Gonna Ride My Bike Until I Get Home....

I saw this video over at ibikelondon and really loved it, as much for the vision of normal people going about everyday things on a bicycle as for the song. I think that many people are put off by bike commuting because they view biking as recreational but might not have a framework for viewing cycling as transportation that does not require tons of equipment, flashy clothing, etc. I love how much more flexible and convenient cycling is when I want to get around town. The other day I wanted to run to the movies at Forum--I just jumped on my bike and in 4-5 minutes had the best parking in the place---right in front of the theater. I did not use any gas to get there and burned off the calories from a few peanut M&Ms :-D

Today I am headed to the District for dinner and a movie. I did not go to the gym today because I will bike a fair bit so don't need the redundancy of a "workout" at the gym. This has saved me an hour at the gym and gas money, parking hassles, and being inside all darn day long. It's all good!

I Wheelie Like You

I saw this image over at Change Your Life, Ride a Bike and luved it! I'd like this image on a t-shirt.

I haven't ridden much this month due to the weather. I have had to go places that required a fresh appearance and felt daunted at the humidity and heat. I have been inspired though at Dottie over at Let's Go Ride a Bike. Her post on commuting in excessive heat is quite good. She has bike commuting down pat. However, I cannot wait for cooler weather so that I can commute everywhere again. Bring on the fall!

Mental Health Day

As the semester gets underway it has come to my attention that many of the people I know are under a LOT of stress. Reductions in staff and other resources are leaving quite a few people frayed at the edges. And this is *after* the summer "break".

My solution? Get your bum on a bike!

Head off down the trail for an hour of cycling, or better yet, cycle to that stressful job and home again and you'll forget why you wanted to whack so-and-so or give em' a piece of your mind. Your stress will be gone. I promise.

World Bicycle Relief

As anyone who knows me can attest, I am fascinated by the potential of bicycles to greatly contribute to the empowerment of people all over the world. Bicycle technology is easily as advanced as auto technology and far more efficient. I have been amazed at the difference a bicycle can make: the difference between being able to attend school or not attend, of getting water without being raped, of providing for a family where there are few roads and no money for more expensive transportation. World Bicycle Relief is one organization that contributes to relieving the struggles of peoples in need all over the globe through bike donations. I love their mission and what they do to help others. Watch this brief video and you'll see how much bikes really do rule!

Be a Bicycle Hero!

I loved this advert and wanted to share.
Cycle on people!

The Gulf Oil Spill and Alternative Transportation

Today I read an article in the LA Times by Bill McKibben, Mr. President, Lead Now on Fossil Fuels where he takes the President to task for his weak response to the Gulf oil spill. I then read an article in the NYT entitled, Imagining Life Without Oil and Being Ready.

Both articles make it seem as if "alternative energy" is the answer to all our problems. However, creating an alternative transportation infrastructure so that people can safely and efficiently get to work, home, stores, etc by bus, bike, or walking was not mentioned EVEN ONCE. Am I missing something here?!

The amount of money that these folks are pressuring Obama to put into "alternative energy" when, let's face it folks, we are flat broke and getting deeper into debt every single day (national deficit is in the TRILLIONS) is irresponsible and downright stupid. It is amazing to me that no one has the guts to tell the American public we are going to have to USE LESS. Are we so weak and disabled by our own "lifestyle choices" of obesity, sedentary behavior, personal debt for crap-we-do-not-need that we cannot see the forest for the trees anymore?

Sometimes I feel like I am living in a nation that has lost the ability to count.

Hilarious and *Perfect* Bike Awareness Advertisement

I found this ad on the ibikelondon blog and was totally smitten! It is very, very clever. You will need to watch it twice to really *get* it. Do so, it is worth the time.