when the committee updates the language.)
Two additions are of most concern. First is a provision inserted by the committee requiring that vulnerable road users must operate within three feet of the right edge or curb of the roadway (Proposed Section 545.428 (a)(4)).
Second is language stating that the Safe Passing law may not apply to a road without to two lanes in the same direction “with a total width not less than twenty four feet”. In other words, it would only apply on 4-lane roads (two lanes in each direction). This is in response a BikeTexas proposal to incorporate language from the 2003 “Move Over Law”, passed in the 2003 legislative session, to protect law enforcement officers on the side of the roadway (Proposed Section 545.428 (b(1)). BikeTexas had offered the “Move Over” language in response to legislator concerns and after conferring with several Texas bicycle advocacy leaders.
This provision requires motorists to reduce speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if approaching a vulnerable user and not able to provide three-feet clearance. The “Move Over” provision did remain in the version passed by the Transportation Committee.
The prohibition against the “right-hook” was removed by the Committee. The “left-hook” provision remains in the bill (Proposed Section 545.428 (d) and (e)).
These changes appear to have been added as a result of informal input to the Committee from other legislators. BikeTexas staff is making inquiries to get more details on this development.
Many Texas cyclists understand these provisions are unworkable in the context of current Texas Transportation Code (TTC) concerning bicyclists as well as in practice of safe cycling techniques on the roadway.
The bill is still in the middle of the legislative process and BikeTexas staff sees several opportunities to get the Safe Passing bill back into a version that will benefit cyclists with its legal, operational and educational merits.
There are a number of things on our side:
- An active and concerned number of Texas cyclists,
- Good relationships between cyclists and a significant number of Texas legislators,
- Existing TTC language on operation of bicycles on the roadway that is consistent with best safe cycling practices,
- A legislative process with a number of remaining options,
- Time, albeit a modicum of time in a legislative session, and
- Cyclists in Suits Texas Bike Lobby Day on Monday, April 20: well-timed to bring cyclists to the Capitol to bring home the message to every legislative office. Your participation is needed more than ever!
And finally, BikeTexas has great faith and confidence in the authors of the 2009 Safe Passing Bill in the House and Senate to ensure that only a bill that significantly improves conditions for cyclists in Texas roadways will pass out of the Legislature.
What Texas Cyclists Can Do Please continue to communicate with your representatives and their staff. Their staff are so busy at this point in the session that the most effective communication is to tell them directly what you want. They can transmit that message to their bosses much more easily and effectively than a discussion or debate of what has transpired so far.
Our message is that we need a bill with workable provisions to reduce the over 1000 annual deaths of vulnerable road users, focusing on the educational value of the bill but certainly using the legal provisions.
And of course, please come to Cyclists in Suits on Monday, April 20. This event is especially well-timed in the 2009 legislative session to bring cyclists to the Capitol to deliver the message to every legislative office. Your participation is needed more than ever!
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Cyclist wins lawsuit for faulty road
Attention Texas Department of Transportation, you better maintain our roads because a new precedent has been set, and I think it’s a good thing for cyclists. …
A county government in Washington state has agreed to pay $3.5 million to bicyclist who fell and suffered permanent brain injuries on a road the county promoted as a bike route.
King County, home of the city of Seattle, agreed to the out-of-court settlement to pay for life-long care for the Jeffrey Totten, who was 31 years old at the time of the accident in September 2006.
The lawsuit alleged that the county promoted Novelty Hill Road as a bike route but failed to maintain it in a safe condition.
Totten was on a training ride with friends when he struck a hole that had developed around a survey monument in the road. He was in a coma for seven months, spent time in a group home and now lives in a group home where he receives around the clock care.
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Ride where the pros ride
If you’ve ever dreamed of cycling the same courses as the pros and want to help the Livestrong Foundation, here’s a little tip for you. …
Inspired by Lance’s first ever Giro d’Italia (assuming his collarbone allows him to ride), Cycling Fusion is a charity ride that raises money for Livestrong: Lance Armstrong Foundation by letting people raise money to ride the first five stages of the Giro d’Italia before the pros start their race.
Called the Giretto or “Little Giro”, the father-daughter team of Gene Nacy and Nina Wilczek put together the fund-raising ride. Anyone can join in as long as they pay their own travel and raise a minimum of $1,000 for Livestrong. In return, you get all local travel, logistics and daily massages covered. A bilingual guide is also provided.
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Take responsibility for your riding
I overheard two guys talking at a major intersection about riding in Austin, specifically in the downtown area.
“It ain’t nothing,” said dude No. 1.
“I just get to where I’m going faster on my new wheels. I can do what I want, hop in and out (of traffic). The whole street’s my playground. If the cars don’t like it, *@#$ them.”
“You should still watch your #*@ though,” said dude No. 2. “Ride hard, fall hard.”
“Yea, but I got skills,” said dude No. 1.
Famous last words. The thing that struck me about this particular group was neither guy was wearing a helmet. They were talking big about riding without caution and no protection for their melons. A bike never beats a car. Or a street pole. Or a tree. Or a cement embankment. Not to mention the fact that both of these clowns are perpetuating stereotypes that all cyclists ride with no regard for the law.
It’s not safe for anyone involved. I don’t like to see people riding without helmets, but as the law stands, it’s a personal choice. But when I see people weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, making sudden moves or simply riding recklessly, it harms the whole cycling community.
Look, it’s only going to get worse. Austin is growing, including the number of cyclists on the road. When you ride like a bonehead, you only help to widen the rift between motorists and cyclists. It’s time for everyone to pay a little more attention to how their actions affect those around them. I don’t want to be lumped into the category of dangerous/annoying just because I ride a bike. I want everyone to respect each other on the road, regardless of what mode of transportation you choose.
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Roll out for the Armadillo
There’s a fantastic ride coming up in May. The Austin Cycling Association will host the 15th annual Armadillo Hill Country Classic on Saturday, May 9.
Cyclists will tour the Highland Lake and Hill Country area northwest of Austin with some of Central Texas’ most experienced bikers. Proceeds from the event provide free helmets, fittings and safety training classes for children.
The Austin Cycling Association purchases helmets during the year and gives them to children through schools, PTAs, Scouts and church groups. The helmets are given to kids and then fit to their exact measurements for a personalized helmet, and the kids are given bicycle safety training.
The Armadillo Hill Country Classic begins at Liberty Hill High School and features route distances from 14 to 105 miles, as well as a 6.5-mile Kids & Family Ride in Bertram, where kids ride free with a parent or guardian.
All routes are fully supported with rest stops that offer water, sports drinks and high-carbohydrate solid foods. ACA will also provide experienced support and gear (SAG) vehicles to support cyclists with mechanical or other needs.
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Fixie 101
For those of you who have never partaken in riding a bicycle with one fixed gear, let me present a few simple lessons I learned on Friday during my first venture with said machine. …
LESSON NO. 1
It’s probably best to use standard flat pedals if you are going to run a fixed. I have a single-speed for a commuter and use clipless. I flopped the hub for a fixed fix. Guess what, it’s more difficult trying to clip one shoe into a moving target. Those cranks just keep spinning and spinning and spinning.
LESSON NO. 2
Remember those sharp corners you used to lean into? Those days are over on a fixed. The text book way to take a corner on a conventional setup is to raise your right pedal when heading into a right turn, and raise the left pedal when heading into a left turn. With that extra clearance, you can really lean into a curve. Remember kids, the cranks on a fixie never stop turning. So if you try to take a steep angle into a turn, one of your cranks will meet pavement and most likely you will meet the pavement next.
LESSON NO. 3
Going downhill is normally most cyclists’ favorite part of riding. Not on a fixed. Heading down a steep hill, your cranks will spin faster than your legs. With no coasting option, sometimes it’s best to just throw your legs up in the air, hold on like a bronco rider and let the bike do its thing. Of course it’s dangerous. That’s why the young’uns love it so much.
LESSON NO. 4
Always remember you have to pedal constantly. It seems so simple, but if you are used to having gears and a free wheel, it’s easy to forget. I tried to stand up and adjust my shorts and forgot I had to pedal. The bike reminded me real fast by almost dumping me over the handlebars.
LESSON NO. 5
If you pedal too quickly, it creates a bouncing motion between your bottom and the seat. Guess what gets bruised in that scenario?
If you do try a fixed or already ride one, I congratulate you. It’s a very simple, satisfying cycling experience. But it takes a lot of getting used to, and this type of riding is not for everyone. It takes some nerve, good leg strength and more effort than usual. I think for my own personal preferences, going single-speed is good enough.
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Bicycle Sport Shop earns award
If you’ve ever spent much time in Bicycle Sport Shop, then you know what a great place it is, from the people to the service to the selection, it’s one of the best. And now they have been recognized for those attributes. The League of American Bicyclists has named it 2008 Shop of the Year for this region of the country.
The League’s Shops of the Year award recognizes outstanding shops for their commitment to customer service and dedication to encouraging cycling. Andy Clarke, president of the League, said, “The League is delighted to recognize all of the 2008 Shops of the Year for their efforts to promote cycling in their communities. In addition to their outstanding customer service, these shops are involved in advocacy, education and encouragement activities that have an impact well beyond their shops’ walls.”
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Your chance to help
If you really want to take an active role in helping the Austin cycling community, here’s your chance. The Bicycle Advisory Council has an opening, and you can apply. Here are the details from Nadia Barrera with the City of Austin Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. …
The Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC) is a group of citizens who represent all aspects of the cycling community. They meet monthly with the staff of the City of Austin Public Works Bicycle Program on the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road in the 8th floor conference room. The BAC is instrumental in providing staff with feedback on everything from location of bicycle racks downtown to resolving to support the Bicycle Master Plan Update.
At this time, the BAC is accepting applications to fill the spot of one Standing (voting) member and two Alternate Member places.
Should you be interested, please complete this application for membership (microsoft word file) and return it to Nadia Barrera (via fax, e-mail or mail) no later than Tuesday, April 14 by 5:00 PM.
This month’s meeting is on April 16th. It is strongly recommended that any applicant attend the meeting.
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BMX pro Jason Carnes coming to Austin
In an effort to help pump up the sport of BMX and its newest members, and further promote the REDLINE brand of bikes and products, six-time ABA No.1 Vet Pro Jason Carnes will be stopping in Austin to put on a free flight school (BMX Clinic). He will be at Capial City BMX on Saturday, April 25 bewteen 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
These clinic will be targeting brand new BMX racers. Each flight school will be limited to the first 40 riders, with first choice spots going to brand new members. Experts may fill the final spots if or when available. The clinic is free.
For participating, each flight school graduate is going to leave with a REDLINE bag full of catalogs, stickers and a free Flight School T-shirt.
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This city not what it could be
Sorry for the pause in posts the past couple of days. I was in beautiful Arkansas spending time with friends/family and my bike. I also had the chance to talk to a couple of bike shop owners around the state. The same assumption kept coming up. Most people think of Austin, then associate that with Lance Armstrong, then believe we must be the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.
I had to break the news, we are really not up to par. Granted, we have a fantastic community of riders who are passionate about their lifestyle. But to date, having a large group of cyclists has not led to the breaking of barriers that exist between us and motorists. And it’s not a lack of concern for our mode of transportation and it’s dangers. I think many cyclists are focused on their own journeys and haven’t yet taken an active role in helping to make our city a kinder place to ride. Please understand, I’m not putting the blame on anyone who cycles. Most of our problems come from two places; our city government not planning properly and motorists who either don’t know cyclists have a right to the road or don’t care.
But it doesn’t really matter why our city is not a bicycling-friendly place to live. It only matters what we do from here. I have seen some positive things happening with a push for more legislation involving safety. If we want a cycling mecca, it’s going to take more of us getting involved and demanding more laws, more education and better cycling facilities.
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Putting the Big Dam Bridge through its paces
I finally put my backside through its paces for the first time since the accident. I rode about 20 miles in Little Rock, most of it on the Big Dam Bridge trail.
I rode my single-speed Salsa, which is becoming my favorite ride. Turns out this probably wasn’t the best option, at least not for someone who hasn’t been on a bike much in two weeks. The wind was howling between 25-30 mph, with gusts in excess of 45. And half of the ride was into the teeth of it.
There really isn’t much option under those conditions. You have to stay seated, lower your head over the handlebars and grind it out. Standing up is simply not an option. I would’ve been blown off the bike.
The toughest part was easily the ride to the top of the bridge. The Big Dam Bridge is 4,226 feet long and hovers 90 feet over the Arkansas River. There are no barriers for protection. It’s just you vs. the wind. Oh yea, it’s a cross-wind. I have never worked that hard in my life to keep a bike upright. But it was the worth it.
The entire Big Dam Bridge trail is a 14-mile loop that takes riders from downtown Little Rock or North Little Rock west to the Murray Lock & Dam. It’s a beautiful journey that takes you past two golf courses, jagged cliffs, a forrest and parks right on the river. The trail is fully paved and is not open to motorized traffic. It makes for a perfect training ride. If you are ever in central Arkansas, riding this trail is a must.
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Important bill hearing
FROM THE TEXAS BICYCLE COALITION:
On Monday, the Senate Transportation Committee will hear SB 2041, a very important bill for the safety of cyclists on Texas roads. This bill will require those taking the test to receive their driver’s license to demonstrate knowledge of motorists’ rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists currently not required by law.
As cyclists who must share the road with cars every day, this bill would be a giant leap forward in raising awareness with motorists that bicycles have a right to be on the road. Cyclists have long wanted a bill like this, and we appreciate Senator Rodney Ellis for taking the lead on this. SB 2041 would also help get the word out to motorists about Safe Passing, if and when it becomes law.
If you are a constituent of a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, please contact your senator and ask for their YES vote on SB 2041.
John Carona (R), Dist. 16 Kirk Watson (D), Dist. 14 Wendy Davis (D), Dist. 10 Joan Huffman (R), Dist. 17 Robert Nichols (R), Dist. 3 Florence Shapiro (R), Dist. 8 Eliot Shapleigh (D), Dist. 29 Jeff Wentworth (R), Dist. 25
Special Note for Austin Cyclists:
Please attend the hearing! Those of us in Austin can easily get to the Capitol, and we can make the difference for all of Texas by showing up in support of this bill.
The hearing will be at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 6, in Hearing Room E1.016.
Please contact Emma (512-476-7433, or emma@biketexas.org) for more information, or call 512-944-2732 on the day of the hearing.
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Amazing new bike
Wow. The future is now. I thought carbon fiber solid-tube bikes had the final word in technological wizardry, but no more. Enter the Delta 7 IsoTruss carbon-kevlar woven road bike, the Ascend.
Claiming to be one of the strongest frames in its weight class with an estimated weight of less than 1000 grams, the Ascend acheives an optimal strength-to-weight ratio by weaving a single carbon fiber strand into IsoTruss carbon Kevlar spider web-like open lattice tubes.
Available as frame set only or as a complete bike with SRAM Red or Campy Super Record. MSRP of $5,995 (frame only), $10,995-$16,995 (complete bike).
For more photos, head over to bikerumor’s web site.
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Commuter challenge registration is now open
Just got back from a press conference on the Austin Commuter Challenge at City Hall. Mayor Will Wynn spoke briefly about the need to encourage more people to drive less. The Austin Commuter Challenge is an interesting, and what should be a fun program to help get the message out. The challenge began as a game between employees at the Bicycle Sport Shop to get folks to ride more to work. It worked. So now this year’s challenge is open to everyone, including team participation. I’m hoping this gets a nice turnout and it will become an annual event.
Another interesting point during the press conference was about the City of Austin employee bike share program. The Austin Climate Protection program has purchased automatic-shift bicycles that city employees can use to ride to meetings, lunch or other activities. It sounds like a good step, I just wonder how many city employees will take advantage it, especially during the blazing hot summer months. I am hoping that through the use of these bikes, those that do ride will begin to realize just how problematic commuting can be in Austin. It could only help to accelerate more awareness and progress to those who actually have the power to change our city’s infrastructure and law.
By the way, if you haven’t checked out the Austin Climate Protection program, you should. It sounds like an aggressive plan to make our city a leader in the fight against global warming.
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Another reason for coffee heads to drink up
I’m not a big coffee drinker, but it could be time to start. According to a recent study, caffeine can help to reduce muscle pain during cycling. Who knew?
Article from: Australian Associated Press
Coffee can make mornings more tolerable, but is it making them less painful?
A US study into the effect of caffeine on cyclists found those who took a
pill containing the stimulant reported less muscle pain, ensuring they
could exert themselves for longer.
The study took in 25 fit men who were put through a series of different
intensity trials on a stationary bicycle. The riders abstained from
caffeine for 24 hours before the tests and they were then given a
nondescript tablet - either a pill containing the equivalent of two to
three cups of coffee or a placebo.
Oxygen consumption, heart rate and their work rate were monitored as the
cyclists were also quizzed on their “perceptions of quadriceps muscle pain”
during the trials.
“We’ve shown that caffeine reduces pain reliably, consistently during
cycling, across different intensities, across different people, different
characteristics,” said Robert Motl of the University of Illinois.
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Safe passing bill passes Senate
From the good folks at Bike Texas:
The Safe Passing Bill (CSSB 488) passed the Senate Transportation Committee on a 7-2 vote on Tuesday.
Voting for the bill were Senators John Carona (chair and bill co-author), R-Dallas; Kirk Watson (vice-chair), D-Austin; Wendy Davis (bill co-author), D-Fort Worth; Rodney Ellis (bill co-author), D-Houston; Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso; Joan Huffman, R-Houston; and Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio.
Senator Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, did not support the bill as he received more negative than positive reaction from the constituents in his rural district.
Senator Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, also voted no.
The next step will be for the bill to be scheduled for a floor vote by the full Senate. This could happen as early as next week. We are in the process of identifying which senators are supportive of CSSB 488 and which are undecided. Once we do, we will contact those of you in the districts of the undecided senators so you can urge them to support the bill.
