Spring Transformation of Bike Paths

The bell broke off my bike a couple of months ago and I hadn’t bothered to replace it, mainly because I didn’t have much use for it. During the winter, I have long stretches of empty path to myself. Now that it’s warming up, it’s a different story.

Just like the migratory birds, all of the other path users are back with the warmer weather. Nice sunny days flood the paths with walkers, joggers, strollers, road cyclists, and the seasonal everyday cyclists, along with the occasional skateboarder. That’s when a bell comes in handy.

I enjoy watching the transformation with every ride - I see another species of bird that’s returned, the shoots of daffodils, as well as Madisonians coming out to walk, run, or bike off their cabin fever.  

Welcome back!

Are You Crazy?

Reflecting back on biking through this winter, it’s not the frigid winds I battled or the snow I plowed through that made the greatest impression. Rather, I can’t stop thinking about how often I arrived somewhere by bike and was asked, “Are you crazy?”

I felt like I never had a good response to this question and it always seemed to catch me off guard. While it was never posed in a rude way, having your sanity questioned by others on a daily basis can make you wonder about yourself or just make you feel weird.  

Continuing to bike during the colder months makes sense to me for all of the reasons I have described in previous posts, so I tried to better understand the statement in the question. I think usually it's meant as a pat on the back rather than a personal jab, like I must be proud to be a “crazy, hardcore winter biker.” However, I would not describe myself that way.

I thought about an appropriate way to respond. Because the question can seem to be committing the faux pas of judging someone else’s lifestyle choice to their face, it's sometimes tempting to give a snarky response. Probably just as off-putting would be to pontificate about the benefits of bicycling to the environment and one’s health. Too brief of a reply or just shrugging off the question wastes having someone else’s ear. Instead, I want to use the opportunity to advocate for biking year-round by letting them know that I don’t think I'm something special for doing so. For me, biking during the winter isn't some act of self-sacrifice on behalf of the planet. I actually find it personally rewarding.

Then one day, it just came out. I was greeted with the usual question by a stranger and I was able to answer in a way that I think describes why I continue my life by bike throughout the seasons:

“I get a lot out of the time I spend on my bike each day. It both relaxes and energizes me. It gives me time with my thoughts or to observe the world around me. It makes me feel good. It’s such a pleasant part of my day that cold weather isn’t enough to make me stop and it’s not something I can give up for months out of the year.”

Our Berlin Bikes

Peter and I spent the month of October 2013 in Berlin, a very bike-friendly city. Soon after we arrived, we identified MietRadMitte as the first bike rental shop to try to find our bikes for the month. The shop’s website advertised Gazelles for rent with a slogan that would translate as “Elegance on two wheels.” We imagined riding around town on swanky black Gazelles like so many other Berliners.

When we arrived at the small basement-level shop, we were presented with maroon-colored Gazelles for us to rent at a reasonable price. Yet, these maroon Gazelles were not of the same high-quality standard as the ubiquitous black Gazelles. The rental bikes were not as solid, well-built or smooth-riding as one would expect from the Gazelle brand, but they still served their purpose as our main means of transportation and were no embarrassment to ride. The fact that they were used to the point of being a bit rickety just added some character - like a pair of well-worn jeans.

I commuted from our sublet apartment in Friederichshain to my daily German class at the Goethe Institut in Mitte (center of the city), about three miles away. Dutch bikes and my Fjallraven backpack, which I found to be a common item in Berlin, allowed us to better blend into the city’s population and experience the Berliner everyday. 

After five weeks in the saddle of the maroon Gazelle, it was bittersweet to say "tschüss."

Manhattan by Bike

My work producing The Ben Heck Show took me to New York City for the World Maker Faire. Before spending the weekend filming the show and seeing the latest and greatest in the maker movement, Ben and I had a day to explore the city.

After checking out a couple of citibikes, we headed out on a separated bike lane and got to experience the NYC bike infrastructure. The most notable thing about my experience was all the salmons, that is, the bikers and skateboarders going the wrong way on the bike lanes.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Boulder, Bike, & Brew

It may be hard to imagine that I have time for obsessions other than bicycling, but if you get me started on the topic of bouldering, you might want to get comfortable - I could go on and on. Usually, I save my enthusiasm for chats with other climbing gym rats. And as far as beer goes, well, this is Wisconsin.

Boulder, Bike, & Brew is a new monthly event hosted by Boulders Climbing Gym that is a perfect mix of activities. After a bouldering session, a bike brigade heads out to a local bar for some brews - just what you'd expect. So far the event has taken participants to One Barrel Brewing Company and Argus Bar and Grill. This month's ride will be to Genna's Cocktail Lounge.

This event is a great way for the climbing-curious to try bouldering for the first time, as well as for seasoned climbers to nerd out over a beer with kindred spirits.

Check out the Boulder, Bike, & Brew Facebook page for more info and to tune into future rides.

Cold Weather Bike Commuting Q & A

It’s the winter and you’re still riding your bike – awesome! You’re probably finding that family, friends, and co-workers have been peppering you with questions about it. You’ve likely heard, “How do you stay warm?” Argh. Asking a cyclist that question is like asking a vegetarian, “Where do you get your protein?” Though annoying, it requires a thoughtful response.

I’ve found there are a few questions I’m asked over and over again. While it can be tempting to give a curt response, use this opportunity to be a bicycle advocate. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire someone to give bike commuting a try.

What's with Winter Bikes?

On any given winter weekday morning, it is easy to spot Madison’s sizable contingent of “winter bikers,” who are actual people beneath layers of winter bike gear: balaclavas, goggles, breathing masks, construction-style reflective vests, winter Lycra, and wrist-deep Bar Mitt handlebar gloves. While it is encouraging to see so many people out biking year-round, as I have written in previous posts, such as “Riding a Bike in the Winter Isn't Extreme,” all of the specialized gear is not a prerequisite to biking in the winter. I believe this extends to the bike you actually ride: You don’t need a “winter bike;” you just need a decent bike for year-round transportation.

If You've Never Ridden a Bike in the Winter

Bicyclist Gift Guide

Here are some ideas for the cyclist on your list.

You can never have too many pairs of wool socks.

Thoughts on the Ladies Swift Bike

Photo from dbccitybikedesign.com

At first glance there doesn’t appear to be anything extraordinary about the Ladies Swift bike. It seems to have the loop frame and upright design of a typical Dutch bike, but without a chain case and skirt guards. DBC City Bike Design Owner Dan Sorger pointed out the discreet features that go a long way in improving the classic upright bike design. Using the only Ladies Swift in the shop, his wife Maria’s, as a model, he elaborated on what makes the bike both different and better:

DBC City Bike Design

Image from dbccitybikedesign.com

On a recent trip to Boston, Peter and I visited DBC City Bike Design downtown. We stood on the corner of Pearl and Purchase streets for a moment, unsure if we were at the right address, before we realized we were standing just outside the door leading to the basement level shop. The shop’s interior was about as inconspicuous as its entrance. There was a handful of various types of bikes, mainly Dutch in origin, but the shop was lacking in retail accessories. It felt more like a workspace and that’s because it is – there are no bikes for sale, only orders for custom builds.

Stay Warm in Cool Weather - Keep Biking!

As cooler weather rolls in, it can be tempting to roll your bike into the garage where it will not be seen again till spring. Don't do it! Here's why I think the fall is a great time of year for biking:

Pick Me up at the Border

When my alarm went off at 11pm waking me from a brief nap, I admit to thinking, "That ride sounds fun, but it feels so good to be sleeping." Soon my sleepiness was replaced by a caffeinated anticipation for that night's ride to the Illinois border on the Badger Trail.

Google by Bike

Google, Mozilla, Foursquare, and others are implementing a variety of programs to encourage employees to bike. In her story, "Techies on the Cutting Edge... of Bike Commuting" for Marketplace, Andrea Bernstein writes, "[Tech] companies are in a race to outdo each other in bike friendliness."

Google's campus in Mountain View, CA

St. Johns Bridge – Portland, How About A Warning?

by Peter Herreid

During our stay in Portland, one day we had biked a nice tour of the NE bike boulevards, or “neighborhood greenways” as they are referred to locally, and wanted to cross the Willamette River to get to Forest Park. The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s bike map, which had till then faithfully served us, showed St. Johns Bridge as having a “multi-use path closed to motor vehicles.” Fortunate for us we thought, because it was the only bridge up and down the river for miles, so off we went. 

Approaching the bridge, the sidewalk didn’t exactly look like a multi-use path, but the road looked too dangerous to bike, so we stuck to the sidewalk. Now, you should know that heights make me nervous. I wasn’t sitting upright on my rented Dutch bike anymore. I was tucked low, nearly into a road cyclist’s racing position. 

 

Before the first tower, I was walking it up the sidewalk. Although the railing was high enough above my waist that it would take a conscious decision to jump over, it was not reassuringly high above my waist. Looking down to my right, through the bars of the bridge railing I could see warehouses, docks, and boats on the Willamette, all toy-like in the distance, yet all too real. To my left I couldn’t see much, but could feel the swoosh of each passing truck and then the heavy mist of rain droplets and road wash left in its wake. I couldn’t tell if or how far the passenger side mirrors were hanging over the sidewalk, but imagined them as baseball bats swinging through the air, just feet from my head.  

Bike Parking for Apartment Dwellers

 by Peter Herreid

Face it, people are creatures of convenience. Although there are many righteous reasons to ride a bike, it’s the most convenient way to get around the isthmus. However, the simple inconvenience of storing a bike or accessing it are simple, yet powerful factors reducing the number of people who ride bikes. The City of Madison has added much public bike parking capacity, but at home you’re still on your own and for many apartment and condo dwellers, storing a bike is not so convenient.

Biking with Kids

My sister recently asked me for some advice on buying a bicycle and outfitting it to tote her children, ages seven and two. I don’t have kids and have never transported one on a bike, so I had to rely on my bicycle commonsense and the blogs of biking mamas. 

Most child transport options are dependent on age and weight such as child seats, trailers and trainers, or you can go for a cargo bike designed for carting your brood around town.   

Capital City Trail

Know Your Rights, Though, They Won’t Save Your Life

I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Wisconsin Bicycle Laws at the Department of Transportation site, but don’t let your guard down because you think the law has your back. A state law allowing a cyclist to be on any particular road doesn’t make it safe for them to be there. When riding, it’s tempting to insist on defending cyclists’ turf on the street by not allowing a motorist to encroach on it. However, there is such a thing as being dead right, and what a cost to prove a point!  

Why I Love My Dutch Bike

On my way home from work last week my gears stopped functioning properly. I pulled over to see about adjusting them to discover that the drive side axle nut was hanging on by a thread and was stripped. Luckily, a friend came to pick me up and my bike fits perfectly in the back of her car.  We went straight to Machinery Row, my neighborhood shop, for what I thought would be a quick fix.

My Mittened Response to Angry Honks on Snowy Days

Often with the snow comes disparaging talk about cyclists. You can find it in the elevator at work, overhear it at the bar, and it comes in the form of blaring horns.

Driving in the snow is stressful, even without having to worry about sliding into a bicyclist. Drivers see me peddling along perched on my bicycle and they get mad. They honk, yell out the window, and rev their engines.

I'm always left wondering what they're suggesting with their honks and expletives. Do they think it would be better for me to get a car, too? How is that better? Where are the solutions? It’s hard to guess at what a honk and expletive emanating from a metal box is suggesting, other than to get bent.   

Perhaps these angry motorists are as confused by their encounters with me. As they speed away in four-wheel drive, are they wondering why I’m out there biking when the lines of the bike lane are no longer visible under the snow?

Here’s why - I've made a decision to use a bike as transportation and that means having to ride in poor weather conditions. I'm trudging though the snow to get home, not to make a statement.  I don't like unsafe conditions and I don't want to die in the name of bicycle rights, which is why I obey the rules of the road and bike defensively.

My bike isn't a toy. Yes, it is a joy to ride but when it comes down to it, it's my transportation.  I don't recreate by biking down West Broadway, that's me going to work.

The solution for motorists isn't intimidating cyclists off the road, because we aren't going away. How can we as cyclists convince motorists that better bikeways is a win-win solution? Supporting improvements to bike infrastructure doesn't require one to not drive, or even ride a bike. Both motorists and cyclists want to change existing conditions that lead to bike-car conflicts and crashes. 

Expanding the network of bike paths is one answer.  It gets more people out on bikes and off busy roads. The City of Madison has already created many safe spaces for bicyclists and has more projects in the works. As the urban landscape changes, I hope attitudes follow. Though, to increase ridership, the gap between irate drivers and evangelizing cyclists needs to close.

Most encounters with angry drivers last only a moment, leaving no time for lengthy explanations like the above. If you want to make an impression, I can only think of one appropriate gesture - no, not that one - Raise a mittened hand and give a friendly wave.