A Penny for your thoughts

Attention ladies, I am a man. Or as I have been recently informed a self identifying CIS-Male. One of the challenges that women face is cycling in skirts and until I start riding in kilt I may never fully grasp the challenge. On the other hand I am always fascinated by problem solving and solutions.

Recently I came across these two videos. The penny in your skirt trick seems to be a very low tech solution

Penny In Yo Pants from Johanna Holtan on Vimeo.

The one I was really fascinated by was this one. It reminds me of the same technique used by women who ride side saddle on horses.

Personally though I would recommend to a woman who rides in a skirt and uses bicycle for transportation to consider options that have stood the test of time. Skirt and mixitie frames are designed for women who ride in skirts. Add a skirt guard to your rear wheel and you're ready to ride in your most fashionable attire. Of course if you are riding for speed or sport then you should have a specific frame to match those needs

The best example of how men and women pair bicycling for transportation and fashion is the bicycle fashion blog, Copenhagen Cycle Chic. Created in 2006, Copenhagen Cycle Chic reflects the diversity of a city where 52% of the population rides a bicycle every day and of that group 75% ride year round, including very snowy winters.

Ode to a Tank

Over the course of 40 years as a cyclist I have seen many things change. Frames have changed from steel to aluminum to hi-tech blends and carbon fiber. Tires have gone from skinny racing tires to 4' wide Fat bike tires. Shifting has gone from friction to indexed and even electronic. Mountain Bikes were home made contraptions and have become the most technologically sophisticated bikes engineered. And just when I thought that big box stores would kill consumer demand for quality bikes a resurgence of hand built bikes has occurred.

But the one thing that has never changed for me was my tank. In 1992 I needed a bike to get to and from work. Living in a city with no bike shops that were close to me I wound up in K-Mart and bought a steel frame, 10 speed mountain bike. A 25 pound monster with friction shifters, that never got any maintenance, and I babied by keeping it indoors. I logged thousands of miles commuting, running errands, and occasional recreational rides. Over the years I worked on jobs that required me to travel to large scale work sites and my tank came with me. So I could get around on site because I often had to park at remote locations. My tank was also theft proof as no bike thief in their right mind was going to steal an antique like mine locked with the latest Kryptonite lock.

But in 2007 my tank gave up the ghost and repairing a K-Mart bike was not worth the cost. Two new bikes with lighter frames and high end components eventually replaced my tank. In the last few years I rebuilt two project bikes, just to see if I could do it. With the help of Neighborhood Bike Works Bike Church and now battered and greasy copy of Bike Repair for Dummies.

Now I find myself preparing to build a new tank. Something that will get me around town, carry things I may buy along the way, and never attract the attention of a bike thief. My new tank will be a three speed bike. Complete with fenders to keep water and dirt off me when I ride through a puddle, a chain guard so I won't get a gear ring tattoo, a rear mounted basket to carry stuff, and a skirt frame. So if I have to stop suddenly I can keep my man parts pain free. Along with a quick release front rim for easy transport in my car.

I'll rebuild the build the bike; repack all of the bearings in new grease, replace worn out parts, and clean out all of the accumulated grime in the nooks and crannies that bikes have. When I am done I will have a tank that will be as good as the day it was first assembled. And like my first tank it will remain with me for many years to come. Continuing to serve in the same tradition of my first tank.

Friday Funnies - Dutch Bike Mafia

Get thee to a Bike Shoppe

In a recent column by local author Lisa Scottoline wrote about her new bicycle gifted to her on Christmas by a good friend. Since it has been 40 years since Ms. Scottoline a lot had changed including the number of gears on a bike as the last bike she owned was a three speed.

I can understand how she feels six years ago I replaced my fifteen year old 10 speed mountain bike. The bike I eventually bought, a 21 speed hybrid bike, was something of an adjustment. 21 speeds, quick release rims and seat, with a flat bar. It was quite the change in technology. It sounds like Ms. Scottoline is riding a similar bike.

In her article she talks about how the flat bars are a change from cruiser bars and how she can't figure out how to adjust the seat and handle bar height which makes riding the bike rather uncomfortable. My advice to her is either go to the bike shop it was bought at or a local bike shop and have them fit the seat height and handle bar height. They can also provide you with better options for saddles designed for women and may be able to change the handle bars to something you may be more comfortable with.

A common mistake for many new cyclists is being to nervous to admit that they are not sure how to do a basic adjustment on their bike, so riding it becomes uncomfortable. Which eventually leads to the bike gathering dust in a basement or garage. Your local bike shop is always willing to help you make basic adjustments to handlebar and seat heights. If your bike has a quick release front wheel have them teach you how to take it on and off. This will help you be able to transport your bike in a car when you don't have a rack.

A new bike does not have to be a scary piece if technology, take the time to have your local bike shop teach you how to use your bike and enjoy the ride.

BCGP Survey Answers

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia posted a survey to its website to solicit feedback so they can chart their course towards the future. I chose to post my replies on my blog so a differing viewpoint from the traditional BCGP employee/volunteer/member party line.

A.Why do you support the Bicycle Coalition?

I need to be convinced that I should. All to often the Bicycle Coalition takes credit for work done by others. A recent example is the BGGPs 2013 campaign about family cycling which failed to give credit to Philly Kidical Mass for creating this local movement. Or the lack of public action, after Amtrak rejected the BCGP's e-mail asking about improved bike parking as part of the upgrades to 30^th St. Station. A petition does not count, especially one that only garners 184 signatures. There should have been several thousand signatures given the size of their membership.

B. Complete the following sentence: The Bicycle Coalition is the primary organization in our region that:

Advocates for bicycling and bicyclists with a variety of government agencies

Encourages people to try bicycling

Works with neighborhoods and schools to promote safe routes for schoolchildren

Provides bicycling education programs and events

Works with planners to increase and improve bike lanes and other infrastructure

Brings bicyclists together to have a more effective voice in public policy

Promotes safety for bicyclists

Provides youth development programs

As you can see there are a lot of choices to select from. Which makes me ask, has the BCGP taken on so much that their efforts have become diluted? Frankly, I have my concerns. There are times when I have to wonder what the BCGP's priorities are.

Twice a year the BCGP makes a big announcement about the need for volunteers for their bike count, but they never make an equally big announcement of the results Because they never announce them.

Or after all of the time, money, and effort they invested to get the city to develop bike lanes they gave control to all future bike lane development to the Philadelphia City Council. Instead of leaving it in the hands of trained traffic engineers. In return for this deal they got a Complete Street bill which included cars parked in bike lanes getting tickets Seen an cars with tickets recently?

Even small things slip through the cracks. Get hit by a truck while riding your bike, end up in an intensive care unit at the hospital, and the BCGP will tell the world. Want to know if the driver is arrested or charged? That's when they stop being an advocacy group.

C. The Bicycle Coalition recently merged with the Cadence Cycling Foundation, a youth development organization. Cadence uses cycling to engage undeserved youth in Philadelphia. Were you aware of the merger?

Yes

D. How do you feel about the merger?

I'm not sure. What does the BCGP envision for its future youth programming? Do they have the staff and budget to do it?

E. Over the next three years, how should we prioritize our work? (check no more than 3)

Expanding bike lanes and trails throughout the region, especially the Circuit

Promoting Philadelphia’s new bike share (public bicycle) program

Public education about road safety

Youth development programs that teach life skills through bicycling

Intermodal transportation – for example, making easier to take bikes on SEPTA

Promoting Women Bike PHL

Engage in more political campaigns that benefit bicycling

After the the Safe Streets bill politicized future bike lane development the BCGP should steer clear of any future political campaigns until they are prepared to stop negotiating away significant gains. Because when they make an agreement it affects every cyclist, not just their members.

The BCGP appears to very good at promoting other organizations and individuals work. Promoting bike share, promoting Women Bike PHL, promoting road safety; While this is all very well and good it leaves the onus for results on the people who develop and run these programs. The BCGP needs stop promoting and start doing.

Developing the expansion and connecting the trail system in the counties surrounding Philadelphia, While it is needed it is going to take decades and tens of millions dollars to move forward. So at the same time I would like to see the BCGP focus on a short term goal, one that would benefit many people in Philadelphia. When Philadelphia replaced parking meters with muni-meters the amount of bicycle parking plummeted. Some of these poles were converted into bike parking. But at a cost of $1500.00 per conversion and given city governments limited funding parking meter conversion became a short term solution.

The Bicycle Coalition should start a public campaign to encourage businesses large and small to install bicycle racks or individual meter conversions. There are plenty of studies already existing that show how bike lanes and bike parking increase sales for businesses. The City of Philadelphia has also done surveys showing the real need for increased bicycle parking. It is time to put this information to use.

If the BCGP wants to show signs of change it can start with posting the results of the survey. To demonstrate that they are open about what the public expects of them in the future. Otherwise this survey is going to be no different from the bike counts statistics that are never revealed. 

2013 Philly bike scene in review

Philly Bike Party – After a one year absence the Philly Bike Party resurfaced for a Halloween ride. I understand that the organizers have had a busy 12 months with college, graduation, jobs, and planning the Philly Naked Bike Ride. I would like to challenge them to hold a ride once per quarter in 2014 to show that this group is more than a capricious flight of fantasy.

PPD Bike theft sting – One of the funnier and at the same time depressing moments was the Philadelphia Police Department's attempt to reduce bike thief. Instead of equipping an expensive bait bike with a GPS tracker and motion sensor and locking with an easily cut lock. So they could track thieves back to their homes and recover more bikes. They left an unlocked bike and arrested the first person who took it, not really a sting, more like entrapment.

On the other hand its hard to take the Philadelphia Police Department's efforts seriously when their own bikes get stolen. 

#unblockbikelanes - Recently the Philadelphia Parking Authority has begun to take the steps towards dealing with vehicles that park in the bike lanes. They created a Twitter hashtag, #unblockbikelanes, as a way to crowd source a database of problem locations throughout the city. There is only one minor problem, the launch for this undertaking was announced in the middle of December. So for the next three months the fewest number of cyclists will be riding due to the weather. I can only hope that there is a relaunching of this program in April to remind everyone. When more cyclists will be riding and more eyes will be on the street so this initiative succeeds. More importantly will be to see how long before the PPA starts cracking down on this problem.

Philly Full Moon Ride – With rides planned to coincide with the full moon of every month. The organizers of the Philly Full Moon Ride have been made a consistent effort to hold monthly rides since they first appeared on the scene. The fall and winter rides have been moved to an early start time something that allows for more ride time and makes them more accessible to people in 9 to 5 jobs who have to get up early in the morning. A practice that I hope will continue into the warmer weather.

Philadelphia Kidical Mass – One of the best success stories of the year has been Philly Kidical Mass. Created by Dena Driscoll and Marni Duffy as a way for families with children to enjoy child friendly group rides with other families. Each ride is a few miles long, using a combination of bike lanes of side streets, and finishes at a local playground. Philly Kidical Mass has quickly become the local source for cycling with children and cargo bikes; which have become the minivan for the urban cyclist.

Friday funnies - Winter inspiration

With Thursday nights snowstorm this might be a good source of inspiration to get out and ride.

#unblockbikelanes

It appears that the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is finally going to take the issue of cars and trucks parking bike lanes more seriously. They are asking cyclists to tweet locations where vehicles are blocking the bicycle lanes. Tweet the PPA at https://twitter.com/philaparking with #unblockbikelanes 

This came about through discussions between the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) and the PPA in attempt on the part of the BCGP to deal with the fact that the PPA has not been enforcing the Safe Streets bill. Which includes ticketing cars and trucks that park in bicycle lane. So they created a hash tag on Twitter so they could crowd source a database of problem locations. The PPA released a statement:  

We’ll keep close watch of this hashtag to help us identify chronic problem areas throughout the city and make plans for the future. While we can’t promise that enforcement can be dispatched for every single tweet we receive—the logistics of that are just too complicated since cars often move before our parking enforcement officers can get to them—we are committed to working closely with the cycling community on this issue.

Keep in mind that this does not affect the on going parking situation on Spruce and Pine on the weekends. When churches use the lanes as expanded parking for religious services and for-profit functions.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia did make a valiant effort to explain how the the parking laws work. But what it boils down to is bicycle lanes are considered loading/unloading zones under city ordinances and its hard to prove that a car is parked. So PPA enforcement agents simply ignore the situation and allow it to fester. However since the PPA wants data lets not disappoint them give them as many pictures and locations as possible so they can see the extent of the problem. Let the PPA sort out what is legally and illegally parked.

With weekend temperatures in the 50's and 60's go for a bike ride, take pictures and write down the details of vehicles blocking bike lanes. I have no problem with commercial vehicles that are unloading that's just a part of doing business. Its the private vehicles and contractors that should be focused on, especially if they are empty and their flashers are not on. It is not your place to confront or chastise; document the problem including the block or intersection and ride on. Then keep this up the rest of the week. If you don't have a Twitter account, post to the PPA's Facebook page or e-mail them at Support@philapark.com. Just make sure to include #unblockbikelanes so your information can be identified.

Redbull SSXCWC Junkyard Cross - 2013 wrap up

With the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships (SSCXWC) happening in Philadelphia the same weekend attendance was down and many of the local riders were at Belmont Plateau. It became readily apparent that this was not the Bilenky Junkyard Cross, instead it was the Redbull SSXCWC Junkyard Cross.

Colin Firth and his unique brand of heckling was MIA, replaced by a Redbull announcer who did a very bad imitation of the old monster truck commercials. There was a higher douche bag to spectator ratio than normal. The worst occurred at the shot tent at the van tunnel, which created a great deal of confusion about which way racers should go and backed up the tunnel entrance. One racer not realizing what was going on followed the to riders ahead of him. When he failed to take a shot he was restrained and forced to start at the end of the pack.

The addition of the ramp by Redbull at the car hurdle was questionable since it was mean't for bikes with heavy frames, 26” wheels, and inexperienced trick riders. The ramp was designed to launch cyclists up instead of guide them across.While it created some spectacular jumps There was one serious accident that required an ambulance and a second before the ramp was removed.

There were some shining moments though in spite of the corporate makeover. Ones that I hope will inspire and carry over into next years race.

The beards were beardier and iconic. Maybe next year there will be a best beard award, real and faux.

                                               

                                                    

Stephen Bilenky  - The man, the beard, the legend

The mighty Unicorn from last year was back.

One competitor raced on a 80's era Dahon folding bike and rode over the ramp.

There was a preview of a Trek Fat Bike that will be available in 2014.

The car hurdle was a single car instead of two which gave everyone time to get the running start needed to clear a higher than normal barricade. The ramp added some advantage in several heats when two or three racers at the same time would vault the car and run or ride over it to gain better position.

The single walkway at the tractor was changed to two, which avoided back ups.

Redbull sponsors high speed motor sports and when it comes to bicycles its BMX, mountain bike and downhill mountain bike racing. The type of riding that involves high speed maneuvering, big air, and the potential for spectacular crashes. Everything that cyclocross is not. This years Redbull SSCXWC Bilenky Junkyard Cross were best summed up in response to the Redbull audio truck, “you know how it goes, when the corporate world gets a whiff of a grass roots happening.” I look forward to next year when it returns to its local roots.

Sexy Beast

Many families living in cities and the suburbs have been turning to cargo bikes as a way to transport their children and to run errands. Avoiding the need for a second vehicle in the suburbs or the need for buying one if you live in a city. The one thing cargo bikes are not is sexy.

Cargo bikes have all of the sex appeal of the family station wagon from the 1960's and 1970's. Bulky, utilitarian, and handle like a truck. Just like driving a truck a cargo bike needs more time to accelerate, more distance to stop, and you need space to make the wide turns required of them. Until now.

Straight out of Copenhagen, Denmark created by Butchers & Bicycles comes the MK-1 tilt action cargo bike. With a video worthy of a car commercial this bike is one sexy beast.

 MK1 - Tilt-action cargobike from Butchers & Bicycles, Copenhagen from Butchers & Bicycles, Copenhagen on Vimeo.

Bilenky Junkyard Cross - 2013

On Saturday, December 7 the Bilenky Junkyard Cross will ride again. Finishing a heat is a prize unto itself. Set in a junkyard abutting the Bilenky shop this race requires you to navigate a wide range of surfaces with barriers and hazards you would never normally encounter.

The course surface varies from dirt, packed earth, gravel, to pavement along with some oil, radiator and transmission fluid mixed in. Then of course there are the barricades; the junk yard provides a wide range of obstacles. So what are some of the things you can do to prepare for the race if your trying to place in your heat?

1. Don't ride clipped in. Last year I saw several riders switch from clipless pedals to BMX pedals. They were off and on their bikes so often they were losing time and position when they struggled to clip in. BMX pedals are wider so they are easier to get your foot on and they are still grippy enough to keep sneakers from slipping.
2. Wear sneakers instead of cycling shoes. Riding shoes with cleats will leave you at a disadvantage on many of the sections of the course which may require you to run on a wooden walkway or climb over the hood of a car. Shoes with cleats will leave you off balance with no traction.
3. While you are going to see many people riding standard cyclocross bikes, the course does not always give you the time to shift gears. Some of the fastest and most aggressive riders are the riders on single speed mountain bikes and BMX. These are the competitors who think nothing of bunny hopping a car used as a hurdle. Or pulling wheelies through the start/finish line like one competitor did last year.
   4. Do not underestimate the influence of the spectators. Last year in the middle of a heat the car hurdles were quickly mofided with ramps and the second car had ramps on both sides. When one racer squeezed through a gap between the car hurdle and edge of the course, spectators filled in the gap with car tires and when that racer came around again they had quite the surprise. 

There are some suggestions I would also like to make to the course designers.

The frequent comment I heard from the competitors was there was no place to pass. It may be time to reconsider the course design. The car hurdles create a larger than normal hurdle, but they only allow for one racer at a time to get over it. The same can be said for the mini van used as a tunnel. 

With all of the options of things that can be found in the junk yard perhaps its time to revitalize the course to allow for passing and faster speeds in certain sections. By making the hurdles and barricades able to accommodate more than one person at a time. Create a slalom with tires stacked three high and tied together in groups of three to form a triangle for stability.

Another challenge faced last year was in one of the last races ended a few laps short when some of the spectators started yelling “you won” as the pack came through the start/finish line, when the heat had not ended. Purchase a standard, checkered finish line flag so there is a clear indicator as to when the heat is over.

Some other concerns include increasing the number of port-a-potties as last years were full to capacity at the end of the day. As well as the possibility of moving the food truck to a location that is not right on top of the course.

As always it goes without saying that the Bilenky Junkyard Cross has become one of the most popular and challenging local Cyclocross races. It has developed such a following that last year a saw numerous out of state license plates including; New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and Indiana. This is a must see race that should be on everyone's list of things to do.

2010 Documentary
Bilenky Junkyard Cross (A Short Film) from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

2012 Race Highlights
 

Tweed Ride Philadelphia 2013

On Saturday November 9^th the Philadelphia Tweed Ride held its 6^th annual ride and I rode along with 100 participants. A Tweed Ride is vintage bicycle ride that uses the early 1900's in England as its theme. The ride started gathering at 11:00am behind the Philadelphia Art Museum at The Waterworks. Which attracts the attention of many of the tourists and locals out to enjoy the day. The participants dress in looks that are either vintage or modern twists on vintage clothing.

At 12:00 the ride set off on its route through Philadelphia with questions from onlookers about what we were doing, was this a parade, and why were we dressed up. Rolling past businesses and residential neighborhoods often drew clusters of people taking pictures or shooting video on their cell phones.

A stop for picnic on Washington Park gave everyone a chance to rest and enjoy snacks before moving on to the final destination, Rembrandts, where prizes were awarded for various categories to participants. This included Dapper Chap and Snappy Lass as voted on by the participants and other categories awarded by judges were part of the ride.

Dapper Chap as voted by the judges
Wearing an authentic British cycling outfit accessorized with a monocle

Dapper Chap as voted by the participants

Snappy Lass

Best Picnic complete with a Tandem bicycle

Best Mustache
Created by growing a beard and trimming it a week before the ride

Was this as fun as it sounded, yes. The organizers have also created a low key fundraiser for Philabundance with $800.00 donated by the Tweed Ride participants with the simple pass of a hat. If you would like to stay informed about future rides including a possible spring ride please like the Tweed Ride Philadelphia Facebook page. To see more pictures by other photographers go to the event page. 

Bike Thief Alert #2 - Arrested

 Meet DJ Domie or Papi D as he likes to call himself. Business man, DJ, and alleged bicycle thief. We have to use the word alleged because he has not been convicted in court....yet.

I am an alleged bike thief

I am an alleged bike thief

I am an alleged DJ

About two months ago this Bianci bicycle was stolen in the vicinity of South 22^nd St and St. Albans in North East Philadelphia.

 and in late August this ad appeared on Craigslist;

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/4031719655.html

I Have A Bianchi bike that i want to sell lookin for best offer and no not no 7,8, 900 dollars for it look it up before you offer lookin for a far price is not a cheap bike.


A member of the Philadelphia Stolen Bikes Facebook page spotted it and alerted the owner who posted the stolen bike. A meet was set up to look at the bike which included under cover and uniformed officers from the Philadelphia Police Department. Once the owner identified the bike an arrest was made. After that it was all down hill for alleged bike thief DJ Domie/Papi D. and alleged comedian. When he claimed "his cousin who is the number one rider in philly gave it to him".

So now what? Before everyone runs out to the hardware store to buy pitchforks and torches to form an angry mob. DJ Domie/Papi D. brought a concealed and loaded hand gun with him, he most likely will be charged with a felony, and spend some time in prison. Its also safe to assume his friends have a similar affinity towards concealed weapons, so visiting his neighborhood would not be a good idea.

What you can do is share this post with everyone you know. You never know who is going to see it and what they may be able to do.