Hauling Lumber by Bike

Courtney on the Capital City Trail

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

Wisconsin Bike Summit 2012

Wisconsin Bike Summit Celebratory Reception

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin describes the Bike Summit as "an inspiring and informative day that brings our bicycling community together."  The summit facilitated discussion on the current status of cycling in Wisconsin and goals for continuing to make the state a great place to bike.

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.

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. 

 

Looking Back at Snowy Streets

Featured Bike Ride Route: Capitol Square to Clasen’s Bakery

by Peter Herreid

Clasen’s European Bakery in Middleton is a great destination for a peaceful bike ride along the shores of Lake Mendota. The bakery has a wide assortment of torts, pastries, chocolates, and breads, including the common German Brötchen (bread roll).  I can ride fast there and back before work on my touring bike, but on a Saturday, I am not in such a hurry and can take my upright bike, such as on the beautiful Saturday, January 7th, when we had abnormally mild winter weather in Madison.  

 

The Capitol building is a landmark everyone in Madison recognizes, so the mapped route starts at Capitol Square and travels about nine miles to Clasen’s. The route includes UW Lakeshore Path, Lake Mendota Drive, a path that winds through Lakeview Community Park, and the beautiful Pheasant Branch Trail. All of the busy streets have adjacent paths separated from traffic.   If you want to use this route, I recommend using my personalized Google Map. You can print out the mapped route or you can access it on a smart phone, such as the iPhone via a Google Maps app.  

Free samples and coffee (every time) and a post-holidays discount (got lucky!)

On Pheasant Branch Trail

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.

Bird Perched on Handlebars

Ring Your Bell

Urban bike paths aren't road bike racetracks. They are places where both cyclists and pedestrians can feel comfortable and where the pace is slow enough for conversation. Still, more times than I can count, a sport cyclist has zipped past me with no warning. I have seen them dash around pedestrians as if they were the yellow cones in an obstacle course. After a flash of Lycra, they disappear down the path.

I guess that mounting a bell on their bikes would increase wind resistance, but surely they can say, "On your left"?

Ringing a bike bell is an easy and pleasant way to let others on the bike path know where you are. It can be hard to judge what a pedestrian or cyclist in front of you is going to do - give a ding before passing.

There are enough haters on the road. Let's use good etiquette to keep Madison's bike paths a welcoming space, as well as go at speeds that allow for conversation and interaction with our community.