Every Journey Begins With A Step. Or A Pedal

Via NPR: A National Network Of Bike Trails? It Could Happen

"We’ve put almost all of our resources into roads," LaHood says. "If the commitment when President Eisenhower signed the interstate bill had been to high-speed inner-city rail, we'd be in the same position Europe and Asia are in today."


LaHood is also floating the idea of a nationwide interstate biking system — the two-wheel equivalent of Eisenhower’s highway system.

In getting ready to post this I looked around and found that a group has been preparing for a nationwide bicycle route and even has a numbering system in place.

From the NYT: Highway Group Approves Basic Plan for a Network of Bicycling Routes

The group is the Adventure Cycling Associaton and they have frequent updates at their site for the U.S. Bicycle Route System

Here's a proposed map:

Via BikingBis: Uneven support for U.S. Bicycle Route System

It Is Hard To Be Ironic When You Are Struggling

Or as this Slate headline says: Are There Really No Hipsters in China?

Irony-resisting Chinese bicyclists have skipped the fixed-gear trend that has swept the rest of the world.

Bicyclist Have A Posse

It is the Federal Department of Transportation.

See FC: Transportation Secretary Announces "Sea-Change" for American Transport: Bikes!

LaHood's announcement... is backed by a set of eight guidelines, which will be sent to state DOT's and communities:

* Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
* Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
* Go beyond minimum design standards.
* Collect data on walking and biking trips.
* Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
* Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
* Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

Which frankly all sounds rather dull, but here's the important thing: LaHood, as Transportation Secretary, is essentially saying, "If you want federal DOT dollars, you better think more seriously about adding bike paths to the projects you propose."

Google Maps Expands

Look what Google has done: Biking directions added to Google Maps

and as The Atlantic explains: Why Google Maps' New Biking Directions Could Be Huge

I tested it to see if it would put me on the Leelanau Trail for a trip from Traverse City to Suttons Bay:

The Year Of The Renewable Bike

I've posted links to wooden bike projects before, but 2010 may be the year for these bikes now that the topic is getting coverage in magazines like Der Spiegel: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Ride

Real Good Wood

I don't get the fixed gear bicycle fad, but wood frame bikes are things of beauty. Here's another one - Renovo Hardwood Bicycles

The smoothest bike you'll ever ride, stealth quiet, light and responsive, stiff as you want. Renovo hollow wood and laminated bamboo frames will forever change your understanding of what a bicycle should be, and how these natural materials can perform when designed to their strengths.

Speaking of real good wood:

More Wooden Bicycles

Mentioned before.

FastCompany.com has more: Four Wooden Bicycles That Will Grow on You

I find that there is something very beautiful and elegant about these bikes.

Commuter Bikes

MetaEfficient with a 2009 Commuter Bike Round-Up.

Not on their list is a bicycles I would consider for commuting duty too. Schwinn's electric assist bicycles.

Proposal To Open More N.P. Trails To Bikes

See NYT: Expansion of Biking in Parks Is Proposed

Bike To Work Pants

What a great idea! Business on the outside, reflective on the inside.

Cordarounds Bike-to-Work pants with reflective Teflon cuff

The Bamboo Bike

This just may be my next bike, made from bamboo and hemp fiber wrapped joints.

Calfee Design Bamboo Bike