Archive for the ‘urban’ Category
Paris Shared Bike Program is Symbol of Social Unrest
New York Times article highlighting the difficulties of running a public program that depends on the good behavior of users. Sad to know they are facing such challenges based on the troubled youth of greater France. But, maybe it’s an important reminder of the greater social unrest in the country. Either way, it’s an key program to study and improve upon.
“The symbol of a fixed-up, eco-friendly city has become a new source for criminality,” Le Monde mourned in an editorial over the summer. “The Vélib’ was aimed at civilizing city travel. It has increased incivilities.”
The heavy, sandy-bronze Vélib’ bicycles are seen as an accoutrement of the “bobos,” or “bourgeois-bohèmes,” the trendy urban middle class, and they stir resentment and covetousness. They are often being vandalized in a socially divided Paris by resentful, angry or anarchic youth, the police and sociologists say.
Bruno Marzloff, a sociologist who specializes in transportation, said, “One must relate this to other incivilities, and especially the burning of cars,” referring to gangs of immigrant youths burning cars during riots in the suburbs in 2005.
He said he believed there was social revolt behind Vélib’ vandalism, especially for suburban residents, many of them poor immigrants who feel excluded from the glamorous side of Paris.
What did that bike ever do to you?
– Salty Dog
beyonce and her bike
beyonce cycling
I’m not really sure why it’s notable when celebrities ride bikes, but it is. Anyway, here’s a little post about Beyonce keeping it low key on her bike. Awe hell, I’m for anything at draws attention to cycling. Maybe Beyonce will help to influence more younger urban women to start cycling.
Beyonce is able to enjoy her free time and keep a low profile by cycling, the singer has confessed.
When Knowles isn’t promoting her music, she enjoys going for bike rides, as she explains: “I started riding a bike on my days off with others like my assistant and stylist.”
“It’s amazing how I’m able to ride around on a bike. People kind of see it’s me but since I’m on a bike, they think, ‘No, it’s not her.’ And by the time they realize it’s me, I’m already gone.”
“It’s great to do something normal every day. It keeps me grounded.”
Woah Betty!
– The Salty Dog
bikes beget bikes
A great article on bicycling and cycling culture and sub-culture was just done by The Temple News Online. Although, it was written with the Philidelphia community in mind, I find that it’s applicable to most urban riders. One quote that stood out:
“But, nothing attracts bicycles like bicycles,” he said. “Their presence alone encourages more people to begin cycling.” – Via The Temple News
I think that we inherently know this as true. Yet, it’s important to remember, because afterall when we are out on the road we’re setting an example. Each ride counts!
Even though the gamut of cyclists is broad, a lot of riders agree that more solidarity could be established among them. Winn suggested a wave when cyclists encounter each other. Liang said this kind of greeting is almost customary in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
The article is a great read and also provided me with one key take away: despite differences, cyclists have plenty of reasons to come together and to ride together.
Ride With Me!
– The Salty Dog
the drive less & ride more diet
This morning proved to be an interesting cycling experience… First of all, it was freaking 31 degrees outside, fall has swiftly kicked in and felt like a ham-shank at 7:30 am. Good news was my Northface semi-hard shell performed great. But, here’s a tip: if you forget your damn gloves up in the apt. don’t be too lazy to go back and get them!
my bike taking a breather on a tree
So at a stop light, I pulled up next to this massive dude chowing down on some fast food supersized breakfast hamburger beast of a thing. Honestly, I felt bad for the guy (even though I had skipped breakfast). Here I am having the commute of my life, feeling alive from the brisk air and stunning vistas, and there he is, trapped in the mobile box. I’m lean and strong (relative I know) and he’s overweight and slow. This little moment with the massive man made me think of a little personal motto:
“I’m on the drive less & ride more diet.”
The great thing about this diet is that I don’t have force my self to be on it and I’m freaking loving every pedal stroke. I love riding; it makes my life more exhilarating, while at the same time bringing me a great inner peace (I’m less of punk at work, with the girlfriend, etc.)
Just think of all the healthcare savings and the extended lifespans there would be if more people would do the drive less & bike more diet. People on average would be much sexier too, and no one thinks that’s a bad deal!
Finally, one other awesome thing happened. A couple of college ladies took the time to roll down the window and give a little holla! Although, many all guys welcome this kind gesture, it’s important to remember that women cyclists are rarely a fan of the cat call… With that said, it made my day. The sweet little affermation would have never occured if instead of power pedaling up a hill on a cold morning, I was tucked away in my car. The best part, it was the bike or the riding of the bike that got me the attention, not the rider. I’ve included a post ride pic which clearly demostrates just how far from Calvin Klien status I am. Although, maybe CK should have a cycling team…
hello coldness
Get out there!
london, new parking – for bikes
London is putting bikes before cars, and it’s damn awesome!
“The Government will announce today that it is creating 10,000 additional secure cycle spaces at stations as part of a commitment to “put cycling at the heart of transport policy”. Hundreds of stations will get cycle stands monitored by CCTV cameras or with cages accessible by swipe cards. Ministers have not yet ruled out reallocating spaces from cars to bikes.”
Don’t know about everyone else, but the bike rack is nearly always full outside my work! Having extra spaces that offered increased security would encourage others to ride…
Salty Dog Cycling 