Issue 8 April 2014
In This Issue: Bike Power A Ride on the Hockhocking …….………....….3-4 Biking Athens: a personal perspective ……..... 5-6 Bike Resources in Athens ………..…………...6 “Bikes Bring It” ……………………………….7
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Concrete Surfing …….………….…………….8 The Art of Inline …...……………………….....9 Hot Helmets ………………………………….10 Mobility Defines our Lives ………………....11-12
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EcoRep Bike Tips ……………………………..12 Athens Bike Path ……………………………...13 Finding the Right Bike ………………………...14
Listen to what innovative thinkers have to say about modern mobility in these TED Talks on pages 11 and 12
More Tips and Tricks ………………............15-16 Bike Technology …………………………...17-18
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Opportunities ……………………………....19-20 Get UniPsyched! ……………………………...20 7 Reasons to Start Biking …………………..21-22
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Sources ……………………………………….21
On The Cover Bicycles are an awesome example of sustainable transportation! Photographer: Tess Phinney
From the Editor Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike? I wish I had a really inspirational story and could say something like "I taught myself" or "I never fell off my bike because I have this incredible knack for balancing", but honestly my story is pretty typical. I learned to ride a bike just like a lot of other kids; I was in grade school motivated by the pressure to keep up with my friends who were so cool riding to and from the pool during the summer all on their own. And let me tell you, training wheels were not cool. So naturally I had to learn as quickly as possible in order to dodge the embarrassment of what I assumed would be the need for training wheels the rest of my life. I was expecting to ride up and down the cul-de-sac twice, maybe three times and be good to go, I mean, if my parents could ride a bike without training wheels how hard could it honestly be? Famous last words, right? I practically had to beg my dad not to let go of my shoulder as he ran alongside my bike. But he did, of course. My stomach flipped and I’m sure my life flashed before my eyes as I froze and suddenly couldn't remember how to pedal. I probably over exaggerated and insisted that my bloody knee meant my leg should be amputated.
Routes Magazine Editor Tess Phinney / Outreach Coordinator
Contributors John Benson / Writer Liz Emley / Writer Cheyenne Fenstemaker / Writer Bradford Grant / Writer Megan Graver / Writer Abe Kitchen / Writer Nick Kroncke / Writer Alex Slaymaker /Writer Leigh Wagner / Writer Graham Warne / Writer Hallie Zarbakhsh / Writer
Director Annie Laurie Cadmus
Original Layout Created by: Neal Patten
Hopefully without sounding too corny, getting back and up and trying something you failed is a great life lesson that is probably better learned on the seat of a bicycle as a child than later in life in a more important situation. You better believe I got up and tried it again and I challenge you to find anyone who rides a bike and says they've never fallen off and had to get back up. Bicycles don’t only give us more freedom as kids, but they free us from the gas pumps as adults. Bikes allow us to take shortcuts to where we’re going, and you can go as fast as your legs can power you forward. Bike power is, well, powerful! Bike on and we’ll see you next time, Tess Phinney
Keep In Touch:
Office of Sustainability, Outreach Coordinator, Routes Editor 2
A Ride on the Hockhocking
Megan Graver
Megan is the Reporting Coordinator GA in the Office of Sustainability
As a physical therapy graduate student, exercise has always been an interest of mine, and I have made it a priority throughout my undergraduate and graduate school careers. Although a die-hard distance runner at heart, recent injuries have led to me on a search for alternative workout channels. Being a self-termed “cardio junkie,” I naturally turned to swimming and biking, both of which I had no prior experience with; this being very evident the first time I tried to “swim,” which I am sure did not really resemble any commonly known swimming stroke . My roommates and I also started attending free cycling classes for students at Ping Recreation Center (highly recommend; be prepared to sweat!), which gave me a taste of how very different cycling is from running. As the frigid temperatures slowly subsided, I took my new cycling hobby outdoors. I decided to undertake an item that has been on my bucket list since arriving to the Athens campus two years ago: biking the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway from Ohio University’s campus to Nelsonville. In mid-March, I dusted off my bike, an awesome garage sale find from last summer, for the first outdoor ride of the season. Being a novice biker, I was worried about the long distance of the bike path. However, biking from the Richland Bridge to Nelsonville and back took me about
3.5 hours—including time built in to take pictures and of course enjoy a few snack breaks—making this an easy afternoon outing for any community member. I began my bike ride near the Richland Bridge and headed toward the baseball fields, riding along the Hocking River. As I crossed Union Street and past the Westside Community Gardens of Athens, the trail soon became surrounded by trees and I immediately felt like I had left Athens. A break in the trees around mile 5.5 (each half mile is marked on the side of the trail) revealed an old farmhouse built in the mid-1800s with chickens milling about the yard. Around mile 7, there stands a historic coal town comprised of old miner’s homes and a company store. From here, the woods gives way to a few miles of rolling fields dotted with bright red barns and cows meandering on the hillside. This was the toughest part of the trek for me as it was a windy day and I lost the cover of the trees. Once into mile 12, a sign will inform users of the bike path that they have entered Wayne National Forest. Small cliffs and rock formations begin to rise up along the side of the path. On this particular March day, sporadic icicles still clung to some of the rock walls, sheltered from the spring sun. 3
Between miles 12 and 14 of the bikeway, the only companions I came upon were a possum and a few birds. However, as the trail approaches Nelsonville, bike and pedestrian traffic picks back up. Riding adjacent to Hocking College, I knew I was close to the end of the trail. The former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway picks up next to the trail as it crosses an old railroad bridge and runs by Robbins Crossing, a restored Ohio village from the mid-1800s. At the finish of the trail, behind Rocky Boots Company in downtown Nelsonville, stands a self-service bike repair station. On the other end of the trail, on Ohio University’s campus, a similar bike repair station installation is in the works next to Bingham House to serve bikers in the Athens community.
For more background information on some of my favorite stops and others not mentioned in this article click here. After my ride, I was curious to find out what other OU students thought about the bike path. Freshman Maddie Toerne, a frequent face on the bike path, utilizes it to ride to the stores on East State Street. From her dorm, it is approximately a 9 minute bike to Kroger. She also frequently visits Goodwill and the Athens Farmers Market for inexpensive wardrobe needs and organic fruits and vegetables. When asked her favorite part of the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, Maddie responded, “Recreationally, riding my bike on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is my stress release/intuitive alone time. There is a space after the 7-mile marker that provides a view to open areas on the left and the right of the bike path. At this space, I usually step off my bike, have a snack and a drink of water, and look out for a moment. On one side, is the Hocking River with the railroad tracks behind it. On the other side is a grassland/field type area surrounded by trees. (My ‘Americans and Their Forests’ professor said this could possibly be an old growth forest).” Whether your preferred mode of transportation is biking, walking, running, unicycling, skate boarding or roller blading, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a great resource for the two communities that it connects, from an alternative commuting option to a quiet recreational retreat away from the hustle and bustle of campus. A map of the path is available here, which includes a location of the three local bike shops near Ohio University. As the weather continues to warm up, I encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful resources the bike path has to offer. For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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Biking Athens: a personal perspective The start of spring in Athens is marked by students studying and running outside and biking along the Hockhocking-Adena bikeway. The paved bikeway provides scenic views of the Hocking River and the chance to disappear into the serene woods and even trek all the way to Nelsonville. For mountain bikers, some of the best trails in Ohio are located at nearby Strouds Run and Lake Hope. For some of us, biking is just part of an everyday commute to class and work.
Nick Kroncke
the bike path is a great way to keep your energy and focus up. Not to mention that you are saving your wallet and the planet instead of driving everywhere. The benefits of biking are numerous and I continue to push for more people to take advantage of this wonderful option.
Even with the clear benefits of biking, the reality is that this campus may not be considered the most bike friendly university. As we have learned from this The compact and accessible Athens campus never-ending winter, cold temperatures make biking community makes biking a desirable transportation op- around difficult. A cold face, fingers and toes is not at tion. Living off campus means you can pay for the the top of anyone’s wish list for a blistery winter day. chance of getting a parking spot near academic buildWith all my classes in Clippinger, the 2 mile commute ings, walk the 10-20 minutes each way to class, or jump can be a boring walk every day. After investing in a nice on your bike and be there in 5 minutes. With limited “trooper hat,” a bandana and some thick gloves, biking parking and widespread-construction, why not take the that short distance isn’t so bad…even on the coldest of opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise? It is en- days. The way I look at it, I would rather spend 5 ergizing to turn the pedals and feel the breeze as you minutes being cold while biking slow over 20 minutes of make your way to class. On the weekends it is a great walking. However, if you’re bike isn’t suited for the nostress reliever to bike along the river around campus or torious Athens slushy-snow mix, the commute may be a to make your way out to Strouds with friends. Even tak- bit more of a challenge. Even when it finally warms up, ing a break from studying just to ride a few miles along many people do not feel comfortable riding along the Below: Nick is an environmental geography major as well as a research scholar at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. In the Office of Sustainability, Nick is the Alternative Transportation Liaison.
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numerous brick roads. As beautiful and historic as our brick roads are, they provide a rocky challenge to ride down depending on your style of bike. Fortunately, many of the brick roads uptown provide bike lanes, providing a safe way to maneuver about the city. These uptown roads with bike lanes often have street parking, so always be aware of opening car doors! My best advice here is to try and avoid the uptown roads, or take adjacent streets. If you have class uptown, bike as far as you can and then lock up your bike up if you are not comfortable riding down the bricks. Another main “problem” with biking on campus involves something more manageable than the cold weather or brick roads. Road traffic and bike safety is a big issue that makes people more likely to jump in their cars instead of jumping on their bike. For good reason, students and community members are reluctant to ride down roads such as Richland and Stewart, which have relatively small lanes and a high amount of traffic. While most people think traffic and potholes can be avoided by riding down the sidewalk, that is not the case. According to Ohio’s bike laws and Athens City, it is illegal and more dangerous to ride on the sidewalk. Drivers are
not typically looking for bikes cutting across parking lots and driveways, where bikes can be tough to see. With all these issues that bikers may face, does that mean that you should avoid biking around Athens? Of course not! Being cautious when on the road can ensure an enjoyable ride. It is important to be visible, by biking a few feet off the curb and making your presence known. In terms of traffic, it is important to bike at a speed you are comfortable with and just know that the cars behind you can wait. Proper signaling and coming to a stop at stop signs are part of staying safe and visible to motorists. There has been talk of adding bike lanes to busy roads, but in the meantime, bikers must do everything in their power to stay safe. Better education efforts would create cooperation between drivers and bikers, while giving consideration to both. It is great that the campus is continuing to push sustainability – and this is a way that everyone can contribute. Next time you get the chance (or when the weather is decent…), jump on your bike and enjoy all the sites that Athens has to offer. Who knows, you may just enjoy the fresh air, exercise and peace of mind that bicycling offers!
Bike Resources in Athens Athens Bicycle 14 W. Stimson Athens, OH 45701 Provides mountain bike rentals for use on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway Hourly, daily and weekly rates all available Repair clinics, cycling clinics and group riding opportunities all available to the public Road bikes are currently unavailable
Book-A-Bike Athens Public Library Branch 30 Home Street Athens, OH 45701 Funded from an O’Bleness Foundation grant to purchase 16 bicycles. Borrowing is free and as simple as checking out a book or DVD. Can rent out for a maximum of 3 hours and must return before the branch closes. Helmets and locks also available for lending Free bike borrowing program available at the Athens, Nelsonville and The Plains library branches.
For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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“Bikes Bring It”
Nick Kroncke
cessful pedicabber in Athens simply could not be done.” Luckily, Eric proved that it could be done, and he was able to incorporate it with the love of his hometown and the individuality and ingenuity that surrounds this community. He had to address what type of vehicle was suitable for the environment, and this led to him to build the bike from recycled/custom parts . The weight of the cab was a challenge because it affects both the driver’s stamina when climbing hills and the ability to control the cab on descents. When bringing this idea to Athens, Cornwell also encountered another unique obstacle: Pedicabs had not been previously encountered in this community, so cultural perceptions were shaped negatively about the service. The ethnic origins of the Have you seen the guy riding a strange, asymcab have encountered some discrimination when metrical passenger [tri]cycle giving people rides around placed in an American setting. Eric set out to create a Athens? This taxi service, “Bikes Bring It,” provides hu- new brand of pedicab that was environmentally specific man-powered transportation throughout Athens’ viand culturally relevant to Athens, Ohio. brant nightlife scene. In 2009, Eric Cornwell started While setting up this business and as it continues to providing rides throughout his beloved hometown. grow, Eric has many goals in mind that range from very Weather permitting, Eric is out Thursday through Saturbroad to very specific. Worldwide, he hopes to reduce day night from 12AM to 3AM. Customers simply hail the amount of pollution created by transportation and him on the streets and sidewalks, though they can also to emphasize the role human power can play in replaccall arrange a pick-up by calling 740-229-9719. While ing the need for fossil fuels in everyday life. “Personally, out and about, Eric will update his Twitter I want to facilitate the shift of consumerism from being (@BikesBringIt) with the location of his trips. Available ignorant, detached, and arbitrary towards exchanges routes are based upon the relative elevation of the desthat are more dynamic, personalized, and spontanetination, but ideally, he travels as far as the Athens city ous,” Eric states. He is accomplishing this by recycling limits. the waste material of the bicycle culture and turning Up to 3 persons can be accommodated at a time. that into useful and profitable products. Within the AthPassengers pay in tips at the end of the journey in acens community, “Bikes Bring It” provides a plethora of cordance with how far they traveled and their enjoypositive outcomes. This service offers affordable transment of the experience. The average tip depends on the portation, a safe ride home at night, entertainment, distance and elevation, but the average tip is around and encouragement of bike use on campus. In a broad$7. Of course this means he can get stiffed by some er sense, this business fosters a more interactive busi“customers,” but plenty of other generous people make ness model and helps others build faith in an individual up for them. entrepreneurship. This idea originally came from an attempt to integrate bicycle transportation more fully within our community. Along with this, Eric states that, “When presented with an opportunity to work with some aging rickshaws (pedicab) from India, I readily agreed. I wanted to develop expertise in a new area of cycling and also disprove those who had told me that being a suc-
“Bikes Bring It” has accomplished many goals, big and small, that have benefitted the Athens community in many ways. Eric has taken a personal pursuit and turned it into something great. He continues to improve his business, all while helping the community. Add a “Bikes Bring It“ ride to your Athens bucket list for a wonderful experience! 7
Concrete Surfing
Eric Jordan
How to hang loose without the ocean There are many alternative ways to get around campus besides driving. Everybody has their own preference, but with warmer weather approaching our bustling little city, we are given the chance to, perhaps, try something new. We are lucky to live in Athens; you can get from one side of the campus to the other in less than twenty minutes pretty much no matter where you are or what form of transportation you use. Skateboards are an extremely versatile transportation device however. You can use them when you want to and when you don’t you can just hop off and carry them. They are lightweight and easily stored in any classroom or living quarters. Aside from being efficient transportation devices, skateboarding also comes with various health and entertainment benefits.
The health aspects of skateboarding may seem easy to overlook but after pushing yourself around for a short period of time you will notice your heart rate rapidly beating and that you have broken quite the sweat. Skateboarding can greatly improve flexibility, increase coordination, and build cardiovascular stamina. Aside from physical health, skateboarding also beneficially affects mental health by aiding creativity, individuality, and self-esteem. There is something exponentially rewarding about trying to do something over and over and over again and failing, only finally to achieve for a brief moment in time, what you put so much effort into. Unlike many sports and activities in which you have a crowd cheering you on, skateboarding is a very personal, selforiented activity in which the only one judging you is yourSkateboardself. Sometimes the ing breeds creativity. simplest of tricks can Whether you are perbe the most rewardforming flip-tricks in ing, like the first time your driveway, you are able to defy skating a ledge , usgravity and pop an ing the sidewalk as a Ollie. This selfmanny-pad, or riding rewarding activity is a around a parking lot, even the smallest urban landscape great way to improve your sense of self and undercan yield hours of fun. Luckily for Ohio University stustanding and boosts your self-worth and dedication. dents, Athens is home to an amazing skate park just minutes away. Athens skate park boasts 17,000 square So, as the weather begins to warm up and peofeet of concrete, was built by award winning Grindline ple begin to come out of their caves for the much needSkate parks, and has been featured in numerous maga- ed exercise and vitamin D that Ohio’s seemingly neverzines and skate videos since it was built. Ohio Universi- ending winter restricts, try to keep in mind the many ty students have the fortune of being able to reach this benefits of picking up a skateboard and the good experenowned skate park in less than five minutes using the riences that go with it. The skateboard was invented by Hockhocking Adena Bike way located behind South surfers in California who needed something to do when Green. This bike path transports you directly to the the ocean’s waves were uncooperative and unsurfable, skate park when following the Hocking River east. and although Athens has no ocean, jumping on a skateboard is the perfect way to catch a wave and hang ten. For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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The Art of Inline
Liz Emley
There are many ways to stay healthy by taking part in activities that don’t require consumption of fossil fuels. One of those is inline skating. Although it is considered by some to be an older form of entertainment, it is still practiced today by many teenagers and young adults. A friend of mine is an inline skater currently, and I decided to interview him to learn more about the art of skating. Liz is a senior psychology major and the president of EcoReps. She is also the professional development coordinator in the Office of Sustainability.
Why did you start inline skating? Friends. Out of everyone, I’m probably one of the last people who still does.
Pixab
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Adam Rich graduated from OHIO with a degree in audio production last year. He has been an active inline skater since 2009. check out his answers to Liz’s questions below!
90s are back, have you not been watching the television?
What do you love about skating? Everything. It’s just a good way to hurt yourself and preHow often do you skate? When it’s nice. Probably two or three times a week. Un- tend like you’re a child still. less it’s like a weird thing, I’ll do it four to five times if I’m feeling it. It’s all about the feeling, man. Has skating taught you any valuable lessons? Don’t worry about what you’re doing, just do it. And Do you think it’s helped you become healthier? being there for the other kids, being helpful and be supMost definitely. It keeps me fit and trim. One summer I portive, it promotes a good community environment. did it nonstop, and it kick-started a lot of weight loss and muscle growth for me. Do you have any thoughts on sustainability? It doesn’t use any fossil fuels to go skating, you just roll. What kinds of tricks are you good at? Anything cool? You skate on things that were created for other uses, I don’t do cool things, but here’s why I do it: It’s just which says something about recycling I think. about enjoying yourself. I stink a lot, and it’s like endless frustration, but it’s like a metaphor for life: Endless frus- Do you think other inliners care about the environtration. But when you find ways to enjoy yourself and ment? overcome that frustration, that’s what makes it worth I think a lot of professional skaters are into the art the effort. crowd; I think they get it. They have to be about nature because they’re outside all the time. I would think they What do you say to people that don’t like inline? appreciate it. Why you gotta hate? Don’t hate, it’s just a thing. The Get creative and find your own way to stay active! 9
Hot Helmets
Graham Warne, Abe Kitchen, and Liz Emley
There are so many positive aspects about biking: exercise, reducing your carbon footprint, and getting more fresh air to name just a few. One thing often overlooked, though, is style, especially how much of a statement your bike helmet can make if you want it to. Aside from being the most important piece of safety equipment, the helmet is like the bumper sticker of the bike. There are many ways to be stylish while sporting a helmet. Buy one with a cool design or paint your own art onto a plain colored one. Helmets covered in wigs are hilarious and they’ve actually been scientifically proven to keep you safer on the road according to an article from the Environmental Transport Association (click to check out the ETA article), a company in the UK that insures bicycles and other forms of transportation while simultaneously offering carbon offsets to their customers. If you’re one of those people who hate wearing a helmet, a new invention makes it possible to stay safe even when you’re not wearing the traditional protective gear. Hovding is a company that designs airbags specifically to deploy and protect someone’s head in the event of a crash, so even those who don’t like to mess up their hair can still be safe. What appears to others as a scarf is actually a life-saving device. Learn how their idea became reality by clicking on the image below to launch a video.
Above: a stylish and hilarious example of a wig/helmet featured in this ETA article
The buck doesn’t stop with crafty, stylish safety gear. Two college students at Nirma University in India developed an eco-friendly helmet that can charge your phone and keep you safe! Learn more about it here. There are so many different things your helmet can say about you, and they’re a fun, unique way to express yourself and be an individual in the process of leading a more sustainable lifestyle, personally and environmentally!
Photo credit: Tess Phinney
For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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Mobility Defines Our Lives
Alex Slaymaker
Mobility is a social and economic opportunity. In the 21st century, mobility is life. For human life to continue to thrive in the 21st century, we must change how we perceive and plan for mobility. Non-renewable resource dependent infrastructure offering promises of mobility represents outdated thinking from the era of the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1956. Auto-centric human ecosystems value the needs of cars more than the needs of people. We have built highways through neighborhoods, removed sidewalks to widen streets, replaced fertile farmland with cement, isolated people from each other, and become sedentary beings. Job sprawl combined with the lack of mobility contributes to unemployment and poverty in many urban centers. The good news? Creative innovators focused on creating a more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable world are tackling these challenges and working to change the status quo of mobility. Cities are the focus of these initiatives not only because the majority of the world lives in cities, but because of the inherent urban economies of scale created when a large number of diverse people are within a comparatively small land footprint. High density, mixed-use intelligently designed and governed urbanization provides opportunities for increased mobility; creating more opportunity, and an increased quality of life for citizens. Click on the videos below (from ted.com) to hear what some of the world’s best thinkers are doing to improve mobility. For a complete list of sources, please refer to page 23
How do we create mobility on demand? Innovator Kent Larson advocates for creative inventions and technological advancements including the shared use of fold-able autonomous vehicles to help tackle problems of over-crowding, pollution, and safety in urban systems. Another invention is a bike designed to accommodate the old, young, and disabled living in hilly or flat areas for transportation and exercise through options of motor-power, resistance levels, appintegration, and physical design. Sound like a cheesy 80s movie? Check it out.
How can American cities be more walkable? Urbanist Jeff Speck believes American cities must be more walkable to attract young creative talent and ensure longterm economic success. He outlines how strategies of urban design can create places people want to live in a more sustainable way.
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How is New York re-making their streets? The transportation commissioner of New York City, Janette Sadik-Khan talks about how NYC is implementing large-scale programs dedicated to increasing mobility including the creation of 350 miles of onstreet bike lanes and 30 miles of parkingprotected bike lanes. Another original program implemented in the city includes the quick conversion of parking lots to public spaces with some paint, a few chairs, and plants resulting in increased property values and revenues in adjacent communities.
How are developing countries increasing mobility? As Mayor of Bogota from 1998-2000, Enrique Pe単alosa took initiative to increase equity and the quality of life in his city by giving residents increased mobility. "An advanced city is not one where even the poor use cars, but rather one where even the rich use public transport," argues Mayor Pe単alosa. He reminds us of the importance of Mayors and quality local elected officials in transforming our cities.
Bike Tips
(Liz Emley)
1. Inspect your ride: Make sure your tires are fully pumped, your seat is adjusted correctly, and your brakes are working properly before you get out on the road. 2. Wear a helmet: Riding around in cities can be dangerous. Be safe and protect your brain! 3. Stand out: White has not been shown to make you more visible. Where bright, neon colors day and night to be easily spotted. At night, be sure to have something on you or your bike that reflects light. 4. Control your bike: Always have a least one hand on the handlebar. If you need to carry books or other items, use your backpack or get a classy bike carrier! 5. Watch out for road hazards: Going over a pothole in a car is not as bad as going over one on a bike. Look out for other road and sidewalk obstacles such as gravel, broken glass, and uneven ground. 12
Soon-To-Be Hot Off the Press! The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway Committee will be producing a new Bikeway brochure and map in summer 2015. Stop by the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau or the Ohio University Office of Sustainability later this summer to pick up your copy!
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Finding the Right Bike
Cheyenne Fenstemaker
as fast as road bikes. What mountain bikes lack in speed they make up for in their wide range of gears and their ability to climb hills. Mountain bikes are generally cheaper than road bikes, too, and are also pretty versa- John Howard. American Olympic cyclist tile. If you are looking to save money, as well as own a bike that will do well on and off the road, a mountain While many people may not think of his or her bike bike would be an excellent investment. as their vehicle, a trusty bike is actually a great choice for transportation, making the title of vehicle welldeserved. You are your bicycle's engine, and while your bicycle may be a vehicle, it does not require gasoline and does not emit CO2. Unlike the automobile you may normally consider your vehicle, you can think of your bike as just another opportunity to lead a sustainable lifestyle and have some fun while doing so. Just as you would attempt to purchase an automobile that would suit your lifestyle best, finding the right bike requires some decision-making. How do you make a bike into your vehicle?
“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine�
For the person who enjoys leisurely riding a bike down a paved road in a mostly flat area, very little is required in the way of equipment. Any kind of bicycle would be useful, including older models lacking gears. If you are looking for the ultimate leisure bicycle, some folks opt for a cruiser. Cruisers are comfortable and have upright handlebars which put the rider in a good position to see the world around them. And seeing the world around you is half of the fun of a ride, right? If you want to step your leisurely riding up a notch, a road bike would be ideal. Road bikes can be used to commute to work, ride into town, add a bit of exercise to your schedule, or even join a bike club. According to the eBicycle Guide, road bikes have a fine frame, thin tires, and a short wheelbase. Road bikes are light and designed for speed, but are not as structurally solid as mountain bikes.
Photo credit: Tess Phinney
When you want to use a bicycle for a long trip, including anything from a thirty minute trip to work or a month long trip across America, a touring or expedition bike would be your best bet. According to the eBicycle Guide, touring bikes use the same frame size as roads bikes, but are structurally stronger than your average road bike. Touring bikes also have a large range of gears like mountain bikes and have a larger frame triangle that is able to carry cargo when needed.
Once you narrow down the type of bike you need, continue your journey to finding the right bike for you by stopping into a local bike shop such as Athens Bicycle on West Stimson or Cycle Path on West Union. Ask the sales associates questions and have them help you figure out what size bicycle will be a good fit for If you are a person who enjoys bombing down slopyou. After you have a bicycle that generally fits your ing trails or off-roading into the wilderness, a mountain body type, there are many other adjustments that can bike is necessary for your adventures. The eBicycle be made to ensure the most comfortable and efficient Guide points out that mountain bikes generally have ride. Good luck on your journey to making a bicycle wide tires and suspension to absorb shock, making your vehicle and safe travels! them more stable and able to handle rugged terrain without falling apart. However, mountain bikes are not For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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More Tips and Tricks
Bradford Grant
Not sure what to look for when buying? Below Bradford Grant, an avid cyclist, breaks down the buying process and how to maintain your ride. Have you ever considered picking up a bicycle for daily commuting? What about mountain biking for recreation? Not sure where to start? These were the questions I had when I first started cycling and I hope to give you some tips for making wise purchasing and maintenance decisions for owning a bicycle. Cycling has become a major part of my adult identity! I love all types of cycling from mountain biking, to road biking, to trail bikes, and even Unicycling. However, my true passion lies in tour cycling. Tour cycling is bicycling that revolves around taking long term road trips (i.e. 300+ miles per trip). My longest tour cycle thus far has been a whopping 3,800 miles from Jacksonville, Florida to San Francisco, California, coast to coast. When I started my trek across America, I was a novice in regards to properly maintaining my body and the bike it was riding. It wasn’t long into that tour that I began to learn the importance of proper and continual maintenance for all aspects of a bicycle, including maintaining yourself. As the saying goes, Hindsight is 20/20. I certainly wished I could have gone back in time to change the bicycle and accessories I purchased as well as made better maintenance and care decisions for my bike. The costs to repair the components I had worn out was too high for me at the time, so I sold my first bike for a very low price and eventually moved on to another bicycle. I’m certain that had I taken better care of that bicycle I would still own it today! Please take the following subjects seriously as they can greatly benefit your adult bicycle ownership decisions and ultimately your desire to ride your bicycle. Many bike enthusiasts suggest double walled rims over a single walled rim. The cost difference between the two is minimal and if you wreck your bike, the rim is less likely to be damaged or destroyed. Mountain bike tires are much more durable than transition tires or road bike tires. When purchasing mountain bike tires, consider the cost and the shape of the tire. Tires that are packaged in small containers do not have a bead that runs through them and, thus, affects the shape and form of the tire. Secondly, it’s much harder to get a flat from a mountain bike tire. Road wheels are a much different beast. While bicycling across America, all 30 riders tracked the tires that both traveled the longest distance and had the least amount of flats. Our results showed that the most durable tires were the Continental brand Gatorskins. I purchased my first Gatorskin tire about 7 years ago and after about 10,000 miles of wear I finally replaced it this year. Another important part for your wheels is making sure the PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) are correct when you are pumping up the tire. On a mountain bike or a car this isn’t as big of a deal but failure to continually manage this on a road bicycle or transition bicycle will lead to many flat tires. Did you know that most road tires have a PSI of 120? Make sure you read the tire’s requirements and fill it to the suggested amount to avoid frequent tire repairs.
The Rims and Wheels
Brad’s Personal Tip: A flat tire is not always avoidable. One of the most important skills to have as a cyclist is being able to change a flat on the road. I suggest you spend some time getting the proper tools and learning how to change a flat tire on your own. There are many great bicycle maintenance videos on this to help you learn. Just remember: it will be tough the first time you do it. 15
Finding the correct seat for your needs is of utmost importance. Seek out a professional and ask for a personal assessment. Improperly fitted seats or uneven wear on softer seats can lead to pinched nerves, back pain, and other bodily discomfort.
The Seat
It is recommended that you select a seat in a way that positively aligns with your body’s pressure points. This approach may initially seem less comfortable than a softer seat, but with continued use of both types of seats you will clearly notice the difference. Brad’s Personal Tip: Learn how to shift your bicycle properly. The less shifting you engage, the less wear placed on your bicycle. Learning how to shift before you decide to climb a hill can be beneficial to the bicycle and your ability to climb that hill! In addition I suggest learning more about “Cross Chained” gears. This is when you have the chain for your gears set all the way to the top gear (highest) on one derailleur and the bottom (lowest) gear on the other derailleur.
The Frame
It is suggested that a bicycle be selected with the frame’s longevity and rigidity considered a top priority. Did you know that steel is flexible while aluminum is stiff and rigid? This means that if you were to ride an aluminum bicycle down Court Street, it would be a bumpier ride. This will almost certainly lead to a more taxing ride for your body. Steel, on the other hand, will absorb some of the shock from the road and make the holding of your handle bars a much more bearable endeavor. In addition, Steel can bend and hold structural integrity while aluminum can become brittle and break. With proper maintenance, a good steel frame could literally last your entire life.
Bicycle maintenance starts even before you purchase your first adult bicycle! Picking the correct bicycle frame material for your needs is an important aspect to finding the right bicycle. This is especially true in areas with cobble stone roads, namely Athens. There are four major types of materials that are used in bicycle production today - steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber and titanium materials are generally associated with competitive cycling. Brad’s Personal Tip: lubricate your chain with the proper lubricants. Just do it! Make sure you are always lubricating your chain with a suggested chain lube. The metal from the chain rubbing up against the metal gears easily leads to wear and tear. I suggest saving your old tooth brush so that you can clean the old oil/wax/grease off of your chain with a little soap (when needed) and then using another old tooth brush to brush on new lubricant. You’ll notice the difference in performance immediately and your components will last much longer.
For additional details about the pros and cons of all 4 types of bike frame materials, check out this REI article. The information provided can be helpful for someone considering a new bike purchase.
Brad’s Personal Disclaimer: Brad is an avid amateur biker. He is not a professional biker, is not employed by a bike shop and does not have a medical background. This article is written with Brad’s personal preferences and his own research. His tips offered here are excellent ideas for consideration. For a professional opinion of what to consider when selecting a bike, check out the list of local bike shops offered on Page 6. Happy Riding! For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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Bicycle Technology
Tess Phinney
How do you use your bike?
Exercise
You should try the app in section A!
Commute
You should check out the gadget in section B!
Would you like to use your smartphone on your ride?
Yes
No You should see if you like what’s in section C!
How tech savvy are you?
Beginner We can’t be good at everything, check out section F! Intermediate
Advanced
Looks like section D is for you, smarty pants.
Take a gander at section E! 17
A
If you like to exercise with your bike, you should check out the Strava app. According to the App Store, this app is pretty versatile in that it can also be used to track your jogs. The app uses GPS to track your performance. You can also join challenges and share your accomplishments with friends. To learn more and download the app click here!
B
If you commute with your bike, consider the Cyclenav gadget. Cyclenav by Schwinn gives you turn-by-turn spoken and visual directions . The app is downloadable on your smartphone and you can attach the device to your handlebars with the included mount. Click here to find out where to buy it and click on the video for more information on how the device works.
C
The Hammerhead is a great gadget for those of you who would rather leaver the smartphone out of your ride. Click on the video for a quick 30 intro to how the Hammerhead works! Or click here for more info on how the Hammerhead was made and what it can do for you.
D
The ABIVO Cyclemeter is a great option for advanced cyclists interested in using a smartphone on their ride. According to the ABIVO website, the New York Times says the app is clean and easy-touse. The app incorporates maps and graphs to provide you with information that will enable a better training experience for you. For a more detailed description of how the app works and to download this app, click here.
E
If you like the idea of using a smartphone on your ride, but are not quite sure if you fall in the beginner or advanced category, try out Coach my Ride! This app helps you prepare for your ride, track your progress, and update your performance. Click here to download the app from the app store.
F
The Simple Dashboard by Busang-Systems is a simple, but useful app for smartphone bike riders who either want to keep it simple or just try something new. The app provides you with essential information such as the weather, your speed, and the distance covered by your ride. To download this app from the app store click here.
For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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Opportunities
Office of Sustainability
Interested in making a sustainable, chemical-free sunscreen for those sunny spring bike rides? Try this recipe:
1/2 cup of 100% pure aloe
20 drops carrot seed oil OR raspberry seed oil
5 tbsp. coconut oil
3 capsules of vitamin E oil
5 drops of lavender oil
Many common oils have various sun protection factors (SPF) and when you combine them, it makes them even stronger! These oils not only protect your skin from harmful levels of sunshine, but they can also help combat dry skin that sun exposure can often lead to. All of these ingredients can be purchased at local markets or drug stores. It’s important to not only protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, but also from the harmful chemicals that can be found from generic sunscreen products. For more information about natural sunscreen click here!
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Professional Development - John Benson Professional development is not just a one time thing. It’s a continuous learning and growing process that you develop through time and helps you find your own unique style. By making this a number one priority in developing and sustaining your own skill set, you will increase your value towards the organization and enhance your future job prospects. Remember professional development is up to you and nobody else. By assessing strengths and weaknesses you can pin-point the areas in need of improvement to be prepared for the next step whenever that may come. Maybe you are good at reading flowcharts and translating that to applying processes, but need to improve in communication with others. Or perhaps you excel in project management, but could improve in new methods of increasing your project adaptability. What ever your skills may be, professional development will help you achieve your professional goals. A professional development plan is never final. It should be viewed on a regular basis and open to change because as a person you are always evolving. Your target areas may change, and new opportunities may present themselves. The important thing is to start the process, once the plan has been made it can be revised. Once you have developed a strategy for your development remember that the plan is never complete. If you strive for continuous improvement, you must continue to improve your skills. Learning is a life long process and never stops, and your professional development will be a big component to your success. Interested in adding to you resume and developing your skills as a Sustainable Ohio University Leader? Join SOUL! Subgroup meetings are every Wednesday 3:30-5pm in Baker 236.
Get UniPsyched! Most people will tell you that “two are better than one”, but if you come across a unicyclist at Ohio University, they might disagree. For them, the one-wheeled cousin of the bicycle is a case where one is most certainly better than two. So what about a unicycle makes it so endearing to its riders, athletes and fans?
Halie Zarbakhsh
this one-wheeled monster.
But don’t be discouraged! Anyone can learn how with a little interest and patience. Remember, it’s all about balance. Try not to be afraid, but make sure to be safe. Like for any kind of cycling, unicycles should be ridden with a helmet on. Safety first, fun second, aweIt could be the novelty, since unicycles are typically someness always. associated with circus performers - not students on Unicycling can also be off road, almost like mountheir way to class on West. Perhaps it is the thrill of its tain biking, and is a very intense sport. Imagine teeterhigher level of difficulty compared to a bicycle. Alting up a mountainous behemoth with one wheel and hough anyone can learn how to unicycle (click on the some serious faith. This is the boss level of unicycling, video below), it takes longer to pick up than your typical so you have to start out as a beginner. But who knows, bike, even if you are already an avid cyclist. Expect to you could be the next unicycling champion! (Oh yes, take 10 to 15 hours and two to three weeks to master they do have competitions). Check out unicycling.org for some stats. I’m sure you’ve seen some of students around campus riding on unicycles, especially if you know anyone in the juggling club. If you’re on West Green or College Green, you’re bound to find a few straggling unicyclists wheeling around as it gets warmer. Ask them how it’s done, how they learned, and where to get the best priced, quality merchandise. Just try not to knock them over. For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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7 Healthy Reasons to Start Biking
Leigh Wagner
Biking is great because just about anyone can do it, young, old, male, or female. You can bike through Rocky Mountains, crowded cities, or residential areas. It is a great alternative to a motor vehicle with many health benefits. Cycling can benefit the body from your head to your toes. If you haven’t already been convinced to jump on the cycling bandwagon, here are 7 great reasons to start cycling to improve your health.
It’s Easy! Many people find exercise difficult because it takes time to head to a gym and exercise. But it’s much simpler than that. According to the most recent National Household Transportation Survey, half of American workers live within five miles of their workplace. So, instead of finding a gym, paying for a gym, and taking time out of the day to go to the gym, it may be easier to just bike your daily commute (NHTS).
It Boosts your Immune System. Research in this field is young, but some studies show that regular, moderate exercise boosts your immune system. Just as exercise strengthens your muscles, it also strengthens your ability to fight illnesses. When you exercise, the cells in your body that fight bacteria speed up and in-turn assist your body in fighting sickness.
Improved Mental Health. Biking can be a great way to mentally unwind and relax. It is aesthetically pleasing and also a great way to reduce stress and depression. Biking from work can give you time to clear your mind from the stresses of the day and not bring them home. Being outdoors is also a great way to soak up the sun which can have a positive effect on mood and overall outlook.
Muscle Toning. Cycling is great for muscle toning because it can strengthen a vast majority of muscles with limited effort. For those with joint issues it can be extremely beneficial. Cycling is especially good for strengthening the gluteus muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Your deep core muscles are utilized when stabilizing the body. Your hands get a fair amount of strength work, as do your wrists and forearms, from holding the handlebars, especially if you ride over bumpy surfaces (Healthy Living).
Heart Health Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. It speeds up blood circulation and keeps the heart pumping and strong.
A picture says a thousand words. Here a student stays healthy by cruising down Richland Ave, reusable water bottle and all! Photo credit: Tess Phinney
Reduces Risks of Obesity. Not only does cycling burn calories but it also increases metabolic rates. Cycling ramps up metabolism and keeps it working long after your ride is over. Many people struggling with obesity find it difficult to run 21
or jog because of the strain it puts on their joints due to impact. When a person cycles there is much less impact on these joints so some people may find it to be a great alternative to running.
Increased Brain Function. Bicycling is an activity that requires balance, quick reactions and decision-making skills. A Vanderbilt University study shows that people who regularly bike have improved with focus and concentration. Participants who regularly exercise were also 40 percent more likely to solve a puzzle than idle participants. A University of Illinois and University of Pittsburgh joint study found that participants had larger hippocampus and performed 40 percent better on memory tests. Other reports show that cycling helps older adults retain cognitive function and avoid disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia (Bike for the Brain).
Earth Day April 22, 2014, 4pm-6:30pm Walter Hall Rotunda Free! And, Open to the Public. 4:00pm Doors open. -Live music, mocktails and appetizers are available. -Educational displays from local and campus groups and exhibition of ReUse Competition entries. 4:30pm Introduction of Keynote by local business owner and potter, Jennifer L’Heureux. 4:40pm Earth Day Celebration Keynote Presentation by Leslie Schaller, AceNET Director of Programming. 5:00pm Awards Ceremony by Office of Sustainability 5:30pm Live music from OHIO’s Tempo Tantrums and continued exhibition of ReUse Competition entries 6:00pm ReUse Competition awards ceremony by ReUse Industries and OHIO Voinovich School For more information about this event: www.ohio.edu/sustainability.
For a complete list of references, please refer to page 23
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Sources
Office of Sustainability
A Ride on the Hockhocking - Megan Graver http://2009.soulofathens.com/?q=node/87 http://www.athensohio.com/whattodo/540
Enrique Peñalosa TED Talk http://embed.ted.com/talks/ enrique_penalosa_why_buses_represent_democracy_in_action.ht ml
Bike Resources in Athens - Nick Kroncke http://bikesbringit.blogspot.com/p/about-bbi.html http://myacpl.org/bikes http://www.athensbicycle.com/ https://www.facebook.com/athensbicycle http://www.athensmobility.com/pedestrianbike.html http://www.athensohiotoday.com/news/county-library-systemto-roll-out-book-a-bike-program/article_c1d19c5d-254e-5e98962a-837ff00f4020.html
“Bikes Bring It” - Nick Kroncke Email correspondence with Eric Cornwell http://bikesbringit.blogspot.com/p/about-bbi.html
Hot Helmets - Liz Emely, Abe Kitchen, Graham Warne http://www.treehugger.com/cars/students-wind-and-solarpowered-bike-helmet-charges-gadgets-while-protectingriders.html http://www.hovding.com/en/ https://www.eta.co.uk/2011/04/01/safest-bicycle-helmet-hasbuilt-in-wig/ http://vimeo.com/43038579
Mobility Defines Our Lives
- Alex Slaymaker
http://www.ted.com/ http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=88
Finding the Right Bike - Cheyenne Fenstemaker http://www.ebicycles.com/ http://athenscyclepath.com/ http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/the10-best-folding-bikes-2334110.html http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html http://www.athensbicycle.com/ http://www.waba.org/blog/2013/11/resources-finding-the-right -bike/
More Tips and Tricks - Bradford Grant http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bike-framematerials.html
Bike Technology - Tess Phinney itunes.apple.com http://www.strava.com/running-app http://www.schwinnbikes.com/usa/gear/extras/cyclenav/ http://hammerhead.io/ https://abvio.com/cyclemeter/ http://www.coachmyride.com/ https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/coach-my-ride-entrainement/ id431480256?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simple-dashboard/ id423657412?mt=8
Kent Larson TED Talk Get UniPsyched! - Hallie Zarbakhsh http://embed.ted.com/talks/ kent_larson_brilliant_designs_to_fit_more_people_in_every_cit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igzng0zqVIo y.html Jeff Speck TED Talk http://embed.ted.com/talks/jeff_speck_the_walkable_city.html
7 Reasons to Start Biking - Leigh Wagner
Janette Sadik-Khan TED Talk http://embed.ted.com/talks/ janette_sadik_khan_new_york_s_streets_not_so_mean_any_m ore.html
http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/indoor-bicycle-trainer-workouts-7609.html
http://www.bikeforthebrain.org/about-us/ http://www.newyou.com.ph/the-benefits-of-cycling http://nhts.ornl.gov/download.shtml
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“I Want To Change The World... But I Don’t Know How.” Connect with the Ohio University Office of Sustainability! Visit Our Website
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