Fox News Is On the Case

Austin PD conducted a "sting" of sorts in downtown hoping to nab drivers who do not abide by the 3 foot rule. Designed to put the responsibility of safety on the driver, it is probably not well known outside of those it is meant to protect.

Now they monitored Cesar Chavez, which in terms of bicycle infrastructure and safety, is probably the worst street you can think of to cycle down. Fast traffic moves to I-35 and S. Congress, with no shoulder and several intersections. I avoid that area. On the one hand, I guess it could make sense to go for the most dangerous situations first. On the other hand, wouldn't it make more sense to go to the places people bike the most and make sure those are as safe as possible?

Now to BE FAIR, APD says they will conduct bicycle rider stings in the summer. Hmm, I better watch my Idaho stops and riding on the sidewalk ooohh I could kill someone! No but really, they are going on about how likely it is you will die in a traffic accident, and I can't remember the last time a cyclist ran over and killed someone. Anyone, anyone? Waste of time.

Mr. Wear Bikes to Work

Ben Wear, Statesman's transportation columnist decided to bike to work in honor of Bike Month. In the past he has been lukewarm on bicycle improvements, so I believe this was a big step for him. By his own admission he was "woefully unprepared", and indeed I think he was--just not in the same way.

Ben and his companions started from his home in Rollingwood, an affluent part of Austin with little bicycle infrastructure. They then crossed Mopac (a highway) right behind a shopping mall, which should tell you they were in a very car-centric part of town. Then they proceeded to Congress Ave. and Statesman headquarters, making for about a 5-mile trip. Wear noted the danger in crossing the highway and other parts of his journey, which brings me to a very important and little talked about point in all of this Bike to Work nonsense---PLAN YOUR ROUTE FOR A BIKE, NOT A CAR.

Ben had a hard time, but not because he didn't have a backpack, or a proper helmet, or even his own bike, it was because he didn't plan his route. He took his default car route, and paid for it in dangerous crossings and an uphill ride. If you decide to bike anywhere, make sure you are familiar with the area, and realize the safest way may not be the most obvious way. If I was trying to get out of Rollingwood, I would probably try and see if there was a bus or neighborhood route to get me through this infrastructure-poor part of town. In my own commute, I ride through the Bike/Ped bridge and down S. 5th to get home, although I could also take Lamar. I choose the other route because there is less traffic and lights. The tradeoff is that it is an uphill ride. Planning your route can save you a lot of headache, possibly your life, and make your daily commute enjoyable.

I'm Baaacckk!!

So I had to take a little hiatus as I started school again, started my first real job, and moved. I'm back in the 78704 and loving it, biking to work and school (most days, what is with all this rain, Austin?) and planning a new future in healthcare. I think its a fitting time to start again, with Bike Month here in Austin. With Austin gearing up for a series of bike related events, I'm hoping to hit a few, especially the bike to work happy hour and free breakfast, and the Cyclovia. I'm also hoping to analyze  the efforts the City of Austin is putting into encouraging more cyclists, especially from a class point of view. Being outside of the norm for cyclists in America (I am not white, male, or middle class) I guess I am more sensitive to certain assumptions people make, and obvious lack of resources in certain areas (I have yet to see anything COA bike related in Spanish). Hopefully I'll be able to expand the discourse here in Austin and cover some fun events. I also joined the 21st century and got an Iphone, and as soon as I figure out how to take pictures and put them on here, they'll be waaay more posts.

It's Raining!

I got caught in the deluge in South Austin yesterday, thankfully in my car, but I still got soaked during the run to my apartment door. I rode my bike home from work, and the sprinkles from earlier in the day did make my commute interesting. First of all...I really want fenders now. It didn't seem like that big of a deal, but I noticed the water droplets on my feet. Also, there are an inordinate amount of potholes on my way home. I avoid them as a habit, but full of water they are just so much more noticeable. Third, and I already knew this, Austin drivers are the WORST inclement weather drivers. I saw someone with no headlights yesterday making their way in the rain. Ugh. I may have to wander over to Dave at Portlandize for some more rain-avoiding tips, as it appears this cold front ( its 89 ha!) is supposed to stay for a few days.

New Bicycle Lanes Planned

Austin officials have decided to add bike lanes along Barton Springs Road near Lamar. This is a welcome change in my opinion, as it provides a needed link between the Zilker Park and the BikePed Bridge, as well as South Congress. With the fast moving traffic, I usually try to pedal as fast as I can to the relative safety of Dawson street.

I'm glad they acknowledged the heavy bicycle use along that stretch of road and there needs to be safe space for cyclists. Now if only they would get the bicycle lanes to extend the entire stretch of S. Lamar, and then we could truly have an easily traveled neighborhood.

On the BikePed Bridge

This my favorite spot to photograph cyclists. They are set against a great backdrop, are generally pedaling slow, and you get all kinds of people. I took these yesterday, around seven in the evening. Despite the sun already going down, the temperature was still in the nineties.

Obviously coming back from Whole Foods, yum

Social cycling, another rare event here.

Check out the high bike!

I believe this was a planned social ride, I checked atxbs and found nothing...

My woeful photography skills can't capture the awesomeness of seeing all these bikes spiral down at once.

Bicycles On the Cheap

One of the many reasons to get a bicycle is to save money on gas and upkeep of a car. However, the small expenses of outfitting your bicycle for the commute may result in sticker shock, so I've gathered some ways to make your bicycle functional on the cheap. 

1. Panniers

These can cost a pretty penny, ranging from $30 to $100 and up. If you have a back rack with a spring loaded trap, then you can easily substitute reusable grocery bags. Place the handles through the trap, and they will fall on either side of your bicycle like panniers, and of course are super durable. I've transported milk and a six pack using this method. If rain is a concern, wrap your stuff up in plastic bags or plastic bags. Some of these bags come in lovely designs, but I had the standard issue green HEB (local grocery chain) ones. They cost a $1.

2. Basket

These you can find relatively cheap, but the rear ones can be costlier. Solution? A plastic crate. You find these behind every convenience and big box store. I had a bright red Coca Cola crate and tied it on using zip ties. Obviously they are very durable since they are meant for stacking, and can hold quite a bit of weight. I also used these for transporting groceries, and would lace the bag handles through the crate holes for security. With some creative thinking, you could make a cover for your crate like some of the fancier back racks. 

Neither of these solutions are for cross country commuting (I would imagine), but these work great as everyday commute solutions.

3. Cycle Gear

Do away with the hassle of bringing a change of clothes and ride in the clothes you already own. This is a no-brainer for many, but I mention it because there are some obstacles you will face. First, oily grease is not a good look on anyone. A chainguard and fenders will keep your clothes looking nice and free from the moving parts of your bicycle. I have neither on my bicycle, and get around those problems by wearing skirts and dresses most days. It's easier to get grease off my leg than my slacks. If you are a guy, I see them using a clip on their jeans. I also see many wearing capri pants, but from a woman's perspective I don't like them. Sunglasses are a good idea, especially here in Austin, where you are guaranteed to not have any shade whatsoever at least part of your trip. In the winter, wear gloves, even if you would not normally. Since your hands are in a static position most of the time, they get frozen quickly. I also like to carry a handkerchief around to quickly get sweat off my brow and upper lip.

4. Go to a bike swap meet. Those are good places to find quality parts for a good price, some give away stuff for free. I found my back rack at Frankenbike here in Austin for $40. It's better to see things in person, especially when you are dealing with bike parts. My rack seemed a perfect fit, but we still had to enlarge the holes with a drill so I could attach it. Imagine trying to get the right fit over the Internet. Plus, they are fun, and here in Austin they had free beer.

Some things to splurge on: a good lock and Krog lights. The first one is self-explanatory, but Krog lights are these wonderful little LED lights that require no mount and can easily go from one bicycle to another. They are pricier than lights from Wal-Mart, but are worth it. The light they emit is powerful, and they are light and smushy enough to stuff in your purse.

Any other money saving ideas?