Old BL Video

Here's a blast from the past!... fall of 2006, if I remember correctly. Thanks to Jack Brooks for creating the video.

Iowa City Bike Library

miracle on two wheels, indeed

I don't even know if I should post this because I like that this blog is mostly a place about the cool things people are able to do WITH their bicycles.  But, eh, I guess it's good to know exactly what kind of morons are out there.  In public office, no less. 

Really, sir.  Get a clue already!  19th century solution to a 21st century problem???

found via www.blog.thesietch.org

Obama For Bicycle?

Obama Pledges Funding for Cycling

CHICAGO, IL (BRAIN)—Barack Obama, in a private 20-minute meeting with members of the Bikes Belong board of directors, told them if he were elected president he would increase funding for cycling and pedestrian projects. And the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee also said he would support Safe Routes to Schools programs.

He also told them he seldom makes promises on what he would do if elected president, but that this was a promise he would keep. Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, laid out the industry’s position on boosting funding for cycling-related projects and for Safe Routes to Schools at the meeting.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) called the opportunity for industry leaders—both suppliers and retailers—to meet privately with a presidential candidate so early in a campaign for the White House was historic. “It’s important for this industry to understand that it is a force,” said Blumenauer, shortly after Obama left the event.

Stan Day, SRAM’s president, said that Obama “gets it.” He pointed out that Obama understands that bicycles can be part of a solution to issues as diverse as health care, obesity, energy and environmental policy. “He does his homework and he can connect the dots,” he said.

Of the estimated 160 guests who turned out for the event, Day estimated close to 60 represented the bicycle industry ranging from suppliers, retailers and advocates. Among the guests were Greg LeMond and his wife, Kathryn. Obama, in his remarks to the guests, thanked the LeMonds for attending.

Chris Kegel, owner of Wheel & Sprocket, a six-store chain of stores in the greater Milwaukee area, drove to Chicago early Thursday evening to attend the fundraiser at the home of F.K. Day and his wife, Leah. Day is vice-president of SRAM.

“I think it’s very important that we (the bicycle industry) were involved with this type of event,” Kegel said. Kegel added that he personally supports Obama and believes that Obama can help end the partisanship that divides the country.

Chicago retailer, JoAnne McSweeny, owner of Trek Bicycles on Michigan Avenue, said she has followed Obama’s career for years and supports Obama’s run for president. She, like many others, said Obama’s support for cycling is important for the nation’s future.

During a conversational 15-minute speech, Obama poked fun at himself telling the crowd that when he was photographed last weekend riding a bike with his children, he looked like Urkel. For those unfamiliar with Steve Urkel, he was the nerdy, bespectacled semi-hero on the long running sitcom “Family Matters.” The show was centered on an African-American middle class family living in Chicago.

Obama said he had no idea at the time he was riding with his children that he would soon meet with so many members from the industry. However, he pointed out, he knew photographers would be snapping photos of him on his bike, and that he wore his helmet to set an example for the kids.

Tom Petrie, president of Velimpex, who flew to Chicago Thursday afternoon, said he didn’t expect to hear Obama lay out a specific agenda for the bicycle industry. “However, it was refreshing to see somebody trying to unite the country instead of trying to divide it with wedge issues. I find it refreshing and, frankly, necessary,” Petrie said

For a complete report on the event, read the July 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.
—Marc Sani

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/1460.html

We're Number One?

All In A Day's Volunteering

Today I went down to the Bike Library to take our overflowing trash away and our recycling, too. Upon arrival I noticed a mess which is not unusual but something about the cassette tapes on the floor and the bar plug tub upended did not seem like the usual disarray and sure enough, a quick scan of the area revealed a new volunteer hard at work!



Small, hardworking, clever and a mammal, too! The prototypical Bike Library volunteer of the future?

His work appeared to be done so I thanked him for helping and then chased him out the door with a broom. Never a dull moment!



It was raining so I first outfitted our trusty Bridgestone work bike with some Planet Bike fenders. Then I loaded up the trash can with the cardboard, paper and plastic. A quick scribble on the back to let people know who was doing what and I was off.
I had two people ask about the trailer while I was out and I told them they should get one and where to do so. Hooray for Bikes at Work trailers!



After unloading all the cargo I swung by home to pick up a couple of donation bikes that our neighbors had. They loaded nicely and I rolled back down to the library to drop them off. One is not in such great shape but the other is a nice little Centurion mixte that should make a fine ride for someone.

ROADSIDE BREAKFAST: TOMORROW

Attention all bicycle commuters!  Join us in front of the BL tomorrow (May 2nd) morning between 7:30 and 9:30 for some breakfast & coffee & conversation.  No need to RSVP—just roll on up on your own two wheels!

Bike to Work Week is Coming... Join the Fun!!

MAY 12-16, 2008 is Bike to Work Week in Iowa City & Coralville!

Come join the fun, food and festivities. Celebrate a simple and graceful form of transportation that can make you thinner, fitter and wealthier. So join us and together we'll tell the oil companies.... we don't need no stinkin' gasoline!

Monday, May 12

Bike Commuter Breakfast, 7 to 9am

College Green Park

Bike/Car/Bus Race

12:30pm Depart Coralville City offices

Conclude at Iowa City City Hall/Chauncey Swan Park

Bike Rodeo

6pm Sugar Bottom Bikes, North Liberty

Tuesday, May 13

Bike Commuter Breakfast, 7 to 9am

On Melrose, in front of Kinnick Stadium (Krause Family Plaza)

Wednesday, May 14

Commuter Doughnuts and Coffee, 6:30-7:30am

Sugar Bottom Bikes, North Liberty

Bike Friendly Cities Forum, Noon-1pm

Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A

A lunchtime discussion on how to make Iowa City more bike friendly. Sponsored by the Bicyclist of Iowa City.

Mayor’s Ride from Old Pi to New Pi

Riders meet at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City beginning at 5:00pm. The ride will depart for Coralville’s New Pioneer Coop at 5:45PM.

Reception at the end of the ride hosted by New Pioneer Food Co-op with prizes and refreshments. Everyone is welcome! Interesting or dressed-up bikes encouraged. First 150 riders receive a free bike light courtesy of World of Bikes in Iowa City

Friday, May 16

Bike to Work Week Celebration, 6-9pm

(Location to be announced)

Join fellow biking/walking enthusiasts for an end-of-the-week party. There will be food, drink and live music—as well as lively conversation and drawings for prizes, including a grand prize.

Bike Library in the news

Iowa Independent did a story on the bike library.

Check out Jen doing the bike library thing:

Rental Bench cancelled...

on April 26th for the commuter class. Otherwise, we will continue our regular 2-4 hours every Saturday.

Preliminary Bike to Work Week Class

In preparation for upcoming Bike to Work Week, the Iowa City Bike Library will offer a beginning bicycle commuter class specifically geared towards women yet open to the public on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00. This hour-and-a-half class will focus on the very basics of bike commuting including how to get started. The goal is to demystify bicycles and help remove barriers to cycling. The class is free and limited to 15.

Email iowacitybikelibrary (at) gmail (dot) com or stop by the Bike Library to reserve a spot.