Bike Commute News

Star Wars Bike Trailer at #CicLAvia

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 04:16:00 +0000

Another CicLAvia, and another amazing day in Los Angeles.

Hope to have more pics and a full report up soon, but for now... Presenting the the Star Wars Bike Trailer.

It appears to be some sort of Bob trailer converted, with the help of some cardboard, paint, a subwoofer and a car battery, into a stylish and geeky music trailer that frankly sounded pretty amazing:

via @ohaijoe

UPDATE: NBC Los Angeles has a great Storify -ed roundup of Tweets and pics from CicLAvia Sunday October 7.

Considering bike commuting? Watch "Spokes People" a Bike-umentary (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Thinking of commuting by bike? Want fitter, happier, more productive employees who take less time off work? Looking to improve the quality of life for your family?

"Spokes People" is the perfect documentary to watch for this reason, and a great video to share with your employees, coworkers, friends, or family members who are considering taking the leap to commute by bicycle.

Full of commuting facts, statistics and real stories from individuals and families who bike for transportation, even those who haven't mounted a bike in years might find themselves inspired to leave the car at home and bike the drive.

If Americans biked to work once a week, the effect would be comparable to taking 48 million vehicles off the road daily.

"Spokes People" a Bike-umentary from Nic Christie.

Based in the one of the world's "most dangerous cities to ride a bicycle" the audience learns to appreciate just what it's like to ride in traffic.

Featuring Kerri Caffrey of CommuteOrlando.comRodney Youngblood Jr - a major airline mechanicJesse & Angie Ross - a couple who is living "car lite" and has two childrenKitzzy Aviles & Jason Buckner - enthusiasts who travel to work in a "bike bus"and the uniformed motorists of Orlando, FL

Directed & Edited by Nic ChristieExecutively Produced by Robert Seidler, Seidler Productions

In conjunction with The Art Institute of Jacksonville's Digital Film Program

Copyright 2010

Poster for @PUBLICBikes Made of 4,209 Bike Chain Links

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Via @jessicawalsh:

Poster for PUBLIC bikes, made of 4,209 bike chain links. Designed by Stefan Sagmeister and Jessica Walsh.

You can buy the poster: Here

Spotted: DIY iPad Bicycle Handlebar Mount

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:19:00 +0000

I spotted this total bike nerd porn at the local 711 this afternoon.

DIY suction cup-mounted iPad wired to speakers just under the saddle, and of course a skateboard and floor pump.

Thanks Harold for allowing me to snap some pics!

Harold shows off his bicycle mounted iPad functionality by pulling up a playlist.

The iPad is mounted to the bicycle's handlebars with a suction cup and clamp Harold put together himself.

Street Artist Creates Interactive Bicycle Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:00:00 +0000

From Beats and Treats:

Street artist Ernest Zacharevic painted these interactive pieces in Malaysia, using the city's physical objects as basepoints. The most popular, showing two little ones having an utter blast on a bicycle, has been a major photo opp destination where visitors have taken some pretty creative snaps themselves. Anddddddddddd DOPE.

Invisible Bike!

Dope indeed! We'd love to see more bike-related street art. Have a tip? ---> Contact.

-Joe @BCN

L.A. Mayor's #Carmageddon PSA Goes from Stay Home to Stay Local. #Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 23:27:00 +0000

Remember the O.G. Carmageddon, way back when it was a threat to the mobility of all Angelenos, sure to commit an entire city to Gridlock, sequestering us all to our homes?

Now it's back ~~with a vengeance~~ and "Carmageddon II" promises to turn carmageddon, into "carmaheaven". Mayor Villaraigosa released a PSA today encouraging Angelenos to plan ahead, avoid the area, and stay local!

Read more at Metro.net.

Thanks, Mayor Villaraigosa, for encouraging Angelenos to get out and enjoy a car-free weekend! Now can we just shut down the 405 once a year and have one big city-wide CicLAvia? *fingers crossed*

A small tweak in messaging is a huge win for cyclists, peds, advocates of sustainable streets, and all those interested in getting Angelenos out of their cars (IMHO), and I believe the L.A. cycling community had a lot to do with this. Cheers!

LED Turn Signals Controlled by Head Tilt

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 01:32:00 +0000

Motion-reactive lighting systems for cyclists? o___0

Watch on at Kickstarter:

Hand signals aren't so effective at night, for cyclists. Head tilt-controlled turn signals? I can get behind this.

Read more on the Kickstarter page.

UPS Testing New Cargo Cruiser Electric Delivery Bicycle

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:55:00 +0000

UPS announced yesterday on their Facebook Page that they're testing a new electrically powered delivery bicycle in Dortmund, Germany dubbed the "UPS Cargo Cruiser".

I wonder if there are pedals in there:

Cheers for green logistics. *Like

The Very First Glow in the Dark Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Pure Fix Cycles is now offering the "very first glow in the dark bike". After just an hour of track standing in the sun, you can now cruise through at least the first hour of critical mass with a blinging glow-in-the-dark fixie.

While 12-hour glow stick technology hasn't quite arrived yet for bicycles, this is still a slick bike and brings added safety to your night-time rides. A frame full of hydrogen peroxide and phenol is probably a turn-off to weight weenies anyway.

Read more at Springwise and Pure Fix Cycles.

UPDATE: As Steffan pointed out on Twitter, these aren't actually the "very first" glow in the dark bikes, as UK-based On-One put out a glow-in-the-dark Pompino some time ago:

photo via flickr

The glowing Pompino does not appear to be available any longer at On-One's website.

The Invisible Bike Helmet

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:34:00 +0000

From Focus Forward Films:

Fredrik Gertten profiles two idealistic young female entrepreneurs who created a revolutionary 21st-century design object everyone told them would be impossible to fashion.

The Invisible Bicycle Helmet | Fredrik Gertten from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.

I tend to lean toward the classic mushroom helmet head when it comes to bicycle safety, and might even go as far to say helmets can be hip, but there's always room for innovation.

Basically an airbag for cyclists, I can appreciate the technology.What do you all think? Mushroom head or invisible helmet?

Pedal Power Around the World, via @BostonDotCom

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 03:42:00 +0000

Boston.com has a great photo series of pedal powered machines from around the world featuring people who "pedal for a reason, or just because".

From Boston.com:

For well over a hundred years, people have hopped on bicycles for transportation, recreation, competition, and more. In many parts of the world, spinning pedals moves goods and generates electricity. While usually attached to two wheels, pedal power takes many forms, adapting to a wide range of needs. Globally, over 100 million bicycles are produced every year - over 60% of them in China - easily doubling world production of automobiles. Efficient, clean, and cheap, pedal power in all its forms can solve modern problems with basic technology, and offers a health benefit to those cranking away. And it's hard to beat the simple joy of riding a bike. Gathered here are images of people around the world as we pedal for a reason, or just because.

Hop over and check out the photos, definitely worth a look.

DIY Drop Bar Wall-Mounted Bike Hanger

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Kyle Wilson, illustrator extraordinaire and an industrious fellow, put together a handy tutorial on how to make your own wall-mounted bicycle hanger out of a pair of drop bars, an old tire, a quill stem and other parts that most cyclists likely have laying around in their parts bin.

Excellent simple and creative solution for small spaces. Love this.

Read on at Kyle's blog for the full instructions.

Hat-tip to doobybrain, consistently sharing great things...

Here is Something You Want to Paste in Your Hat. "Dont's for Cyclists" (1895)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

A friend and diligent researcher passed these along from the Los Angeles Herald, 1895.

Don't, oh don't appear in public on a wheel wearing a silk hat.
Don't carry matches. It is cheaper to borrow and more socialable.
Don't climb fences. The bicycle is unfitted for the steeplechase.
Don't forget your tool bag, unless you want to lead your "bike" home.
Don't hold too tightly to your handle bars. The vibration is tiring.

Enjoy... (Graphics below the break)

And my personal favorite:

Los Angeles Herald, Volume 44, Number 73, 23 June 1895

Thanks, TQ!

Joe @ BCN

Human Infographic: GOOD Attacks Traffic in Los Angeles (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:52:00 +0000

GOOD rounded up a flashmob of Angelenos to illustrate how big of an impact we could have on Los Angeles traffic if just 3% of us switched to biking or public transportation instead of driving.

L.A. cyclists might recognize a few familiar faces.

Read more at GOOD.

The Man Who Lived on His Bike (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Guillaume Blanchet spent 382 days biking the streets of Montreal filming this montage of ~~mundane~~ awesome with a GoPro Hero.

I wish my bike commutes were this exciting. Enjoy!

THE MAN WHO LIVED ON HIS BIKE from Guillaume Blanchet on Vimeo.

I love being on a bike. It helps me feel free. I get it from my dad.
After 382 days spent riding through the streets of Montreal, being sometimes quite cold, sometimes quite hot - and sometimes quite scared, I dedicate this movie to you, Yves Blanchet :-)

Music by Paul Maco at studios apolloEnd credit music by BamprodSFX by Sonart, post by Minh TranSpecial thanks to Yvan Bilodeauand Renée Lacombe

The Bicycle Animation (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:32:00 +0000

Katy Beveridge experiments with proto animation (really early basic animation) in contemporary design, using bicycles.

The soundtrack (by Stefan Neidermeyer) is made up of various bike noises recorded during the filming process which Stef then remixed to make the amazing soundtrack.

Here's another great bikey animation by Tim Wheatley.

The Cyclotrope

The Cyclotrope from tim Wheatley on Vimeo.

The Holstee Manifesto, on bikes. (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:50:00 +0000

The Holstee Manifesto is a call to action to live a life full of intention, creativity, passion, and community. Perhaps there's no better catalyst to encourage living by these principals than the bicycle itself.

Enjoy.

Hat-tip to Doobybrain.com

Joe @ BCN

Five Ways to Pedal Power Your Devices

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:35:00 +0000

Why should racers have all the fun? They've got Powertaps and fancy electronic shifting, carbon fiber and aerodynamics, but how has the cycling industry been reinventing the wheel for bike commuters?

Perhaps the most interesting innovations for cyclists of the commuting variety will integrate our digital lives and devices with our otherwise utilitarian and low-tech machines. We ride to work, school, to shop and socialize, and can't always rely on battery power or a nearby outlet to power our smartphones and other gadgets.

Here are some more sustainable, and self-sufficient innovations we found that can provide pedal power to your digital devices.

1. USB-equipped bikes that can charge your mobile devices.

These German-made bikes have built-in USB ports.

From Springwise.com:

As part of Silverback’s 2012 Starke line for city use, the Starke 1 and 2 models both come equipped with a built-in USB port. As cyclists pedal, energy is generated by the bike’s front-mounted dynamo hub, which can then be used to charge GPS units, smartphones, MP3 players and other low-voltage devices via the bike’s USB port. Also powered by the dynamo is the bicycle’s lighting system, according to a report on Wired. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced. Read more

2. The SpinPOWER I4 iPhone 4 Bicycle USB Charger Kit

A dynamo-based kit, this product comes with everything you need to self-install on your existing bicycle, and powers a number of accessories from your iPhone 4, MP3 players, lights and more.

Available in our online store.

3. Nokia Bike-Powered Mobile Phone Charger

Earlier in the year, Nokia launched their own dynamo-powered phone charger.

Ten minutes in the saddle produces enough power for 28 minutes of talk time, or 37 hours of standby time.

It looks like the product is currently only available in Europe, but hopefully Nokia will spread the bike-love to the U.S. and around the world soon. You can view the product at Nokia's Europe site here.

4. PowerFilm USB Solar Panel Charger

Probably more geared toward tourers and long-distance commuters, why not slap one of these on your Pannier and keep your your batteries charged on the way to the office?

5. The DIY Solar Altoid Tin Solar Charger

What can't you make out of an Altoid tin?

With under $20 and only a handful of parts, you can make your own and power your device on the go. Hack away. Read more at Discovery.com

The best is yet to come for bike commuters, and hopefully our best biking nerds are hard at work bringing these products to market. Have a tip on such a product you'd like us to check out? Let us know!

...and what ever happened to "power dressing"?

Joe @ BCN

Amplify Brooklyn | How bikes are building community in Brooklyn (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:39:00 +0000

"The bicycle connects us culturally and binds us to the fabric of the interwoven city."

Amplify Brooklyn — on Wheels from Pure+Applied on Vimeo.

Lear more at amplifyingcreativecommunities.net

(Time-Lapse) Biking the Length of Broadway through NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:32:00 +0000

A great time-lapse of a cyclist biking the entire length of Broadway in New York City, the ride takes you past Columbia University, Times Square, a sweet buffered cycle track, painted bike lanes, and you'll even ride by some Occupy Wall Street protestors.

Love this.

Joe @ BCN

L.A. Bike Messenger Jimmy Lizama Talks Transportation, Success, Family, and Imagination.

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:12:00 +0000

Los Angeles bicycle messenger Jimmy Lizama recently gave a TED talk at U.C.L.A.

A bicycle messenger for the past 12 years, founder of the Bicycle Kitchen, and now a proud father, gives a colorful, enthusiastic (not to mention occasionally bare-footed and topless) insight into what it's really like to live car-free in the City of Los Angeles.

Challenging the status quo ideals of success, parenthood, and transportation you won't want to miss it.

During a visit to L.A Eco Village not long ago, I had the opportunity to meet Jimmy and tour his shop. You can check out that interview below.

Joe @ BCN

Infographic : Where are Bikes Stolen in the Bay Area?

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Phil at clubantietam.com has put together a great infographic and analysis illustrating data pulled from Craigslist identifying locations of bike thefts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Using an aggregate of data compiled over the course of three months, some other interesting stats are noted. Phil found that Shimano components and Specialized bikes dominated the listings. Black was the most popular color in the posts.

Read more of Phil's findings at clubantietam.com

Joe @ BCN

Have some data, news or tips to share? Contact us.

Bicycle Zen Koan: "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle."

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:42:00 +0000

I've read this bicycle zen koan (meme) many times around the web over the years. In cycling forums, blogs and other bike related websites, it's still worth sharing. Even after some Googling, the origin is unclear.

Enjoy:

A Zen Teacher saw five of his students return from the market, riding their bicycles. When they had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"

The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the student, saying, "You are a smart boy. When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over, as I do."

The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path." The teacher commended the student, "Your eyes are open and you see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant, nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."

The fourth student answered, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all beings." The teacher was pleased and said, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."

The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher went and sat at the feet of the fifth student, and said, "I am your disciple."

Joe @ BCN

Awesome Bikey Transportation Themed Music Video by Eskmo

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:25:00 +0000

We'll have pics and video from this morning's #flightVSbike recognition ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall, but for now:

Check out this awesome bikey tranpsortation-themed video by Eskmo.

'We got More' Official Video

Joe Anthony
@BCN

Bike Safety Rap! (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Bike Commute News) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:19:00 +0000

Via the Path Less Pedaled Facebook page tonight, check out this vintage "Bike Safety Rap!".

As PLP suggests, we probably do need an updated rap for our generation.

I had the privilege of meeting Russ and Laura this weekend at Tour de Fat, Los Angeles. Great meeting you both!

Joe @ BCN