Belt driven bikes – new/old technology

Two new bikes are on the market: both have replaced the chain with a belt. Both are striving to win converts to bicycles. Read the full story in the South Bend Tribune.

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Pumpkinvine Update in Elkhart Truth

The Elkhart Truth published this article today about updates to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Here are the first two paragraphs of the story:

The dream of linking Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana with a 17-mile recreational path suddenly seems to be clipping along.

“I think it’s been unbelievably fast,” said Larry Neff, superintendent of parks for the Elkhart County Parks Department. “It’s just unbelievable.”

South Bend to DeKalb (NIU) Via Trains and a Monkey Bike

I hesitated before buying a folding bicycle because, frankly, I thought I’d hardly use it. And, although it is true that I don’t use it often, the “monkey bike” has added a new dimension to my utility cycling. Now I wonder why I didn’t get one sooner! Here are a few details from my latest trip: from South Bend to DeKalb, IL (home of Northern Illinois University).

South Bend Bike Station Team Moving Forward

The newest Bike Coalition team is reaching a critical mass of committee members and activity.  After four monthly meetings the South Bend Bike Station team has identified several key projects and volunteers to move forward on those projects. 

Tribune Editorial: “A cycling plan”

The Tribune deserves a lot of credit for its coverage of local cycling issues. As we become a more bicycle-friendly community, such publicity is quite welcome, and they’ve been generous with their resources. Their articles have been informative, varied and balanced. Today’s Our Opinion, “A cycling Plan“, takes a strong and positive position regarding the value of Michiana becoming a bicycle-friendly community. Their support is much appreciated!

Tribune Editorial: “The high cost of cheap fuel”

The Tribune editorial board wrote an Our Opinion on November 13th entitled, “The high cost of cheap fuel“. Their point is that the recent drop in gas prices should not be interpreted to suggest that the need to reduce fuel usage has passed — just the opposite: now is the time to step up our conservation efforts. I completely agree and was impressed to see the message articulated so clearly.

Two Cyclists Injured While Riding Illegally

Two men were breaking three Indiana laws when they were hit head-on in Elkhart by a motorist. The three laws they were breaking:

1. Riding against traffic.
2. Riding at night without a headlight visible for 500 feet.
3. Riding ‘double’  (more people on a bike that the bike was designed for).

This was a rare case in which the cyclists were issued a citation. In Indiana, traffic citations are not issued unless a police officer actually witnesses the violation. The motorist was an off-duty Elkhart policeman. Read the full story.

First Steps Toward a Bicycle Friendly South Bend

Bike Michiana Coalition members Pete Colan and Jeff Nixa met with South Bend officials on November 14 to review the process for South Bend’s Bicycle Friendly Community application.  Present were Chris Dressel and Mike Divita of community development, city engineer Carl Littrell and public works director Gary Gilot. 

Pro-Cycling Letters to the Editor

Below is a letter I sent to the Elkhart and Goshen papers. I encourage all bicyclists to send positive bicycle notes/news to local newspapers. I think it helps our public relations and gains us respect.

Bicycle Safety Legislation

The Bike Michiana Coalition and the Indiana Bicycle Coalition have completed the final draft of the proposed 2009 Legislation. Read it here.