Please check out the Streetsblog post on women bicycling, at http://streetsblog.net/2010/03/19/getting-more-women-on-the-bike/.
Tag Archives: bicycling
Google Maps gets bicycling directions
Google Maps finally has a beta of bicycle routing!
The League of American bicyclists has a press release / post on their blog. The link for Google Maps indicated in the blog takes one to a map centered on San Francisco, showing a large number of bicycle routes. The video explains that the dark green lines are bike paths, the light green lines are streets with bike lanes, and the dashed green lines are recommended routes. These are available on the Bicycling layer, so they can be browsed as well as used for routing.
In Carson City, there are only two bicycle routes shown, Route 395 from Murphy Dr to Kings Canyon Rd, and a small piece of the Route 6 multi-use trail in Moffat Open Space. These are two corrections I had submitted recently to Google. I will see how I can get the rest of our bicycle route information into Google, and hopefully they will send their “street view” bicycle here sometime in the future.
This is only the first step, but it is exciting.
2010 Northern Nevada / Tahoe Regional Bicycle Summit
On February 3rd, 2010, Muscle Powered and Bike Carson attended the 2010 Northern Nevada / Tahoe Regional Bicycle Summit in Reno, hosted by the University of Nevada Reno Cycling Team and the Tour de Nez Outreach. Over 40 cycling groups met in the UNR Student Union to give a brief presentation of who they were and what they were working on. The groups represented just about all the facets of cycling that you can imagine, from racing, advocacy groups, trails organizations, city and state government, urban planning, law enforcement, on and off road cycling clubs, disabled groups, various causes, and more!
Post Meeting Social: Mike Henderson, Colin Loretz, Nico Aguilera
Each group did around a 5 minute presentation, and by the end, I think everyone was pretty amazed at how many people are putting in their time to make cycling better in Northern Nevada. Rather than try to discuss all that was presented, I’ve compiled a list of attendees with links to their organizations. Some groups weren’t able to attend, and others showed up that aren’t on the list below, so let me know if your group is not represented or if the links are not accurate. I wasn’t able to find links for all the groups, but it’s nearly complete. Go explore these links and see what’s going on in Northern Nevada! It should keep you busy for a while…
A Special Thank You to Tim Healion, Executive Director of the Tour de Nez Outreach Organization. Thanks for getting us all together and directing the summit!
Attendees:
- Alta Alpina Cycling Club: http://www.altaalpina.org/
- Bike Carson: http://bikecarson.com/
- Bike Tech at School
- Black Label Bike Club
- Black Rock Pedal Transportation
- BLM: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en.html
- Bootleg Bicycle Couriers: http://www.bootlegcourier.com/
- Canoe Hill Trail: http://www.facebook.com/people/Canoe-Hill-Trail/1695350779
- City of Reno Parks, Recreation, and Community Services: http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=194
- Critical Mass: http://twitter.com/RenoCM
- Disabled Sports USA: http://www.dsusa.org/
- Free Wheeling Foundation
- Galena Fest: http://renogalenafest.com/
- Gonads and Strife Bike Club: http://gonads-n-strifebikeclub.org/index.html
- J Broski Delivery: http://jbroskidelivery.blogspot.com/
- Kiwanis Bike Program: http://www.kiwanisbikes.org/
- Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition: http://www.tahoebike.org/
- Livestrong: http://www.livestrong.com/
- MS 150: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/NVL/index.aspx
- Muscle Powered of Carson City: http://musclepowered.org/
- NDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Division: http://www.bicyclenevada.com/bikeped_home.htm
- Nevada Bicycle Advisory Board: http://bicyclenevada.com/
- Nevada Bicycle Coalition: http://nevadabike.wordpress.com/
- Nevada Department of Public Safety: http://ots.state.nv.us/Nevada_Bicycle_Pedestrian_Safety_Program.shtml
- Northstar at Tahoe: http://www.northstarattahoe.com/
- Procrastinating Peddlers: http://www.pedalers.org/
- Regional Transportation Commission: http://www.rtcwashoe.com/
- REMSA and Bike to School: http://www.remsa-cf.com/POI/SKWC.html
- Reno Bike Project: http://blog.renobikeproject.com/
- Reno Police: http://www.cityofreno.com/index.aspx?page=198
- Reno Wheelmen: http://www.renowheelmen.org/
- Ride to Defeat ALS: http://www.ridetodefeatals.com/
- Sparks Police: http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/governing/departments/police/
- Sparks Public Works Engineer: http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/governing/departments/public_works/
- Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway: http://www.tpbikeway.org/
- The Poedunks: http://www.poedunk.com/
- Tour de Nez Outreach: http://www.tourdenez.org/outreach.html
- Truckee Donner Lands Trust: http://www.tdlandtrust.org/
- Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance: http://www.BikeNevada.org/
- Truckee Trails Foundation: http://www.truckeetrails.org/
- Tuesday Night Ride Group: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/TNRG/
- University of Nevada Cycling Team: http://www.nevadacycling.com/
- VeloReviews: http://www.veloreviews.com/
- Washoe County Safe Rides to School
- World Bicycle Relief: http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/
2010 Northern Nevada / Tahoe Regional Bicycle Summit
Multi-use path open!
The path crosses under the freeway
The multi-use path is open from Roop Street to Moffat Open Space. The western section, Linear Park, is now joined to the eastern section from Moffat Open Space near Mexican Ditch. The middle section was part of the Phase 2A of the Hwy 395 freeway that just opened. The path crosses under the freeway alongside Eagle Creek.
This 2.8 mile trail offers close up views of the ditches along Linear Park and the creek that eventually flows into the Carson River (often called Eagle Creek, but it has no official name), with willows, cattails, cottonwoods and a lot of birdlife. This is a less developed part of the valley, and it feels like you are a long ways away. Once the cottonwoods come back along the “Eagle Creek” wetland, this should be a really beautiful ride. The Linear Park section has several interpretive signs. The new section, just opened a few days ago, is already getting quite a bit of bicycling and walking use. Read the rest of this entry »
Clif Bar 2 Mile Challenge Report
There was a little confusion on the start time for this event, but in the end I think it worked out well for everyone. The bus didn’t arrive until after 5pm, but from 3pm to 5pm would’ve been too hot to be enjoyable anyhow. I towed the bike trailer full of Muscle Powered goodies, and Kristy and Charlie rode the tandem. We rolled up sometime after 5:30 and were greeted by the usual cast of characters.
The 2 MC Tour Bus
The first order of business was to check out the Tour Bus. I imagined the bus as sleeping/living quarters for the crew, but the whole thing was designed for people to walk through and learn. Big screen computers and many informational signs were available from the back of the bus to the front. In case you’ve missed the message of the tour in previous posts, the 2 Mile Challenge is challenging people to use their bike for trips of 2 miles and less. Clif Bar says that 40% of U.S. urban travel is 2 miles or less, so it’s pretty easy to imagine the huge savings in money and energy consumption we’d all realize if we all rode our bikes more. Not to mention the cleaner and friendlier neighborhoods we’d create. The bus and crew were here to help people accomplish this task. Getting out of your car and using your bike more IS a challenge. The world and our minds are accustomed to using the car for everything, and it’s hard to make the leap.
Inside the Bus
There were some fun urban bikes out front to check out. The crowd favorite was the stretched townie. By pedaling the bike for just a minute or so, you could generate enough power to play the stereo on the back for several minutes at a pretty high volume. Pretty amazing really. Possibly even better than something the professor on Gilligan’s Island could come up with. You couldn’t even ride that guy’s bikes.
Playing the Tunes with Human Generated Power
Shortly after 7pm we got the movie Seasons started in the Community Center theater. We had a pretty good crowd at this point, and the big theater was great for watching this film. The movie focused on the mountain bike world of BIG AIR and INSANE SPEEDS. There were no insane climbs like we saw in Off Road to Athens during bike to work week. This movie was kind of on the other end of the spectrum. It was pretty entertaining though, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Gears Not Gas
Another great thing about the tour is that they helped us raise money for Muscle Powered. All the movie goers dug deep in their pockets and generously donated over $160 for bicycle advocacy in Carson City! Clif Bar kicked down some very nice merchandise to help offset the pain of the big donations, and everyone went home happy. Jerseys, hats, DVDs, socks. Great stuff!
Thanks again to everyone who showed up and helped promote this event. And thanks again to Clif Bar for coming to Carson City!
Kings Canyon to Ash Canyon Loop
As energy costs steadily increase, it is becoming more important to change our habits to conserve these vital resources. In years past, there was no consideration to throw the bike in the car, and drive up to Lake Tahoe for recreation. Fuel was cheap. These days are over, and it’s time to start thinking of new ways not only to get around town, but to get our favorite recreational areas too.
Last weekend some friends and I decided to explore some of the Lake Tahoe Trails by beginning our ride from Carson City. In the end, the ride was much more rewarding, knowing that we had made the whole journey using only Muscle Power.
Please come read the story of our ride that took us from Carson City, up Kings Canyon to Spooner Summit, up to Marlette Lake, down to Hobart, and finally back to Carson City down Ash Canyon. The story can be viewed on the Bike Carson site by clicking HERE.
Bicycle Trip to the Dentist
I had a dentist appointment today, and I decided to ride my bike. The problem was that I had no idea if there was secure bicycle parking, and when I arrived, I realized that there wasn’t. The lobby of the office was too small to expect them to allow my bike to stay in there, so I ended up chaining up to a handicapped parking marker. It was just a pole, but thankfully it was pretty tall.
I spoke with the Dentist about the parking issue, and he mentioned that someone had visited just yesterday on a bike too. He said it was probably time to get a bike rack, and we discussed some of the options.
This conversation led to another conversation with my hygienist about bicycle commuting. She thought maybe she should give bicycle commuting a try, living less than a mile from work.
The lesson I learned today? It doesn’t take much to convince people of the need for proper bicycling infrastructure. Sometimes all you need to do is show up on your bike to create a demand! Also, showing others that you conduct your business without a car can be a powerful message.
Bike to Work Week on NewsCarsonCity.com
Yesterday’s morning bicycle commute with Shelly Aldean is up on News Carson City. The direct link isn’t working properly, so you’ll need to scroll a bit to get to the video.
Weekend Wrap Up
Here’s a look at what happened over the weekend…
Friday night was the Bike Commuter Forum at the Bike Habitat. The audience was made up folks that already commute by bike. I had envisioned this event being attended by people new to commuting, but having the group we did actually worked out pretty good. It was great to hear everyone’s commuting stories, and everyone had a different one. We really do live in a culture built around the automobile, so things that should be simple like bike storage and safe routes become challenging. Dennis Coyne was an excellent host, providing us with treats and barley pops. After the forum, a bunch of us bicycle convoyed back through town for a fun night ride, including my 7 year old son. He’s a good stoker on the tandem.
On Saturday morning, I met up with Jeff Potter down at the Bike Smith for the Safety Inspection/Bike Fit/Flat Tire Fix. We hung out with Mickey, Rob, and Bob from the shop, and soaked in some sun out in front of the store. We met fellow Carson blogger Roger and his buddy Mark. Roger was showing off his 1971 Schwinn Typhoon, and Mark picked up some new knobbies for his moutain bike.
Early risers Jason and Tasha showed up before I did, and got their raffle tickets. They’ve been at every event, and are probably tired too!
Saturday Night was Movie Night at Comma Coffee. This was the biggest event to date, and even attracted some friends from Reno and other outlying areas. Every seat was full for a showing of Off Road to Athens. It was great to see such a good turnout, and chat with people after the movie.
The next big event for Bike to Work Week will be the Wednesday night social ride on Carson City’s west side. More details soon…
Bike to Work Week Begins
The weather was a bit chilly for the opening morning of Bike to Work Week, but this appeared not to be too discouraging, as many riders were out today in honor of this great event.
Jeff P arrives with Shelly Aldean
Jeff and Amy Potter rode out to City Supervisor Shelly Aldean’s house, and picked her up on a tandem mountain bike. The three rode from North Carson City to Lumos and Associates, where News Carson City and many more riders were waiting to greet them.
Jeff P with NewsCarsonCity.com
Right before the interview started, two cars sped down College Parkway. The following car had his horn full on, and was obviously in pursuit, following just a couple feet off the leading car’s bumper. I guess the Drive your Car to Work Week folks aren’t having nearly as much fun! We were informed later by News Carson City’s Dave Morgan that the road rager in the SUV was pulled over by the police! A fitting end to that event.
Heading up Long Street
After the brief interview, a few of us rode with Jeff P and Shelly Aldean, escorting them on their way to her office. We took the freeway bike path to Long Street, South on Saliman, and then West on 5th Street. The route was quite pleasant, with light, slow traffic. A great way to kick off Bike to Work Week!
