Commute-20f, warm, sunny

I am so optimistic about Spring. As I walked to the office today, I heard more birds singing their songs. 20f warm? I know, but being in the cold everyday and the fact the last two days were in the single digits, yes, 20f is warm.

I do need green!

carfreeAmerican project -profiles

Do you ride a bicycle for transportation, if so I would like to hear from you. I am looking for carfree/ carlite americans to profile for the blog and an up coming book, you wont be paid, but i will immortalize you :) If interested contact me at bill@poindexterrecruiting.com put carfreeAmerican project in the subject heading. peace! See the first profile on the blog tomorrow!

bicycle commuter profile-Laurie Chipman

I met Laurie about a year ago. I was immediately impressed with her passion for cycling and transportation alternatives. She is a strong carfree transportation advocate in the Kansas City area. She also is the chief organizer of the Brookside Ride on Thursday night. She is an extremely talented graphic designer and illustrator. She and her husband, Jeff Perry, not only commute by bike, but also are avid walkers and I think cross country skiers. They also take touring trips together.

Tell me a little bit about you (name, age, occupation, carfree or carlite, where you live).

"Laurie Chipman, 50s, graphic designer, illustrator, carlite, Midtown KC"

When did you start using a bicycle for commuting?

"About 2006"

What inspired you to start?

"I went to Chicago and saw the many cyclists and heard about Chicago's program to encourage bicycle use for trips up to 5 miles. It made sense to me. I also went to Holland in 2006 to partake in and observe a cycling nirvana. I decided that I want to live like that. I want to take my options to ride a bike, walk, use transit or drive."

What is a day in your bicycling life like?

"There is no typical day. Some days I do short commute rides for errands anywhere between Waldo and the Missouri River. Some days I do recreational rides between 16 miles up to 50 miles."

Do you recommend cycling to friends/family members/others? Have any taken you up on it?

"Yes, some people have tried it but I'm not that aware of any influence that I've had."

What kind of bike are you currently riding?

"Steel or aluminum bikes for touring, commuting, and fun."

In your opinion, what’s the best part about cycling?

"Seeing my environment at a slower pace, enjoying the outdoors, meeting people, having more interactions with my surroundings and the people in it, being self-propelled, being free from the constraints of cars, easy parking, getting exercise"

What’s the worst?

"Rude people and bad weather"

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone starting/ considering commuting by bike?

"Get a bike that fits, learn your route or ride with someone else to help you, learn the rules of the road and your rights."

Anything else you would like to add?

"Riding is just as much fun as you remember it as a kid. Don't be afraid. Learn the skills. Most roads most of the time don't have much traffic—learn where they are. Have fun!"

bike commuting in winter-easier than you think!

15f degrees, sunny, slight wind. I have been walking more the last few days in the morning and riding in the evenings. I am always amazed of the beauty of the world from atop a bicycle.

When it is cold like this, the primary issue is not getting frostbite. It is not so much the cold as it is the wind generated while on the bike. But to the novices out there, or the cyclists that think it is too cold ride-it is fine to ride! Just wear warm clothes with good ventilation. If you are only going a short distance wear what you want!

My gear today: helmet with Nashbar rain cover (keeps head warm), Bolle' vigilante sunglasses, fleece skull cap, fleece neck gaiter, one light weight long sleeve micro polyester t shirt, one Patagonia fleece jacket, a Mt Borah cycling wind breaker, Pearl Izumi winter gloves, Columbia micro fleece pants, Smartwool socks, and Vasque light weight hikers. That's it!

My focus in riding is to be comfortable and have clothes and gear that makes sense for the weather. There is a myth that you have to wear all cycling only gear, that is not true, your can wear whatever makes sense for you-there is allot of flexibility there! For instance in winter I wear hiking boots rather than clipless shoes if there is ice and snow, just so I can get my feet down quickly if I slip,and it is a nice change from being clipped in the rest of the year and makes me focus more on the pedal stoke.

I love riding in all weather and all year!

Reason not to drive a fossil fuel car

Carfree Americans-Laura and Russ

I really admire these two! They are living the life many of us only dream about.

The are not only traveling, but they are working too. You might say they are nomads.

pathlesspedaled.com

Please take a look at their site and enjoy the ride.

National Bike Summit-League of American Bicyclists

The Leaugue of American Bicyclists is an incredible organization! Please support them and come to the Bike Summit! They are the folks who fight for our rights and help make the world more bicycle friendly!


National Bike Summit 2010 - Building on 10 Years of Progress

Bicycling has come a long way in the last 10 years. Our movement has grown larger and more effective; the number of people riding is growing in almost every community in the nation. We need more people on bikes more often, and the reasons just keep on growing. Whether it’s obesity, health care, climate change, air quality, energy independence, traffic congestion, economic development or quality of life issues – bicycling has got to be part of the solution. In 2010, Congress and our Federal agencies will be setting national targets and goals for 2020. They will be writing transportation, climate, health care, natural resources and other critical pieces of legislation that will shape our future. Bicycling must be prominently featured in these important pieces of legislation, documents, funding streams and programs.
Ten years ago, the first National Bike Summit brought just over 100 advocates and industry leaders to Washington, D.C. – this year we need to be closer to 1,000 participants to make a strong impact. Join us and speak up for bicycling; discover how your voice can truly be heard. Help the League of American Bicyclists celebrate 10 years of progress, and help us propel into a new decade of the bicycle!