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.

Pedal Car in Hell's Kitchen

Thanks to Bike Hacks for the image.

See? Not all cars are bad. Check out the video at Michel de Broin's website.

The Rights and Duties of Cyclists

This and other cycling videos are at Cyclist View.

Rental Bench has moved...

to Saturdays, 2-4. These hours, of course, are subject to change, so check back here before stopping in to avoid disappointment.

Rental Bench opens use of Bike Library tools and equipment to the public for $5 per hour or free for Environmental Advocates, Bicyclists of Iowa City, or Bike Library volunteers.

One caveat: volunteers on hand may or may not help you with your wrenching, so the risk is yours!