Why am I carfree?

Funny, seems like the reasons change.

One day I am carfree;
 for the environment,
another to save money,
better health,
to be cool,
be closer to my community,
to spite the auto industry and oil companies,
to save the world,
I love to bike and walk,
 and I am sure more reasons.

There is no one reason.

Over the years the reasons seem to blend. Changing day by day. That is OK, because they all make sense.
At least they make sense to me.

The first time I considered life without a car was when I met Helen. She worked in a bookstore in Prairie Village. She lived a mile from the store. She did not own a car. She would walk or bike everyday to her job. She was not particularly fit looking. A middle age woman, average body type, and she wore jeans and a t-shirt. She did not ride for any reason. "Not owning a car," she said, "just makes sense for me."

Sometimes we do things for reasons.

Sometimes the reason is; it just makes sense.

some thoughts regarding National Bike Month.

I saw; a teenage girl whiz by on a road bike, elderly man ride to the store on a city bike, and another elderly man on a road bike. But that is it this morning!

I hope the people who rode their bikes for transportation during bike month- and bike week- keep riding.

It is one thing to ride for Bike Month, it is another thing to ride because you make a conscious decision to change . Whether you are seeking; better health, saving money, cleaner environment, or just plain fun, I would like to encourage you to ride your bike for transportation, or walk.

Do not take the mass transit unless you need to.

You are important to the world. We need your help to make it a better place. Ride your bike, walk, enjoy life. If we want to see change, from all people, we must be the change we want to see.

As I write this, I saw two more cyclists riding by,  both for transportation a woman going to the store, and a man in street clothes. Oh, and there is another, coming to the store on his road bike.
So come on people. Today we ride, tomorrow...we ride, we ride.

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Why are you carlite or carfree?

Why?

I think it is an important question to ask.

Health, environment, community, or selfish enjoyment?

Let me know!

Peace, Bill

world from carfree eyes

Through carfree eyes

the bike mechanic

                             trickster

the out of towner

elite

funeral in the rain

respect

peace, Bill

Bike Week tip- find a mentor when you first start cycling

Most mentors are older, two of mine are younger. Bill Marshall and Shadd Smith. Both are good friends and are racers. 

In the picture Shadd is in the middle and Bill on on the right, this is a trip to Moab they were on.

When I met them back in 2001, it was at the Star Bucks in Prairie Village. I was just starting to commute full time and at that time was carfree too.

Even though Bill and Shadd were elite cyclists, they would always take the time to chat with me. If I had questions about cycling they would answer them. And they would always encourage me.                 

                                                                                   
At that time I was about 50lbs heavier than I am now, and I remember thinking how cool it was that these too guys, younger than I, would mentor me.

The advice I received was great-tips on equipment, pedals, types of bikes, bit fit, how to ride in traffic, places to ride and stories of their rides. All helped formed me into the cyclist I am now.

So, find a mentor, someone with alot of experience. Cycling, although very simple in many ways, has alot of complexity to it, especially if you are commuting by bike. Knowing someone who is willing to share their experience can make you a safer cyclist and make your riding more enjoyable, especially as your confidence grows.

Thanks Bill and Shadd!

Peace, Bill P

Revolve Inc fundraiser tonight!

Revolve is a non profit that is focuses on safety programs and bike education for children and adults. This is a great cause, I will be there at 6pm and hope you will too!!!!

FaceBook link:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=114156665286198&index=1


Kansas City's cycling nonprofit Cranks it Up a notch in a Bike Week fundraiser to celebrate cycling.

Here is what your $10 donation to the Cause gets you:

Up Close & Personal with women's pro racer and former Kansas City resident, Kelly Fisher-Benjamin. Kelly will be signing posters and bringing signed Colavita/Baci jerseys for the auction.

A chance to bid on these fabulously framed items:
Paris-Roubaix posters signed by Eddy Merckx (3)
Jelly Belly team poster signed by MO native Brad Huff
Signed photo of Brooke Miller: 2008 Road & Crit National Champion
Signed photo of Alison Starnes: Team Tibco
Tour of MO jersey signed by George Hincapie

Pizza provided by Spin Pizza

6:30PM to 8:30PM



Family Bicycles

7140 Wornall Rd, KCMO 64114



RSVP please! info@revolvekc.org

Bike week interview

Fox 4 Interview with Bill Poindexter


http://www.kansascyclist.com/news/2010/05/carfree-on-kansas-city-tv/

KANSAS CITY, MO - The Kansas City metro area is so spread out, and have so few bike lanes, it's not exactly the most bike-friendly place to live. But as Bike Week kicks off in Kansas City, one metro man says that he didn't just give up his car for a week, he's been car-free for a whole year.




Bill Poindexter says that he's living proof that not only is it possible to get around the city on bike, it's actually pretty fun.



"Last year I rode around 9,000 miles," said Poindexter. "I just said to myself 'Why do you need this car? You're not using it, it's a waste of money'."



Poindexter says that Kansas City are usually friendly, but he'd like area to have more bike lanes.



"If we had a city where more bike lanes were available, I think more people we would be comfortable using bike lanes," said Poindexter.



Metro bicycle advocacy groups say that they are pushing for changes to make the area more bike-friendly, but until then cyclists should focus on safety.



"It's very important for people to take bike safety in their own hands, like wearing a helmet and riding in a predictable manner," said Sarah Shipley of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation. "Those things are important to bike safety."



The average commute in Kansas City is around 20 miles, so bicycle advocates don't expect everyone to switch to cycling full-time. But advocates say that there are ways for people to change their daily habits.



"If you can carpool, ride share, walk, take the bus, we just want you out of your car and moving," said Shipley.



Poindexter says that in the 10 years he's been cycling, he's lost 130 pounds. He also says that he loves doing his part to help the environment. But the real reason that he says he does it?



"The main reason I do it is fun," said Poindexter. "It's like being a kid again."