[For nearly three years now, I’ve been rounding up the bike news every Monday morning right here. It’s been a good run, and I’m moving on to other adventures, including writing regularly at Grist and at my new blog, Taking the Lane. Keep in touch, and thanks for reading and sharing. And don’t forget to support this site, and this column’s sponsor, the awesome Harvest Century. — Elly]
So…one last time, here’s the news that caught my eye this week:
– Hurricane Irene blew along the east coast this week, leaving many streets filled with water and debris. Bicycling conditions don’t seem ideal, but many people are taking to two wheels anyway. In Richmond, Virginia, a columnist offers advice for postapocalyptic biking.
– The day of the recent earthquake out east, though, DC’s bike sharing system was an essential part of the evening commute, clocking record ridership while the subway system was shut down.
– A parent in Elizabethton, Tennessee is being threatened by law enforcement for letting her 10-year old ride to school. Bike Walk Tennessee has the story.
– Jack Layton, the Toronto politician and pioneering bicycle advocate, passed away last week.
– In Mexico City, a radio news commentator specializing in economic issues called the city’s growing bicycling population a “plague” and “savages” and called on listeners to “throw your vehicle at them and flatten them.” The government has issued public statements taking him to task.
– In Santa Monica, a man allegedly ran someone on a bike off the road in a fit of road rage and then claimed it was the other guy’s fault, but don’t worry, the entire incident is on video.
– In NYC, demand for indoor, secure bike parking in residential buildings—or at least the ability to bring bicycles inside your own apartment—is on the rise.
– A carfree housing complex is planned for Melbourne, Australia, but people who bike regularly say that surrounding road infrastructure has some catching up to do.
– In Pittsburgh, people and businesses are moving specifically to be able to use the city’s network of bike trails for their daily transportation.
– The city of Hoboken, New Jersey has big ideas about bike infrastructure—with plans to give bike-friendly treatments to 80% of its streets.
– Cleveland is the latest city to embrace the bike station—its Bike Rack opened last week, providing secure parking, showers, and bike rentals.
– California, which has already outlawed talking on the phone while driving, may now extend the law to people riding bicycles.
– In Seattle, the Cyclopy is a parade float mounted to an old car chassis converted to bicycle power that takes seven people to pedal—slowly—with one to steer and brake.
– The pre-eminent bicycling cartoonist of Orem, Utah says that he drew many of his early works while actually riding his bike.
– A special film series from PBS examines “Old People Driving” and offers a glimpse into just how entrenched private car travel is in American culture.
– Invention of the week: The self-inflating bicycle tire that clips into your tube and maintains steady air pressure.
Portland links
– Cartlandia, the cart pod with access from the Springwater Corridor held its grand opening this week. Among the pods celebrating was The Bike Rack, Portland’s first bike shop cart.
– Caleb Pruitt, the man who hit and killed Angela Burke while she walked across SW Barbur Blvd back in December, apologized to Burke’s family and was sentenced to five years in prison.
– Waiting for the Morrison Bridge bikeway to re-open? Don’t hold your breath. The Oregonian reports that a squabble between the contractor and the County has left the project at a stalemate.
– Once again, the New York Times visited Portland, and once again, bicycling loomed large in their report.
– An illegal BMX course was discovered among sensitive wetlands in Clackamas. While officials decry the incident, some say it just shows the dire need for more places to ride. Video from KGW-TV coverage below…
— Thanks to the non-profit Community Vision and their annual Harvest Century (October 8th) for support of the Monday Roundup!