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News, commentary and humor about bicycling and other topics of the day

 

Cyclists see green -- and they're furious!

In the wake of the green bike boxes in Portland, Ore., here's an item I recently ran across from Great Britain:

Cyclists furious as council paint
everything else luminous green

Cyclists in Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire, UK) have reacted angrily to a decision by town planners to make buildings, trees, street furniture and the road itself much easier to see by painting them all luminous green. The decision follows a number of near misses where pedestrians almost bumped into street furniture or large buildings and then threatened to sue the council on the grounds that they should be more clearly marked. ...

But local cyclists are furious at the plan that has made them the same colour as their immediate surroundings. "We’ve all spent a fortune on these luminous jackets, trousers and cycle clips" said local cyclist Mark Randle. "Suddenly our hi-visibility cycling gear has turned into the most effective camouflage available. Now we’re completely invisible." Read more ...

A tip of the hat to St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation forum letting me know about this development.

Labels: advocacy, cycling, safety, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 2:21 PM

Friday, February 22, 2008

'Change Your View' TV spots

The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation has produced four public service announcements that promote bicycling for transportation. They've been posted on YouTube, as you can see below, and they're being shown on KMOV-TV, Channel 4, in St. Louis. It's four 30-second spots in one video.



As you can see, the four spots are devoid of cyclists wearing lycra shorts and multicolored cycling jerseys. But they are wearing helmets. No doubt, the spots are trying to show that bicycling is a form of transportation for everyone.

Patty Vinyard, the group's executive director, said the spots will be shown on other St. Louis TV stations in the near future.

Labels: advocacy, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 11:20 AM

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Reward offered in hit-and-run accidents that injure cyclists

In response to hit-and-run accidents that injured cyclists in the St. Louis area, the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation has set up a Hit and Run Justice Fund to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of hit and run motorists who injure or kill a cyclist.

You either can make the donation online or you can send the donation to the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation, Hit and Run Justice Fund, P.O. Box 23086, St. Louis, MO 63156.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Three bicyclists have been hit by motorists in two crashes since Saturday, and in both cases, motorists fled from the scene.

A pickup struck two bicyclists Saturday afternoon on Olive Street Road, near Eatherton Road, in Chesterfield, Mo., Chesterfield police say. The truck, towing a horse trailer, passed three bicyclists riding single file and the trailer clipped two of them, pushing them off their bicycles and into a ditch.

About 5:40 p.m. Monday, a driver in a dark SUV struck a St. Louis man riding his mountain bike at Cole Street and Broadway in downtown St. Louis. KMOV-TV, Channel 4, in St. Louis also had a segment about the downtown accident, and you can see raw video, photos and a brief story online at KMOV.com.

The St. Louis BikeFed's fund originally was prompted by the downtown St. Louis accident, but BikeFed has extended the fund to other accidents.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has upped the ante on the reward in the downtown accident. Saying that "hit and run is a cowardly action," Slay has added $500 to reward.

"This effort is completely grassroots," Russ Willis, chair of the Bike Fed's committee on policy and advocacy said in a press release. "We had hundreds of dollars in pledges even before we made the fund official. The ‘Hit and Run Justice Fund’ will continue even after this case. Especially now, with motorists being pushed off Highway 40/64 and onto surface roads, there is a heightened awareness among cyclists of the difficulties of sharing the roads with motorists."

Witnesses of the two accidents are urged to contact St. Louis or Chesterfield police.

Labels: accidents, advocacy, safety, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 10:27 AM

Monday, January 28, 2008

Productive day at the Swap Meet

We made it into the 50s here in the St. Louis area on Sunday, but I didn't get a chance to get on my bike.

My first stop of the day was the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation Swap Meet. My primary purpose there was to deliver Tour de Stooges brochures, but it turned out more productive than that.

I've written frequently about the League of Illinois Bicyclists and the Missouri Bicycle Federation, but I had never met their respective executive directors, Ed Barsotti and Brent Hugh, until Sunday. Both groups had a successful 2007 as far as getting bicycle-friendly legislation passed, and they're hoping to build upon those successes this year.

A common theme was "Complete Streets" legislation, which requires state highway departments to consider bicycle and pedestrians ways when designing road projects. Illinois lawmakers passed "Complete Streets" legislation last year, despite an amendatory veto by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and Ed will be working to make sure state officials follow through. Meanwhile, Brent said the MoBikeFed will be working to get Missouri lawmakers to approve "Complete Streets" legislation.

But for the most part, our conversations were off-the-record, get-acquainted talks.

Meanwhile, Steve Sleet of St. Louis-based Trailnet said the group still is developing bicycle routes to serve as an alternate to Clayton Road and other popular streets that have seen a big increase of traffic because of the shutdown of Interstate 64/Highway 40 in St. Louis County. Trailnet is seeking permission from the various communities before "Share the Road" signs are installed.

It appeared the St. Louis BikeFed had a nice turnout at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Ill., and many people had bikes on their car. No doubt, many of them took advantage of the warm temperatures to ride on the nearby Madison County Transit Schoolhouse Trail, which passes near the convention center.

Labels: advocacy, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 12:21 PM

Monday, January 21, 2008

BikeFed Swap Meet and Classic Bike Show

Just a reminder: The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation's 6th annual Swap Meet and Classic Bike Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive in Collinsville, Ill.

Bicycle vendors will be showing and selling all sorts of bicycles and bicycle goods for great prices. the organization says. Vendors include several local bike shops, individuals, groups and more and many come from around the country. Admission is $6 in advance (buy online), $7 at the door.

This year’s Bike Swap includes:

• Bike fittings by Tim Ray of FitPro. For a small fee, Tim will measure you correctly so you know what size bike to buy. All proceeds from the fee will be donated to the Bike Fed.
• Bring your old bicycle inner tubes (please, no slime inside) and bicycle tires. REI will collect at their booth for recycling.
• Members of the Circus Day Foundation's St. Louis Arches, a youth circus troupe, will perform a bicycle circus show at 12:30 p.m.
• Question and Answer panel discussion with regional bicycling advocates at 2:00 p.m.

A Classic Bike Show also will take place. Show your classic bicycle in one of these categories: Stingray Original, Stingray Restored, Balloon Tire, Middleweight, BMX, Special Interest, and Best of Show. Entry for the Classic Bike Show is $5 per bike plus admission. Prizes will be awarded. Many of the antique bicycles will be for sale. Contact Dan Schmitz 636-271-2600 or dan@stlmusclebikes.com for more information on the Classic Bike Show.

“This swap meet is the best way to find great bargains on cycling equipment all under one roof” said Karen Karabell, chair of the Bike Fed. “We want to support the cycling community, whether that be trail riders or bike commuters, in every way we can. One way to do that is to offer them the best deals in town.”

For more information, go online to the Swap Meet page at: www.stlbikefed.org or call 314-707-5001.

Labels: St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 2:22 PM

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Swap Meet and Classic Bike Show

To divert our attention from the cold, damp and dreary weather outside, the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation is announcing plans for its sixth annual Swap Meet and Classic Bike Show.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Jan 27, at the Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive in Collinsville, Ill.

Non-profits, individuals, and bike-related businesses are invited to reserve a 10’x10’ vendor space or larger prior to Jan. 16 to sell bike-related goods.

Prices for bicycle - related booths (Prior to Jan. 16):

• Bike Business member: $100 for one booth, $175 for two, $350 for 3 to 4 booths.
• Bike Business non-member: $125 for one booth, $225 for two, $400 for 3 to 4 booths.
• Non-Profits: $50 for one booth, $75 for two booths.
• Racing teams, riding clubs and collector clubs: $35 for one booth, $50 for two booths.
• Individual BikeFed member: $20 for one booth, $25 for two booths.
• Individual non-member: $25 for one booth, $35 for two booths.

A Classic Bike Show also will take place. Show your classic bicycle in one of these categories: Stingray Original, Stingray Restored, Balloon Tire, Middleweight, BMX, Special Interest and Best of Show. Entry for the Classic Bike Show is $5 per bike plus admission ($6 in advance/$7 day of). Prizes will be awarded. The public is invited to vote. For information on the Classic Bike Show, contact Dan Schmitz at 636-271-2600 or dan@stlmusclebikes.com.

For more information on the Bicycle Swap, contact (314) 707-5001 or swapmeet@stlbikefed.org, or go online to http://www.stlbikefed.org.

Labels: bicycles, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 9:54 AM

Saturday, November 03, 2007

St. Louis bike rack design winner

Patty Vinyard, acting executive director of the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation, passed along this press release about the winner of the group's bike rack competition:

The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation has announced Justin Gerard of St. Louis as the winner of its bike rack design competition. The competition is part of the Bike Parking Demonstration Project which aims to work with local municipalities and businesses to get approximately 100 bike racks in the ground. The Bike Fed selected Justin’s design out of the 40 design submissions it received.

Justin’s design is reminiscent of the St. Louis Arch and incorporates a medallion that can carry a bike image or customized sponsor advertising. In addition to receiving name recognition on all racks produced with his artwork, Justin will also be able to choose the location for a bike rack to be installed.

The Bike Parking Demonstration Project received $40,000 in federal funding and a $5,000 grant from REI Gives.In addition, $5,000 will be funded to the Project through donations from individuals as well as matching funds from the William A. Kerr Foundation.

Honorable mentions in the bike rack design competition include: Brian Bergfeld, Mathew Wright, Robin Murez, Elizabeth Kramer and Annemarie Spitz.

About REI Gives: Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation. REI employees nominate organizations, projects, and programs in which they are personally involved to receive funding or gear donations. During 2006, REI granted $4 million to more than 430 of our community partners.

About the William A. Kerr Foundation: The William A. Kerr Foundation is a small family foundation funded by the estate of, and named after William A. Kerr. The Foundation is managed by Kerr’s two nephews, John Sweet of St. Louis, and William Sweet of Walnut Creek, California. The foundation focuses the majority of its charitable grants in these two geographical areas.

I like the design of the rack, at least on an aesthetic level. It incorporates the most iconic image of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch, and the medallions are a nice touch. Are the racks practical? That's a question that those of you who are engineers or use bike racks more often than I do might be able to answer.

Labels: bike racks, St. Louis, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 2 comments links to this post 1:31 AM

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Bike rack design competition

The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation invites artists, designers, cyclists and other creative people to submit creative bike rack designs for short term, outdoor bike parking.

The Bike Fed has secured a federal grant to place bike racks in St. Louis city and St. Louis County in the coming months. Winners will have their names on all racks built with their designs and be able to select one location on public property in the city or the county to have their rack installed (subject to restrictions). Deadline for submissions is May 20.

You can either download an entry form (PDF) or get a form by mail by sending a request to Bob Foster or Patty Vinyard at info@stlbikefed.org.

Labels: bike racks, St. Louis, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 1:48 PM

Friday, January 26, 2007

Busy, busy, busy

The Tour de Stooges and the Tour de Grape are more than three months away, the Tour de Belleville is about six months away, and the Tour de Coal ride is about eight months away. But I haven't written much here because of planning and other projects related to those three rides.

Because of the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation's Bike Swap Meet on Sunday at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Ill., I had to pick up the pace on getting the brochure on Tour de Stooges ready to go. I normally don't print those until late February or early March, but the meet and the deep discounts we're offering for early registration have forced me to get them printed this week.

The swap meet also forced me to attempt to fix the problem with the mailing list for the Belleville Area Bicycling and Eating Society so I can get the word out about the meet and upcoming events. I had to download an update to the Dada Mail program we use to send the newsletters, and as far as I'm aware, just about everyone received it.

I will be spending all day at the Tour de Grape booth at the meet. I have to work solo because the rest of the ride main organizers will be recovering from HavenHouse St. Louis' annual HopeFest auction that raises money for the group, which provides lodging for the families of children receiving treatment at St. Louis-area hospitals. Meanwhile, Gateway Council of Hostelling International-USA Executive Director Mark Cockson and hardy volunteers will be giving out information about that group's great rides, including Tour de Stooges and Cycle Across Missouri.

From what I understand, some people over at STLBikeFed were a little concerned about having the event in Illinois instead of Missouri. I don't think that's a big worry. People from Missouri are used to coming to Illinois for weekend bicycle rides, and it's not that difficult to drive from downtown St. Louis to Collinsville. I'm certain the Gateway Center will be a much nicer venue for the event than the previous sites, and it will help build the visibility of STLBikeFed on this side of the river.

On Monday and Tuesday, I met with organizers of Tour de Belleville and Tour de Coal.

This year's Tour de Belleville will be Friday, July 13, and will feature routes of 7 and 14. Money raised from the event will be used to purchase emergency phones for the Richland Creek Greenway/MetroLink Trail. Last year was the first year for the event, and it drew about 500 cyclists.

Tour de Coal, also in its second year, will be Saturday, Sept. 22, in Benld, Ill. Organizers were encouraged by the turnout on a cool, cloudy day, and they're expecting a nice turnout for the event. Tour de Coal features routes of 15, 30 and 63 through the flat-to-rolling rural scenery of southern Macoupin County.

Here's hoping next week I have more time to spend on the indoor trainer!

Labels: cycling, Gateway Council of Hostelling International, Illinois, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation, Tour de Coal, Tour de Grape, Tour de Stooges

Roger 1 comments links to this post 12:20 AM

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Bicycle Swap Meet coming Jan. 28

The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation is putting on its 5th annual Bicycle Swap Meet & Classic Bike Show on Sunday, Jan, 28, at the Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive in Collinsville, Ill.

The event will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m. Admission to the event is $5.50. The STLBikeFed also is offering a Early Bird Special for $10.50, which allows you in the building at 10:30 a.m. so you pick out your dream bike.

For full details about the event, click on the image at left to download a PDF flier, but here's a quick rundown on what you can expect:

>> Bike vendors of all types selling their wares at great prices.

>> A classic bike show featuring Stingray, balloon-tire and middleweight bikes.

>> Entertainment, including the St. Louis Arches youth circus troupe.

I'll be there, but it will be a work day for me. I will be busy promoting the Tour de Stooges and Tour de Grape. Hope to see you there!

Labels: bicycles, cycling, St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation

Roger 0 comments links to this post 2:42 PM