henrys's blog

It's not Cold! It's Bracing!

Submitted by henrys on Wed, 2010-12-01 14:54

A lot of our response to weather (and everything else) depends on our attitude.

My attitude is, It's not Cold, It's Bracing!

Then again, I do dress for the weather. I cover my legs (still wearing bike shorts) whenever it's below 60 degrees, and wear a windbreaker (bright yellow) at that temperature.

I add full gloves and ear coverings if it's below 55 degrees, and add a second layer if it's below 40 degrees, or if I'll be riding into a wind.

Crash Happens

Submitted by henrys on Tue, 2010-11-23 11:42

Portland did a recent study of cyclist safety. For an inside view, go to http://www.grist.org/article/2010-11-22-bicycle-safety-by-the-numbers

We don't have many studies of bike accidents. Cross and Fisher did the studies I'm most familiar with, in the 80's. Meyer Hillman (I think) estimated that the chance of a cyclist fatality are about the same as for a motorist, per mile of travel, if the cyclist wears a helmet. Some studies collected data from hospital ERs, but that misses most crashes, which don't require anything medical.

Region Falling Behind, Will Lose

Submitted by henrys on Fri, 2010-09-17 22:39

Lots of folks are more mobile than ever. Their jobs don't require that they live in one particular place, so they can live anywhere.

They used to choose Atlanta. In the '60's, Atlanta was the safe haven for the south, where integration happened without demonstrations or riots. Delta connected Atlanta to the rest of the country in the '70's. In the '90's, Atlanta sold itself as an International City. We've benefited by being open to blacks and gays, so they chose to move in.

Being Pro-Bike!

Submitted by henrys on Wed, 2010-09-15 17:36

In 1980, a guy named Ted decided we needed a bike conference. The first pro-bike was held in Asheville, NC, and has been held every two years after that. I attended the meeting in 1992, 1994, and 1996.

Now it's Pro-Walk Pro-Bike, held this year in Chattanooga. I'm here, along with 20 or so folks from Atlanta. Six of us have had our ticket paid by the good folks with the Southern Bicycle League (for five, the conference fee only).

Bicycle Street Art

Submitted by henrys on Tue, 2010-09-07 13:12

Just found this lovely post of bike art.

My personal favorite is probably "Make Bike Not Car" but they are all worth looking at, especially if you could be inspired to create your own (or steal someone else's) and put it on the street for the rest of us to enjoy.

City Rambler - San Francisco

Submitted by henrys on Sun, 2010-08-08 10:27

I'm here on vacation, facing a high of 58 degrees today, and wanted to give a few notes.

First. a court case recently resolved, allowing the city to put in more bike lanes after a break of several years. The San Francisco Chronicle news story on it made reference to the "politically powerful" bicycle community. What will it take for Atlanta to have a "politically powerful" bike community? Should some of our members run for City Council?

City Rambler: SUMMER COMFORT

Submitted by henrys on Thu, 2010-06-24 18:43

Some people think it's unbearably hot out -- but I disagree. It's GREAT! Nor do I end my bike commute covered with sweat. Let me share some of my methods, Watson, that may make your riding more comfortable.

Streets ALIVE! It worked!

Submitted by henrys on Tue, 2010-05-25 12:21

I saw a lot of happy folks at the first Atlanta STREETS ALIVE! event. The vendors at the Sweet Auburn Curb market seemed happy. The kids with the hoola-hoops were having a great time. The regulars at the Vesuvius Pizza were curious, but came out to watch the crowd (and be watched). The dancers who got it together under the Interstate, the mini-circus set up by GSU, the belly dancers in Woodruff Park, all had their fans.

Looking for best weekday route - MARTA to Silver Comet

Submitted by henrys on Sun, 2010-04-18 16:10

A little help, please

A sagged bike tour group plans to go from an Atlanta MARTA Station to the Silver Comet Trail, ON A WEEKDAY. Google Maps suggests a few options. I've ridden one or two, and I can't say that I like them much, but they are possible.

Option 1A: Leave from the Hamilton Holmes Station on the West line. Take Holmes, Hightower, Hollywood 4.4 m, then go up S Cobb Drive for 2.8 miles, total 7.2 m

Cyclist on Critical Mass struck by car

Submitted by henrys on Mon, 2010-03-01 22:53

According to local Atlanta TV station 11Alive, a man stuck at an intersection drove his car (slowly) and struck a cyclist on the Critical Mass ride last Friday: video link. The man reportedly flashed a badge and claimed to be a police officer -- but he did not do any of the lawful things a police officer might have done to affect the ride.

Several details surprise me:

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