Philidelphia: improved commute, but a Folding Bike gets you in every time
Philadelphia, which is ranked number one among the ten largest US cities for bicycle commuters per-capita according to the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition. They just posted an update on the SEPTA Bicycle Policy update. It would seem that the policy only allowed 2 bicycles PER TRAIN; at least that has now been changed to 2 per car. If however you commute with a folding bike, you’re on board no matter what. As they suggest however, be prepared with a copy of the SEPTA bike-n-ride policy to show anyone who may not be aware.
Strida Folding Bike nice day for a commute in Tokyo
Very enjoyable 3 minute video of a morning Strida folding bicycle commute on a beautiful February day in Tokyo; the start of a great day.
Strida Folding Bike easy to ride for the non-cyclist, with a weather forecast yet.
Back in August (when the weather was nice), savedbybikes.com donated a Strida Folding Bike to a Toronto news channel (CP24 Breakfast) for a free giveaway. Nalina Sharma who does the weather on air has never ridden a bicycle in public. Not only does she ride the Strida just fine, but gives the on-air weather forecast from the bike with a police escort.
Good video for people to see how easy it is to ride a Strida Folding Bike even when you are not good, or have no experience on bicycles.
Bicycles for Africa from Canada
I understand that some 5000 bicycles were sent to Africa based on sales of Cadbury products in Canada.
Here’s the video:
Toronto’s Bikeway plans
The IbikeTO blog posted an update on the meeting at Metro Hall Monday night where city staff reveal a politically ambitious bikeway plan.
We remind all mayoral candidates that it is time to implement solutions to the city’s gridlock and air quality crises, not simply use hack political judgement, satiating automobile driving voters temporarily to “uptick” your poll results.
A coherent, connected plan serves both bicycling and driver communities. From the post:
These politicians need to get with the times. The types of folk who bike are not some fringe group of white males who bike because they want a rush. A wide range of people bike, particularly in downtown where the percentage of bike commuters is above 13% in some parts. Before you whip up the hate-on, Rossi, take a look at these people and try to explain to them why they don’t exist and why you think they should just buy a car.
Survey of Toronto Cycling 1999 compared to 2009
Blog TO has posted on the recently released Ipsos Reid survey on Toronto Cycling.
Since lack of bike lanes and safety concerns appear frequently as barriers to bicycle use, one wonders how different the results of the survey would be had the city met its bike lane targets as articulated in 2001.
Strida Folding Bike at Toronto International Boat Show
The leading choice in folding bicycles for sailors is the Strida 5.0. Since Stridas take 6 seconds to fold and unfold, are completely rustproof, stow cleanly because of the kevlar belt – no grease or oil, and are the lightest at 22 lbs., the bike earned editor’s choice by Motorboat and Sailing magazine.
Our sail logo was handmade by a Strida owner and fan -thanks!
We are an exhibitor, demoing the Strida folding bike at the Toronto International Boat Show from January 9-17 at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Please stop by our booth right in the midst of the big boats and tall sails; we’ll be delighted to see you and show you the real Strida.
Please ask about our Boat Show Specials.
Strida Folding Bike easy cosmetic modification
Just completed a quick (most time required was letting the coats of paint cure) paint job on the brake calipers of a Strida Sport Duo. This is a fairly easy project if you are ok with completely removing and partially disassembling the calipers.
To protect the threads, bearings and other large threaded surfaces, I stuffed in paper towel. It was easy to get it shaped perfectly around the edges.
I used automotive engine paint spray. For some reason there are people who like to have their engine block painted Lime Green; I guess that is similar to those who like their disc calipers lime green.
After giving the caliper and arm time to cure, I reassembled the brakes and reinstalled on the bike. The end result is very cool.
Bike sharing coming to a city near you?
On Pedalaround, Kirk added a post on bike sharing. There are some interesting links about bike sharing in the US, including a very interesting presentation by B Cycle.
Here’s some info on Montreal’s Bixis from NY’s Green Inc., and some more from I Bike T.O.
Lot’s of fascinating proposals are here where you can download pdfs of all the entries from Copenhagen’s bike share competition.
Strida Folding Bike review at Toronto’s Green Tenant
Since many rent their homes and apartments some terrific energy saving or green projects are not possible. However, many projects are possible when you know what or how to do them. Green Tenant is a blog with lots of environmentally appropriate how-tos and information primarily for those who rent. They just posted a review of the Strida.
Thanks to Andrew for this.
