Columbus Rides Bikes!

Jeremy Powers during the Men's elite race at the 2012 U.S. Cyclocross National Championships. The chicken wasn't wearing any pants. Jeremy Powers couldn't help but notice. Powers is one of the elite cyclocross racers in the world, the U.S. national champion in 2012, and a couple years back, he was in the middle of a race—he thinks it was Portland, Ore.,—pedaling his bike, pushing that red needle of exhaustion, when he became aware of an exuberant, feather-costumed fan running alongside him. "A dude with a chicken outfit on and no pants," Powers said. Welcome to cyclocross. Yeah let's talk about cyclocross. I know the Super Bowl is Sunday, but I've already had enough of that overhyped barn dance, and so have you. There's another Super Bowl coming this weekend, not to New Orleans, but to Louisville, Ky., and in a strange way, it's more significant, because on Feb. 2 and 3, Louisville is hosting the UCI Cyclocross Elite World Ch

ANNA LATINO/SPECIAL TO THE S.F. EXAMINER It will cost $200 million to implement all bike-related aspects of the SFMTA’s strategic five-year plan. The City is proposing $200 million worth of changes to its cycling network in the next five years. Building 12 new miles of bike lanes, upgrading 50 miles of existing paths and installing more than 20,000 new racks are all part of the plan. By the numbers 71 percent:  Increase in bicycling usage over past six years 3.5 percent:  Percent of all transportation trips made by bicycle $200 million:  Cost to implement all bike-related aspects of the SFMTA’s strategic five-year plan $30 million:  Funding identified for plan Source: SFMTA Biking has increased by 71 percent since 2006, and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which manages cycling policies in The City, is hoping to build out its network to meet the demand. At the board of directors’ annual workshop meeting Tuesday, the agency is expec

PRODUCT OVERVIEW The World’s First Theft-Resistant Bike Light. Made of lightweight aluminum with using ultra-bright LEDs and 100 hours battery life.  Comes with custom Gotham security screw drivers, and 3 x AA batteries, and adjustable spacers to fit your handlebars.  Matte Black Finish. SPECIFICATIONS   WEIGHT (G):  232 DIMENSIONS (MM):  10 x 42 x 80 HANDLEBAR SIZES (MM): 2 2 to 32 BATTERIES:  3 AA BATTERY LIFE (HR): 50 steady, 100 flashing BEAM:  30° spread, 80° periphery hotspot BRIGHTNESS:  50 Lumen POWER:  1 Watt [Bike Gotham]

Ahh...they seem to work just fine, but... Gravel Bikes- ( well, assuming you even agree that there is such a thing), usually have cantilever brakes these days. However; that is maybe more out of convenience/necessity than choice. Cyclo cross bikes, for the most part, are cantilever braked bikes, and those bikes tend to dominate the gravel bike riding scene. But there is a big push for disc brakes in cyclo cross circles these days. (Notice- I didn't say just who was pushing for this. ) So bikes like my Orange Crush BMC are sort of getting looked down upon. (See  this post  by BMC owner, Mike Varley on this subject.) However; for gravel races and riding, the disc brake is not a "slam dunk" idea. I want to give my thoughts on the matter here and maybe gauge your reactions in the comments to see just where everyone's minds are with regard to this.  The argument for disc brakes is that  they work better ...... There are different ways folks will end that statement, but

View Slideshow EAMON QUEENEY | DISPATCH A cyclist at Milton Avenue and W. North Broadway in Clintonville rides past a bike detector that prompts an eventual change of the traffic light to green. It’s hard to miss the growing number of bicyclists in central Ohio. But to some city traffic signals, they are all but invisible. Columbus officials say they are changing that. Nearly all the city’s 1,000 traffic lights are connected to road sensors that detect the presence of autos at the intersections and adjust the lights accordingly. Bicycles are another story. These sensors are basically metal detectors, and bicycles don’t have enough metal to trigger a light change. That has caused some cyclists to go through a bizarre system of steps to get noticed. Some ask drivers to replace them at the front of the line at a red light to trip the sensor. Others lay their bicycles flat on the road to increase the odds. Desperate cyclists might even get off their bikes and push the pede

All across the country, there's momentum for better biking and walking. As our voices reach mayors, governors, and members of Congress, more and more communities gear up to make neighborhoods safer and better for biking and walking. 2013 is going to be a huge year for biking and walking advocacy. Another federal transportation bill is just around the corner, and we are gearing up to plan our campaign for 2013 and beyond. Will you take a 5 minute survey to help set the course for biking and walking advocacy in 2013 and beyond?  Your feedback will be critical in shaping the  2013 National Bike Summit , and will guide how biking and walking advocates approach Congress throughout the year. Thank you! Sincerely, Caron Whitaker Vice President, Government Relations

  Bike Sharing is an innovative transportation program providing ideal short distance, point-to-point, simple-to-use bikes for moving around the city. It allows users to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve bike station and return it to any bike station in the system’s service area. In Columbus, these stations will be located throughout downtown in relative close proximity to each other (about 1/3 mile apart), allowing for easy access and maximum use. The Columbus Bike Share program starts with 30 stations, each with an average of 10 bikes, a total start-up of 300 bikes. “This will be a fun, healthy, affordable and green way for our residents to get around Columbus. We've already made Columbus one of the best biking cities in the nation, and this is another big step toward making us even better." -- Mayor Michael B. Coleman Using a swipe card, the automated system will feature yearly memberships, single-day uses, and 3-day passes, all of which can be easily purchased at

What...  SSUK’G2013 is the Single Speeds UK Gathering. Why. ..   well you see it didn’t happen in 2012 which was a shame, so for 2013 I am looking after you all down here on the Dorset Coast, with a slight twist to the riding aspect of the event. When ... 3 rd  May to 6 th  May 2013 Where. ..  Swanage, Dorset, UK What(s). .. Pre Event Thing ... some sort of social ride, beach party, pub stop, gig thing on Saturday. The “E vent ” t hing . .. On Sunday. Rather than a flat out XC race where most folk only do a lap (you slackers) it’s in a “Sportive” format, which sounds a bit roady, but allows us access to all the good trails.  A group ride starting at the beach in Swanage will take us to the Bankes Arms in Studland. From here there is a course that takes in some great scenery, singletrack, castles, pubs and cake shops. It concludes at the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers. The route might be lightly marked, but  there will be maps, or just follow a local. The event is timed (bring

Ellen Noble couldn't feel her hands gripping the handlebar of her racing bike. She could barely feel her feet pumping its pedals. So much of her body was numb from the cold. click image to enlarge Ellen Noble, 17, of Kennebunkport recently won a national championship in cyclo-cross, a sport that sends cyclists racing through muddy terrain and requires them to carry their bikes over obstacles. John Ewing/Staff Photographer But not her emotions. She crossed the finish line and reached up to touch the mud-splattered locket hanging around her neck. The simple piece of jewelry, a gift from her grandmother, contained two miniature photos of her father and a one-word inscription: Always. On Jan. 11 at the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross Nationals in Wisconsin, the 17-year-old racer from Kennebunkport won the race that made her a champion. Noble laughed as she cried, pulled in opposite directions by her joy and her sadness. That she won this race for 17- and 18-year-old cycl

Jay Petervary Tour Divide Record Ride from Fisher Creative on Vimeo .

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers should stop using this product,  which is being recalled voluntarily, unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a  recalled consumer product. (Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO ) Recall Summary Name of product: Bicycles and frame sets Hazard:  The steerer tube in the front fork can break, posing a fall hazard. Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the bicycles and take them to an authorized dealer  for free inspection and, if needed, a free repair. Consumer Contact:  Specialized Bicycle Components toll-free at (877) 808-8154 from 8 a.m. to  5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or website at  www.specialized.com  for more information and click  on Support and then Safety Notices. Photos are available at  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13102.html Recall Details Units:  About 12,200 Description:  The 2012 and 2013 mo

Why bicycle insurance? Until Velosurance cyclist losses went largely unpaid by any insurance. Whether at your home, on your auto, riding the trail or the road, bicycles are rarely covered for theft or damage. Velosurance offers the availability of a multi-risk, stand alone insurance policy allowing cyclists to insure their bikes for physical loss, damage, and liability. Who is Velosurance? Velosurance is a national insurance agency founded by two cyclists in response to the insurance needs of bicycle riders nationwide. After more than 3 years of development we partnered with an A rated, US insurance company to introduce a multi risk policy offering protection to all types of cyclists. What is covered? The policy issued through Velosurance is available as a multi-risk policy with the option to add additional coverages to protect the policy owner against many types of losses. You choose the coverages and the premium. Crash Damage to Frame & Wheel Set Failure Damage to

Lars Klove for The New York Times Christian Edstrom making his way from Chappaqua, N.Y., into Manhattan on a cold day. By  ABIGAIL MEISEL Published: January 25, 2013 At 4:40 on a 28-degree January morning, Christian Edstrom readied for his commute from Chappaqua, N.Y., to downtown Manhattan. Having sheathed his legs in NASA-worthy Capo bib shorts — woven from high-tech fibers that compress leg muscles to minimize fatigue — he pulled on a pair of winter cycling tights lined with fleece from the waist to the thighs. Next came over-the-calf Smartwool ski socks under Sidi Genius 5.5 shoes strategically packed with chemical toe warmers. To shield his torso, he wore a wool base layer under an Italian long-sleeve racing jersey, and a windproof vest reinforced in front to block freezing gusts and meshed in the back to vent excess heat. On his head, an Assos Fuguhelm racing cap with vents on top to minimize sweating, and a pair of Oakley Jawbones sunglasses. The final touch: a p

Better than keys - in every way! Prestaratchet advances the art of wrenching bicycles. Consider the irony of using an Allen or Torx® key on your expensive and delicate bike parts. Tools like that come free with un-assembled furniture. Isn't your bike worthy of better? Prestaratchet is faster, safer, less expensive, longer lasting and more comfortable than any key. Faster Prestaratchet is always in position to get the whole job done. Spin a loose bolt snug with the thumb-wheel, then tighten with the handle. Flick the reverse lever with the same thumb to loosen. You can operate Prestaratchet with one hand and hold a brake cable with the other. Tighten and loosen as many times as you want to get the perfect cable position - and never move your hand or remove the tool in the process. Safer With an Allen or Torx® key, each time you tighten or loosen a bolt – you remove and re-insert the tool multiple times. Twisting, turning and inserting – each time is a chance to get the

Tour de France Champion with Horatio Sanz from Horatio Sanz

Aerial view of Chester Park In 1895 the cycling community of Cincinnati was excited to hear of plans to build a cement bicycle track in Chester Park; a popular entertainment destination located off of Spring Grove Avenue. The track was to have dressing rooms and training quarters for the cyclists. A popular route for cyclists out of downtown, Spring Grove Avenue follows the Mill Creek, passes through Carthage and Elmwood Place, and continues on to Hamilton. J.E. Poorman’s annual road race from Hamilton Ohio to the Winton Place area would now be able to arrive and take a turn around the velodrome. [Keep reading at The Brighton Bicycle Club]

July 21-27, 2013 Registration is now open! Click here for the 2013 Registration Form The Bon Ton Roulet is a seven-day bicycle tour through the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State.  Our fully supported tour takes cyclists from wide open farm fields, past stunning overlooks of our lakes, to cavernous water-carved gorges.  You’ll also enjoy an area of the country that’s as rich with National Historic Sites as it is award winning wineries. Our tour has been called a “luxury” ride in the cycling industry because of the conveniences we provide our riders!  Breakfast, dinner, rest stops, fully supported, entertainment… and the list goes on!  Best of all, these great luxuries are offered at a cost that 95% of past riders have ranked as a good value! The Long Route appeals to those riders who love the challenge of a 65-75 mile ride per day at a pace that’s typically quicker then most.  The Regular Route, typically 45-50 miles per day, tends to attract newer riders and t

Expect to see more of this! The LADOT Bike Program is happy to report that the Los Angeles City Council has passed the long awaited  Bicycle Parking Ordinance . This will mean better bicycle parking standards citywide at commercial, industrial and residential-type locations. The ordinance includes a number of forward-thinking changes  including: Formal definitions for different types of bike parking  Better standards for the different types of bike racks including long-term and short-term bicycle parking Improved standards for where bike racks are located on a property Clearer  requirements for short-term and long-term bike parking. Provisions allowing car parking to be swapped for bike parking for up to 20 percent of total automobile parking for non-residential uses or up to 30% near Transit Oriented Developments (TODs). Residential buildings would be able to swap up to 10% of their car parking, and even higher if located within 1,500 feet of a transit facility, up to 15%

Choosing to ride a particular bike conveys an attitude and a way of life.  Velo—2nd Gear illuminates and celebrates contemporary bicycle culture’s diverse scenes. From classic racing bikes to high-tech speed machines, from rough fixies to fashionable city cruisers and hardworking cargo bikes, this book showcases today’s most outstanding and unusual bicycles and their riders. Velo—2nd Gear  not only introduces coveted manufacturers, specialized boutiques, and historical tours. It also explains how each bike-related scene cultivates its own distinct codes through the choice of certain frames, jerseys, caps, or bags or by visiting specific events or key establishments. In doing so, the book shows why, for more and more people, bicycles have now replaced cars as the vehicles that best express their identity. [Buy it here]

JFK Boulevard, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. (Photo Courtesy of SFMTA Livable Streets) A prominent bike lane in San Francisco may be suffering because of its unique design. The ambitious, and expensive, bike lane striping of Golden Gate Park stands out from the other projects of San Francisco’s bike plan for the criticism it draws from cyclists and drivers alike. “I think it’s one of the dumbest things I ever saw that they put these stripes down here,” says driver Jimmy Harris of the lanes, pictured above. Average speeds of drivers and bike riders have both fallen, a success at what’s known as traffic calming. But also a stark test case of transportation psychology as users cite narrow lanes and an unusual arrangement of parked cars as confusing.  Ben Trefny and Rai Sue Sussman took a ride along JFK Blvd, with a measuring tape, to see why these particular stripes are raising hackles of bike riders and drivers. Give the audio version a listen.  [Keep reading at Transpo

New data from Minneapolis confirms: the more cyclists on the road, the safer they will be. Image:  Twin City Sidewalks via the City of Minneapolis Minneapolis’s public works department just completed a rigorous, long-term analysis of bike-car collisions, and they’ve released a  trove of data . Bill Lindeke at Network blog  Twin City Sidewalks  says it might be “as good a study of crash data as you’re ever likely to see in this country.” There were a number of interesting findings, many of which bolstered previous research. For example, as shown in the chart above, a confirmation of the safety-in-numbers effect  popularized by researcher Peter Jacobsen : It’s long been a truism in nonmotorized transportation planning that safety improves dramatically as the overall number of bicyclists and pedestrians rise. Well, this seems to hold true for Minneapolis over the last decade, and is one of the most hope-inspiring pieces of the bicycling puzzle… What this suggests to me is t

To improve safety, cycle lanes are now being designed to run behind bus stops Transport For London Kaya Burgess Last updated at 12:01AM, January 19 2013 Cycle lanes segregated from motor traffic are being planned and built around the country as Britain seeks to extend the Olympics-inspired cycling boom. Proposed schemes in London, Brighton and Southampton have been welcomed as a sign that councils are beginning to appreciate the economic and health benefits of encouraging cycling. In the capital, the Cycle Superhighway that runs from Aldgate to Bow will be extended to Stratford under Transport for London plans that are currently open to consultation. Of the 3km of new cycle lanes to be built, 2.4km will be segregated from traffic by a kerb while ten junctions will be upgraded in line with demands made in the  Times Cities Fit for Cycling campaign. [Keep reading at The Times]

Yuba’s Boda Boda Cargo Cruiser elevates utility cycling to a new level of elegance and comfort. The  integrated rear rack and love handles make it easy to pick up a friend, carry a kid, a few large bags of groceries or speakers. Green accents, such as cork grips, bamboo back deck and optional running boards insure that this bike will turn heads as you spin around town. Apartment dwellers will appreciate that the Boda Boda weighs a mere 35 pounds, and features a hand hold for carrying the bike up stairs. Shorter cargo bike riders will appreciate that the bike is available in step-thru versions to make it easier to get on under load. Its stable handling and easy-shifting, eight speed urban derailleur system will get you there and back, even in hilly San Francisco. This is the lightest and most compact Cargo Bike. Accessories  make it easy to configure the bike to exactly match your lifestyle. Features • Comfortable:  The Boda Boda Cargo Cruiser rides like a European townie bike – u