Jazzy bicycle video

I loved this cycling troubador from New Orleans,



found on the blog of the Slow Bicycling Movement.

Bike the Grove a nice party in the park

It sounds like everyone had a great time on Saturday as Leadership Miami's bicycle project, Bike the Grove, unveiled a custom sculpture/bike rack in Peacock Park. You can read more about it in the Coconut Grove Grapevine.

Dog rides bike: That's news!

Gary Mendenhall spotted this while he was surfing the other day:

Make yourself a winning bike advocate

There's a rare opportunity coming up in May, when the Alliance for Biking and Walking sends some of its top trainers to Miami for a three-day workshop called Winning Campaigns (c) Training. If you're an advocate for bicycling or walking, or would like to be one, this is exactly what you need to sign up for. You’ll learn how to:

• Choose the right issue;
• Set realistic but visionary goals, choose the best strategies and tactics, and stick to timelines;
• Map out the power structure in your community, support and leverage allies, neutralize and convert enemies!
• Communicate effectively, reaching the right audience with the right message through the right media, …and
• Raise money, to strengthen your organization for the next bigger victory!

In the end, you’ll have a detailed campaign blueprint that will assure a victorious campaign and set up your organization for greater victories in the future.

This training is hosted by Green Mobility Network, in cooperation with the Florida Bicycle Association. To learn more and to register, visit the Alliance Website.

Miami's really rolling on bicycle plans

Miami's bicycle coordinator, Collin Worth, reported last night on an impressive 15 greenway and bike lane projects the city is planning, including one to serve the future Miami Marlins stadium. I wanted to jump up and shout, "Way to go, Collin," but the Miami-Dade Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, where he was reporting, follows a higher standard of decorum than that. Committee Chairman Brett Bibeau did commend the city for the bicycle progress set in motion by Mayor Manny Diaz.

I'll try to get that list online here before the week is out.

Protect Florida's greenways

I'm passing along an urgent request from Ken Bryan, the Florida director of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy:

I’m shocked at the irony, and hope you are too.

Within weeks of the Florida Governor’s office proclaiming March as Bicycle Month and celebrating our trail victories, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced devastating cuts to the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), effectively eliminating this nationally renowned program.

Act now to protect Florida’s greenways and trails.

These cuts are excessive and disproportionate to the department's other proposed cuts. While other FDEP program budgets are being cut 20 percent, this proposal would, among other things, eliminate more than 80 percent of OGT’s Tallahassee staff! In addition to rolling back the pro-trail clock 10 years, this measure risks nearly $50 million in hard-earned development money for Florida’s future trails.

We understand that cuts are required, and should be fairly distributed. However, the OGT program reduces our dependence on oil, improves health, betters our environment and strengthens our communities. Eliminating it does far more harm than good, and for generations to come.

Please speak up for trails now.

The office has done an excellent job planning and building trails in Florida's countryside and near several small towns. I've been disappointed by its evident lack of attention to South Florida and other urban areas -- but this is no time to beat them up about that. Let's head off the proposed devastating budget cuts, then try to get some urban trails built.

2 governors: Ditto on transportation would be disaster

Bike Pittsburgh spots an encouraging insight on a Sunday-morning talk show.

Merely reauthorizing the transportation bill would be “a disaster for future generations”

Read the piece at the Bike Pgh Blog .

Videos teach bicycle safety -- at your speed

Mark Horowitz, the bike-pedestrian coordinator for Broward County, has produced a teach-yourself course on safe bicycling. If you haven't been able to attend group instruction but want to ride more, his two CDs and accompanying material might be just the thing. You can check them out by clicking Learn to Bicycle.

Bikes are part of a climate solution

The U.S. House's Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming heard testimony last week from Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, about the role that bicycling could play in reducing petroleum use and slowing the release of greenhouse gases. Clarke cited data from the National Household Transportation Survey to point out that:

• In our metropolitan areas, more than 40% of all trips are two miles or less – a very manageable bike ride – and more than one-quarter are just one mile or less.
  

• Furthermore, the data shows that within that 28.3% of the trips that are one mileor less in urbanized areas, 65.7% are made by auto. This means that 18.6% of all trips in metropolitan areas are auto trips that are one mile or less. These short trips are the most polluting and the most feasible to switch to bicycling or walking. The city of Chicago recently adopted a 2015 goal of having 5% of all trips five miles or less made by bicycle.

Survey after survey, he said, shows that people want to ride and walk more but are dissuaded by concern over traffic danger and other barriers. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Shimano Corp. confirms the enormous latent demand for bicycling among the 160 million non-bicycling adults in America. When barriers to bicycling are removed, people start riding.

His five-page statement is good reading. You can find it at the bike league website. You can follow the work of Rep. Edward Markey's committee by clicking here.

Cyclists are important users of transportation systems

One notable event at the recent National Bike Summit was the participation of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who has been a bicycle supporter for years. He posted about his visit on his blog, Welcome to the Fast Lane.

The Fast Lane blog was actually begun in the previous administration, after Secretary Mary Peters caught flak from greenies everywhere for her anti-bicycle remarks. The new tone on the blog in the past several weeks is refreshing and welcome. It's recommended reading.

Staring down the bicyclist's fear

Two urban planners and bicycle advocates from upstate write thoughtfully about the fears that keep so many people from using their bicycles -- or even from owning one. Rafael Clemente notes that

people who are not in a car and utilizing public roads and rights of way are often fearful of drivers and therefore intimidated by them. Some drivers choose to use this intimidation factor in an effort to control situations in their own favor at the expense of the more vulnerable user.

Mighk Wilson uses hard data to systematically expose the irrationality of the non-cyclist's fear of riding:

A very small number of motorists are unsafely and unsuccessfully passing cyclists and the ensuing crashes are sideswipes that result in mostly minor injuries. Fortunately there is a way that you can reduce the tendency for motorists to pass unsafely. None of these overtaking crashes occurred on roads with wide curb lanes, bike lanes or paved shoulders. They happened on narrow lanes. And the law says that when the lane is narrow you are allowed to leave the right-most side and ride toward the middle.

I encourage you to set aside a few minutes, or bookmark this item until you have the time, to read Clemente and Wilson in Sustainable West Palm Beach.

Clemente works for the Downtown Development Authority in West Palm Beach and is vice president of the Florida Bicycle Association. Wilson is the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for Metroplan Orlando, and the FBA's immediate past president. His article was published by the Association last December.

Causeway alert: Tennis on Key Biscayne

A reminder that motor traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway and Crandon Boulevard will be heavier than usual March 23 through April 5, during the Sony Ericsson Tennis Tournament. The free passage that bicyclists have enjoyed lately at the causeway toll gate may be limited during the tournament, Miami-Dade Public Works advises. For other information about the event, click here.

"Bike path" planned for North Miami Beach

The current widening of NE 15th Avenue near the 163rd Street Mall will include a "bike path," according to a news release from Miami-Dade Public Works. After looking at the project area -- between 159th to 186th Streets -- on an aerial map I believe they meant to say bicycle lanes. Either way, this should be a good connector between the Allen Park and Sunray West neighborhoods and the homes around Fulford and Greynolds Park elementary schools. The year-long project will include widening the Snake River bridge.

Path users, share your thoughts

Our local transportation planners are conducting a survey of bicyclists and others who use Miami-Dade streets, paths and greenways. They need to know where you ride most and several other relevant facts to help make walking and biking better around town. If you didn't already complete the survey during Bike Miami Day last Saturday, please click this link and take five minutes to help.

Why I believe in bike helmets

Some of my friends say that requiring the use of bicycle helmets discourages riding. They may be right. Here, though, are a few reasons to wear a helmet even if you aren't required to.

The videos were collected by Mitkav. My apologies for his light-hearted music.

Looking for answers on Bike Miami Days

Updated
I'm puzzled by the low turnout on Saturday for Bike Miami Days. The weather was perfect and I thought the word got out in plenty of time about the date. If you ever went but did not this time, please let me know why. If you have never attended I'd like to know why also. To answer, just click on "comments," below.

For a change, I took the day off from my usual bike valet duties with Green Mobility Network. (Other members did a fine job there!) Instead, I rode the streets a lot and had a great time. Remind me to put on sunblock the next time, though! Did you catch that terrific band at La Epoca's front door? Gotta love those sounds!

I snapped this view of bike dancers on the courthouse steps, and photos at this downtown site capture some more of the fun.

Bicycle backwater makes a splash

If you wondered, as I did, about the improbability of the recent custom bicycle show being held in Indianapolis, you'll enjoy Daniel Lee's report from the Indianapolis Star.

Miami aims for Complete Streets

Updated
Miami's City Commission adopted a Complete Streets policy on Wednesday, embracing one of the goals of the National Bike Summit, which was underway in Washington that same day. When I learn more about the city's action I will share it here. Meanwhile, take a look at Mayor Manny Diaz's Web site, www.miamigov.com/cms/mayor .

Here's the city's press release about it. And here is the full resolution.

Learn to make your city bike-friendly

Most bicyclists in South Florida have wanted to tell somebody what needs to be done to help more people feel comfortable and safe riding a bike. For the many who have stifled that impulse, this Saturday brings an opportunity to begin speaking out.

Three leaders in South Florida's growing pro-bike movement will share their how-to at a free workshop offered as part of Bike Miami Days. At 1 p.m. at the Tina Hills Pavilion in Bayfront Park, you can meet and hear Hank Sanchez-Resnik of Green Mobility Network and the Bicycle-Friendly Berkely Coalition, Adam Schachner of Emerge Miami, and Gabrielle Redfern of BASIC, the Miami Beach bike-advocacy group.

You'll gain insights on how to build a network of allies, how to begin lobbying public officials, and how to find out when some official action you may want to influence is about to take place.

The workshop is free, and you're invited. The pavilion is near the southwest corner of Bayfront Park.

Stuck in traffic

Rep. Earl Blumenauer today at the National Bike Summit asks, ''How many Americans, right this minute, are stuck in traffic -- on their way to a health club to ride a stationary bike?''

Miamian joins Bike Caucus

I'm at the National Bike Summit this week, and just learned that U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart has joined the Congressional Bike Caucus. He is one of six Florida members of the caucus, and 206 overall.

Riders, consider your reputation

Cyclist and author Robert Sullivan makes these suggestions in today's New York Times.

How about we stop at major intersections? Especially where there are school crossing guards, or disabled people crossing, or a lot of people during the morning or evening rush. (I have the law with me on this one.) At minor intersections, on far-from-traffic intersections, let’s at least stop and go.

How about we ride with traffic as opposed to the wrong way on a one-way street? I know the idea of being told which way to go drives many bikers bonkers. That stuff is for cars, they say. I consider one-way streets anathema — they make for faster car traffic and more difficult crossings. But whenever I see something bad happen to a biker, it’s when the biker is riding the wrong way on a one-way street.

There will be caveats. Perhaps your wife is about to go into labor and you take her to the hospital on your bike; then, yes, sure, go the wrong way in the one-way bike lane. We can handle caveats. We are bikers.

How about we stay off the sidewalks? Why are bikers so incensed when the police hand out tickets for this? I’m only guessing, but each sidewalk biker must believe that he or she, out of all New York bikers, is the exception, the one careful biker, which is a very car way of thinking.

How about we signal? Again, I hear the laughter, but the bike gods gave us hands to ring bells and to signal turns. Think of the possible complications: Many of the bikers behind you are wearing headphones, and the family in the minivan has a Disney DVD playing so loudly that it’s rattling your 30-pound Kryptonite chain. Let them know what you are thinking so that you can go on breathing as well as thinking.

I strongly recommend reading the full piece at the New York Times (registration required). While Sullivan's examples are all from New York City, anyone who rides much in Miami can see the points that apply here just as well.

We can all be advocates

Updated March 9
Street Films interviews Earl Blumenauer, chairman of the Congressional Bike Caucus. He says there's opportunity in every town and city to make streets friendlier for bicycling.


If this appeals to you, come catch the advocacy workshop during the next Bike Miami Days, on March 14. It happens at 1 p.m. that Saturday at the Tina Hills Pavilion, at the south end of Bayfront Park.

Everybody likes the Busway

Three Metro buses, a Coral Gables police car and a Miami-Dade repair truck were queued up to cross SW 136th Street a few minutes ago. A good reminder that if you ride the Busway instead of the parallel South Dade Trail, those Ipod earbuds may hide the sound of whoever's behind you.

Few would have failed to hear the motorbike that came along the path a bit later. Blue jeans, baseball cap -- and a 20-something rider seemingly smug about his wheels.

Cyclist settles with Miami Springs

A partly-disabled bicyclist has settled his lawsuit against Miami Springs over the city's sidewalks and bicycle paths. City leaders initiated a series of steps in February to bring the city into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The steps include revising curb ramps so they meet the street at a 90-degree angle instead of leading toward the center of an intersection, and relocating any bus benches that impede safe and easy passage along a sidewalk. To read our earlier report on Theo Karantsalis's lawsuit, click here. At Theo's own blog, Social Media Press, you can hear the city attorney discuss the settlement.

Cool rides: Everglades benefit

Perhaps the coolest "green" event of Miami's year is the annual Everglades Awareness Benefit Concert, coming up March 21 at Tobacco Road, 626 Miami Ave., Miami. You can avoid the parking fee of $5 to $10 if you ride your bike to the Road, just south of the river and a few blocks northeast of the Brickell Avenue Metrorail station. Admission is $12 -- and be able to prove you're 21 or older. The music begins at 4 p.m. that Saturday and runs to 3 a.m. Sunday. Be sure your lights are working!

And the winner... fabulous hand-built bikes

This dual-chain dream is just one of the fabulous creations shown at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show last week in Indianapolis. For more views, see Pedal Pushers Online.

The winners:

* Best Lugged Bicycle : Ellis Cycles - Dave Wages
* Best Fillet Brazed Bicycle : Nobilette Cycles - Mark Nobilette
* Best TIG Welded Bicycle : Strong Frames Inc - Carl Strong
* Best Paint Job : VéloColour - Noel Rosen
* Best Carbon Fiber Bicycle : Independent Fabrication
* Best Titanium Bicycle : Eriksen Cycles - Kent Eriksen
* Best Road Bicycle : Della Santa - Roland Della Santa
* Best Track Bicycle : Cherubim by Konno Cycleworks - Shin-ichi Konno
* Best Off-Road Bicycle : Goodrich Bicycles - Curt Goodrich
* Best Tandem : Bilenky Cycle Works - Stephen Bilenky
* Best City Bicycle : MAP Bicycles - Mitchell Pryor
* President Walker's Choice : Cherubim by Konno Cycleworks - Shin-ichi Konno
* People's Choice : Naked Cycles and Design - San Whittingham
* Best of Show : Cicli Polito - Dan Polito, right.

Here is Kimberly Hunt's take on Polito's entry:

Dan Polito of Cicli Polito credits former frame builder Norm Taylor with the inspiration for the Jack Taylor tribute bicycle he brought to the 2009 NAHBS.

Polito, who sees making one's own bicycle as the mark of a true cyclist, honored Taylor, who passed away recently, by including elements in this particular bicycle of original grass-track racing bicycles.

Laura Long, an associate of Polito's since the shop opened, pointed out cyclists used to compete on horse fields, which explains the wider tires.

To read more about the show in general, click here.

Stimulus money to close the Dadeland Gap

Here's good news for cyclists traveling between Kendall and South Miami, Coconut Grove or downtown Miami. Our Metropolitan Planning Organization voted a few days ago to use some of Florida's share of the federal economic stimulus money to close the gap between the M-Path and the South Dade Trail. You've probably seen me write before about this troublesome Dadeland Gap between SW 67th Avenue and the Datran Center.

The work "was included in the list of transportation enhancement projects that was prioritized by the MPO for economic stimulus funding," bike-pedestrian coordinator David Henderson reports. "That list is now in the hands of the Florida Department of Transportation in Tallahassee for programming."

This project was one of the goals of Green Mobility Network's new campaign, Complete the M-Path, which was launched in early February. You can follow the campaign -- or join it -- at the Green Mobility website or the campaign's Facebook group.

It's not just commuters and neighborhood riders who will benefit. The project will increase accessibility for the entire area around the original Dadeland Mall, the Dadeland Station shops and Datran. It also will make both the paths more attractive for vacation travelers on the East Coast Greenway between Key West and Calais, Maine. That's a win-win, Florida style: good for the community, good for our visitors!

Looking for bicycle lanes

A note from David Henderson, the bicycle-pedestrian coordinator for the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization:

The Miami-Dade Public Works Department is seeking public input on streets that can be striped to add a bike lane in each direction. The PWD is looking for streets with outside (rightmost) lanes that are at least 15-feet wide for conversion into an 11-foot lane and 4-foot bike lane.

If you know of any streets where bike lanes would be useful and are wide enough contact Jeff Cohen, assistant chief of the Miami-Dade Public Works Department’s Traffic Engineering Division, at jcpe@miamidade.gov.

Arizona's first bike station to open soon

Following closely upon the start-up of a 20-mile light-rail service linking Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, Arizona, local authorities are building a bike station near the rail line's midpoint. It's the kind of thing being studied by Miami's Bicycle Action Committee for a downtown location. The Regional Bike Center in Tempe is expected to open in May. There's more at the Arizona Republic.

Cool ride for a sunny morning

I rode out for breakfast today, keeping Sweetie company as she pedaled the South Dade Trail on her way to the Metrorail. We layered up against the cool air but by the time I locked to the post outside Wagons West I was seriously ready for eggs and sausage. Vegan friends may frown but old habits die hard in this mountain boy.

Fortified by the meal, I made good time as I continued south. Had loosened the head cage inside my helmet so I could keep my East Coast Greenway cap on, but even so my hairless scalp felt the chill. By the time I turned into the wind at Howard Drive, I was ready to acknowledge: Living in Florida has "thinned my blood". Back in the Blue Ridge, this would be a balmy spring morning.