(Photo © J. Maus)
Here’s the news that caught our eye this week:
– London has officially launched their new bike-sharing scheme with a fleet of 6,000. Here’s a look into how the technology works.
– In Anchorage, Alaska a change in municipal code is being considered that would give the right-of-way to motor vehicles at roadway crossings and make people operating bicycles liable for being struck while crossing a roadway.
– In Montreal, public parks are increasingly banning bicycling from pathways, leading to frustration over the city’s limited amount of available carfree space.
– A seminary in Mumbai has reportedly issued a ban on women riding bicycles after age 13.
– Portlanders experiencing homelessness find increased freedom and mobility through owning a bicycle. (For more on this subject see our occasional Street Life series.)
– In Pensacola, Florida, a teenager died after a police officer tasered him while he was riding his bicycle. Warning, the video accompanying the story is graphic.
– In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a bicycle patrol officer was injured in a hit and run and his partner fired shots at the vehicle as it sped away.
– Commute by bike? Don’t…gasp…own a car? That might make you cool in Portland, but don’t worry, Hollywood still thinks you’re a loser.
– Meanwhile, an old cycling path is being widened in the Netherlands with minimal fanfare.
– The newest proponent of electric bicycles is none other than Pee Wee Herman.
– In NYC, after the third annual Papergirl gallery show, the art will be rolled up and delivered by bicycle to strangers on the street.
– And finally, a video: the Pedal Safety Song music video from the UK circa 1978 cheerfully and catchily urges you to “get yourself seen.”