Berliners Bike

Dutch bikes and other types of practical bikes for transportation are the most common to be seen in Berlin. Several bike shops in Berlin specialize in Dutch bikes. However, this photo collection perhaps over-represents the Dutch bike contingent a bit, simply because they are more interesting to photograph. Although fewer in numbers, distance commuters dressed in bike-specific garb can also be spotted in Berlin, especially if you're out in the early morning hours. Like their American counterparts, these creatures wear bright colors, spandex, clipless shoes, and nearly always a helmet. Only a small minority of the rest of the cycling population wears a helmet.

We found that Berliners on bikes are much more likely to obey traffic laws than Madisonians, specifically in terms of stopping for traffic lights. While bicyclists may act more predictably, so do Berliner motorists, who seem to be on the lookout for bicyclists when stopped at an intersection and waiting to turn onto another street. A number of times I was pleasantly surprised to see a motorist about to cross the bike lane before making a right hand turn, but then come to a stop, look over his right hand shoulder, and wait for me or other bicyclists to pass before crossing the bike lane. - It’s a level of bike awareness among motorists we were unaccustomed to in Madison. Also, what’s strange to us is that there does not seem to be a look of annoyance or impatience on these drivers’ faces, even though they are often delayed by cyclists.

When overtaking other bicyclists, it is not common in Berlin to give a warning. It took a few times of being surprised by a biker passing within about a foot with no warning to be ready for this possibility. It is advised to ride on the right hand side of the bike path/lane in a straight line, as you see other Berliners doing.

While many aspects of Berlin bike culture seem to fit the German stereotype of orderly behavior, the amount of sidewalk riding then comes as a surprise. Although the sidewalk space is typically fairly wide, it did seem a bit chaotic for bicyclists to be weaving around pedestrians. Bicyclists will take the sidewalk if the adjacent street space is too busy or it is simply more convenient to ride on the sidewalk, such as to avoid a one-way street. Also, parents accompanying small children on bikes typically take the sidewalk over the street.

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.

Summer Biking

From bike camping to commuting, we've enjoyed rolling through the summer days.

Bike Path Foraging: Black Raspberries

On a recent trip to Mt. Horeb, Peter and I stopped for a fresh snack on the Military Ridge Trail. There were enough ripe black raspberries to munch on, but not quite enough to fill a container to bring home. The bramble had been cut back quite a bit from last year, plus many of the berries were still pink.

Anytime around late July, keep an eye out for a treasure patch of wild black raspberries!

Bike Path Foraging: Mulberries

Foraging wild foods is a fun and rewarding activity. A variety of edibles can be found along Madison's bike paths. If you are new to foraging, mulberries are easy to identify, tasty, and in season right now.

I received a tip on some low-hanging mulberries along the SW Commuter Trail, so I went on a ride to forage some to bake into muffins. Of course I snacked as I gathered - the bike ride had given me an appetite!

A note on the muffins: I'm a bit of a recipe hacker, substituting/adding this and that. To create these muffins I used a basic banana muffin recipe as a template. You can use mulberries in a recipe just like you would any other berry. 

Blue Mound Bike Trip in Photos

Bike camping at Blue Mound State Park is hard to beat. The length of the ride on the Military Ridge Trail is great for people new to bike touring and the park has a bike-in campground.

Want to know more about bike camping at Blue Mound State Park? Check out this post for information on the route and campground.

Devil's Lake Bike Camping

Winter Bike in Black & White

Bikes about Boston

I recently took a trip to Boston. As I walked around the city, I noticed these bikes:

Fall Colors: Off the Bike and into the Woods

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

Bike Rack Yarn Bombing

I found this yarn bomb in front of our hostel in Portland.

Bike and Kiss, If You Can Balance

I captured this kiss at the Portland Saturday Market on April 14, 2012.

Spring Flower Bike

Urban Terrain Bike Shoes

Friends with Bikes: Goldie & Annika

Enjoying the weather at Yahara Place Park

Snow Covered Bike Path

Hauling Lumber by Bike

Courtney on the Capital City Trail

The most impressive bike hauling I've seen around Madison.

Dutch Bike Sighting!

A Friendly Reminder on Mariner's Trail

The scenic Mariners Trail along the Lake Michigan coast connects the cities of Two Rivers and Manitowoc, WI (see map) and is considered a great asset to both communities. I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Friends of Mariners Trail dinner in Two Rivers. It was nice to see such a large group of people so enthusiastic about the trail and both mayors in attendance. Though I wasn't able to ride the trail due to snow drifts blocking it (trail not plowed), a presentation at the event showcased the beautiful gardens, sculptures, and access to the sandy shoreline along the path during the warmer months.  

 

Photo of annual dinner provided by Friends of Mariners Trail

 

“Just a Blur” by Jen Grady

 

Photo of “Dancing Cranes” sculpture provided by Friends of Mariners Trail

Walking along the trail I spotted the “Travel Friendly” sign which I thought was a nice reminder to use proper etiquette. I wouldn’t mind seeing these signs around Madison.