Now this is my kinda’ Cash for Clunkers program:

Joe Bike →

Just amazing.

StreetFilms →

The other day I suggested that we need to include more information about the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in our driver training programs. Doing so would very likely improve relations between road users, and it might even reduce collisions (and the subsequent injuries and deaths).

If we were, in fact, able to modify our driver training programs to require motor vehicle operators to learn more about bicyclists’ rights and the issues associated with sharing the road with bicyclists, I believe it would also place a greater responsibility on all bicyclists to be aware of, and adhere to, the rules of the road, regardless of their age or experience.

Many bicyclists (I’d argue that a majority of those I encounter), appear to be riding their bicycles exactly as they learned to ride them when they were children. In other words, they get on their bikes and ride without giving any thought to the rules of the road. Often they appear to be in a modified pedestrian mode with their only concern being the avoidance of cars, and they seem to be riding with the assumption that cars own the road and as bicyclists they have no rights or responsibilities other than those they intuitively take on for themselves.

As it is now, bicyclists are, by law, given nearly the same rights to the road as motorists, and they’re also expected to obey the same traffic laws as motorists, yet they receive absolutely no training and there are no requirements to understand the laws under which they operate. It begs the question, how are bicyclists supposed to know how to obey the rules of the road, when they may not even be aware of those rules and how they apply to bicycles?

The obvious (though albeit controversial) answer is mandatory training and certification for bicyclists; in other words, a Bicycle Rider’s License. There are many pitfalls to such an approach, not the least of which is that it would very likely discourage bicycle use. Plus, the costs associated with implementing such a program is a guaranteed non-starter in our current economy. You have to wonder though, if requiring a bicycle rider’s license wouldn’t elevate the bicycle’s stature and help people see it as a real vehicle worthy of consideration as an alternative to the automobile, while also creating a group of more highly skilled, responsible bicyclists who are more well-equipped to interact effectively with other road users.

I hope you enjoyed your commute as much as I enjoyed mine!

If ever there was a no-brainer, this is it. I just replaced the stock Tektro pads on my LHT with Kool Stop salmon pads and the improvement in braking was almost startling. If you have anything other than high-end racing calipers or boutique brakes that come stock with high-quality pads (in other words, if you’re riding almost any off-the-shelf commuter with cantilever, linear-pull, or dual-pivot brakes), do yourself a favor and go out and buy yourself a set of Kool Stop salmon pads ASAP. Replacing your stock brake pads with Kool Stop salmons is one of the best bang-for-the-buck modifications you can make to any bike (particularly if your stock pads are worn).

I buy my Kool Stops at Gold Country Cyclery. Harris Cyclery stocks a good selection too. Both shops do mail order if you can’t find them at your local bike shop (not too likely).

Kool Stop →

Civia’s in the news again. This time it’s a sneak peek at their new bike to be unveiled at Interbike in September:

Yup, that’s a belt drive you’re looking at. I also see an internal gear hub, Alfine crank, drop bars, disc brakes, and what appears to be a steel frame. Very interesting! So far, I very much like what I see. We’ll be attending Interbike this year, so we’ll have a full report for you in September.

Civia →