Bicycle Efficiency by Steve Jobs

"I read a study that measured the efficiency of locomotion for various species on the planet. The condor used the least energy to move a kilometer. Humans came in with a rather unimpressive showing about a third of the way down the list. ... then someone at Scientific American had the insight to test the efficiency of locomotion for a man on a bicycle, [who] blew the condor away. That's what a computer is to me... the most remarkable tool that we've ever come up with. It's the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds." --Steve Jobs, in a 1990 interview

A vision

Why can we do something like this?

http://www.thebicyclecellar.com/

U.S. Bicycle Route System

Here's an recent,interesting blog article by Sec. Ray LaHood. He gets it!

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/06/us-bike-route-growing.html

Is it really this complicated?

After reading Elly Blue's delightful and informational article on gender and bicycling.

Riding in style makes bicycling more appealing to women and men. Thats why my next venture will be into the bike fashion realm!

Yes, I've recognized that there are more males riding bikes than females, but where does one begin to understand why? I just want to ride and love getting others hooked on it too. Whatever it takes to get someone on a bike, lets do it!

Okay so maybe it is and economics plays a huge role. Women still make 77 cent for each dollar that men make doing the same jobs. Women also make more trips especially when childcare duties come into the picture. Perhaps we would see more women on bikes if there were more fashionable and functional attire and accessories. Who knows. I think my next page will simply be: ideas for riding in style with what you already got. Stay tuned!

Until then, check out:
Bicycling’s gender gap: It’s the economy, stupid

Bike up an Appetite – Dine by Bicycle!

Looking for something fun and new to do for dinner some night? Plan to meet friends or your sweetie for a bicycle ride to a favorite local restaurant. Get a little dressed-up in something light and airy and share food and conversation with people you love. Saving money but still want to dine out? Warm summer evenings are perfect for picnics. Load your bike with food packed from home and dine out in a nearby park. Get some exercise in before by meeting friends for a 10 – 20 mile leisurely ride before digging in.

Bicycling in the Rain

Make your turns slowly and consistently; no jerky movements.

Water on the rims will lubricate your brake system making it hard to stop; to allow a greater distance for stopping.

Manhole covers or metal grates, painted traffic markings, and wet leaves can be very slick.

Protect yourself - Visibility can be limited during a storm; wear bright clothing.

Drip chain lube down into your brake and shifter cables to avoid rust.

Invest in a good rain jacket that covers your tush in the case you don't have fenders or your bike with fenders is out of commission. Showers Pass will be my next bike rain gear purchase.

Warm Weather Bicycling Tips

Always carry H2O! Install an extra water bottle cage to your bike frame.

If you get a flat, find shade to repair or replace your tube. This sometimes takes longer than it should and standing in the heat without the breeze from the bicycle can wear you out faster than you might think.

Consider wearing a light colored helmet with lots of vents. If you a dark colored helmet and can't afford purchasing a second, we suggest considering this option next time you buy. Remember: a helmet's life is three-five years, and if you do crash, always replace immediately.

Wear a pattern in muggy/hot weather to mask sweat stains. Floral patterns work especially well. -Simply Bike

Wear lighter colored clothing. Khakis, white, and pastels make for a cooler ride.

Wrap a cold bandana around your neck while riding.

Keep an extra H2O bottle in the freezer to grab on your way out.

Golf and tennis style shirts are often made with technical fabrics like Lycra and spandex. For those anti-spandex types, these styles are often formal enough to wear to the office and perfect for jaunts around town.

Ladies – wearing simple solid colored biking shorts under a skirt or dress guarantees a cool & breezy, non-flashy, yet fashionable fashionable ride.

Enjoy the ride and slow down.

IowaGoesByBicycle.com

First Time Bike to Work Commuter Contest

First time bike to work commuters!

Did you ride your bike to work for the first time this May?
If so, enter your name into the First Time Bike to Work Commuter Contest to win a Bontrager Back Rack at IowaGoesByBicycle.com.

The Iowa Goes By Bicycle Challenge wants to make it easier for you to commute by bicycle. Thanks for taking part in Bike to Work Month.

Hooked on going by bicycle to work? Good luck becoming a regular bike commuter!

Six Tips for Biking to Work

1. Tune up your bicycle.
If you can't make it into your local bike shop, do the ABC Quick Check. Make sure your chain and components are well lubed too.
Air Pressure: are you tires properly inflated?
Brakes: are they both working?
Chain and Crank: can you pedal smoothly? Are there any squeaks?
Quick releases: are they securely closed and tight?
Check: is there anything loose or rattling?

2. Wear a helmet.
If you don't own one, buy one.

3. Select the best route. Plan ahead of time using a local area trails map or check out Google's bicycling directions.

4. Dress for bicycling success!
Leave a little bit earlier, take your time, and enjoy your ride. This will keep you from sweating as much, but a little extra glow never hurt. Consider bringing a change of clothes and freshening up at work. Generally you will continue to sweat ten minutes after getting off the bike. Leave yourself 15 minutes to cool down before starting your day. Take advantage of shower facilities if they are available. Roll your clothes instead of folding them if you are taking them in a backpack or pannier. Put together a small toiletry bag of things you'll need to freshen up after your energizing commute.

5. Obey the laws of the road and be courteous to pedestrians, motorists and other bicyclists.

Have fun whisking away tension that comes from an occasional stressful workday on your bicycle commute home!

Bike to Work Week Works

Sarah Torgeson - My Bike is My New Hobby

Sarah talks to Iowa Goes By Bicycle about some of her experiences as a new cyclist and also offers advise to people who are just getting started as well.

For many of us when we started bicycling, we weren’t actively seeking it out as a serious new lifestyle. Maybe we tried it on a whim and were captivated by the freedom and fun. Maybe we were just filling a sunny summer afternoon when all of a sudden a surprising thought hit us: “Hey, I could really get into this.” Whatever it was, it didn’t take much to fall in love with that two-wheeled machine. In the same way, 28-year-old Sarah Torgeson was unexpectedly lured into cycling herself. One mile in the saddle, and she was hooked.

Read the full story at: http://www.iowagoesbybicycle.com/?q=node/74

Heres and excerpt from the interview.

IGBB: What got you interested in biking again?

Torgeson: My grandparents rode RAGBRAI a few times, into their 70s, which was amazing to me, and a few people at my work are avid cyclists who have also ridden RAGBRAI. I started riding for Bike To Work Week in 2009 and 2010, and my boyfriend is big into cycling. [W]hen we started dating, I started riding more. We also are part of North Iowa Bicycle Underground (NIBU) which does a lot of cycling events: bike polo, races, etc. It's become an exciting part of my life!

If Now is the Time, This is the Place

May is national bike month. If now is the time to try bicycling, Iowa City is the place. With gasoline pushing $4 a gallon, it seems like a no-brainer. Two-thirds of all car trips are less than one mile. Especially if you count looking for parking and other annoyances, biking can get you there faster and easier. Try it several times a week and you’ll see the savings in trips to the pump will begin to add-up.

Need another reason to try biking? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 75 percent of us don’t get enough exercise. The fuel for bicycling is the inexhaustible supply we carry around on our midriff that we seem to renew with ease. Biking just a few miles burns about 100 calories of energy. Revving up your internal engine that way will decrease your waistline and improve your health. Additionally, bicycling offers an inexpensive, family-friendly activity.

If now is the time, Iowa City is one of the best places to do it. Two years ago, the League of American Bicyclist, the national bike advocacy organization, recognized Iowa City as a “Bike Friendly Community.” According to the US Census, Iowa Citians bicycle for transportation at twice the national average.

Iowa City has many amenities that make biking around town do-able, including streets with bike-friendly street markings (sharrows) and Share the Road signs. There’s ample bike parking; a link on the website Think Bicycles (www.thinkbicycles.org) will help you get to your destination, and we have more than 80 miles of bike trails, too.

In May, area cyclists have organized a host of events to encourage bicycling.

If you need a bike to get started, check out the Iowa City Bike Library (www.bikelibrary.org). A small deposit will get you a reconditioned, mechanic-checked set of wheels for up to six months. If you like it, forgo the deposit (it’ll go to buy parts to recondition additional bikes) and keep the bike. A half-dozen locally owned bike shops sell new and used bikes.

If you would like some training in safe biking, Bicyclist of Iowa City (BIC) hosts five rides a week for riders of all abilities. You don’t have to be a member to ride (though bike helmets are required). The Thursday evening leisure rides are geared for beginners and families with an emphasis on safe riding. There are faster-paced rides, long rides, and rides to area weekend events. Check the BIC web-site (www.bicyclistsofiowacity.org) or the Press Citizen Thursday GO section for start times and locations.

In May, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, the statewide bike advocacy group, will tip-off a six-month challenge to recruit 1,000 new bicyclists. The Iowa Goes by Bike Challenge (www.iowagoesbybicycle.com) invites new riders to sign-up and receive tips on biking as well as an opportunity to win prizes for completing the challenge. What a fun way to get into the biking groove. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a significant number of new bikers riding around the area.

Beginning this Wednesday, May 4th, at Horn Elementary School, is the first of six bike rodeos at local schools sponsored by BIC and the AAA Auto Club. Bike rodeos are skill and safety education events geared toward kids 12 and under. University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Safety Store will sell bike helmets at a modest price, too. For dates and times of the bike rodeos check the Think Bicycles web site (www.thinkbicycles.org).

Bike to Work Week in Iowa City is May 15-21. Look for the posters around town, or click on the Bike to Work Week logo at the Think Bicycles web site. The week is chock full of special events and participants have an opportunity to win some great prizes donated by area businesses and groups. One of the featured events is the Mayor’s Ride from the New Pioneer Coop in Iowa City to the New Pioneer Coop in Coralville. On Wednesday, May 18, the ride leaves at 5:30 PM from Chauncey Swan Park across the street from the Iowa City Civic Center and New Pioneer Coop. Our destination is the Coralville Coop, where we’ll enjoy a picnic (courtesy of the New Pioneer), listen to music and win prizes at the raffle.

With all the options available, now is the time and Iowa City is the place to become a bicyclist.

Bob Oppliger (boboppliger@msn.com) is Education and Advocacy Coordinator for the Bicyclist of Iowa City.

Bicycle Ambulance

This was a new concept to me.

Check it out:http://www.benbikes.org.za/namibia/projects/ambulances.html

Where do all of our bikes go?

For the past couple of years, the Iowa City Bike Library has been in partnership with Working Bikes Cooperative in Chicago. Last year we sent over 300 bikes to Working Bikes to be sent overseas to projects like the one in this video, Maya Pedal.

Get a bike before the rush!

Now is the time to get a bicycle from the Bike Library. More bikes and no lines! Come in today before the weather gets too nice.