The New Family SUV

Found this Surley parked outside of the Saratoga REI. This Surley "Big Dummy" outfitted an ExtraCycle kit has all a Silicon Valley Family Needs; two child carriers, a pick up bed located in the front, complete light and horn kit and even 4 water bottle holders.






The child carrier looks like it is a hand built custom kit complete with a child proof kick plate.







The Extracycle bags on the rear provide plenty of room for groceries and the bed up front is perfect for larger items such as the kids toys.

If any one wants go share their families "SUV" and their stories of a car free or car-lite life, leave me a comment here.



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No Pants Ride - Bike Love and No Pants

Friday Night's ride witnessed about 2,500 riders with just about all showing their "No Pants", which included grass skirts, tennis dresses, anatomically correct male biking shorts, bikinis, pajamas, kilts and all manner of no pants.

Dont Miss next month's Ride....

Beach Blanket Bike-Along

Meeting at a new location

Marketplace Center

Groningen - The World's Cycling City

This article is a repost from my friends over at the World Carfree Network. The article was written by by Ton Daggers and Jane Harding.

In Groningen, the Netherlands’sixth largest city, the main form of transport is the bicycle. The city is famous for having the highest percentage of bicycle usage in the world. How has Groningen done it? Cycling here, and indeed in much of the Netherlands, is just the norm. The success comes from a series of sound policies which view cycling as an integral part of urban renewal, planning and transport strategy. By providing proper infrastructure and amenities cycling has blossomed over time and today the main 46 routes of the cycling network is used daily by 216,000 citizens. By prioritising and promoting cycling as the main mode of transportation, city planners, local authori-ties and cycling advocates have played an important part in the city’s reputation as a great place to live. Groningen has a relatively young population of approximately 180,000 inhabitants, which account for a large proportion of the city bikers, but people of all ages opting for two wheels over four. And this is a growing trend. Research by Groningen municipality in 2008 showed a considerable growth of cycling in the last years: an average of 1.4 bicycle trips per person per day in the city, making up more than 50% of the total journeys, a growth of 9% from 2007. In order to further understand the sucess of the bicycle in Groningen, it is important to look at how urban design and policies have changed over time to make it the leading cycle city we see today.

“Cycling is viewed as an integral part of urban renewal, planning and transport strategy”

History of Carfree Development

The city has a long history of urban developments which have maintained the value of keeping the inner city as a central point for a host of activities: a blend of living, working and shopping which favours pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation over the car. Since the 1960s the municipality has been way ahead in its traffic plans and spatial planning policies; maintaining a vision of a “compact city”and implementing policies which have led to a carfree city centre, with almost all areas easily reachable by bicycle. However, the path has not always been easy.  During the 1950s and 1960s most cities and towns in the Netherlands were making room for vechicles – some even removed bicycle paths in order to free up space for the car.  In Groningen, motorisation was growing rapidly and so was suburban sprawl – there were no restrictions for cars driving through and very few cycle routes leading to the centre. The motorist was king at this time.In 1972, local authorities changed the emphasis of urban planning and development in Groningen.  The centre of the city was to be considered as the “living room”for its people. The basic concept used in urban planning was based on the “compact city”vision, which placed an integrated transport system high on the agenda – for an inner city favouring a combined use of pedestrians, cyclists, buses and other means of public transport. A traffic circulation plan divided the inner city into four sections and a ring road was built, encircling the city and reducing access to the centre by car. The result was an inner city which is entirely closed off to cars, and only possible to travel between sectors by walking, bicycling or using public transport. What has further spurred the use of bicycles over all other sustainable transportation is the huge expansion of the cycle network – there are many traffic free bike lanes from the outskirts to the city centre – making cycling is the most viable mode of transport for most journeys.

Importance of policy
The city treats cyclists with respect. A series of sound transportation policies and invest-ments has maintained a carfree urban space – favouring walking, public transport and predominantly cycling. This has resulted in a major trend away from car-use to bike-use in the city of Groningen. Between 1989 and 2000, € 23 million was invested in cycling infrastructure and the annual amount con-tinues to grow. Investments have also been made to expand the network of cycling lanes, improve the pavements, build bridges for cyclists, and many more bike parking facilities – making cycling faster and more convenient. As cycling is the lifeblood of the city, it has been given adequate space and time to flow safely and efficiently.

During the 1980s and 1990s a car parking policy was strictly implemented. Car parking with time restrictions was introduced in a broad radius around the inner city. Park and Ride areas were created combined with city buses and other high quality public transport. But overall, cycling policy has been central to the traffic plans, which in contrast, car accessibility has been restricted within the city centre.Reaping the RewardsOver a long period of time local authorities have made clear choices, however manifold criticised. Traffic circulation plans were based on the concentration of motorised traffic into a limited road space on the outskirts of the city, and developing a very coherent, comfortable and dense cycle network. This is the result of a clear vision of urban development – based on the idea that a city is for its people. Groningen is a compact city, and for now at least, continues to stay this way. For example, newly built neighbourhoods are no more than 6 km from the city centre. Groningen municipality research showed in 2008 78% of residents and 90% of employees now live within 3 km of the city centre. Residential areas are developed with good connections to the city centre and green lungs in between. There are entire housing developments built along major bicycle and scooter “roadways”, massive bike parks everywhere, many roads that are one way for cars but two way for bikes, and special signal phases for bikes.

Groningen in Numbers
Population: 180,000 inhabitants
Size of Groningen: 87 square kilometres
Residents Traveling by Bike: 57%
Average cycling trips each day: 1.4 per person
Number of cycling routes in Groningen: 46
Number using cycling routes each day: 216,000

There are some interesting economic repercussions to come out of replacing space for cars with greenery, pedestrianisation, cycleways and bus lanes. Banning car traffic has boosted jobs and business. Groningen’s economic development has improved, particularly for businesses which were once in revolt against car restraint, but now are clamouring for more of it. The main function of the inner city has become a successful mix of living, working and shopping.

Cycling into the Future Groningen undoubtedly leads the way in the “cyclisation”of European cities, but many others are putting two wheels in motion to follow its example. However, no other European city can match Groningen’s record, where 57% of all trips around the city are on bikes, but in quite a few cities the ratio is rising to a third or more.The impressive high rate of cycling in Groningen can be explained best by consistent urban development and transportation policies based on reclaiming inner city space from cars, making it into a living room for its people. This spatial concept of city develop-ment has undoubtedly been rooted in the clear political vision of the Social Democrats for several decades. Such legislative commitments do seem to be the key in getting citizens to kick the car habit. Apart from a political vision, many other actors involved in making Groningen the “World’s Cycling City”cannot be ignored – the cyclists themselves. In a nutshell, the success of cycling in Gron-ingen can be explained as a result of a strong vision for a liveable city for its people.  For more information, please visit: http://www.cyclinginfo.nl/ and http://www.fietsberaad.nl/

The centre of the city was to be considered as the ‘living room’for its people”

Photo courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/truusbobjantoo/2404090966/

Jeff Mapes - Cycling Author Coming to San Francisco

Jeff Mapes's "Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities"


From traffic-dodging bike messengers to tattooed teenagers on battered bicycles, from riders in spandex to well-dressed executives, ordinary citizens are becoming transportation revolutionaries. In Pedaling Revolution, Jeff Mapes traces the growth of bicycle advocacy; examines the environmental, safety, and health aspects of cycling; and explores the growing bike culture that is changing the look and feel of cities, suburbs, and small towns across North America.

Bike Rack Boot Camp

Caught this guy doing his morning exercise routine on a bike rack. The rack is just outside of the restaurant he works at; The Burger Joint, located just between the San Francisco CalTrain station and the SF Giants Ballpark.




He told me he rides his bike to work after a short BART trip and does about a 15 minute work out before clocking in at the restaurant.

After working at the restaurant and eating too many burgers he said he ballooned to 230 pounds; he even showed me his CA driver's license to prove it. He says he now is down to 180 pounds and sleeps much better at night. He credits both cycling and the bike rack exercises.

This Business gets an A. Well placed racks that get used; in more ways than one.






Other Related "Bike Parking Posts"


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Spotted in The Glen

These two beautiful Electra "Hollywoods" spotted at Peet's Coffee in Willow Glen, San Jose, this morning.



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Nice Surley Long Haul Trucker

Saw this nice Surley Long Haul Trucker today, fully outfitted for touring. Nice steel frame.


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Interesting Electric Bike

Spotted this bike parked in front of my local Peet's coffee shop. The owner said that max speed is 26 mph and it weighs about 60 lbs.

The logo on the frame looked like it said "E+". The battery is in the front oversized hub and the motor is in the back hub.


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Summer Bike Tour Recap

Just in time for summer. Here are some posts related to bike touring in Quebec.

Cycling in Quebec is an amazing experience for several reasons. Without having to travel to far you can enjoy a cultural experience unlike anything in the lower 48 states. In addition to the language and food; the historical apsects and the sheer enthusiasm for cycling are evident everywhere. In this first blog post of August 16, 2007 I describe "The State of Cycling in Quebec" .

The reason to visit Quebec by bicycle though is the recently inagurated "La Route Verte", a wonderful trail system that spans much of this French speaking province. As the website states:

Made up of over 4,000 km of bikeways criss-crossing the most beautiful regions of Quebec, the Route verte puts you on the right track for the vacation of your dreams. No matter which bikeway you cycle on—the Parcours des Anses in Lévis, the Véloroute des Bleuets encircling Lac Saint-Jean, the Berri Street bike path in Montreal or the Estriade in the Eastern Townships—you’re riding on the Route verte.

After flying in to Burlington, Vermont we headed north to the border to discover the Canton d'l Este or "Eastern Townships". Due to the Anglo influence in the area the town names are strickingly similar to their New England counterparts. Names such as Windsor, Sherbrooke, Sutton, and Bromtonville give an indication of the areas past. In the Eastern Townships a visit to the Benidictine Abby - St. Benoit du Lac is a must. The abbey is famous for their cheese and ciders which are all produced on site from the abbey's farm and orchards.

Definitly make it a point to visit either Montreal or Quebec City. Quebec City, being the only walled city in North America is a treat to walk around. Set up on a bluff overlooking the Saint Lawrence River is an absolute gem of a town. Also try to get in a ride to the Montmorency Falls about an hour by bike outside of town. Don't worry about not being able to find your way by bike. The trails on La Route Verte are very well marked and there is a Canadian Tourist Office in every town we visited. The staff in these bureaus are extremely helpful and friendly (and speak excellent English).

If you didn't find any of the area worthwhile the food alone will make you want to go. After sampling some of the local food; including Poutine, you really realize we are borderline third world when it comes to food.

Happy Travels

San Jose Bike Party Meeting

For those interested in helping with the San Jose Bike Party rides there will be a meeing at Orchard Valley Coffee in downtown Campbell on Monday, June 29, starting at 7:30. Check the website for more details.
www.sjbikeparty.org



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Portland Sunday Parkways: A Second Great Year

Jonathan Maus over at BikePortland.org does a great job highlighting this years event. "Portland Sunday Parkways a Success: Thousands Enjoy Gift of Carfree Streets"

After witnessing firsthand last years Sunday Streets event, its great to see that the return to North Portland is a great success. It would be great to have a Sunday Streets/Ciclovia event in this area. If San Jose Bike Party can attract 1,500 riders in its second year riding until midnight I'm sure the demand is their when you include recreation starved families.

Bogota, Columbia started the whole idea by opening their streets to the city residents every Sunday over 10 years ago and the concept has spread worldwide. Clarence Eckerson Karla Quintero, and Aaron Naparstek traveled to Columbia to see just how successful their program is.

Photos: Cheryl and Rich (Flickr)

You said Party - So I wore my Party dress

One of many great things about mass rides is the growing awareness of bike culture and the diversity of riders. Stretchy pants or cycling chic they are all welcome at Party rides. All though San Jose is no Copenhagen (or Portland) as far as bike style is concerned this area is slowly coming around.

My favorite on this ride was a beautiful backless red cocktail dress with a superb pair of riding shoes, showing rather nicely that you dont have to have strectch pants and a loud jersey to sport the look. The only thing missing was a Copenhagen style skirt gaurd on the bike.

Light Rider Ride - San Jose Bike Party Ride

I am little groggy this morning as I write this post, after finishing my ride back to the house by about two only to wake up at 6:00. This is one of the biggest rides I've seen yet and it was confirmed by sjbikeparty.org ("Reflections on Ride #21-Light Rider!") ; there were over 1,500 riders on last nights ride, which started at Dick's Center and ended after 17.25 miles at the fountain at SJSU at around midnight. Read the post to find out more on the amazing growth of these rides.

The sheer numbers of riders show just how starved this area is for some type of organized ride where fun, socializing and some type of light physical activity happen while feeling connected to a larger group of riders. As you enter the street at the start of the ride and feel more confortable riding amongst cars; that on any given day treat you as just a road obstacle, it feels good to be with fellow riders enjoying the warm summer evening.

The diversity of riders is amazing; young, old, cruisers, lowriders, roadies, teenagers, families, boyfriends and girlfriends all come together just to "Bike Party". As we passed neighborhoods many cyclists shouted out to residents and families; "Grab your bike. Let's Go....BIKE PARTY!", encouraging them to join the travelling festival.

All in all ...Good Times...Good Fun....Lets's Go ...BIKE PARTY!

San Jose Bike Party - June at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: Share and Plan your Trips

San Jose Bike Party Tonight

Tonight everyone's meeting at "Dick's place" near the Bascom Light Rail Station. The ride is scheduled to go thru the Rose Garden area to northeast San Jose and finish at SJSU. Last month's ride had over 800 riders , so please bring a light and obey all traffic signals. Represent cycling in a positive way.

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Nice Little Bike Video

I think this is from Quebec....anyone know anything more on this video.  Just a simple catchy song.

Who Wants to Go to Copenhagen?

Out of Copenhagen comes the blog Copenhagen Cycling Chic, although right now he is visiting Amsterdam.

Copenhagen - City of Cyclists from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.

A promotional music video I made for the City of Copenhagen's Bicycle Office.

Aimed at promoting Copenhagen's fantastic, unique bicycle culture. 500,000 people ride their bikes each day. 36% of the population.

This video highlights who they are and what they do. Shot over a period of four months.