In May 2012 local cycling advocacy group Think Bicycles of Johnson Co. devised the Light the Night partnership to encourage all cyclists to start using lights on their bicycles at night. Think Bicycles recruited University of Iowa Public Safety and the Iowa City Police Department as partners in their effort.

Under program, cyclists who receive a citation for failing to equip their bike with a front white light and/or rear red reflector/light, now have the choice to participate in Light the Night. When a police offer tickets a cyclist for riding at night without lights they are given a choice. The cyclist can pay the 93.75-dollar fine, or they may elect to buy and install bike lights.

Results of a 2012 Iowa City Bike Master Plan online survey reveal that cyclists’ main concern is law enforcement. Of the 306 people who took the survey, 112 of them said that enforcing headlight/reflector laws during non-daylight hours was most the important.

“I’m a cyclist and driver,” comments Martha Norbeck, local bike advocate and Think Bicycles member. “It’s simple, lights allow you to see and be seen by motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. We want to foster a positive bike culture where people can ride, walk and drive with safety and confidence.” In addition to being highly visible, lights are required by law.

To date the Iowa City Police have written 31 citations, while the University of Iowa Public Safety has not written a single ticket. Twenty-eight bicyclists cited by ICPD elected to participate in the Light the Night Program, thus having their $93.75 fine waived.

“It’s unsafe for cyclist not to have lights. We don’t allow cars to not have lights. It’s not like you have to pay the ticket anyway. It’s a safe win-win situation.” Said Mark Pooley, President of the University of Iowa Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Regular cyclist: “LCI? What’s that?”

LCI: “It stand for League Cycling Instructor.”

Regular cyclists: “Uhh, what? If you think you’re going to teach me bicycle safety, forget it lady! I already know how to ride a bike.”

Lots of people ride bicycle to get around this very bikeable city. But do they know how to drive a bike? How many times have you seen these folks who already know how to ride a bike put themselves in some pretty dodgy situations. Not to mention the hazardous situations they put others in- bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Maybe no one ever explained to them the right and responsibilities as a bicyclists. It’s pretty simple: bicyclists should act and be treated as drivers of vehicles. 

The League of American Bicyclists is recognized across the U.S., and is best known for their Bicycle Friendly America Program, providing assistance, incentives, and recognition for communities, universities, and businesses that actively support bicycling. Iowa City currently holds strong at Bronze, while the University applied this year for the first time and recently was awarded honorable mention.

The League of American Bicyclists has created a curriculum to teach knowledgeable and experienced cyclists how to teach safe cycling to others- so that more people can learn to drive their bikes and enjoy bicycling to the max! Sound nerdy? Well, yes- it is! And that’s coming from someone who took the seminar this past weekend, but no more than any of the subjects or hobbies we obsess over. One day I’m going to come up with the million dollar idea of how to make bicycle education for adults cool. 

The Iowa City Bike Library hosted the LCI Training Seminar this past weekend where nine people, most from the Iowa City community, became certified bicycle educators. 

Being the experience bicyclists I am, or think of myself as, I was a bit reluctant to go through the 35+ hour training. However, once I became little less obstinate, I became aware of what could be accomplished in extending ourselves a safe cycling resource to one’s community. Many people who want to ride don’t because they’re concerned for their safety or they’re concerned for their kids safety. LCIs can help fix that by teaching safe cycling skills. That means more people on bikes!

Why is safe cycling important? So more motorists stop hatin’ on bikers! And furthermore, to prevent accidents. Basically, the more confident one is riding on the road, the safer and more predictable they are in traffic, keeping motorists happy, and maybe even obliged to share the less congested road.

So perhaps you follow the rules and are confident riding in traffic. Good for you! You’re part of the one percent of the population that is strong and fearless on the bike. Maybe a bicycle safety class isn’t your thing, and that’s fine. Unless of course you’re interested in teaching others- kids, older folks who haven’t been on a bike in years, maybe even your compadres!

If you’re like most people though, you might be interested in biking around town in traffic, but concerned. These classes offered by LCIs aim to give you skills need to build confidence, and then once comfortable in your abilities, go out and conquer the world on a bike! Or maybe just the town. Either way it’s joyous.

You or someone you know interested in taking a Smart Cycling class? Email: thinkbicycles@gmail.com

Feature Bike Friendly IC Topic:
Burlington St. Bridge Median Project

Just  imagine—a convenient and safe route for cyclists crossing the Iowa River, whether heading Downtown from the University Hospital or commuting from the Eastside to University Heights. Imagine bicycle commuters on their way to work and parents hauling kids and groceries. Imagine youngsters riding comfortably after school amongst college students on their way from class to dorm. Currently, there is a glaring gap in our transportation infrastructure to make that vision a reality. Burlington Bridge is the one best and most direct route that connects east and west, City and University, Iowa City and University Heights and Coralville.

Burlington St. Bridge would benefit from the use of separated bicycle facilities and with plans for construction of the bridge in the near future, this is the perfect opportunity to implement bike-friendly facilities such as bike lanes, bike boxes, green lanes, or cycle tracks. The two blocks of Burlington Street from Riverside to Madison are arguably the most important blocks for bicyclists. 

Think Bicycles is committed to seeing through a plan that makes that vision of a safe and easy bicycle and pedestrian trip across the bridge a reality.Assuming the trends of health- and environmental-consciousness grow, there will be more cyclists in need of traversing this roadway. Think Bicycles is currently in conversation with a bicycle planning consultant and the Engineering Division from Iowa City about making appropriate adjustments to the plans. 

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