Bicycling
Basics
Video: A Dutch Perspective on U.S. Cycling Infra
Last December I traveled to Amsterdam for the first time. I don't ride a bike, but as a pedestrian, to be surrounded by human-oriented infrastructure (see these Streetfilms) was a little like visiting another planet. And the strangest part was how normal it was. In the Netherlands, bikes are about as controversial as umbrellas, and only once in eight days did I feel threatened by a driver.
June 21, 2013
Amtrak Looking to Handle Growing Demand for Bikes on Board
Amtrak can be a great option if you want to travel to another city sans car. But if you want to take your bike on board an Amtrak train, on most routes you'll have to dismantle it, at least partially, and fit it in a box that for a $10 fee can be stowed with the luggage. Then once you arrive, you'll have to put it back together -- if you know how -- before rolling away from the station.
June 18, 2013
In California Cities, Drivers Want More Bike Lanes. Here’s Why.
Whenever street space is allocated for bicycling, someone will inevitably level the accusation that the city is waging a “war on cars.” But it turns out the people in those cars want separate space for bicycles too, according to surveys conducted in two major California metropolitan areas. Bike lanes make everyone feel safer -- even drivers.
June 13, 2013
GOP Mayor Greg Ballard: Making Bicycling a Priority in Indianapolis
Across the nation, many big-city mayors of both political parties are embracing bikes and livable streets. As you'll see, Indianapolis' Mayor Greg Ballard, a Republican, believes that making city cycling safer and more enjoyable will attract young people and families and benefit business.
June 4, 2013
Cyclists of Color: Invisible No More
Let’s get one thing clear: People of color ride bikes. They commute to work on bikes. They ride for pleasure. It saves them money and time, and it keeps them healthy.
May 29, 2013
Q&A with Elly Blue, Feminist Bike Activist and Independent Media Titan
Elly Blue's latest publication, "Bikes in Space," is a feminist sci-fi zine about her favorite mode of transportation. "I realized that because I work for myself, I can do anything I want," she says by way of explanation. The amazing truth is that she makes a living writing whatever strikes her fancy about the intersection between bicycling and feminism.
May 24, 2013
Mr. Money Mustache on Retiring at 30 By Riding a Bike
His claim to fame is that he retired at age 30. He swears that you can achieve greater financial freedom too, if you follow his example by eliminating unnecessary expenses and investing wisely. He calls himself Mr. Money Mustache. And he says nothing is more essential to his philosophy and wealth-building strategy than riding a bike.
May 22, 2013
Does the Gender Disparity in Engineering Harm Cycling in the U.S.?
A study published in this month's American Journal of Public Health finds that highly influential transportation engineers relied on shoddy research to defend policies that discourage the development of protected bike lanes in the U.S. In their paper, the researchers point out that male-dominated engineering panels have repeatedly torpedoed street designs that have greater appeal to female cyclists.
May 17, 2013
Solo Driving Drops in DC as Transit and Biking Soar
We’ve been writing a lot this week about the national shift away from car travel and toward transit, biking, and walking. Yesterday, Washington area officials released new data that indicates the DC region is at the forefront of that trend.
May 16, 2013
Refereeing the Raging Debate Over the “Specialness” of Cyclists
There’s a tussle going on right now about how cyclists should ride on city streets. Yesterday's Streetsblog Network post took a snapshot of this debate, excerpting the WashCycle’s response to a Sarah Goodyear piece in Atlantic Cities.
May 15, 2013