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Bike art
I present the bicycling art piece of the week. …
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Cars vs. bikes, part 2
The issue just won’t die.
Cars vs. Bikes.
And it’s not just Austin. Portland is supposed to be the best city in the United States for cycling, yet they continue to have big problems between motorists and cyclists. It has taken on a “we” vs. “them” theme in every town where sharing the road means an increase in those who choose to ride. And the problem isn’t just limited to commuters. It extends to any usage of a bike on city streets.
In an older post from the Wired Blog Network, the blogger writes: “it’s easy to have a biased perspective on this issue. If you bike, you want protection from cars, and if you are driving, you want cyclists out of your way, but don’t want to increase taxes or restrict traffic for the small number of people who bike. But bikes take cars off the road and reduce traffic, and since most people believe that fewer cars is a good thing, additional measures must be taken.”
The trouble is that no matter where you might stand on the issue of getting more cars and pollution off the earth, increasing people on bikes will only lead to more problems. Almost every city in the U.S., including the most bicycle friendly, are not prepared for even a modest increase in the number of cyclists on the road. There are not enough bike lanes, there are not enough education programs and there darn sure is not enough communication to handle the situation.
Things are only going to get worse before they get better. I believe it’s going to take a true effort for people to understand that one way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and clean up the environment is to increase alternate forms of transportation.
The more bike lanes and the more responsible cyclists out there could go a long way to changing the perception of cyclists as a nuisance. City governments need to get involved and have a visionary approach to making cycling a viable option for people.
It’s only a matter of time before the gasoline car culture bonks.
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Cycling and the Big 12
The end of August marks the beginning of college football season. I love the energy that Saturdays produce during this time of the year. And when my team is screwing up, I find that riding hard helps.
But while flipping between games on Saturday, I noticed that certain teams in the Big 12 remind me of some guys I ride with occasionally.
For instance, there’s Texas Tech and Slim Jim (for the purposes of not embarrassing anyone, I’ll use monikers). The Red Raiders put the hammer down from the first snap and never let up. They put points on the board in bunches. The trouble is, they haven’t figured out the concept of defense. That’s why they never get to the Big 12 Championship game. Slim Jim has the same trouble. He comes out of the gate like his pants are on fire, but he doesn’t know how to control his pace on climbs, so he always fades at the end.
Another good example is Texas A&M and The Creature. The Aggies used to be pretty darn good several years ago, but they haven’t been up to snuff lately. They REALLY get into college football. It borders on a cult. And while sometimes they pull off a monumental upset (Longhorns, two consecutive wins) mostly they mumble about what once was.
The Creature was once a great cyclist. You can tell by his tree trunk legs. But his gut has seen too many 12-packs and he usually gets dropped on faster-paced rides. He loves talking about equipment, frames and the latest technology, but all that stuff never helps his cycling ability. Sometimes he surprises me by bolting out to a big lead, but it never lasts.
I also think about how much Missouri and Giggles have in common. The Tigers are the new tough kids on the block, and they’ll punch teams in the mouth with a smile on their face. The offense is potent and aggressive, and while they used to stink up the field, Missouri is now beginning to show the traditional powers how it’s done. They haven’t quite climbed the conference mountain (witness two losses to Oklahoma last season) but are well on their way to becoming a true terror.
Giggles is young. He’s aggressive. And he’s learning how to harness his youthful energy. He is also a little cocky. He will blow by me and glace back with that silly grin on his face. But sometimes during an aggressive group ride, he will push too hard too soon and fall off the pace for a while. But at the end of the day, he is always laughing and having fun, much like how it must feel to play in the pass-happy Missouri offense.
And if I were to compare myself to any team in the Big 12, it would have to be Iowa State. A perennial back-of-the-pack rider with dreams of winning it all. And while I really don’t have the talent or the desire, sometimes it’s just fun to go out there and compete.
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A cyclist’s dream
It was a good bike.
Steady. Dependable. Ready and willing to roll with no warning, and tough as nails. It had the scars to prove it.
There’s nothing it hadn’t seen; wind, ice, rain, blood and three tons of angry steel snarling in the same lane.
That corroded celeste color gave away the brand and the rider was unmistakable with his goggles and tube socks. They went together well.
It was somehow comforting to see that pair cruising downtown or spinning in the park. It was clear they were connected, not as simply bike and rider, but as pure joy rolling by. And it always put a smile on my face.
I actually talked to him once. Seemed nice, but the conversation rarely strayed from his bike or their adventures together. I wondered if he had much of a life besides riding his bike, but it didn’t really matter. He was happy. I mean truly happy. Not many of us can say that. And all it took was that beat-up Bianchi. If only life could be that simple.
A few days went by without seeing him. Days turned into weeks. I began to worry, but thought maybe he had found a girlfriend or discovered fishing. Maybe cycling wasn’t all he needed anymore. Maybe he became like the rest of us, too busy and too distracted to ride that much. Or maybe the unthinkable, he got hit by a car.
Not seeing his silly grin on that tattered bike really bothered me. I even spent most of a day driving around his usual haunts, hoping to catch a glimpse. He was gone.
Months later, I was cycling past one of those white bikes chained to a pole. For some reason I was compelled to stop. There were just enough scratches on the top tube to make out that pale celeste. And while Bianchi’s are popular bikes, I knew this one was his.
A deep sadness washed over me. But at least he died doing what he loved, and what I love. It’s good to remember those who touched our lives in a positive way, even if they never knew.
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Pedicab pilots
I have seen the pedicabs in and around downtown Austin. I have even hitched a ride once or twice. But I have never heard or read much about them.
I went to downtown on a Saturday night to find out what they go through, and what stories they have to tell. Here’s what I found out. …
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Let’s all settle down
All cyclists, no matter their experience level must stay off Capital of TX highway, especially S. Capital TX.
I am sick and tired of it and I am no longer going to risk my safety, my vehicle, and the safety of other drivers to accommodate a cyclist. Simply put, get off of the highway and stay away from major roads, you have no business riding a darn bike in these areas.
I’m sensing a little frustration here. The problem is just like with bad and careless drivers, there also are cyclists who use poor judgment, especially on major roads and highways.
As far as 360 goes, there is a wide shoulder which should keep vehicular traffic away from the roadies. The danger lies in the off-ramps and on-ramps. Cyclists should stop at those areas and wait for a clear passage between cars. Many do not. I know of at least two deaths which took place in these areas.
If cyclists and drivers would use more common sense and pay attention, there would be much less frustration.
On a lighter note, the answers to the trivia question. …A,D,C,C,B,B,A,B.
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A little trivia
- What was the first year of the Tour de France?
A. 1899
B. 1912
C. 1903
D. 1911
- What is the percentage of Americans who commute to work?
A. 3.2 percent
B. 2.7 percent
C. 4.9 percent
D. 1.6 percent
- According to city of Austin data, what is the maximum grade of street that is suitable for riding?
A. 18 percent
B. 19 percent
C. 20 percent
D. 22 percent
- At what age did Lance Armstrong become a professional triathlete?
A. 15
B. 13
C. 16
D. 18
- What material was used to make the earliest known bicycle frame?
A. Iron
B. Wood
C. Steel
D. Titanium
- According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, which company sells the most bicycles in the United States?
A. Giant
B. Trek
C. Specialized
D. Schwinn
- California frame builder Craig Calfee is famous for his lightweight carbon bikes. What unusual material does he also use to build custom frames?
A. Bamboo
B. Glass
C. Stone
D. Bone
- How tall is the world’s largest bicycle that you can actually pedal?
A. 20 feet
B. 42 feet
C. 18 feet
D. 35 feet
Have a great day on the bike, I’ll post answers on Thursday
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The Zen of Spin
I had the feeling before I began to cycle regularly. But it lasted only moments.
Sometimes while releasing a basketball just off the fingertips, over and over, the mind quiets. An intense focus washes over the body, sounds become dull, the physical requirements to shoot are replaced by perfect movement. No thought required. Just this weird connection between mind and body. Athletes call it being in the “zone.”
I call it happiness. And it’s darn hard to duplicate regularly in basketball, football or most other sports. Believe me, I’ve tried.
But cycling brings this feeling to the surface almost every time I jump on a bike. Maybe it’s the repetition of feet constantly engaging in a circle, sometimes for hours. Maybe it’s the act of breathing deep (much like meditation). It could be as simple as being alone with no stress-inducing distractions.
Whatever the case, it’s one of the main reasons my motivation never runs dry. Anytime I’m feeling lazy, I remember that spinning bliss. It’s truly therapeutic. Yes, cycling helps with reducing emissions, traffic and fat, but I have found that it does so much more.
Just try spinning for an hour. Don’t try to be a climbing hero or set any personal speed records, just spin. Find a stretch of road or paved path you’re comfortable with and spin.
It’s amazing how stress melts away. Thoughts of work or screaming kids flies right off the back wheel. Let the hum of rubber on pavement take over, and don’t think. Just ride. Be the bike.
This type of cycling has more benefits than a psychologist or a deep-tissue massage. It’s taken me a while to realize that going hard all the time does nothing but cause burnout and fatigue. Sometimes spinning is the best remedy for what ails you.
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Cars vs. Bikes, it’s getting ugly
I sometimes get the occasional “get off the road idiot” comment while cycling. That’s fine, I understand the reasons behind Austin’s perpetual road rage.
While cycling on weekends, there’s usually the car packed with sloshed UT students that yells some silliness, “yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, nice pants Lance”.
I even get taunts from bums. It’s hard to ignore.
But what happened the other night while cycling home takes the grand prize for bad car and cycle interaction. I was on South Congress in the bike lane when a car slowed down just behind me and blasted his horn for several seconds. I was a little uncomfortable, as you can imagine, but kept on going. The car accelerated past me to a stop light. When I arrived, a full can of beer whizzed by my head. The motorist took off.
I cannot figure out that motivation. It was dangerous and there was no instigation. I know there are random derelicts in every city, but that was a shocker.
I could understand starting some sort of war with this guy had I swerved into his lane, or kicked his dog or something. But this was some random act of stupidity.
Or maybe it just signals the escalating battle between motorists and cyclists.
I want there to be more people on bikes and less cars. But a growing number of cyclists brings a rise in frustration on the road. It’s inevitable. Motorists don’t want to be bothered in their rush. A bike, even on the shoulder or in a bike lane, presents a challenge to their auto-pilot driving.
There’s got to be a solution. I just don’t believe anybody has the answer. Yet.
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Best commuter bikes
I have ridden a lot of bikes since I took up cycling. It’s kind of an obsession. I love the silky-smooth feel of steel, the immediate power sting from aluminum, titanium’s strength and suppleness and the brilliance of carbon.
I also love how each material can provide a special blend of ride qualities to produce a machine perfect for its application. For the purpose of commuting, steel is probably the best choice. It’s strong, it soaks up road buzz and it’s not overly expensive.
A good commuter should also have strong wheels and solid components. You don’t want to be stuck on the road with broken spokes or a faulty derailleur.
So after lots of testing and discussions with other die-hard commuters, here are three of the best. …
TREK 520 Its frame and fork are steel and it comes with a rear rack already installed. This popular bike has Shimano Dura-Ace 9-speed bar-end shifters and a triple chainring. It’s a very strong and comfortable bike good enough for a long commute or a tour of Texas. PRICE: $1,249 WHERE TO GET IT: Bicycle Sport Shop (512-477-3472)
NOVARA TRANSFER The Transfer’s frame is aluminum, the fork is steel. It comes with rack, fenders, generator-powered front light and kickstand. For the price, this bike might be the best-equipped commuter available. It also has won Bicycling Magazine’s 2007 Editor Choice Award for best commuter bike. PRICE: $599 WHERE TO GET IT: REI (512-482-3357)
BREEZER VILLAGER Winner of the 2008 Bicycling Magazine Editors’ Choice Award, the Villager is the lightest fully equipped transportation bike made. The Villager comes equiped with a Shimano Nexus 7-speed internally geared hub. It also has a fully integrated lighting system with Standlight, which keeps both lights on when you come to a stop. PRICE: $849 WHERE TO GET IT: Peddler Bike Shop (512-220-6766)
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Austin still lags behind
Just got back from a visit to Little Rock, Ark. Brought the bike, of course, and rode their version of the hike and bike trail.
It was longer (14 mile loop), wider and paved. The trail follows the Arkansas River which is the dividing point between Little Rock and North Little Rock. It cuts through thick woods, two golf courses and is connected by the Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest bridge in the United States that was built for pedestrian traffic.
It’s an incredible place for cyclists to train, although parts of the trail force cyclists to use some city streets on the Little Rock side. I know that we have the veloway and Lance Armstrong Bikeway opening up soon, but it’s a shame Austin doesn’t have something equivalent to what Little Rock enjoys.
We have the resources and we most definitely have the cycling population to support such a paved trail. It would just be nice to have the option of training here without the added dangers of vehicular traffic.
But then again, we don’t really have the infrastructure to keep cars moving. I guess when it comes to roads, bike lanes and paths, Austin will always be behind.
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I could take Lance Armstrong
He’s the seven-time champion of the Tour de France. He’s won some national triathlon competitions. While cycling, he has some of the lowest lactate levels of any athlete. He’s worth millions. He weighs about as much as a soaked cat. He dates Hollywood women.
I’ve been cycling for almost three years. I didn’t start until my mid-30s. I’ve never entered a cycling competition. I can eat a dozen donuts and still be hungry. I throw up when I ride long distances. My weight is equivalent to Armstrong cycling with a Shetland Pony strapped to his back.
I still think I could take him. Come on, the guy doesn’t even ride competitively anymore. He’s a “runner.” He travels all the time and eats in fancy restaurants that wouldn’t let me bus their tables. How good of shape could he possibly be in?
So I’ve come up with a progressive competition that would allow me to kick his tail. At least on paper.
We would both start out on road bikes, and race one lap around the veloway. If he won, then his handicap would be to ride on near-flat tires (I’m thinking around 40 psi). If he still won, then he would have to switch to a full-suspension mountain bike. I’m still riding my Specialized Roubaix, of course.
If he beats me on the mountain bike (very doubtful) then he would have to switch to a big wheel, or a tricycle. You get the idea.
At some point, I would be victorious. My buddies would bow down to their new hero. Endorsement offers would come rushing in. Bike companies would shower me with $10,000 wonder-frames. I would be a legend. Or maybe a giant goofball.
It’s just an idea.
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Helmet, yes or no?
I spend a lot of time downtown, and there seems to be plenty of cyclists who don’t wear helmets. A couple of days ago, I took my video camera in and around downtown and asked a few cyclists, some with and some without, about wearing a helmet when they ride …
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Cyclist on the losing end, again
Hi. I’m hoping you might help. My son was hit by a company-owned vehicle a month ago and is looking for compensation for damages only to his bike. Thank God, he was not hurt himself. We got the police report, no citation. The owner of the truck says, no citation, no liability. Several calls to the police have gone unreturned. So is this the norm in Austin? A cyclist is hit in the bike lane, proceeding as directed by code and a motorist can hit him and not be cited?
This is a disturbing trend that has plagued cyclists for quite some time. A car hits a bike, the person on the bike or the bike itself is in bad shape and legally nothing happens. I haven’t delved into this phenomena as thoroughly as I should have, but there’s plenty evidence to support the fact that cyclists have few rights. There has been some data gathered to illustrate the point.
I’m not claiming to be an expert, but this trend of motorists getting away with no penalty after hitting a cyclist expands beyond Central Texas. There’s plenty more sad facts about cars vs. bikes.
The truth is there is not much I can do to help, except ride responsibly and maybe help spread the word on bicycle advocacy through this blog.
Please everyone ride safe, and if you drive a car, be kind to cyclists.
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Heat hurts, but it’s got advantages
Don’t ride in the heat, that’s what everyone keeps telling me. It’s dangerous during this time of the year when temperatures are hovering around 100 degrees.
The problem is that I work nights, so it’s tough to make that 8 a.m. group ride. Usually I’m relegated to riding, at least partially, during the mid-afternoon.
I become a Sweaty Betty. And you can lose a liter of water in an hour just by sitting in the sun in 100-degree heat. So how much does one lose pumping pedals? Enough to cause serious medical conditions.
But I love to ride and I drink tons of fluids. On the positive side, it seems I have become a stronger rider by training in the heat. It feels like my body has acclimated to working under stressful conditions. When I ride home at night, I feel an extra zip, I use less effort and my legs are more efficient.
I really hope this translates into group rides during the fall. There’s some trash-talkers I know that could benefit from getting dropped by a fatty like myself.
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Big old bag of bonk
I know why it happens.
I know how to avoid it.
But sometimes life gets in the way. Busy schedules, lack of sleep and lack of proper nutrition equals the perfect scenario for bonking.
I hate bonking. It’s a state of mind and body where cement creeps into your muscles and thoughts of laying your bike down and taking a nap overtake rationality.
If there were a government pyramid for how to attain the bonk, I got my daily servings yesterday.
Bonking is truly awful, and I don’t want to ever experience it again. But I know I will. Proper nutrition takes effort, and my stomach has its own ideas.
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Night cycling. You know cycling, at night
I work weird hours. It’s four to midnight and I work on Saturdays. That’s one of the prices you pay for being a newspaper grunt. I fully accept this, and have for several years.
I am also a die-hard commuter. So I ride from downtown to south Austin almost every night. A buddy of mine asked why I would even consider doing such a dangerous ride. Because I choose to.
Here’s the thing, if you are lit up like a Christmas tree and find routes that are not heavily-trafficked by the bar flies, riding at night is actually a pretty safe bet.
Plus you get out of the oven. And you get to see some interesting things:
I came across this scene at a gas n’ sip on Congress. … A guy was getting slapped around by some lush near the pumps. The loser of this battle was much thinner and in pretty bad shape. So me and another guy had to break it up until the cops arrived. I was decked-out in full spandex and silver bike shoes. Nice.
I was riding down Brodie when a pack of coyotes crossed the road about 15 yards in front of me. They stopped, gave me a quick “lucky for you we just ate” look, and kept going. Spooky.
I once came across a house party that spilled into the street. Met some nice folks, had a beer. Showed a drunk guy how to change a flat.
One evening riding west on Barton Springs near Lamar, there were two topless women riding a tandem heading the other direction. At least I think they were women.
I got to see Bob Schneider play a set at Threadgill’s. If you’re tall, standing on your pedals and leaning against the fence offers a great view.
Riding at night most definitely has its advantages. Try it some time. You might be surprised by what you find.
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Checking in with Critical Mass
Jason Abels of Austin’s Critical Mass talks about the group and its purpose on Friday during their ride. The group of nearly 100 bicyclists were stopping for water and a short break around 6 p.m. on the State Capitol lawn before moving on. The group meets the last Friday of every month. For more information, visit their website.
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How to fix a flat
Fixing a flat is something every cyclist should know how to do. Not everyone is well-versed in the art of changing a tire, so I decided to let Bicycle Sport Shop mechanic Tim Keating show you how it’s done.
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A letter to Jester
Dear Jester Boulevard,
I hate you. Seriously, I’m not joking. You are a short, rude, cruel and sorry excuse for a road.
I tried to test your might today and failed. Miserably. I wonder if anyone has been able to conquer your steep spine. I would like to buy them a beer.
I’m sure people have done it. They must be built like weeds. To stay so thin, they probably cannot eat anything that casts a shadow. They also must train everyday. And spit gravel. And have anger issues. And have fire ants in their socks.
I’m not proud of failing. I’m very competitive, but I’m also over 200 pounds. And I don’t spit gravel or train every day. But I thought I could break you.
As it turns out, I couldn’t even break you in half. My muscles were yelling, the sun was burning and my body was soaked. And still you laid there silently, bored with my feeble attempt.
I had to dismount and walk up the rest. Motorists drove by with sympathetic looks on their faces, knowing Jester had beaten another challenger.
We will meet again, I can promise you that. I’m not scared of your 20 percent grade anymore. I know who you are and what you are all about. Next time I will be prepared.
See you soon,
Jason Whaley
THE BEFORE SHOT
THE AFTER SHOT
THE VIEW
THE CEMENT THAT TRIED TO GET AWAY
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Riding responsibly
There seems to be a school of thought that cyclists should only ride on roads with designated bike lanes or quiet neighborhood streets. That would be great if this town was equipped with enough bike lanes, or every part of Austin was connected by a low-traffic road.
Depending on where you live, it is tough to get to certain areas of Austin without being forced onto a busy street. One person left a comment lambasting the logic of riding down Lamar to help motorists get used to the idea of having to share the road. Let’s make the situation more clear:
- Riding down Lamar gives a cyclist the speed to not interrupt the flow of traffic. I wouldn’t recommend riding up Lamar from Barton Springs. Cyclists cannot generate enough speed to avoid becoming a slow-moving hazard.
- Cyclists have been hit on all types of roads: busy and slow, with and without bike lanes.
- With gas prices soaring, there will be more cyclists on the road. The more motorists see a responsible cyclist, the more comfortable they will become with our presence.
I agree that cyclists should try to find routes that don’t include heavy-traffic streets. And there are obvious places bikes should never go: MoPac, 2222, I-35, etc. But in this city, finding a route that doesn’t include even a small section of a highly congested road is unlikely.
It is everybody’s responsibility to be safe in whatever mode of transportation they choose. Cyclists and motorists do dumb and illegal things all the time (running red lights, swerving, etc.), but riding a bike responsibly on a section of a busy road is not one of them.
My advice is to pick routes you are comfortable with, obey the laws and be safe.
Latest comments
“The more bike lanes and the more responsible cyclists out there could go a long way to changing the perception of cyclists as a nuisance. City governments need to get involved and have a visionary approach to making cycling a viable option for people.”
... read the full comment by bikersmom | Comment on Cars vs. bikes, part 2 Read Cars vs. bikes, part 2
Really? After all that has been written you want me to acknowledge the existence of ill behaved cyclists? Some bikes don’t belong on the road, some cars don’t either. That’s not the point.
I’m ok if you can’t contribute more
... read the full comment by knockknock | Comment on Cars vs. Bikes, it's getting ugly Read Cars vs. Bikes, it's getting ugly
knockknock, You didn’t address the dangerous maneuvering, such as cyclists cutting in front of cars that are in mid turn, in addition, cyclists sitting in the wrong lane while waiting for the light to change; I witnessed that four days ago, the cyclist
... read the full comment by StephR | Comment on Cars vs. Bikes, it's getting ugly Read Cars vs. Bikes, it's getting ugly
Austin and Seattle do not compare. Seattle is #6 in North America’s most bicycle friendly cities where more motorists also cycle, they have better cycling infrastructure and their leadership backs its words with real commitment to that form of transportation.
... read the full comment by knockknock | Comment on Cars vs. Bikes, it's getting ugly Read Cars vs. Bikes, it's getting ugly
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