Girls Ride Out, November 2016

Ride name change to Burlington Bike Babes, but I can't get into the new name - sounds like a motorcycle gang!

Girls Ride Out in November consisted of a smaller but cozy crowd. Not every woman can tolerate mid 40sF temperatures plus have lights and be comfortable riding around the city in darkness.

We start at Old Spokes Home as usual, meeting indoors, and holding drawings for several sets of lights, provided by Local Motion. I was tickled to have won a pair, which now graces my helmet, much brighter replacements than a flashlight and cracked red flasher. Add to that a handle bar light and seat post blinky, and I might be the brightest cyclist in Burlington!

Hannah (on the left) is a Girls Ride Out regular but Lauren is a newcomer. I was surprised that there were a few initiates - it can't be easy to start this time of year - but perhaps these ladies regularly commute but for whatever reason could finally attend the November event.

Hard not to notice the political statement!

I love that purses and sling bags are pretty normal attire. We women carry our stuff in so many cool ways.

One hardy lady has bare legs.

We end at Zero Gravity, enjoying our free drink (thanks Christine for making that happen). Our group splits into 2 booths. A couple of us order hot dogs - they make mean Coney Island Dogs, smothered in meat sauce, onions, and mustard.

It was wonderful to find that Zero Gravity has expanded their indoor seating. I much prefer the outside terrace where it was much easier to mingle, but of course, that won't happen until spring.

By the time I left there was a discussion about trying to set up a December event. It seems there are some who don't want to give up even if it gets cold. I wouldn't be opposed, especially if roads are dry and - as I pointed out - riding in December would encourage more winter riders. We'll see.

Noteworthy Improvements to the South Burlington Bike Path

As I exit Farrell Park at the T-intersection with Swift Street (photo above), the bike path seemingly shares the same asphalt as the automobile lane. Until two weeks ago, the white striping was non existent and with summer leagues and families using the park, especially around 5:30 pm, the intersection was becoming dangerous with increased traffic entering and exiting the park. Automobiles cut dangerously close to me while I waited, some drivers leering at me, as if wondering why I wasn't getting out of their way. Fortunately, the problem has been taken care of and should not be an issue going forward (until the paint wears off again).

At the same intersection (mentioned in first photo) where I turn left onto Swift Street I must quickly move to the bike lane then make a quick right turn (just beyond utility pole in above photo). The bike lane has worked fairly well, except when a stream of automobiles also turns right, each driver managing through the green light, except for the last few vehicles which cut the corner close trying to get through the intersection before the light turns red. Along with re-striping the bike lane, the city also adhered 3 white flexible poles onto the pavement (one is discernible in the photo above next to the large vehicle's front bumper), bordering the bike lane all the way around the corner, creating safe passage for cyclists.

Between the re-striped lanes and addition of flexible delineator posts, I am reminded how simple and inexpensive projects in key areas can make a huge difference to cyclists's safety. Thank you, City of South Burlington.

Girls Ride Out, August 2016

Thirty women are ready for a bicycle stroll. This time around we are accompanied by Eva Sollberger and crew who are filming, pedaling, and interviewing for an upcoming Stuck in Vermont edition (here now). That means awesome press for Girls Ride Out.

First off, we head down North Avenue to experience and introduce the pilot project: re-striped auto lanes to now include a two-way bike lane.

Then it's time to turn around and we regroup along the waterfront trail.

All that woman-powered bicycle goodness.

For many ladies, this is their first time with Girls Ride Out.

And I have it on authority that it won't be their last.

We convene at Zero Gravity again, a good place for interviews and photographs.

Half the group sticks around for conversation and cheer. Four of us stay until dark, where organizer Christine leads a mini Girls Ride Out, complete with more loud tunes, until we split off and make our individual ways home.

Thank goodness I remembered my bike light.

Girls Ride Out, July 2016

Another rollicking roll around the city, courtesy of Christine Hill and Local Motion. Again, Christine hauled a trailer full of speakers, belting loud tunes. We rang bells, whooped, and laughed. It's what we women do best.

I shot a lot of photos, aiming the camera backwards over my head as we moved slowly, or halted at stop signs.

 Some women are decked in festive attire.

The average age is about 25, a crowd I'm not wholly comfortable with, yet these women are all friendly.

We are certainly a spectacle, especially when stopping at a market parking lot for a flash mob dance.

Fearless leader, Christine (left) with orange flags marking her trailer.

My favorite part of the evening was spent at Zero Gravity on their outdoor terrace. Beer and conversation was wonderful. It allowed us time to get to know one another. I connected with Julie, a woman my age, who enjoyed her first ride with the group. Julie and I pedaled home together, scrambling to get home before dark..

Fighting for a Complete Streets Pilot Project

Karen Rowell and supporters divide the populace on North Avenue. Photo credit: Burlington Free Press

A pilot project to renovate a major artery through a growing residential and commercial region of Burlington, already resoundingly supported by city council, came up before Burlington voters as an non-binding issue on Tuesday, fortunately solidifying that voters really want to see four lanes turned into three for the spring/summer trial period.

The whole debacle is mystifying to me. One resident who lives in the region solicited 500 votes on a petition, opposed to letting the trial happen, which put the issue on the ballot. Neighbors were pitted against neighbors. "4 Lanes 4 North Avenue" signs appeared everywhere. Many constituents who signed the petition later came forward to the press, claiming they were misinformed. Mayhem ensued. Council members in the aforementioned region went back and forth on the issue, while outspoken bike and pedestrian advocates took to the streets, wrote editorials, contacted their council people, handed out fliers, and posted their own signs "People for a Safer North Avenue".

Photo credit: Liam Griffin on Twitter

I quietly kept my opinions to myself during the past month, but followed the conversations floating on paper and online, all the while shaking my head at the insanity of the situation. I still can't quite understand how and why it all happened, how a plan to create safer streets in a high crash area, backed by numerous studies, where city government held neighborhood meetings, could back fire. Or more importantly, that the rising angst of so few could put a choke hold on city government.

I'm all for freedom of speech, but sometimes it goes too far. Thank goodness many residents weighed in with their vote, speaking up for the pilot project. But I'm still shaking my head.

The Bike Parking Dream

Bike parking barn at Burton Snowboards' headquarters. The sign shows there's even support for carpooling.

I lock my bicycle outside my company's office building to a simple rack, without protection from the elements. I am often not the sole bike commuter—there is at least one if not two others who like to commute on two wheels. I have approached management for a better parking solution, to no avail unfortunately, primarily because our offices are leased—we cannot legally bring bikes into the office - but I will not give up. With other local businesses embracing employee efforts to ride, there's got to be a better solution.

Forgetting the Camera Enhances a Ladies' Ride

I always tote my camera along, for documentation for blog posts, except however, for one evening of Girls Ride Out. 30-40 women amassed in Battery Park for the start. Ladies were affixing strings of lights on bikes when organizer Christine Hill pulls up, toting a trailer with massive speakers, promising booming tunes for this second event. I reached into my baggage for my camera, but instead realized I'd inadvertently left it behind, which turned out to be blessing in disguise. Carefree, I had great fun, rolling along with these women on a 60F dark night.

My favorite part was riding through the parking garage

and laughing my head off.

The video below says it all, put together by Christine Hill. She's doing awesome work, uniting Old Spokes Home and Bike Recycle into one bike-loving community.

GIRLS RIDE OUT 11/5
Girls Ride Out was last night and we had a blast. Props to City Market for letting us have an impromptu bike light rave in your bike parking area.
Posted by The Old Spokes Home on Friday, November 6, 2015

Open Streets Burlington

In this second Open Streets event, a pop up demonstration by Local Motion shows how riders feel safer with a barrier as buffer between themselves and traffic. In this instance an existing bike lane only needs some kind of movable impediment, like a cement curb-like structure, similar to those used on Montreal bike lanes.

Another example: swap curbside automobile parking with bike lane to allow cyclists safer navigation.

A youngster plays red light, green light bean bag toss.

3 miles of public roads were closed to allow walkers and cyclists a chance to experience car-free streets. There were several exhibitors: schools, Red Cross, bike shops offering free wrenching service, produce stands, a park full of giant checkers and Junga blocks to play. There was free coffee, pop corn, slalom courses set up to have fun testing bike handling skills.

Do you know your bicycle hand signals? 

Under threat of stormy-looking skies, families still mobilized and took advantage of what several booths had to offer for games free apples, and swag. The Red Cross handed out popular stuffed dogs.

Cyclists of all ages enjoyed the event.

Stylish young riders followed parents.

Young couples towed children in trailers.

I was mesmerized with spray chalk. What bright colors!

Some hardy folks tested their metal on Gold Sprints.

I'm glad the weather held so everyone could enjoy Open Streets BTV!

Girls Ride Out

A Facebook event. Getting girls (and wee ones too) together. Plus one dog, a cargo bike, and a tandem.

To chat. Stop at stop signs. Giving each other space.

Ringing all our bells - what a glorious sound.

Laughing. Sharing tales. 30+ riders strong.

We are girls. We are riders. We are safe. We have a good time, riding into a spectacular sunset.

When do we do it again?

Technology Can Empower and Encourage Cycling

Doing long distance cycle tours in the 1980's and 1990's meant I read maps, followed signs, and relied on asking strangers for help with directions. Interaction with locals was important. Sometimes my partner and I rode father than we had intended just to locate a campground, or relied on the goodwill of others who offered lawn space for our tent. Sometimes we dashed into the woods and stealth camped. Often we did not know where we'd rest our heads for the night, which became part of the adventure.

Isn't to explore the unknown why anyone heads out bicycle touring? To set one's sights to cross a state, a country, or the world?

But in this day and age must this also include using tech gadgets? Does anyone really need to know where every store, road detour, or bike store is en route? Or, say you are traveling long distance without a tent, using Warm Showers' hosts, and send out mass e-mails in one region, planning on one generous host to bail you out with a comfortable bed? Except you send your regrets to 10 hosts while all you really needed was one. Ask me how I know.

Where is the adventure in that?

Until recently I used to believe it makes us emotionally stronger to disconnect from technology and be forced to rely on one's wits, whether it's dealing with headwinds, mechanical problems, or finding a night's lodgings, all without the aid of a digital device.

Until Willie Weir—a skeptical, tech gadget-resistant cycle tourist of my own generation—marveled at the wonders of the Internet connecting a 13 year old precocious boy with savvy travelers to make this child's dream come true. And secondly, I personally saw technology motivate our son to ride 25 miles with his friend.

Okay, so if I was a dog, my tail is between my legs.

I'm talking about e-mail and cell phones primarily, providing the contact necessary for planning. And while admittedly I've seen users go overboard, digital gadgets can actually be a huge help.

In the case of Willie Weir's teenage acquaintance, the use of technology helped secure seasoned cyclotourists to accompany an underage traveler on a 1,000 mile journey. Think of the piece of mind that gave the boy's parents.

With our son, he decided to set out with a friend on a one-way journey, crossing the causeway, then instead of returning by car was coaxed by the friend's parents to head back because there was enough daylight. Both boys couldn't change a flat, nor had they brought any tools—not that they would know how to use them—but they could call in an emergency. And though as parents we are continually after our 16 year old to get off the Internet at home (the 21st century parents' never ending battle), this was an instance where technology empowered a teenager to keep on pedaling or at least know they had back up for a rescue—though I wonder if any 16 year old consciously thinks about it in advance.

So, if technology lends comfort or motivates cyclists to give long distance riding a try, when they otherwise wouldn't, then who am I to judge what constitutes an adventure?

If Bike Racks Could Talk...

Two examples of poorly placed bike racks. At left, the rack is around the corner from store's entrance along sidewalk. At right, the rack is positioned at one end of  strip mall, inconvenient for grocery store shopping.

Within our city I've encountered at least ten unique styles of bike racks. Some work better than others. But I've come to the conclusion that I'm thankful to be provided a rack, in whatever shape or form, at any business. In fact, 50% of stores are without any designated bicycle parking, and those that do, well, at least cycling is recognized, unfortunately as an afterthought. I was thinking about racks and placement and what works and what doesn't. Then I wondered, what if racks could talk? What story would they tell?

Perhaps it would go something like this:

Don't relegate me to the far corners of the lot like some afterthought to appease transportation cyclists. For heaven's sake don't place me beside the dumpster. You might discover banana peels hanging from the handle bars. Yeah we have a bike rack, but don't use me if you value your bicycle.
.
Put me in a highly visible spot, preferably in front of store windows.
The more foot traffic that passes by me the safer a cyclist feels leaving their bike locked and unattended. Shoppers will spend more time shopping instead of hurrying because they are worried about their bike's safety.

Leave lots of room around me.
More people are towing trailers behind their bike. And what about kids' safety? Parents need space for children waiting beside the rack. Shoppers also like ample room to organize purchases before packing up their bike.

Place me in an area free from wayward shopping carts.
My users like to avoid a bumper car experience. It does wonders for repeat business.

Bicycles signify the store is open for business.
What better advertising than me full of bikes? It announces to the public, "Open." much better than a sign on the door.

Bonus points if I'm under cover.
You'd be pleasantly surprised at the two wheel shoppers that will converge on your store, rain or shine.

Keep me painted.
A clean rack attracts users. Who wants to lock a shiny bike to a rusted, dilapidated bar? Might as well say, "I'm falling apart. Don't trust me."

All this is to say, no matter what style of  rack you place at your storefront, these simple rules will enhance and even attract bike commuters to your store. With the growing two wheeled transportation scene, why would you choose to avoid this growing market?

Deadheading Flowers - A Change in Plans

Osteopermums, my new favorite flower. I have purple and white variety in my
window boxes. They love cooler weather.

It's a beautiful, crisp morning. I've made a thermos of coffee and applesauce muffins. I show up at 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, ready to lead a group of women. It will be a 1.5 hour jaunt along easy, flat trail and neighborhoods.

Except, no one shows.

Undaunted, I call my husband, a prearranged back up plan. No sense wasting a bike ride. We have sustenance. We love to ride. Chilly weather means we don coats and gloves.

As I wait, I watch couples slowly ride by, deep in conversation. I watch women in groups of two pedal by. Walkers, joggers. Hockey parents, shuttling loud rolling carts of gear past me to the nearby rink. An out of town bus operator loops behind building and exits on pedestrian path, realizing his mistake too late. A pole planted mid-trail prevents such dangerous intersection with Burlington's busy bike path. I don't envy the driver's recourse, backing a behemoth bus in reverse. The beeping alarm slices a sunny, brisk morning filled with birdsong and quiet thoughts.

Sipping coffee, I decide to deadhead Osteopermums near park sign. Pretty the place. Ponder why women are not drawn to this year's Women's Ride Series. Is it the Sunday morning venue? Too casual a ride? Do beginners tend towards impromptu arrangements? Should we include men or reclassify schedule as family rides?

Clearly, I must consider what riders - new and seasoned - would like to experience. Or perform a survey.

Meanwhile, I just ride.

How to Create More Bike Commuters

Bike Commuter 101 classes lean heavily on safety. First, it's all about the bike. Are tires properly inflated? Do your brakes work? Is the chain oiled? Do you know how to change a flat? Lights? Reflective clothing?

Once the bicycle's condition is addressed, other questions must be answered: What's the safest route to follow? What happens if it rains? How do I carry my stuff? Where do I lock my bike?

There are so many steps and options for a first timer, it's enough information to give many a headache. No wonder most wannabe commuters resort to their usual transportation - the automobile. It may not be the healthiest solution (for body and planet), nor the cheapest, but it's comfortable. As adults, change does not come easily.

Make no mistake, commuting by bike is a big lifestyle change. But do bike commute workshops have to be fraught with does and don'ts, scaring away potential commuters? These meetings are held with the best of intentions: to get more people on bicycles. However, I wonder if harping on safety (bike- and road-wise) has an underlying, adverse affect, much like the helmet debate wars.

I think instructors are missing the point, one that might stick with folks at least amenable to the idea of riding a bike. FUN. Teachers are focused on accounting for every dangerous situation - and they would be remiss if they avoided the subject altogether - that they forget to emphasize the obvious, "Just get out there and have fun."

We should all recall what it was like to ride like a kid.

Remember the first taste of freedom, pedaling through woods, down the street, with friends, pumping roller coaster style in a sandpit? Or riding with no hands? Danger was the furthest thing from our mind. We had wheels. We had transportation.

If I had my way, transportation cycling classes would be held outdoors, for starters. I'd preach by example, bringing an old bike. Together, we'd ride on the bike path, detouring in the woods, through parks, weave on the sidewalk, taking not necessarily the most direct route, but the most enjoyable, avoiding narrow, litter and pothole riddled bicycle lanes. Then I'd suggest decorating our bicycles: finally putting reflective spoke beads on my own wheels. And what's wrong with playing cards in the spokes? Tassels on handlebars? Wire or ziptie plastic flowers on a rack? Pinwheel on a handlebar? (Give me back my banana seat bike!)

The inevitable questions would come, unique to their situation, whether it's riding at night or in traffic. One by one. Not presented like the big bad wolf looking over your shoulder.

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This post was inspired by Bicycle Times' Ride Like a Kid article, by Andrew Titus. Issue 031, October 2014.

Dorset Street Bike Path - A Grass Roots Effort

I'd passed the sign for two weeks - I'm the last to arrive home for dinner so best mash the pedals and make good time. With an hour commute each way I'm reluctant to tack on mileage in either direction, with the exception of picking up groceries or pet food, which alters my route a mere quarter mile. Yesterday, curiosity go the better of me and I stopped. In hindsight, had I noticed the tiny description "Extend the bike path down Dorset Street?" I would've pulled over the first time I zipped past the sign.

I took a slip of paper inside the plastic bag dangling from the cardboard. Residents are distributing an online survey, gauging users interest in a path extension. I dutifully gave my feedback. Yes, of course I'd love a longer path, or at the very least connecting two sections whose gap is a stone's throw. As it is now, I bypass the path heading south, opting to pedal on-road, because of that issue - crossing traffic both ways would needlessly put me in danger. That short connection alone would benefit myself and others.

Anyone else encountering grass roots efforts to jump-start a bike path in your community?

Mutimodal Commuting - Park Your Bike and Ride the Tram

Valet bike parking at the base of the Portland Aerial Tram.

No one would dispute that Portland, Oregon, is forward thinking when it comes to fueling the bike transportation boom. While visiting on vacation this month, it came as a delightful surprise to discover a full bike parking facility at the base of an aerial tram. Bike parking is free and open to all, though used primarily by OHSU workers employed at the upper campus. A cyclist can take advantage of the bike valet service then hop on the tram for a 4 minute ride, saving a 500 foot uphill slog.

Go By Bike operates the valet service.

As a family we didn't have easy access to bikes. Instead, we experienced multimodalism on our own terms: drove to ride lightrail (with a bus link because of construction on rail tracks), walked as far as our teens could handle, then hopped on a street car, arriving at the base of the Portland Aerial Tram. I had little time to photograph the new found valet parking before I was whisked aboard the next tram car. And what spectacular views of the city! It was there that I became intrigued with the Tilikum Bridge.

Read more about the OHSU Bike Program.

Go By Bike has a nifty 2 minute video that includes parking and tram ride. If you look closely you can see the streetcar. Also, many folks board the tram with bicycles. Check it out.