Using a Folding Bike Coupled with Pub Trans for Point-to-Point, Car-Free Travel

One of my favorite things about bicycles is that they offer such a simple means to get around. In many ways, I feel the same about public transportation. Sure it takes a little longer to get from place to place, but it is just so easy and relaxing compared to driving. As an added bonus, I can read or sleep along the way. But, what can I do when pub trans can’t get me within walking distance of my destination? I recently bought a folding bike, and it seems that I’ve got a solution… at least for some scenarios.

Can Bike Lanes cause polution?

Famously progressive, San Francisco is known for being one of the most pro-bike cities in the U.S., offering more than 200 miles of lanes and requiring that big garages offer bike parking.

New York is wooing cyclists with chartreuse bike lanes. Chicago is spending nearly $1 million for double-decker bicycle parking. South Bend is developing at least 10 miles of bike routes per year, and installing bike parking racks. Goshen, a leader in bike/ped side paths is planning striped bike lanes. Mishawaka and Elkhart are moving forward with improved bicycle infrastructure.

Meanwhile, according to the Wall Street Journal, San Francisco can do nothing: not even install new bike racks. All because of a local gadfly, arguing that urban bicycle boosting could actually be bad for the environment. The gadfly sued the city, and now all bike-plan activity is on hold until an environmental review is completed. You may want to read the full article here.

Even if you don’t read the full article, don’t miss the vidio on the San Francisco “Critical Mass” rides.

Rum Village Criterium

South Bend’s biggest race is this Sunday, August 24th.  The Indiana State Criterium Championships are held annually on the loop of Rum Village Park in south South Bend.  Since the state championship is on the line, the best talents from across the state will be showing up.

The course is by far the fastest I’ve ever seen–it’s basically an outdoor velodrome.  It’s only .9 miles long, so racers will be flying by roughly every two minutes.  The finish is on a slight incline, with great sightlines and nice shade for spectators.  Most of the races also have primes, sprints announced in the middle of the race for cash and prizes.

Personally, I did this race last year and it was a blast.  This year I’ll be racing in the beginner Category 4/5s at 11:30am.  If you can only watch one race this year, check out the elite Category 1/2/3s racing at 3:00 for $1000 cash–those guys are FAST!!

Bike Lane Victory in Goshen

This news was delivered by Adam Scharf to the Goshen Bikes list earlier today.

-Phil

Begin forwarded message:

I’m really happy to spread the word that Goshen will be getting its first on-road marked bicycle lanes, thanks in no small part to our group’s efforts! College Avenue between the railroad tracks and 15th St, which is freshly resurfaced, will be striped with bicycle lanes on both sides of the street. This is a great step toward our goal of becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community. Please join us at our next second-Monday-of-the-month meeting, Sept. 8 at 6:30 at Goshen Public Library basement, to talk about how to keep the momentum rolling…

 

-Adam Scharf

Bike Station Survey

After the recent Bike Station Planning Meeting on August 8th 2008, there was a consensus that the first thing that needed to be understood is who would be interested in using a bike station located in South Bend, and what services would they like to see offered at this proposed bike station. Your answers to the below survey will help us understand the wants and needs of bicyclists in our community.

 

 

South Bend’s “Bike Man”

The Tribune published a very positive article today about Charles Jenkins, aka “The Bike Man”. The Bike Man fixes bikes for local kids and even sells some used bikes for amazingly low prices. Check it out: LINK. What a great service for South Bend Youth!

Driver Pleads Guilty to Two Charges

The driver responsible for the death of Patrick Sawyer pleaded guilty this morning to both leaving the scene and DUI; this story is covered in the South Bend Tribune online: LINK.

Update (8/16): The Tribune published a longer, and quite moving, article today: LINK.

Bike Routes on Google Maps? Say What?

There is a worldwide movement afoot to have bike routes on Google Maps. Sound far-fartched? Well, I think yes. But, if you want to promote that far-fetched movement, here’s where to join the bandwagon.

Do we need safe routes to school?

Would you rather see kid arriving at school on a bike, on foot, or exiting a SUV? Many folks prefer the SUV (or even a Prius) because it is safer.

Here’s an interesting opinion piece from the Wall Steet Journal, arguing that Safe Kids Are Becoming Fat Kids.

Bike Station Planning Begins for South Bend

An eight-member team met last Friday morning, August 8th, to begin joint planning for a bicycle station in South Bend.   The team, which included bike commuters, local business and city government representatives identified key areas to research including perceived facility needs (secure bike parking, lockers, showers, etc.),  prospective users (bike to work-commuters vs. recreational users), possible locations, and potential funding sources.