At the Corner of Manchaca and 71

Cyclists in this part of town tend to be a little more utilitarian. No fancy, or even trendy clothes, and very few wearing Lycra. Not surprising, since this intersection is a little perilous right here and not conducive to gaining speed, and I would always cross over one exit down rather than try and navigate this intersection.

Sticking with the crosswalk, perhaps a safer choice at a point where cars blast through if they can.

Unusual Bicycle

I cannot imagine how much this baby costs. I'm not sure what the perks would be for this type of bicycle, other than the back support. It must be very hard to look over your shoulder to see traffic. I don't know, I don't think I could ride this bike.

No Longer a Rite of Passage

I remember getting my driver's license. The bitchy lady at the DPS (she is legendary in my hometown) gave me the two page test, which I promptly failed. Apparently, she liked me. She then coached me through the test and voila! I was a licensed driver. Freedom!...to go anywhere by myself between the hours of 6 and 10. I got my license right around the time lawmakers in Austin thought perhaps it wasn't a good idea for teenagers to be distracted while driving.

Getting a driver's license was almost mandatory in my small town. There is no bus system, maybe two taxis, and bicycles were practically nonexistent. You have a car or live by begging rides, and in a town where almost everyone else has a license, its hard being THAT person, you know, the one who is a bother asking for rides. I lived about 10 miles outside of town, so I had to be schlepped everywhere  by my parents. Once I had my license, all that dependency was gone.

Apparently that experience is becoming less common. According to this article, fewer Americans teenagers are getting their license.  Experts are pointing to increased social media usage as the reason for fewer face to face interactions, and therefore, the need to leave your home. However, I find that hard to believe. Maybe I'm a little too old for this, but I just can't see that filling the need for human contact and interaction. I believe it plays a role, but not to the extent they say in the article. More likely teenagers simply can't/won't take on the cost of a car or they live in cities with good public transportation. I think there could be some ancillary reasons that weren't really discussed in the article.

1. Cars have lost some of their cachet.  Compared to the 50s and 60s, the cars of today are very utilitarian, mpg here and fuel efficiency that, the culture doesn't embrace them in the same way. Cars are just less sexy than they were a couple of decades ago. When I was in high school, people would cruise up and down the strip on the weekend, just for something to do. With gas at 4 dollars a gallon, anyone doing that would look like a fool. Or a douche.

2. Greenwashing. Maybe some of that environmental message has come through.

3. Car companies. Perhaps the automobile industry needs to do a little PR with the group that was greatly affected by the Great Recession.

Whatever the reasons, and it sounds there still needs to be some research done on this issue, it is a boon to alternative transportation advocates. When I first moved to Austin, I remember many of the country bumpkins, myself included, were afraid of Capmetro. Hippies! Homeless people! Now? Couldn't love it more as a tool to help me get around town. Cycling? All those UT kids made it look easy! ( I did not go to UT, but rather St. Ed's, where we through a shit fit when they wanted to start charging for the garage.)  Once I got a taste of being less reliant on my car, there is no way I'd want to live like that again.

Political Officials on Bicycles

Came across this picture of Ron Paul on a bike from a friends Facebook page. He is I think, a little obsessed with Mr. Paul. I like that Paul looks so relaxed, one-handed slouch and everything.

So, I went looking for other political types on bicycles, finding the governor of our great state of Texas, Rick Perry:

I almost didn't recognize him without the hair.  

President George Bush, who makes sure wherever he is there is an American flag in the foreground.

President Barack Obama. There are some of him with a helmet on, but the one thing I like about the majority of the pictures you find of him on a bicycle he is wearing regular clothes. 

Looks like no matter what your political beliefs, everyone enjoys a little time on two-wheels!

Riding on the Sidewalk

My friend got hit by a car yesterday, thankfully she got through with a scraped knee and perhaps broken pinky finger. Immediately putting her ordeal on Facebook, her post quickly filled with comments. Besides the usual "Omigod are you ok?" comments you get the other typical comment associated with cycling accidents, "I always ride on the sidewalk..."

No. Just NO.

Riding on the sidewalk is NOT safer than riding on the road. It does not make you smarter than the bloke riding on the road, and if you do it without recognizing the real ways you can get hit by a car, it means you are actually in MORE danger. In your false sense of security and safety, you won't pay as much attention.

Let's walk through a typical scenario. You are on a busy street, let's say N. Lamar near 12th street. Riding on the sidewalk seems preferable to riding with traffic that is moving very, very, fast. Here are 4 points you can get hit by a car:

1. Cars pulling out from driveways and parking lots.

Especially on streets like Lamar with a lot of businesses, you need to pay attention to cars trying to turn onto the main street. Drivers do not expect to see you there, and will pull forward as far as possible to get a good look at oncoming traffic.

2. Cars emerging from cross streets.

Streets like Lamar have a lot of intersections, and for each one you have to look and see if there is a car coming from your right looking to turn onto the main street. Drivers rarely respect those white painted crosswalks, as they are trying to pull as far forward as they can to see traffic, and often their view is obstructed by other vehicles or stupid bushes. (Sorry that happens to me so often here in Austin) Unfortunately, this is exactly the path that you are using and it is up to you to make sure the way is clear. Here, I sympathize with the driver, since you are not expecting something as fast as a bicycle to be there. When coming to an intersection it is very important to slow down and observe.

3. Cars turning left onto a cross street. (Meaning they are turning left into your path)

These drivers are looking at oncoming traffic only. They are not looking on the sidewalk to see if you are there. I know I never did before I started cycling, and still really don't a lot of the time. This one takes perfect timing, but I've had a close call with this very type of situation, so it happens. The best way to avoid this is to ride a little behind a pack of cars, thereby ensuring nobody but someone with a suicide wish would turn left into. Otherwise, check to see if there is someone in a turn lane before crossing.

4. Cars turning right

Technically if you are riding alongside a car, the driver should notice you, but that doesn't always happen. People get distracted, are looking at a billboard, whatever. This type of accident is a big possibility even if you are on the road with them, so imagine how more dangerous it is if you are in an unexpected place, out of their line of sight. Every time you come to an intersection or driveway, you need to look over your shoulder and make sure a car isn't preparing to turn in front of you. And don't trust that just because you don't see any turn signals means you are home free.

So, riding on the sidewalk requires just as much vigilance as riding on the road, if not more. You are in a place where drivers don't expect to find you, and even though many cyclists ride on the sidewalk at some point or another here in Austin, it doesn't mean Austin drivers are aware of it.

In the case of a road like N. Lamar, riding on the sidewalk is the lesser of two evils. I know I would ride on the sidewalk there, but it is also where I almost got hit. Choosing to ride on the sidewalk is more comfortable for me, but I go into it knowing it is not necessarily safer. In some parts of Austin, like Parmer, where there are wide sidewalks and few intersections, it might be a safer choice. It is important to remember that getting hit from behind by a car is the least likely accident, but for some reason is the one that people imagine and fear the most.

Also, in certain parts of Austin, riding on the sidewalk is illegal. Guadalupe in the West Campus area and certain part of downtown (I don't know exactly where, its like the 1600 block of Congress to no one is going to remember that on their bike). So I don't ride on the sidewalk at all downtown just to be safe, and I don't know why you would want to with the pedestrians, benches and other crap in the way.

So, wherever you are be safe, and remember safety is a combination of factors. Once you get used to looking out for these things, you can relax and enjoy the ride. Riding is supposed to be fun.

Technical Difficulties

I would love to post some pictures up, but unfortunately my camera is not working. I'm thinking it just needs to be charged, but I cannot for the life of me find the charger. So, while I was out and about today I kicked myself about five times because I saw some pretty cool stuff.

1. A man had a dog in his back basket. Dog looked like he didn't have a care in the world.

2. Austin cowgirl riding downtown. She had the classic boots, but a razored haircut.

3. Lots of couples. Not sure if it has something to do with the weather, but saw quite a few.

Kite Festival 2012

Here are some pictures from Austin's 2012 Kite Festival, with an emphasis on the two wheeled transport people used to get there. With Barton Springs Rd. closed down for the festivities, only a few insane people tried to drive directly to the park.

It was a perfect day for flying a kite-warm and breezy.

I'll forgive her for wearing pigtails since she rode a bike.

Crepes vendor- didn't try one at $6 a pop but smelled delicious

Awesome cat sighting

Nice cruiser

Several people lounged next to their bicycles

The turnout was impressive-this was around 4:30 when the festival was winding down

Random shark balloon....

Never sighted before- a family riding together

Close-up of the Dad

Bike Zoo

I'm pretty curious to see this thing in action. Several bicycles have been modified to look like animals, becoming movable pieces of art. There are bats, monarch butterflies, and rattlesnake bikes, the latter an impressive 80 feet long. Right now, the bicycles/works of art are raising awareness of the monarch butterfly migration in West Texas, perhaps one of the few places on Earth you can ride an 80 foot bicycle without fearing for your life. The article doesn't say what the inspiration for modifying the bicycles was, but I'm guessing weed was involved. Here is the bat bicycle:



Pretty cool. And come to think of it, a little creepy looking.

Bicycles and Minorities

There is an article today in the Austin American Statesman about minorities and cycling. Officials are concerned because the activity has not caught on with African Americans and Hispanics, two groups that could benefit greatly from the activity. Both groups suffer (disproportionately?) from obesity, diabetes, and other chronic problems associated with an inactive lifestyle. Ellis, a state Senator, believes cycling is the panacea for these problems and is pushing for increased awareness of cycling in these communities. He brought forth the example of Major Taylor, a black cyclist from the early 1900's, to show there is a history between African-Americans and the sport.

It is a great goal. Ellis is right, these two communities have a lot to gain if cycling is promoted. I question his tactics however, on several counts.

1. He frames cycling as a sport.

Examples of Major Taylor and Lance Armstrong will not attract people in the numbers we need to have an active cycling community, for the same reasons that Mikael Colville-Andersen has explained on his blog Copenhagenize.com. The Lycra suits and the massive amount of gear keeps most people from picking it up, there is no reason to suppose African Americans and Hispanics are any different.

If you want people to embrace cycling, you need to make it a part of everyday life. This means framing cycling as a form of transportation and fun first.

2. One is not enough

The example of Major Taylor is inspiring, but is a weak way to combat the lily-whiteness of the cycling community. Plus, I doubt many people aren't cycling because they view it as a white-only activity. Other factors, such as lack of bike lanes, fear of collision, and driver hostility are much bigger deterrents.

3. He Focuses on Exercise

Ellis also framed his discussion around health benefits of cycling. This is probably the least effective tactic, because who hasn't bought a total gym and then left it languishing in the basement? Intellectually, people may understand the benefits, but it does nothing to make the activity really attractive. It plays on feelings of shame and guilt, not feelings of freedom and fun.

If the goal is simply to get more African-Americans and Hispanics in the saddle, then Ellis needs to move away from these tired tactics. Show people going about their everyday business on their bike, move it away from the cycling as sport subculture. Make more cycling literature available in Spanish. Finally, focus on making streets safer for bicycles in the first place. When cycling is safe, more people will ride, including African Americans and Hispanics.

South Austin Riders

Seen around my home in South South Austin. (As in south of 71)

I love the basket! Wish I could add one like that onto my bike.

Bicycle Troubles

My beloved bike won't change gears correctly. While I am still able to ride, the problem makes it harder. It clicks a lot when I try to put in first gear, making me stick to 2nd even on difficult uphill climbs.

I wish I could even begin to know what is wrong. This gap in my knowledge prompted me to sign up for a free class over at my local bike shop. While we probably won't get to "Weird Clicking Sounds" anytime soon, I think it is important for me, as a bike-lover, to know how to fix my bicycle.

On that note, if anyone knows what is causing the problem I've described, feel free to leave a comment.

The Lost Cyclist: The Epic Tale of an American Adventurer and His Mysterious Disappearance

I received an awesome present from my roommate this year. She bought me The Lost Cyclist by David Herlihy, and even had it signed by the author. I know, I'm so special.

Anyway, this book offers and interesting perspective on the bicycle in the years before the mass production of automobiles. Bicycles filled that spot, for a time, in the American psyche that calls for adventure and the thrill of the open road. They also provided a relatively cheap transportation option to the working class, as well as gave a push for women's liberation. Herlihy spends considerably less time on these consequences, but it is understandable given his subject.

Frank Lenz wanted to travel the world to make a name for himself and thereby leave his dull bookkeeping job. He planned a route through China up through Turkey to Europe, needless to say very dangerous. The newly perfected safety bicycle provided the best means, it would be a feat of strength and daring, as well as demonstrate the usefulness of this new product. Other men had traveled long distances on the ordinary, those ones that have a large front wheel, now mostly seen as a decorative motif at Hobby Lobby.

Lenz left at the beginning of the cycling craze in America, and it is amazing to read about his journey through the U.S. Cycling clubs all across the country extended him great hospitality and it is evident Lenz was at least a minor celebrity, if not more.The club membership Herlihy describes reinforces the early characterization of cycling as a middle class white man's sport. But Herlihy gives small examples that over time women, the working class, and minorities also took to it, especially when the safety bicycle made its debut, much to the dismay of the early adopters.

He is eventually lost somewhere in modern day Turkey. A man named Schatlebehn is sent after him some months later, but is mired down with delays and lies by the corrupt Ottoman Empire. Schatlebehn deduces some Kurds killed Lenz for his valuables. So he never accomplishes his task, and his legacy is one of foolishness and regret among his old friends. Eventually, the bicycle craze ends, and his name is lost to history, giving Herlihy's title a double meaning.

This book demonstrates several different things.

1. Bicycles were wildly popular at one point in American history

People tend to characterize the bicycle as never being a popular choice for the American people. It is treated as the red headed step child in U.S. transportation. This gives ammunition for people now who pooh-pooh efforts to popularize the bicycle. It was popular, and for the same reasons people now like to ride. (Convenience, cheapness, exercise...)

2. The rift between cycle for transportation and cycle for sport was evident even back then.

Many of the early adopters abandoned it when ladies and the working class turned the bicycle into a tool rather than a sport. Some even held out in favor of the ordinary because of the danger and athleticism it took to ride. This divide is clear to anyone who lives in a city with a vibrant cycle culture in the U.S. Whole blog articles have been devoted to why everyone should wear lycra while riding.

3. People loved to Photobomb, even back then.

Herlihy dropped in an interesting tidbit. While Lehy was trying to take a picture somewhere in Georgia, some "colored youths" kept getting in his frame and messing up the picture. Annoyed Lehy had to scare them off. I found this hilarious. Things change immensely while some things don't change at all.

I'll probably add to this as I go back and reread it. But go read for yourself!

Wal-Mart Bicycles

A fleet of commuter style cruisers at my local Wal-Mart. Seems like the big box giant is catching on to the fact that mountain bikes aren't the only kind of bicycles out there. Now, a lot of people will recommend not buying these bikes because they are cheap and poorly made. I tend  to agree, unless you are a super casual rider. These particular ones are beach cruisers and so aren't well suited to Austin's hilly terrain, although I have seen a couple of them out on the street. It is encouraging though to see different styles of bikes available now, especially in a city that likes its skin tight Lycra. 

Rainy Day

Taken from the dryness of my car, but this guy was out and about in rainy weather. Can't quit your day over a little water!

Awesomeness

This lovely bicycle showed up at my house the other day. My friend's company is working on a different kind of doodad that allows you to smoothly shift your bike's gears. So for example instead of shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, you would adjust it only as much as you needed. This design makes for a smoother riding experience, and I think it is a cool idea. Apparently is much appreciated among triathletes.

Close-up.

Spotted Around Town

I admit I have not been around much since I started another job, but I have managed to gather some pictures on my way about Austin. 

This one I took from my car and unfortunately I beheaded this guy. But you get it. Panniers. Next to those cow statues that popped up for a reason I can't remember.

Down on Lamar and Barton Springs area. She's riding against traffic which can be very dangerous, so be careful to watch out for cars turning left into your path.

Who says bikers aren't manly men? This guy has his Spider-man backpack ready to go! Perhaps his kid walked off with his briefcase accidently.  Oh who am I kidding this guy hasn't gotten laid.

Bikes and Guys

After a brief hiatus, I've gotten back into the dating world, and dipping my toe back into OKC. Of course I put on there that my bike is one of the things I couldn't do without, and that is a nice conversation opener. I find you can tell a lot from a person by how he uses his bike. Is it for transportation or exercise? Does he know what a chain guard is? Is there going to be a helmet debate on the first date? Does he tool around on the East side of Austin, and if so, should grow my own ironic mustache for the first date? Any guy that puts his bike as one of his favorite things is instantly good in my book, and at least worth a careful reading of his profile.

If I find a guy owns a bike, but doesn't really use it, I see a potential convert :) If he thinks riding a bike is dumb, well then obviously we are not a match. I remember over on Streetsblog on one of their Why I Ride pieces, they interviewed a woman who said she probably wouldn't date a guy who didn't bike. She was put down in the comments, but I kind of agree. It's nicer when you have a partner, so why not choose someone who like biking too? Biking is a tailor made as a social activity.

Related to that, I think everyone has a random list of things that turn them off about people. I for instance, won't date anyone who owns a yellow car. I don't like them. What are you gonna do?

Gaahh!!

Now, I haven't been riding my bike as much since I now commute by car to work every day. However, today I decided to do my errands on my bike, and much to my dismay, I found I had lost a little bit of my stamina.

On the way back, I had to hop off and push my bike over a little hill. I was out of breath when I got home, when before I would be a little sweaty, but definitely not feeling a little lightheaded.

So, I guess that is what happens when your off of your bike for a little bit. I would love to blame it on my bike and am going to give it a good tune up when I get the chance. (I can't get it to go into first gear, so something needs to be done. Google here I come!)

Funny story. My roommate asked to borrow my bike because she wanted to see if she could bike to her work up near UT. I said sure, thinking to myself that was going to be quite a bike ride. I asked her afterwards how it had gone, and she said she stopped midway and turned around, making a nine mile trip overall.

Moral of the story: Baby steps!

Proof?

So I came across this article on TheStir....kind of a meeting place for women with families. One post was about a kid who survived having his head run over because he wore a helmet http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/127310/terrifying_bike_accident_with_4yearold?next=41

I had a hard time believing this was a true story. The physics just didn't add up to me. Even a Fiat I think would squish your head.

The situation is a toddler in the front seat put the car in neutral, thereby having the car roll slowly back over this kids head. The website says it is "believed" the car ran over his head, so to me that says no one knows what really happened.

So does this change my feeling on helmets? For those who are die hard proponents of the things, it may seem a silly question. But I think people should be especially cautious about using freak accidents like these as proof for their side. One, the witnesses aren't even sure what really happened. Second, the details of the case are scant. What kind of car? How fast?

To me, having good traffic skills and knowledge of the most likely ways to get into accidents with cars is a better defense than plastic.  Better infrastructure and a culture where drivers are treated harshly for hurting fellow human beings is needed.

Thankfully, I did see one poster point out the real utility of helmets, and many others pointing out that a toddler unattended in a vehicle shouldn't even happen. A little hope for me.

Beer Festival

Unfortunately my camera wasn't working so I couldn't pictures of the bazillion bikes at the beer festival, but they were lined up all along the fence at Festival Beach. Totally worth the $$ to get in, as you could try 6 beers throughout the day and listen to music.

Really, any event like that it is better to take your bike. Parking around any part of downtown is difficult, although thankfully we didn't have that much trouble since we got there early.

I really want to move back up closer to that area of town. My friend and I really couldn't ride together because we were so far away. Anyway, I promise to be back with some more pictures of ATX cyclers (its a word now dammit) soon.