Momentum Magazine

momentum ( smart living by bike )

2012

travel urban

discover 12 cities by bicycle

Stylish Bike Accessories

Look good this spring from heels to wheels

handmade

bikes bike builders share their love of the craft

bikeStyle: 96

55

inside

Mar | Apr 2012 $4.95 + momentummag.com

+ bells&whistles: spring bike events | 26 | Brooklyn bike cafĂŠ | 21 + goodybasket: essential travel items | 86 | folding bikes | 78 + howto: properly wear a helmet | 32 | + Alliance photo contest winners | 54 + bike fashion designer Nona Varnado | 46 + behind Linus Bikes | 76

District

District riders crave fast urban transport with a refined sense of style. Look sharp, ride fast. trekbikes.com/mDistrict

facebook.com/trekbicycle

DETOUR Every day. Any Weather. No Excuse. Commute.

-Atomic 13 Aluminum Frame and Fork -Shimano Acera 9spd Drivetrain -Tektro Novela Disc Brakes -Breakaway Dropout For Easy Belt-Drive Conversion -Full Steel Fender Set -Rear Rack w/ Light Mount Perfect For Avenir City Sport Bags and Tail Lights (not included)

R A LE IG HU S A.C O M

features

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Photo by Rachel Bellinsky

( smart living by bike )

momentum’s urban

behind thebrand: linus bikes: Meet Adam & Chad

discover 12 cities by bicycle

Photo by Liv Ames

momentum ( smart living by bike )

2012

travel

54 alliance

photo contest

URBAN

DISCOVER 12 CITIES BY BICYCLE

Stylish Bike Accessories

LOOK GOOD THIS SPRING FROM HEELS TO WHEELS

handmade

BIKES BIKE BUILDERS SHARE THEIR LOVE OF THE CRAFT

bikeStyle: 96

55

inside

MAR | APR 2012 $4.95 + momentummag.com

+ bells&whistles: spring bike events | 26 | Brooklyn bike cafĂŠ | 21 + goodybasket: essential travel items | 86 | folding bikes | 78

Our cover model is lifestyle blogger Naomi Davis, also known as Taza on her blog The Rockstar Diaries (taza-and-husband.blogspot.com). Davis lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, one-year-old girl and English bulldog, Kingsley. She can often be spotted biking around DC on her Linus Dutchie, which she uses for running errands, meeting her husband for lunch and spending time with her family. She was photographed for this issue by Josh Davis.

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80

what to look for in a

folding BIKE

Photo by Velo-Citi

the

cover

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+ howto: properly wear a helmet | 32 | + Alliance photo contest winners | 54 + bike fashion designer Nona Varnado | 46 + behind Linus Bikes | 76

Momentummag.com

Photo by Augusta Quirk

travel

Photo by bryan

fashion bloggers riding in style

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departments 24

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Photo by Kathleen Wilker

Photo courtesy of Pereira Cycles

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departments 08

ontheweb

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intandem

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takethelane

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InBox

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momentumasks

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inside: the bike

FROM MOMENTUMMAG.COM note from the publishers editor’s note your letters READER TRAVEL TIPS Shifters

bikeStyle

96

et to Know Transportation G Alternatives’ Paul Steely White

columns 27

thebigidea

31

onbicycles

34

asktheadvocate

35

legalbrief

53

readytoroll

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20 bells+whistles

56 +venture

20 20 21 21 23 24 26 30 32

58 59 60 61 63 64 64 66

Arts & Culture BIKE SMART: Christine Peterson Top 5 Advocates of the Year Heels on Wheels Top 20 Songs for Your iPod HANDMADE CONFESSIONALS EVENT ROUND UP What’s New Bike Curious: How to Wear a Helmet

82 goodybasket 82 86 88 88 88

Folding Bike Reviews Travel Gear Bike Camping Gear Bike Part 101 Carry It on a Bike

iscovering a new city by bike d Bike Maps and Resources Urban Bike Tours Traveling with Kids How to Find a Temporary Bike Bike-friendly Hotels Packing 101 travel guides

41 familystyle 41 Bike Tune-ups with Kids 43 16-inch Bike Reviews

style 44 Spring Bike Accessories 46 An Interview with Bike Fashion Designer Nona VARNADO 48 Meet 4 Fashion Bloggers

BIKING WHILE PREGNANT BRANDING BIKES GET HEARD

THE RULES OF THE ROAD CYCLING CHIC

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Momentummag.com

700x 23/ 2 8 c Str eet Gu ard TM puncture protecti on and hi gh mi l e age tr ea d com pound f or l ong w ear. C ommuter, t rai ni ng, open r oa d; st arti ng at $2 5 . 9 5

fyxation.com

Photo by Chris Eichler, League of American Bicyclists

on the web Folding Bikes, Extended Reviews Want to learn more about the folding bikes reviewed in this issue? Read the extended reviews. momentummag.com/articles/folding-bike-reviews

Advocacy Blog Keep up to date with the latest in bicycle advocacy news and progress. Follow our special series by editor Sarah Ripplinger, A Countdown to Velo-city Vancouver June 2012, with speaker updates, profiles and event information.

Photo by ryan hodgson-rigsbee

momentummag.com/blogs/bike-advocacy

Style Bloggers Q&A Get to know the fashion bloggers featured in this issue’s style section. momentummag.com/articles/spring-style-bloggers

Visitors’ Guides, Extended Edition Photo by Kristin Cofer

Are you visiting a new city this spring and thinking about riding a bike to explore and get around? Momentum’s Visitors’ Guides feature meeting places, tours, food, shops and hotels that you can use to you plan your next bikefriendly vacation or business trip.

Photo by Joah Lui

momentummag.com/articles/visitors-guides

Families On Bikes Blog Kathleen Wilker shares tips, tricks and stories for families who ride or would like to. Learn how to spend more time together, stay fit and share experiences behind the handlebars.

Contest!

momentummag.com/blogs/families-on-bikes

Win a Nona Varnado Classic Nautical Hipster. Contest closes April 30, 2012! momentummag.com/articles/spring-2012-style-contest

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Momentummag.com

Express your Personality

It’s not just a bike – it’s a Dahon. www.dahonbikes.com

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harry zernike

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Harry Zernike , who photographed our BikeStyle interviewee Paul Steely White, p. 96, travels around NYC on the IRO Rob Roy he received as a wedding gift, and he races for FGX (not on the Rob Roy). His riding partners have (more or less) become used to his riding with one hand on the handlebars, the other holding a camera. The photos that aren’t too blurry often end up on his photo blog, 9wmag.com, or in its printed counterpart, 9W Magazine, a journal of cycling photography.

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@trevtalk | trevorblock.com @katijenson | katijenson.com

@9wmag | harryzernike.com

russ roca & laura crawford

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Russ Roca and Laura Crawford sold all their possessions to travel the world by bicycle in 2009 and started PathLessPedaled.com. Traveling on their tiny Bromptons, they’ve explored bicycle cultures and bicycle advocacy groups in various cities. Currently, they are in New Zealand photographing and filming the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. See their story on p. 56. @pathlesspedaled | pathlesspedaled.com

gwendal castellan

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Gwendal Castellan lives in Vancouver, BC, with his wife and two young children. He currently works as an energy conservation consultant for new and existing homes and carries all his testing equipment for site visits on an electrified Larry vs. Harry Bullitt cargo bicycle. Testing folding bikes made him feel free as a bird and light as a ballerina. He has also produced a feature-length documentary Long Road North (longroadnorth. com) about his journey from Patagonia to the Canadian Arctic by bicycle. See his folding bikes story on p. 78. @gwendal_c

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trevor block & kati jenson

Kati Jenson began interning under the photo editor at Momentum in August 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. Originally from Seattle, WA, she studied art the University of British Columbia and then became a bike messenger who always had a camera in hand.

Trevor Block is a photographer in Vancouver, BC, who spends many hours hiking, photographing outdoor sports and sometimes doing all at once. He also completed a photo internship with Momentum.

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bettina grassmann

Bettina Grassmann is a veteran of the bicycle scene in Montreal, QC. She has worked as a bike mechanic, a bike courier and a community bicycle workshop coordinator. She volunteered at Right to Move/ La voie libre for eight years, organized Montreal’s first bike co-op conference, Vélo! Vélo!, and cofounded Le Petit Vélo Rouge. She holds a master of arts in English literature and creative writing from Concordia University and writes professionally for websites, magazines and reference books. Her Montreal Visitors’ Guide is on p. 72.

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betsy agar

Betsy Agar has pedaled anything but a straight path! Although trained as a civil engineer, she found her passion in words rather than formulas. So, in 2006 she retired her engineering stamp in favor of freelance writing. Her pursuit of sustainable living drives her cycling interests, so she is not only Momentum’s current intern editor, but also a writer for We Canada, a campaign directed at shaping Canada’s role in addressing climate change. See some of her work on pp. 60 and 64-65. earthsummit.ca

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Momentum Magazine is an independent media company that promotes, encourages and inspires smart living by bike.

Editors-in-chief Mia Kohout, Tania Lo Senior Editor

Sarah Ripplinger × • sarah@momentummag.com Photo Editor

David Niddrie × • photo@momentummag.com Style Editor

Molly Millar × • style@momentummag.com Families Editor

Kathleen Wilker × • families@momentummag.com Gear

gear@momentummag.com Creative Direction

Jim Nissen × SWITCHStudio.com × • momentum@switchstudio.com Art Direction

Chaidi Lobato × • momentum@switchstudio.com Designers

Elizabeth Dam & Kris Olmon × • momentum@switchstudio.com Columnists

Mia Birk, Jim Freeman, David Hay, Christine Laroche, Jeff Miller, Amy Walker Contributing Writers

Betsy Agar, Elly Blue, Richard Campbell, Krista Carlson, Gwendal Castellan, Laura Crawford, Aurelia d’Andrea, Bryen Dunn, Brian Ellison, Tom Everson, Jake Tobin Garrett, Bettina Grassmann, John Greenfield, Bryna Hallam, Rithy Khut, Tristan LaPointe, Michael Lloyd, Anne Mathews, Leana Mooradian, Alysha Moore, Erik Neumann, Mary Catherine O’Connor, Briana Orr, Russ Roca, Patrick Stephenson, Theodore Sweeney, Carolyn Szczepanski, Benjamin van Loon, Dina Weinstein, Kathleen Wilker, Susi Wunsch Contributing Artists & Photographers

Liv Ames, Jeff Anderson, Yvonne Bambrick, Trevor Block, Dottie Brackett, Bryan, Cheryl Burnette, Daniel Burnstein, Kristin Cofer, Jeff Cooke, Jim Cornfield, Jim Darling, Josh Davis, Tim Daw, Anahi DeCanio, Delivery Dude, Natasha Dunn, Kevin Dunne, Chris Eichler, Kyle Grandiger, Dmitry Gudkov, David Haines, Jane Healy, Bethany Heemeyer, Ryan HodgsonRigsbee, Ian Hoffman, Kati Jenson, Ben Johnson, Colleen Jordan, Rithy Khut, Alexander Labayen, Geoff Livingston, John Luton, Ricardo Martins, Curtis Miller, Daniel L. Miller, Steve Molder, Daniel Morrow, peggydaly, prayitno, Cara Price, Augusta Quirk, David Reid, Russ Roca, Rodeonexis.com, Phillip Ross, Anne Ruthmann, Rachel Schell, Marc Schlossberg, Joni Schrantz, Doug Scott, Pete Stasney, Jay Sycip, Aaron Teasdale, Reece Terris, th3rd world order, Kevin Turinsky, Velo-Citi, Eric Wolfe, Susi Wunsch, Harry Zernike Copy Editor Eva van Emden × • vancouvereditor.com Proofreaders Betsy Agar, Sandra Allen, Margo Mactaggart, Aretha Munro, Eva van Emden Interns Betsy Agar, Trevor Block, Andy Jenkins, Kati Jenson Publisher Momentum Magazine Ltd. Finance and Operations

Tania Lo • tania@momentummag.com Marketing and Advertising

Mia Kohout • mia@momentummag.com Sales Account Managers

Dawson Hamilton × • dawson@momentummag.com Brad Purss • brad@momentummag.com Office Manager

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subscriptions@momentummag.com Printed five times per year. $19.95 year US + Canada/ $39.95 International momentummag.com/subscribe Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, sponsors, advertisers or anyone else for that matter. printed Publication mail agreement #40565523G in the Momentummag.com

Where did I put my Dahon?

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The Mu N360 for 2012 combines the latest folding technology with the revolutionary, continuously variable NuVinci® N360™ drivetrain. Unfold in 15 seconds and go. So smooth shifting and easy to ride, you may never let it out of your sight again.

Find your Dahon Mu N360 at one of these authorized dealers today, or visit www.dahonbikes.com for more information.

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Incycle Bicycles San Dimas, CA

Cap’s Bicycle Shop New Westminster, BC

Fritz’s Bike Miami, FL

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©2012 Dahon and logo are registered trademarks of Dahon, Inc. NuVinci, its logo and N360 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fallbrook Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.

cocoA

Fashion and comfort. The super-light Cocoa delivers both with head-turning style and a comfortable, relaxed ride. trekbikes.com/mcocoA

facebook.com/trekwomen

photo by Trevor block

intandem

spring is (almost) here!

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f this is the very first issue of Momentum Magazine that you’ve picked up, Hello! Although we have been publishing for six years (this May will be our 7th anniversary), many of you will have found us for the first time, as this is the premiere issue of Momentum Mag on newsstands! It has been an exciting journey getting to the 55th issue, but we are more excited about the path ahead.

Riding bicycles has been the fastest growing mode of transportation in many major cities in North America. In some cities, such as Vancouver, BC (our hometown), New York City and San Francisco, to name a few, cycling mode share has increased by more than 100 percent in the past five years. Gas prices continue to rise and there is neverending congestion and a

parking shortage in city centers.

Politicians are recognizing the need to take action on climate change. People are becoming more aware of the importance of leading healthy lifestyles that include taking care of their personal well-being, along with that of their families, cities and planet. So it makes sense that riding a bike for transportation will continue to grow in popularity and, most importantly, practice.

But with any significant societal change comes challenges and hurdles. Bicycle users and

bicycle lanes are a hot topic for politicians and the mass media the agenda often supporting the status quo, which results in a reality in which choosing to ride a bicycle does not always come easy. But it should!

Our goal is to influence a shift in the transportation culture in North America from car-centricity to a balance of public transportation, appropriate car use, walking and bicycling, by showcasing riding a bike as a fun, smart, stylish way to get around.

We hope that we can be a positive voice and an influencer towards that change. We want to see cities where it is just as easy, if not more easy, to choose to ride a bike to get around over any other mode of transportation.

A movement? A revolution?

We believe it’s simply a necessary change, and one that we need to ensure a brighter, safer and healthier future for ourselves, our families and the cities that we live in. No matter how we categorize it, the most important thing is that it is happening, and we will be there to talk about it and cheer it on.

It’s smart living by bike.

Tania Lo and Mia Kohout Publishers, Momentum Magazine mia@momentummag.com tania@momentummag.com

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Choose between a Trek Cocoa or a Trek District AND save 20% off the newsstand price.

Contest ends April 30th, 2012 momentummag.com/subscribe

introducing momentum

mag.com

We have a new web URL. Please visit & bookmark our new address.

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takethelane cycling, tourism & fun

photo by Trevor block

I

Momentummag.com

was recently talking to a visitor to Vancouver, BC, who had traveled here with his bike to explore this and neighboring cities. The most nerve-wracking part of the trip, he said, was disassembling and boxing his bike in order to take it on the plane and train (his next stop was the bike-friendly haven of Portland, OR, an eight-hour train ride away). Why does he like to travel with his bike?

To explore the cities he visits and to get some exercise in between traveling sans bike and attending a conference – one of the main purposes of his trip.

Cycle tourism is a growing branch of the tourism tree.

Many cities are taking note of the benefits that can be accrued by attracting people to their cities with promises of safe cycling routes and cycle-friendly amenities. So what makes one city more cycling-friendly than another?

For starters, a few scenic places to ride, some bike lanes/ bike-inclusive roads, plenty of accessible rentals (including bike shares), connectivity with transit and adequate

and secure bike parking. Victoria, BC; Portland, OR; and New York, NY, are examples of a few cities that are promoting urban cycling amenities as part of their overall strategy to attract visitors.

Russ Roca and Laura Crawford are no strangers to visiting new locales by bike. The pair, which has cycled in cities all over the world, has an intimate knowledge of the ins and outs of adding two wheels to vacation plans.

Their urban travel essay will hopefully put you in the mood to plan one soon.

Now that Momentum has expanded by 36 pages, you will find even more great content in this and coming issues, including several new columns and features.

Glad to be on the ride with you, Sarah Ripplinger Editor, Momentum Magazine sarah@momentummag.com

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q&a with

Just a few comments related to Issue 54, specifically How to Pump up Your Tires.

This is one of the most important things that every rider can and should do. A few things to mention: You need to keep reinflating your tires! You lose about a pound of pressure a day, so checking your pressure weekly is a good idea.

Additionally, a lower pressure than the maximum listed will most likely give you a smoother ride. The advice to “try not to go too much over the max, even though sometimes you can” is misleading. I cannot think of a situation where you would need to exceed the high pressure rating for a tire. Ideally you should adjust your pressure based on your weight (including any cargo). There is a good link to road bike pressures here: trideyourbike.com/images/airpressurechart.jpg.

In the sidebar of Schrader vs. Presta, it was stated that Presta valves hold a higher pressure – take a look at full-suspension bikes with air chambers in the shocks – Schrader valves are used there with pressures of up to 300 psi!

Not to be a nitpicker, but the more correct information that gets published, the more informed and empowered your readers will become. All the little bits of wrong that get told and retold so that they become assumed as facts are harmful to the professionalism that we should strive to achieve. A simple peer review process from a few professional mechanics would be a great leap toward credibility.

Mirrors I recently received a copy of Issue 54 of Momentum, and was struck by the fact that even though the focus of the magazine is city-type bikes and riding, there seemed to be a total lack of handlebar mirrors. A decent-sized glass mirror such as those by Miracycle makes riding much more relaxing and greatly adds to safety. I didn’t use one for years but now wouldn’t be without one.

Phil Easton, Cambria, CA

COLD WEATH

gear, clothing &ER riding tips

OUR GUIDE to grea t gifts for the holi days

+venture: 34

Feedback Issue 54

bike )

gary

EXPLORE: san franc isco bay area by bike

inside

I am a woman in my fifties. I used to be a sidewalk rider, but took a class on how to drive my bike in traffic. Now when I ride in the road in Orlando, and take the lane, I feel safe and rarely have any sort of negative interaction with folks driving automobiles.

They simply pass me when I signal that it is safe to do so, and we both go on about our business. In the few cases where impatient people make comments or honk their horns, I give them the right to have a bad attitude and try not to let it affect my good attitude.

I am getting healthy; I am living green; I am getting along with my fellow commuters. I feel great!

Darlyn Finch Kuhn, December 9, 2011

issue #

Re: The Big Idea – Clueless or Rude?

( smart living by

Kevin Turinsky/ alaskarandonneurs.org

MOMENTUM

+ bells&whistles: pump + goodybasket: Mome your tires | 18 | top 5 newsmakers | 14 ntum’s gear picks | 54 | electric bikes + arts&culture: pin-up | 56 + familystyle: Winter calendar girls | 15 | top 20 winter tunes | 16 fun rides | 20 | Run bikes for kids | 21

I really liked the tip about lining up the tire pressure markings with the valve. This makes it much easier to find. It seems like most manufacturers hide it with black on black from the tire molding process, but some companies like Serfas clearly print it on the label of the tire. I wish the rest of the industry would catch on to this simple improvement.

Keep doing what you’re doing and spreading good advice.

Gregg Sundin, manager at Aaron’s Bicycle Repair, Inc., Seattle, WA

Disappointed with Gary Fisher Interview When our latest issue (54) arrived, my husband and I were excited to read the cover interview (about Gary Fisher). But we had trouble finding the spread. That’s because it wasn’t a spread, but a small column consisting of four questions and answers. We were very disappointed and felt deceived.

Please keep up the good work. We need magazines like this but we just thought we’d let you know we felt shafted with this last issue.

Happy trails, Anita and Steve, Dundas, ON

Riders on a remote section of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, along the shores of the Turnagain Arm and Knik Arm of majestic Cook Inlet, in Anchorage, AK.

Re: Best Cycling Destinations – North America While not quite in the Top 10 for cycling, Anchorage, AL, has a lot to offer. There are bike trails covering most of the city that provide car-free travel corridors from one end of town to the other. The scenery is unmatched anywhere in the world. There are miles and miles of trails for off-road biking (in summer) and skiing (in winter). And the cycling community is very well connected and active.

Posted by Jeff, December 14, 2011

readershots: photos by: (l-r)th3rd world

order, peggydaly, prayitno

momentum wants your photos.

It’s easy: shoot, upload, get picked, be printed.

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Momentummag.com

photo by Daniel L. Miller

+ The lanes of a Berkeley bike boulevard, heading east on Virginia St.

Correction in Berkeley section of “Get To Know SF” article Kudos for an excellent article capturing many of the excellent destinations for cyclists visiting the Bay Area.

In your Berkeley section, however, there was a glaring error. Your author stated that in order to get a bike rental, one must go to Oakland. Not so! We offer bicycle rentals at our Downtown Berkeley Bike Station. Bike rentals are also available at bike show Solano Avenue Cyclery, just over the Berkeley border in Albany (literally, it’s on the border).

Had your author done a quick Google search for “Berkeley, CA, bicycle rentals” these would be the first two results to come up. We’ve offered bike rentals at the Bike Station since it opened in June, 2010.

Thanks for making your readers aware of this correction.

The author mentions one of our favorite bike adventures – riding the Bay Trail to the Albany Bulb – but misses the thing Berkeley is most famous for: our Bicycle Boulevard Network.

Surely it’s worth a mention insofar as it has helped inspire similar networks around California and the country.

Thanks for your great publication! Keep up the good work.

Eric Anderson, Associate Planner – Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs, City of Berkeley Dept. of Public Works, Berkeley, CA

Early Reading I have been reading the book On Bicycles, edited by Amy Walker, and I really love it. I am an avid cyclist and, though I enjoy the trappings of Lycra and carbon fiber, what I really love is the whole bike scene, and her book captures it well. However, I began to think

about how we can get the message out more than just the converted. I was thinking that a children’s book might be a conduit for this message (or several children’s books) aimed at showing that a car (while innovative and useful) is often the wrong tool for the job. Children’s books could glorify bicycles the way they currently glorify automobiles. And when children’s books are written with the right “je ne sais quoi,” their messages often seep into the heads of the adults who are reading them.

The idea came to me while commuting. I was getting over to the side of the road so a car would have plenty of room as it passed me. It was only that one car and me. There was really no need for me to move closer to the broken road edge, but I remember feeling like the car had a greater right to be there.

I felt as though the car was doing the “real” task of going to work and I was fooling around – being silly. Then it struck me that we were both one-person-per-vehicle commuters and while I had some responsibility to not overly impede a fellow commuter, that person had a great responsibility not to injure me. I began to tally how I was not being silly. I was reducing my community’s health care costs by exercising. I was reducing toxic emissions. I was reducing the need for so much environmental degradation from mining and creation of expansive roads and parking lots. I was not putting the lives of fellow humans and other animals in grave danger. I realized that I had been deeply enculturated to feel that cycling to work was silly and that cars were right and important.

Brian Wood, Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, WA

Re: Biking Away from Home – A Tribute to Ken Greenberg’s Walking Home Thanks for this glimpse of your experiences growing up on bikes and buses! I often wonder how my own children will remember bicycling with me, and whether they will grow up to love bicycles.

I’d love to read more about your life as a kid in a car-free family. Do your brothers still use bikes for transportation? How about your folks in their grandparent years? More, please!

Posted by Emily (Mamafiets), January 5, 2012

we would love to hear from you! momentum Send your letters & images to

letters@momentummag.com Momentummag.com

@momentummag Follower Feeback Start ’em early!

Training wheels are a thing of the past.

Check out these three great run bikes.

Josh Brown For anyone on the fence about training wheels, we did bike rodeos a few summers in a row, and we would consistently saw kids two and three years old on kick bikes or even pedal bikes without training wheels who learned on a kick bike. They rode safely, confidently and skillfully.

Then we’d have kids who were nine, 10, 11 and 12 who were still on training wheels, wobbly and scared to ride over small obstacles.

John Clement Harpold We have the Giant Pre stride bike at Papillon cycles for $120. Nice light learners John Campanile Balance bikes are the way to go.

Once they’ve got the balance, the rest is easy.

Take off the training wheels and have them push. No pedaling.

Sue Myall Just get them on two wheels. Who cares how? It’s a building block for freedom and health in the future.

Brian Amer We tried a run bike for my daughter and she never really got it.

She wanted to pedal, so we got her a Trek bike w/ training wheels and she loves it. I figure we will go through the problems of taking the training wheels off, but I went through it and lived. ;) Ely Rodriguez We used a regular bike and took the cranks off. Then when our son was ready, we put them back on and away he went. No need to go out and buy more stuff that will end up in the landfill that kids will only use for a few months.

RIDE - Short Fiction About Bicycles I planned to get run bikes for my fouryear-olds, but I was told, in no uncertain terms, that “Bikes have PEDALS, Daddy!” So they got training wheels, and those worked out fine. But I’m doing run bikes when I have grandchildren.

’Xander Labayen I removed the pedals off a 12-inch wheel bike for my neighbors’ kid. A week later the pedals were back on. A quick lesson is all they need. Kids pick up riding a bicycle so quickly.

There isn’t an app for this.

What people are saying on the @momentummag Twitter feed @Treadlie favorited @Cantala59 Sweden now planning a four-lane superhighway just for bikes. fb.me/ M3nFiR5j @cyclechicbogota David Serna @MomentumMag @nycyclechic @Paybascyclechic @ridesabikeblog what do you guys think about this new bike bridge in Bogotá youtube.com/ watch?v=C8dfAR… @gecko39 fj Before there were cars there were bicycles... a look at the East Coast of Canada in 1897. fb.me/109nYRWs7 @MomentumMag @thegratefulone Zach M. The 1897 bike craze: Halifax’s first Critical Mass (via @MomentumMag) halifax.openfile.ca/ halifax/text/1… @GregMulligan Greg Mulligan #Exercise & #sweat RT @MomentumMag Sterile solutions wheeled out to Vancouver’s shared helmet dilemma theglobeandmail. com/news/national/… via @globeandmail @Cyclemanchester Cycle Manchester @MomentumMag please rt. Trying to raise awareness of cycling and cyclists in Manchester.

Please follow me @EBBC EastBayBikeCoalition Many families, businesses in East Bay living cargo bike dream everyday RT “@MomentumMag: Living the Cargo Bike Dream fb.me/12Zx7PcRC”.

Join the conversation: facebook.com/momentummag twitter.com/momentummag

MAR>APR>12

15

Make sure you know where you started from, but try a morning or afternoon without a strict agenda or destination – just explore the city – meandering down whatever street calls to you. Karen, Burnaby, BC

To navigate around cities, use train stations or other “destinations” as a guide, as these are usually signposted on the streets. Margaret, Trenton, NJ

photo by Maureen Byrne

If you don’t want to rent a bike on vacation, it is often easy to pick up a bike on Craigslist.

photo Courtesy of the Stoll Family

asks

What is your favorite urban travel by bike tip?

Make sure you are visible, and follow the rules of the road.

Colleen, Los Angeles, CA

Don’t be afraid of the city! Drivers are far more used to seeing cyclists in the city than they are in the suburbs. As a result, it is much easier to ride there. Just stay off the biggest arterial roads and you will be fine.

Mark Potts, Arlington, VA

Remember to bring the map holder. Cindy, Bellingham, WA

Maureen, Wantagh, NY

photo by Yaejoon Kwon

I usually like to be prepared by bringing extra clothing, a camera and snack food with me. Pretty obvious stuff. But, when in an unfamiliar locale, I enjoy asking for directions just to speak with locals and get their opinions on where to go for a drink and coffee and about local bakeries. I like to feel part of the city’s energy and vibe. Frosene, Normandy Park, WA Bring your own helmet (if so inclined to wear one) and bike lights. Christopher, Huntsville, AL

Believe it or not, Indianapolis has an emerging bike scene.

Kevin, Venice, CA

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photo by Kevin Hughes

Don’t be afraid to ask about bringing your bike inside when there’s a lack of adequate bike parking. We’ve been to many places: stores, restaurants, cafes, offices, etc., that were more than happy to let us bring our bikes inside. Bryan, Santa Monica, CA

Urban biking can be less stressful than non-urban biking.

Yaejoon, Savory, IL

What do you like to do on your bike in the summer? Submit your replies by visiting momentummag/momentum-asks.com Momentummag.com

The Rebirth of an Urban Legend.

Ultimate design by Pininfarina with electric assist.

Coming soon: www.solexbikes.com

bells+whistles arts & culture

bikesmart

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hristine Peterson lives in Issaquah, WA, with her husband Kent and son Eric. She is a licensed lay preacher in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and personal shopper for Safeway.com. You can read about how she and her bike got together on Kent’s Bike Blog.

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By Matthew Finkle and Brittain Sullivan Chronicle Books, 2011 160 pages, $16.95 USD Review by Alysha Moore

Do you love your bike? Of course you do! And so do the guys and gals showcased on the pages of I Love My Bike. The book features the new friends, authors Matthew Finkle and Brittain Sullivan who met while traveling the US, photographing people with their bikes. It’s a visual ode to the two-wheeled vehicles we love so much – and the people who ride them – with an occasional accompanying write-up added for good measure.

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curbside haiku promotes safe streets writer: Susi Wunsch Illustrations by: nyc dot

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he New York City Department of Transportation’s commitment to street safety takes a poetic turn with a series of 12 signs combining eye-popping graphics with messages written in haiku by the artist John Morse.

“Curbside Haiku” uses public art as a vehicle to emphasize shared responsibility for urban street safety among cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

The series, on display through fall 2012, is funded by a New York State grant, and was installed through the DOT’s Urban Art Program. It comprises 144 signs hung at traffic hubs near cultural institutions and schools where surveys indicate high crash rates.

Each safety message focuses on a category of transportation. For example, one sign warning cyclists about the dangers of “dooring” depicts a stylized figure flying off a bicycle. The

accompanying haiku reads: “A sudden car door, Cyclist’s story rewritten.

Fractured narrative.”

In introducing the campaign, NYC DOT Commissioner Janette SadikKhan referred to creating “a steady rhythm for safer streets in the five boroughs.” Added artist Morse, the series is meant to engage and edify passersby who “discover” the eight-byeight-inch signs.

The venture is a creative extension of assertive efforts to promote more livable streets through improved infrastructure, traffic-calming measures and public education. In the past decade, pedestrian fatalities have dropped by 25 percent, according to the NYC DOT. You don’t have to visit NYC to enjoy the signs. Posters of the street art are for sale, with proceeds going to the Safe Streets Fund, NYC’s publicprivate partnership for traffic safety and education: safestreetsfund.org.

DOT release: nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pr2011/pr11_101.shtml Designs & map of locations:nyc.gov/html/dot/html/safety/curbside-haiku.shtml Posters for sale: safestreetsfund.org mar>apr>12

I ride my bike almost everywhere – to work, doing errands, going out for coffee. And Kent and I enjoy bike touring and camping together. The mountains and ocean aren’t very far away, so we’ve had some wonderful adventures here in Washington. Last summer we rode over 200 miles (322 kilometers) along the Oregon Coast.

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How has your bike transformed your daily life?

At midlife, many people begin to sense that life is closing in on them and that they have achieved less than they hoped and are struggling to come to terms with limitations. That’s been true for me, but riding my bike has opened up so many new paths to me, literally and figuratively. I’ve experienced a renewed sense of strength, joy, adventure and possibility.

What advice would you give to others who want to get started biking?

q

Get a bike that you really like: one that fits you and is comfortable to ride, and have fun with it. Find places where you enjoy riding, routes to places you want to go to that work for you. Ride at your own pace and comfort level. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need a bunch of expensive gear to get started – over time you’ll figure out what you really need. And if it rains? The weather is telling you to stop at a coffee shop! photo by Kent Peterson

good read: I Love My Bike

How do you use your bike in your daily life?

Christine takes a break while touring the Oregon Coast with her husband, Kent. kentsbike.blogspot.com Momentummag.com

bells+whistles

arts & culture a bicycle café grows in

Brooklyn writer + Photographer: Susi Wunsch

advocates of

2011

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Pasqualina Azzarello, executive director of Recycle-ABicycle in NYC, is the godmother of community bike shops and instigator of the Youth Bike Summit.

Scott Bricker, executive director at Bike Pittsburgh, is almost single-handedly making Pittsburgh cool – through biking.

Veronica David, founder of Black Women Bike DC, is changing the affluent-white-male stereotype by getting more women of color out on two wheels.

Sarah Newstok at Livable Memphis is doing all sorts of

innovative stuff, including using paint to reimagine a major arts district thoroughfare, in one of the nation’s most unhealthy cities.

James Wilson, executive director of Bike Walk Delaware, led

the organization’s campaign to create a multi-million dollar fund for biking and walking at the state level.

On a Saturday afternoon, customers chat at the coffee bar

heelsonwheels model: mia kohout Photographer: trevor block

Brian Gluck opened Red Lantern Bicycles in Brooklyn to combine two greats: coffee and bicycles.

Fresh baked goods accompany the coffee menu.

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offee and cycling go handlebarin-hand. So it’s no surprise that some bike shops are formalizing the relationship with a marriage of bike culture and caffeine.

Following a growing trend in the US and abroad (see London’s popular Look Mum No Hands!), New York City finally has its first bicycling café. Red Lantern Bicycles, which Brian Gluck opened in Brooklyn last fall, features a workshop in the back and a coffee bar with wooden stools up front.

It attracts Manhattan-bound cyclists from nearby bike lanes in the morning, and shop customers and passersby during the day.

They savor brew from fresh-roasted beans that Gluck picks up by bicycle from Puerto Rico Importing Company.

Gluck, whose cycling résumé includes a stint as a New York City bicycle messenger

and a previous partnership in another Brooklyn bike shop, saw an opening for a business geared toward city commuters.

His shop offers maintenance, repairs, offseason storage and classes, but specializes in helping match people with affordable, used bikes revitalized for urban riding or converted for cargo hauling. Typically you’ll find steel frames with fixed, flip-flop, or three- or five-speed internal hubs. “The longtail is our answer to the car,” he said.

Although the shop is named for the Lanterne Rouge of cycling lore – the distinction awarded the rider who finishes last in a road cycling race such as the Tour de France – Gluck is moving full speed ahead. He has applied for a liquor license to serve wine and beer in hopes of extending even further sociability around cycling culture.

Mia’s Janae Dorsay Cobblestone heels by Rockport sit pretty atop her Ergon pedals.

Available from rockport.com

redlanternbicycles.com Momentummag.com

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bells+whistles

arts & culture

Top honors for bicycles

Green your ride Bryna Hallam

Want to make your daily ride even greener?

Celebrate spring with Colleen Jordan’s wearable bike planter. Small enough to fit in your hand, the plastic container straps to your bike, providing the perfect spot for small potted plants, air plants or flowers. And if you’d rather carry your posies some other hands-free way, Jordan also makes smaller necklace versions. Born from Jordan’s desire to

writer: Susi Wunsch

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photo by Colleen Jordan

hat do bicycles have in common with a communication design competition? How about combining aesthetics with results?

With cycling’s growing popularity in the US, perhaps it’s no surprise that bicycle iconography popped up in winning designs in the 2011 AIGA 365 | Design Effectiveness awards displayed at the AIGA National Design Center in New York City.

The annual competition recognizes the most effective current work as selected by a distinguished jury in such categories as branding, corporate communications and promotional design.

While some of the winning entries were created for the world of cycling, others, unrelated to life on two wheels, drew inspiration from the graphic qualities and endearing characteristics of bicycles:

Joyeaux self-promo posters by Orangeflux Design.

JOYEUX + In “Joyeux,” a work that jurors called “fresh and

juicy,” Orangeflux Design, based in Wheaton, IL, tooted its own horn (or rang its own bike bell) in creating a series of collectible, handmade, silk-screened posters to promote the design studio’s services to potential clients. Their selection of a tandem bicycle image reflects the partnership of the two founders, as well as the firm’s creative journey in its 14-year history.

MOHAWK PAPER + A promotion for Mohawk Fine

Papers by VSA Partners of Chicago was all about showcasing the quality of the paper, but striking images of bicycles, bicycle parts and riders drew viewers in. The design firm said: “The piece has not only elevated the brand but also proven to be extremely popular and sought-after by bicycle aficionados.”

Make your green transportation greener and go on an adventure with your favorite plants in tow.

Mode of Transportation – promo piece for Mohawk Paper by VSA Partners.

create something meaningful from a material generally treated as disposable, the pieces also elevate plants to a level normally reserved for other, more sparkly, materials.

If nothing else, having a living thing attached to your bike might encourage you to ride even more – and after all, why should your plants miss out on the thrills of travel on two wheels?

EOPLE FOR P BIKES COALITION + The firm Colle+McVoy of

Minneapolis was recognized for creating the brand for the Bikes Belong Coalition. The challenge: create an identity that is inclusive of all cyclists – from casual to hardcore – in a campaign to gather one million names in support of national legislation to improve cycling infrastructure.

shapeways. com/shops/ wearableplanter Available through Etsy:

wearableplanter. etsy.com

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aiga.org/exhibit-365-design-effectiveness

Bikes Belong Coalition branding by Colle+McVoy. mar>apr>12

AIGA, the professional association of design, has 66 chapters and over 20,000 members.

Momentummag.com

bells+whistles

arts & culture

100 ways to say

I You playlist

Top 20 songs for your ipod

Limited-edition art prints are a designer’s ode to the bike

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writer: bryna hallam

homas Yang loves bikes. So much so, in fact, that the self-described “hardcore cyclist” decided to use his professional skills – he’s a creative director at an advertising agency – to express his feelings. The result is 100copies, a collection of limited-edition art prints and T-shirts, all designed by Yang, and all devoted to bikes. “As with cycling, speed is of the essence, so each piece of work is limited to 100 copies only,” he says of the name. Each minimalist piece is watermarked and numbered, making them all one of a kind.

Although based in Singapore, Yang ships his artwork worldwide.

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writer: Brian Ellison

pring is right around the corner. Hopefully these songs brighten up your day and have you thinking about birds chirping and the wind blowing through the green leaves of trees.

One person you are going to hear a lot about if you have not already is Lana Del Rey, formerly known as Lizzie Grant. She had an album out under her real name a couple of years ago – nothing much happened with that. Lana Del Rey moved from her home in New York City to Los Angeles to “reinvent herself” – her new performance name is a combination of Lana Turner and Ford Del Rey. And did she ever?! There is much talk about whether she is being genuine or if she’s mocking pop music. Regardless of what she looks like or the lyrics of her songs, her style is reminiscent of 1960s female pop singers. And it’s interesting to say the least. Happy riding!

I’ll feature these songs on bicycleradio.com March 20, 2012.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> artist:

Lana Del Rey

song:

Video Games album:

Video Games - EP

Sky Way.

Go With The Wind.

Beirut Santa Fe

The Rip Tide

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. God Only Knows

Battles Ice Cream (feat. Matias Aguayo)

Wilco Art Of Almost

Shabazz Palaces Gloss Drop (Bonus Track Version) Swerve... the Reeping of All That is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding) Arctic Monkeys Black Up Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair James Blake & Suck It and See Bon Iver Vivian Girls Fall Creek Boys Choir Fall Creek Boys Choir Dance (If You Wanna)

In the Pit of the Stomach (Bonus Track Version)

Surfer Blood I’m Not Ready

Neon Indian Polish Girl

Pokey LaFarge and The Black Keys the South City Three Lonely Boy Drinkin’ Whiskey Tonight El Camino

Person Pitch

Of Montreal Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse

Middle of Everywhere

Tarot Classics

Buke And Gass Revel In Contempt

The Tallest Man On Earth King of Spain

Riposte

Jeffrey Lewis

Green Naugahyde

The Wild Hunt

Hissing Fauna, Are You The Cult Boyfriend Destroyer?

A Turn in the Dream-Songs

Momentummag.com

We Were Promised Jetpacks Medicine

Share the Joy

Panda Bear Comfy In Nautica

Joy Ride.

The Whole Love

Single

Era Extraña

100copies.net

Horse Power EP

Primus Tragedy’s A’ Comin’

Brian Ellison is the host of The Prologue, an eclectic music show on BicycleRadio.com that mixes in cycling talk. He lives in Gillette, WY, where he is also the morning guy for KOAL 106.1.

Ellison has an 11-year-old son who he spends a lot of time with and an old Trek SL1000 that he spends less time with than he would like. bicycleradio.com mar>apr>12

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bells+whistles

arts & culture

handmade confessionals

James Nichols with the tools of his trade at the Metrofiets’ Pacific Northwest workshop.

SyCip Bikes

Craig Calfee, the driving force behind the Bamboosera bicycle projects.

Ahearne Cycles Joseph Ahearne

The coolest thing about NAHBS is getting all the great builders together under one roof and seeing what everybody is doing.

My greatest accomplishment as a builder? Realistically, it’s probably that I’ve been able to pay the bills every month and keep building bikes for 10 years now. To be doing it and still enjoy it – that’s an accomplishment in itself.

Little known fact: Nothing is new. Every facet of every bike has already been done in one form or another. In fact, it was probably done before the 1950’s. You just have to know where to look.

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Jeremy Sycip at work in his California studio.

Calfee Designs Craig Calfee

What’s cool about NAHBS is getting to know the cycling enthusiasts from different regions.

Having the defending Tour de France champion (at the time) as a paying customer for his whole team’s bikes has been a great accomplishment.

Little known fact: Although bamboo can take only a few days to shoot up to full height, it takes three years for it to mature into a strong material. The same can be said for building bamboo bikes: Easy to learn, but takes years to master.

A custom cargo bike for Trailhead Coffee Roasters, Portland, OR, that not only carries a heavy load of beans, but converts to a serving platform for a cafe on wheels.

Joseph Ahearne at work in his Portland, OR, studio.

Metrofiets Phillip Ross

Photos Courtesy of Ahearne Cycles

photo by Jim Cornfield

The coolest thing about NAHBS is that it’s all about handmade bikes and the people attending actually get to meet the builders in person.

I think my greatest accomplishment as a builder is that I am still building bikes, which I still enjoy doing for my customers even after 20 years.

Little known fact: Some of my riding buddies and good friends are also my competitors in this business.

photo by jay Sycip

Jeremy Sycip

photo by Phillip Ross

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We LOVE being able to hang out with the other builders at NAHBS – checking out all of the cool things folks have been working on as well as reconnecting with folks we only get to see once or twice a year.

Owning a business that makes so many people happy is really cool. Building cargo bikes, etc. for customers that really appreciate what we do is really gratifying.

Little known fact: Despite the perception that frame builders are solitary creatures, we actually are a very collaborative, funloving group of people. I’ve never worked in an industry with such a generous, creative and supportive people.

Momentummag.com

photo by curtis miller

>>>>>>>

Exhibitors scheduled to attend the 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show in Sacramento, CA, share their views on why NAHBS rocks, what they love about the craft and things you might not know about people who build bikes from scratch.

bells+whistles

photos Courtesy of Naked Bicycles

arts & culture One of Naked Bicycles’ custom city bikes.

Naked Bicycles Sam Whittingham

Most of the year, we work in our little corner of the universe.

NAHBS is great way to share ideas with other builders, it’s a community.

Seeing a customer years later with thousands of miles on their bike and a huge smile on their face – that’s the best.

Little known fact: Every Wednesday morning we go on the Quadra Island Pack group ride, finishing off the ride with a business A custom city bike by Pereira Cycles.

YiPsan Bicycles

Co-motion

The coolest thing about NAHBS is the moving location every year, and the people who come from around that region. It has taken me many places I haven’t been to before.

My greatest accomplishment as a builder was seeing my happy customers and receiving two awards (People’s Choice and Best City Bike) at NAHBS 2010.

Little known fact: My head badge is a stylized design of my last name in simplified Chinese.

The coolest thing about NAHBS is the equity of the builders. Legends like Bruce Gordon are right alongside the upstarts from the local community. And, since that community is different for each NAHBS change in venue, you’re guaranteed to see something fresh every year, whether it’s a new idea from your venerable favorite, or from an emerging star.

Seeing people on our bicycles all over the world is pretty cool too.

Little known fact: Some people get the idea that we’re some kind of corporate monolith. In reality, we’re an example of the American Dream: A couple of hard-working guys who started with absolutely nothing and sacrificed everything to build a way to make a living for ourselves and our crew.

Renold Yip

Dwan Shepard

Renold Yip poses with his People’s Choice winner at NAHBS 2010.

Photos courtesy of Pereira Cycles

Naked Bicycle’s Sam Whittingham plays with fire at their Quadra Island, BC, studio.

Tony Pereira with a few of his favorite things.

Detail of a 2012 Co-Motion Supremo tandem.

Pereira Cycles Tony Pereira

Momentummag.com

photos by Pete Stasney

A YiPsan custom city build

photos Courtesy of YiPsan Bicycles

Ben Price welds a frame at the Co-Motion shop, 2011.

The best thing about NAHBS is getting together with the other builders and talking to all the bike geeks. I always walk away with a bunch of new ideas and feel energized to hone my craft further.

In 2007, I won Best Road Bike, Best Off-road and Best Fillet-brazed bike at NAHBS and that really gave me a huge boost. I’ve also won the Oregon Manifest Design Challenge both times it has been held. Truly, though, just being able to build bikes every day is the most rewarding accomplishment.

Little known fact: For the past two years I have been a guest frame-building instructor at United Bicycle Institute in Portland.

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bells+whistles

events

event roundup Seattle Bicycle Expo March 10-11, 2012 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91, 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA Whether you are passionate for cycling or have a passing interest, whether you are a senior cyclist or new on two wheels, whether you are looking for gear or other Seattle riders, this expo is the place to be. It’s also the largest consumer tradeshow in North America. shop.cascade.org/content/events/expo

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photos by daniel burnstein

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photos by chris eichler

photo by david haines

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Filmed by Bike April 13-18, 2012 Portland, OR Filmed by Bike is a cyclist’s answer to film festivals. Who better to capture the rhythms of cycling than artists on two wheels?

Now accepting bribes and submissions from indie film and music makers at filmedbybike.org

North American Handmade Bicycle Show March 2-4, 2012 Sacramento, CA Members of the public can feast their eyes on some of the best handmade bicycles builders in North America. Learn about the craft of bike-making and check out some of the countless innovations at this annual show. handmadebicycleshow.com

Momentum Mag on Tour We will be at all of these events! Will you? We will be offering subscription specials on site. Visit our booth at the New Amsterdam Show in NYC and the Pedal Nation Show in Portland and you can enter to win an Opus Classico. Thanks to our tour sponsor opusbike.com.

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New Amsterdam Bicycle Show April 28-29, 2012 Skylight SoHo, 275 Hudson St NYC Imagine Momentum Magazine coming to life and you have the New Amsterdam Bike Show. Everything from food to fashion and rides (of course) is on display for you to sample, size and test out. Find out more at newambikeshow.com

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National Bike Summit – Save Cycling March 20-22, 2012 Grand Hyatt, Metro Center, DC Cycling advocates gather to support cycling and cycling infrastructure in America. The summit attracts inspiring speakers and includes a day of lobbying members of Congress. The summit ends with a congressional ride.

bikeleague.org/conferences/summit12

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pedal Nation PDX Bicycle Show March 24-25 This is your chance to catch the latest in west coast rides and rumors in this cycling hot spot. Like to tinker? Enter your pimp’d ride for a chance to win swag! pedalnationevents.com Momentummag.com

thebigidea writer: mia birk

A Swelling Ride

A

few months ago, I woke up my husband by shaking a stick in his face. I hissed, “Do you know what this is?”

He half opened an eye and mumbled something incomprehensible, so I smacked him upside the head and informed him that it was a pregnancy test. At age 44, having been fertilitychallenged in my 30s and having been 100 percent clear with my new hubby that biological offspring were out of the question, my body was somehow harboring a tiny critter. At the time of this publication, I’ll be about seven

I have been barraged by well-meaning family members and friends who must know, “Are you still riding?”

Well sure. Why not? I need the exercise more than ever. It’s the way I get around, the best way to get to most of my daily destinations and I feel fine. No I’m not going out for super-long rides, and I’m not feeling strong enough to conquer San Francisco-like hills, but unless I start to feel off-balance or in pain, my plan is to ride as long as I can.

Confession: a couple years ago, I watched two of my Alta colleagues –

at age 44, having been fertilitychallenged in my 30s ... my body was somehow harboring a tiny critter. months along, hopefully a little less panicked and possibly even excited about the new addition to our brood.

With both my older children, I rode for as long as I could. With Skyler (now 13), I was out on the weekends on my road bike until my knees banged my belly and my back and hips got super-stiff; even then, when walking was agonizing, riding my upright bike felt great. With Sasha (nine years old), I must have been in pretty good shape to set off with a couple of young City of San Francisco bikeway planning dudes late in my pregnancy.

They seemed oblivious to my condition as I huffed and puffed up the steepest damn hills, and would have kept going all day if I hadn’t called an abrupt end to the adventure.

But that was all a decade ago.

Here, now, carrying a baby “at advanced maternal age,” a politically correct term for “geriatric pregnancy,”

programs manager Jessica Roberts and designer extraordinaire Karen Vitkay – with envy as their bellies rounded but their legs and butts stayed slender.

With each of my pregnancies, despite the daily riding, I gained a solid 35 pounds, not all of it confined to the baby-specific areas. But after each, I slimmed quickly. This time around, I’m hoping to gain a little less, despite the relentless gnawing hunger. But I’m not worried; the poundage will come off once I get back in gear.

We all ride for different reasons.

Some ride to stay fit, others to save money, to beat the traffic, avoid parking hassles, have fun and experience the joy of propelling one’s own body through time and space. In my life, it’s just normal to hop on a bike to go to work, the store, movies or a friend’s house. So when people ask if I’m still riding, the answer is, “of course!”

BIKES + GEAR www.publicbikes.com

Mia is on hiatus from the Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet tour, but continues to spread the hope for a healthier future through her blog at miabirk.com and her companies Alta Planning + Design and Alta Bicycle Share, Inc. She is the co-founder of the Initiative for Bicycle & Pedestrian Innovation at Portland State University and lives and rides in Portland, OR, with her two, soon to be three, children. Order Joyride through Amazon or miabirk.com. @miabirk Momentummag.com

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bells+whistles

events

The First Velo-city Global in North America Vancouver 2012

writers: Richard campbell & sarah ripplinger photographer: yvonne bambrick

2

1

captions 1 Lots of white “I (bike) CPH” T-shirts worn by the 1,000+ conference delegates who attended Velo-City 2010 from more than 60 countries.

Many local participants joined in the last day’s bike parade as well.

2 City staff show Velo-City 2010 delegates about a new cargo bike secure parking pilot project during an “infrastructure ride” in Copenhagen.

3 Renowned urban planner Jan Gehl (Gehl Architects) giving his keynote in the main conference hall at VeloCity 2010 in Copenhagen.

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3

V

elo-city Global, the world’s premier international cycling policy and planning conference is coming to Vancouver in June 2012. This marks the first time the European Cyclists’ Federation’s conference will be held in North America since Montreal in 1992 and the first time that Velo-city Global will be in North America. This conference series has been instrumental in moving cycling forward in cities around the world.

“I most certainly recommend attendance at Velo-city 2012 for anyone working to grow ridership, improve and implement cycling infrastructure, advocate for the rights of cyclists, etc.,” said Yvonne Bambrick, urban cycling consultant and current coordinator for Kensington Market BIA and Forest Hill Village BIA. “Beyond those who already ‘get it’, this conference is tremendously important and worthwhile for planners, engineers, city staff and decision-makers from all levels of government who want to better understand the global cycling movement and the valuable role they can play in the successful transformation of cities.”

By enabling government officials and industry professionals to share success stories and best practices on the implementation of ambitious cycling

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policies, Velo-city conferences are critical to the development of the high quality cycling facilities needed to dramatically increase the number of people cycling. With interest in cycling growing exponentially around the world, Velo-city has the potential to be a transformational event.

Clarence Eckerson, who attended Velocity 2010 in Copenhagen, Denmark, said attending the last Velo-city Global was well worth the flight overseas: “The location was equal parts warm, fun and professional, and the presenters were diverse and entertaining. It felt like a celebration of all that is bicycling and was very uplifting.”

“Vancouver is a terrific city that has added itself to the growing list of world cities who have implemented protected bike facilities,” added the creator of Streetfilms.org and BikeTV. “It’ll be a great place to mind meld biking strategies and see actual on-street practices in effect.”

Conference themes focus on the elements needed to encourage people of all ages to choose cycling for transportation, recreation and tourism. They include cycling-transit integration, bike sharing, safety, networks, enabling cycling through technology, marketing and education.

Many North America cities are making significant efforts to improve cycling by

implementing European-style separated cycling facilities. Vancouver has embarked on expansion of its cycling network based on European success and is a showcase for a wide range of facilities.

Vancouver is well-positioned to attract 1,000 to 1,500 participants, including decision-makers from all levels of government, such as politicians, engineers and planners. Other participants will include sustainable transportation industry leaders, advocates, academics and researchers.

The opening and closing speaker at the conference will be Gil Penalosa, executive director of NPO 8-80 Cities and former commissioner for parks, sports and recreation in Bogota, Columbia. Other presenters include Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson and Alain Ayotte, president of the Public Bike System Company (BIXI).

Velo-city Global presents a great chance to showcase cycling expertise. Participants will build partnerships with experts from Europe and around the world, further enhancing the ability to design high quality bicycle paths and bicycle facilities integrated with road and transit projects. velo-city2012.com Momentummag.com

(1) Are bigger. Up to 71cm.

high bars are easy

(2) Have taller head tubes.

A high headtube raises the launching point for the stem and handlebar.

racks & loads, no problem

(3) Have threaded headsets and quill stems, so it’s quick and easy to raise or lower your bar in seconds. fits tires to 40mm, even with fenders.

The second top tube adds triangulation, so our big frames have the strength and stiffness of a much smaller one. This frame, 60cm, fits riders to 65”.

Rivendells big bikes fit better, feel better, and ride better

Tall bike riders usually ride too-small bikes, because when Europeans rode ten-speeds and Americans didn’t, bikes were sized for racers and unlarge Europeans, and we insecure Americans copied them.

Besides, bike makers don’t like big bikes, because they need bigger boxes that don’t stack as neatly, and cost more to ship. So big bikes tend to stop at 62cm, and if you’re tall or have long legs, you’ll need more bike than that.

How do you get sized & fitted on a bike? Trial and error? Ask the local guru? Or pay $250 for a fit session & body scan? They’re all crapshoots.

Trial & error takes too long and often means getting used to a bad fit. Gurus are just guys. Maybe they know, maybe they don’t. Fit programs have a builtin bias toward racing positions and low bars.

That’s bad, because NINETY PERCENT OF COMFORT IS BAR HEIGHT. Get comfortable with high enough handlebars, and good things can’t help but follow.

Don’t, and they can’t. On big Rivendells, high bars and comfort happen, because they…

With higher bars, your hands, arms, neck and back relax. The whole bar is usable, not just the top. Your weight is more evenly balanced between the wheels.

Look at that extra top tube. Read why it’s good.

Big bikes with tall head tubes and one top tube are less well triangulated than smaller bikes, so we re-triangulate them with a second top tube that gives them the resistance to twisting, of a much smaller frame. This simple technology (2tt) has humbly proven itself in the Third World, where bikes made poorly with substandard materials haul big pigs on bad roads for years. With fine materials and craftsmanship, it works well on big bikes in the First World, too.

Our handmade, lugged CrMo frames cost $1,200 to $2,500. Complete bikes, $2,600 to $4,800. They’re strong, safe, comfortable, ride great, and fit practical tires and fenders. There’s nothing dumb about a Rivendell bicycle. We think ‘em through.

www.rivbike.com Find the link on the bottom left of the homepage, register, to get our free booklet, How To Make Your Road Bike As Comfortable As a Pillow.

The first 100 to register get a $50 credit toward anything we got.

Rivendell Bicycle Works

Box 5289 • Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 933-7304 • www.rivbike.com

bells+whistles

what’s new Adventures in Netherlands

Stripy Bike Rims

Individuality is important for some of us. We want to stand out in a crowd, get noticed, find our bike in a giant bike pile or in a mish-mashed cluster of two-wheeled frames around a single rack.

Now you can broadcast your individuality and have the coolest bike on the block with an extra splash of pizzas on your rims (also available for cars and motorbikes). therimstripe.com

Rithy Khut, Briana Orr & Theodore Sweeney This past summer, 13 students studied the infrastructure, policies and cultural perceptions that created the bicycling heaven that is the Netherlands. Our diverse group included students from the University of Oregon, Portland State University and the University of Denver.

Leading students in this field seminar was professor Marc Schlossberg of the Planning, Public Policy and Management department at the University of Oregon.

He helped us explore how and why bicycling has become a mainstream mode of transportation in the Netherlands, and challenged us to use this experience to inspire similar changes in the United States.

Accepting this challenge to make our communities more bike friendly, the students returned and hosted a photography exhibit called “If we build it,” in which we shared our experience through images.

The exhibit sparked conversations and a community dialogue between city planners, academics and citizens about how we make communities more bikeable.

Schlossberg’s course will be offered again in summer 2012 and is accepting applications.

Rithy, Briana and Theodore were all students at the University of Oregon during the field seminar in the Netherlands. Rithy is a graduate student in planning, Briana recently graduated with a degree in environmental studies and planning and Theodore is almost done with his undergraduate degree in planning. Each of them is dedicated to making the bicycle a common everyday convenient form of transportation.

A Portable Overhang for Your Ride

Just when you thought there was no alternative to a rain jacket and pant set for those wet, miserable days, or slopping on layers of sunscreen in the blazing heat, someone comes up with a bike umbrella. Uberhood, the brainchild of The Uberhood Company, is an elongated umbrella that attaches to the front of your bike. The rest is up to you. uberhood.co

Bike Lock Belt

You know the feeling you get when you finally arrive at your destination only to have to swing off your backpack or riffle through your panniers to find your trusty lock. Time consuming, isn’t it? Luckily, the makers of Hiplok, a couple of industrial designers based out of London, England, had the brilliant idea of creating a lock that doubles as a belt. Possibly the answer to your search for a cycling fashion accessory that screams edgy toughness and practical time-management in one! hiplok.com Photo by Trevor Block

Photo by Marc Schlossberg

rithyonbikes.wordpress.com amsterdamandbeyond.blogspot.com tedbike.wordpress.com

S24O

In the Netherlands? In the United States?

Imagine streets dominated by bicycles instead of cars.

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Photo by Aaron Teasdale

Photo by rithy khut

The thirteen students who participated in the Netherlands Field Seminar course.

Ever wanted to take a 24-hour trip by bike?

Adventure Cycling’s bikeovernights.org website is full of information for the sub-24 hour overnight touring newbie. S24Os are usually shorter trips that involve cycling to a particular destination, camping or staying in some form of covered accommodation and then pedaling home the next day. Sounds pretty easy, right? You can find a list of resources and recommended gear and a series of blog posts for inspiration on the Bike Overnights website: bikeovernights.org

Bike-specific Heels

Merrell has some of the most comfortable shoes on the market.

Every pair I’ve worn in the past has hugged my feet when worn and lasted for a long time. Needless to say, I was pleased to hear that they have come out with a bike-specific heel, the Evera MJ, that you can actually wear all day long on and off the bike. This low heel, with a rubber sole and leather upper, is designed to fit the contours of your pedals and stretch with the natural movement of your feet as you propel yourself forward. -SR merrell.com Momentummag.com

onbicycles writer: amy walker

Using Bikes to Sell Cars

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round 2006 I saw an ad showing a cyclist, then the bicycle rider’s point of view (or so it seemed) through narrow, winding cobblestone roads. At the end there was a twist: an image of a car. The advertisers were obviously leveraging the bicycle’s clean image to mask the automobile’s problematic one.

I’ve noticed a similar trend in print: newspaper, magazine and outdoor ads with bikes and happy bikers selling banks, pharmaceuticals, real estate, cellphones and snack food.

Optimistically, I hoped that bikes being used to sell other products could spin off to raise the profile of cycling itself.

Korean KIA Motors points to their company’s start as a bike parts maker with warm fuzzy ads instructing drivers to share the road and drive only when appropriate. In the UK their Sedona was sold with a KIA-branded bike.

Others try to win points by pitting mode against mode. In October 2011, GM print ads showed a cyclist hiding his face from a pretty girl in a car under the headline “Reality Sucks.” The ad, which offered discounts on cars and trucks for college students continued with, “Stop pedaling, start driving.” The outcry from bike advocates and bloggers was immediate and effective: GM pulled the ads, bike mavens had a field day and Giant Bicycles responded with a parody.

Advertisers know that creating the right image can evoke positive feelings toward a product, even when the images they use have no relation to their product’s impact the on our social wellbeing and the environment. Advertising-driven culture perpetuates the idea that feelings and perceptions are more powerful than reality.

But what happens when reality really does suck, and the promises of marketers are a hollow echo over a parched landscape exhausted by relentless resource extraction and climate change?

Transportation biking may benefit from all the exposure – but where our beloved bikes are concerned, let’s try to understand what is true and what is just spin.

Amy Walker is a cofounder of Momentum Magazine and the editor of On Bicycles – 50 Ways the New Bike Culture Can Change Your Life. facebook.com/OnBicycles

@AmyBikerWalker Momentummag.com

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bells+whistles

bike curious

how to fit a helmet size it right, fit it tight

writer: Anne Mathews illustrator: ian hoffman

Do adjust the helmet to fit your head properly.

W Keep It Straight

Ensuring that our helmets fit correctly is probably the biggest favor we riders can do for ourselves. In the 1990s, several Washington State hospitals and trauma centers participated in a 30-month, 3,390-person cycling injury study.

The researchers concluded that, while a poorly fitted helmet afforded a cyclist better protection than no helmet at all, it also roughly doubled the risk of head injury when compared to a properly fitted one. An oversized or badly positioned helmet can tilt too far back on your head or, worse, come off completely.

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earing a bicycle helmet is mandatory in many jurisdictions, but picking which one is right for you can be intimidating. Nowadays there are many different styles and shades of helmet to choose from. Thinning the herd can be daunting at first, but a few basic pointers will help get you outfitted with head protection that suits your sense of personal style, as well as satisfying your helmet’s modus operandi.

When you’re trying out a helmet, set it level (not forward or back) and mediumlow on your forehead, about a finger-width or two above your eyebrows. You shouldn’t be able to see your entire forehead – just an inch or thereabouts. Make sure the helmet fits snugly (and, of course, that it’s not on backward). It shouldn’t flop around or move from side to side – though you also shouldn’t give yourself a headache from the squeeze.

New helmets usually include different thicknesses of padding that you attach inside. Experimenting with these can help you achieve the best fit. Also, note that when you’re considering sizes, those

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Don’t use a cracked or

Don’t wear your helmet too

sizes will often vary between manufacturers: One company’s “medium” may be another’s “large,” or still another’s “small.”

Once you’ve found a candidate that fits, get the straps situated. Position the helmet fairly low on your forehead, as described above.

The V-shaped straps at the sides should be adjusted to come to a point just below and slightly in front of each ear.

Center the chinstrap beneath your chin and buckle it snugly enough that you can’t fit more than a finger or two between the strap and your skin. Open your mouth wide, as if you’re yawning. If the helmet doesn’t move down on your head, tighten the chinstrap further.

Be careful, though: it can be easy to pinch your skin when you snap up.

If your current helmet doesn’t fit, is cracked or has been involved in a crash already, retire it and get a new one. Some safety organizations also recommend replacing your helmet every five years.

compromised helmet.

Now What?

Before you take it home, check to make sure your headgear is certified by the US’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

If you already have an older helmet that fits well, look for a voluntary certification standard, such as ANSI, Snell and ASTM.

far back or forward on your head.

Don’t

ride with your helmet cockeyed or undone.

Anne Mathews lives, works and rides her bike in the rain in her hometown of Seattle.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a great illustrated step-by-step guide to correctly fitting a bike helmet: nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ pedbimot/bike/easystepsweb.

Staying Stylish Post-helmet Whether your taste runs towards the classic smooth, rounded number or a pointy-backed helmet that looks like an alien skull, choosing an attractive color and style will make your city riding experience more enjoyable. Reflective and bright-colored helmets make you more visible to cars, pedestrians and other riders, so if safety is a concern, you might opt for a vibrant hue.

If you’re concerned about what a helmet might do to your hairstyle, try wearing a silk handkerchief or lightweight toque underneath the helmet to protect yourself from “helmet head.” Performing a quick touch-up post-ride with some styling products you take with you is another way to tame distressed tresses.

Did You Know?

Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have helmet laws in America, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The legislation applies predominantly to children 17 years of age and younger. iihs.org/laws/HelmetUseCurrent.aspx In Canada, six provinces and none of the territories have helmet laws, according to Safe Kids Canada. Provincial legislation often applies to all ages. safekidscanada.ca

Momentummag.com

STREET SPORT HELMETS

Zed Bailey Community Organizer Portland, Oregon USA Bike Club: Goatheads Bike’s Name: Salty HoboBike Helmet: Rainbow Stripe “This bike inspires me to create fun where there is none.”

nutcasehelmets.com

Specializing in SaleS, Service & Friendly advice

asktheadvocate writer: jeff miller

ad Form

Being Heard by City Hall Q

Rep Y

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625 Railroad | Pittsburg, CA | 925-252-1702

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• Sign this page and fax it back to Momentum.

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orinstance, friendly advic you, can do about it. For h your proposal to a city council might run along the lines of: “Biking and walking in (our town) has been pushed 3 too locations in the to the side and ignored for long.

People who are trying to be healthy or exercise their rights are getting hurt (or killed). It’s time to fix thisSales, and the firstService step is for the city council to adopt an aggressive biking and walking plan that makes up for the years of neglect.”

Advocates can often identify and approach an elected official who is! willing to go to bat for the particular Uptown Oakland! Jac cause, but they will need 2424 some backWebster! up support so that they don’t feel likeCA !

Oakland O they’re sticking their neck out too far.

510-763-2453 5 There are also often opponents who will argue against your objectives. In any s case, you will need to identify who has the power to move your issue forward. www.

Don’t expect or try to convince the whole city council or everyone on the relevant subcommittees. Identify the person (and it always boils down to a single person) who can help transform buy B the change you seek into reality. Then, consider that person’s connections: who influences him or her, what information can you impart that would make him or her champion your cause (or simply decide to vote with you because you are a force to be reckoned with)? We call this Power Mapping, and it’s an excellent way to simplify what can seem like an overwhelming task.

For more info, ideas, or assistance in organizing or starting a new group, feel free to contact our team at the Alliance for Biking & Walking.

• Please note that due to differences in moniter calibration, colors on this digital proof may not match actual printed colors.

M

any of us are familiar with the great Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

The most important rule and tool for advocates is to ORGANIZE! If you have a biking and/ or walking organization in your community, check in with them and see how you can help. If there is no biking and/ or walking organization in your community, then maybe it’s time for you to help start one.

The best time to organize a group is when there’s a threat or problem that people want to see changed. Addressing that concern will mean that you can drum up support and energy for the cause. Your organization will then act as a watchdog and will build on your successes.

Present your objectives and show why others should care about your cause. After all, unless you’re clear about your direction, many elected leaders won’t take you seriously. They have other groups rallying for their attention, so it’s important to make a good impression and demonstrate that your cause has merit.

The Alliance for Biking & Walking has lots of resources and advice that we share with start-up and established organizations. As we teach in our Winning Campaigns Trainings (PeoplePoweredMovement.org/events), the first step along the path to action is to clearly define the problem, the solution and what people, including

• Look over your project and check for errors; spelling, address, telephone #’s, copy or content. Momentum is not responsible for typos or incorrect information.

ad approval:

How do I get the city in which I live to take cycling and walking seriously? Currently, there seems to be a lack of leadership and acknowledgement by my city council that At looks Bay Area Bik the issue deserves attention. Our bike and walk plan as if it will not be passed by our city commissioners, yousoonthe your dail plan won’t even be seen by city council. —Jen Akeroyd you need the righ

Jeffrey Miller is the president/ CEO of the Alliance for Biking & Walking, a coalition of nearly 200 state, provincial and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations across North America. Find out more about their resources, trainings, and work at peoplepoweredmovement.org.

Send your Advocacy questions to sarah@momentummag.com.

Momentummag.com

legalbrief writer: jim freeman

Breaking the Rules

A

n overwhelming majority of the cases I handle are on behalf of what we call the “vulnerable users” of the roadways: bicyclists and pedestrians. The most common statement I hear from drivers after they strike a cyclist is, “I didn’t see [the bicycle].” Over the course of my years in practice advocating on behalf of vulnerable users, I have found that the single most important factor for avoiding being hit by a car is to make sure you are conspicuous. In my experience, the most effective way to make a bicyclist conspicuous at night is with lights, reflectors and bright clothing.

the example of the “left cross.” In the “left cross,” a driver approaches a cyclist from the opposite direction.

The driver intends to make a left turn at an unmarked intersection, and in so doing should yield to the cyclist and all other traffic proceeding through the intersection before executing the left turn. The driver turns into the cyclist and a collision occurs. In instances where the accident happened at night and the bicyclist didn’t have lights, the driver will point out that the cyclist was in violation of the state or local statute requiring a headlight.

Since violation of a statute is “per se” evidence of negligence on the

Failure to comply with state or local laws with respect to lights could result in a ticket, or worse yet, being blamed for a collision.

Most jurisdictions in the United States have laws on the books dictating what lighting and reflective equipment bicyclists must use when they ride at night. Some jurisdictions only require bicyclists to use a white headlight and red rear reflector, but many jurisdictions require front and rear lights and reflectors. You should be aware of the requirements of your state and local government, and comply accordingly. Be aware that you must comply with both state and local regulations with respect to lights and reflectors. If state law requires only a headlight and rear reflector but your municipality additionally requires the use of a red rear light, you should make sure you have all of those.

Failure to comply with state or local laws with respect to lights could result in a ticket, or worse yet, being blamed for a collision. Take

part of the cyclist, the driver has set up an ideal defense. The driver will argue that the accident is the bicyclist’s fault because if the bicyclist had had a headlight as required by law the driver would have seen the cyclist and the collision never would have occurred.

Ideally, all bicyclists would use a white front headlight and a white front reflector together with a red taillight and red rear reflector. The color of light gives other road users an indication of your direction, and they will gauge their actions accordingly, so don’t use red in front or white in back.

You can never have too many lights or reflectors, nor can you be too conspicuous. The best way to avoid a collision is to be seen. At night nothing accomplishes that goal better than proper lights and reflectors.

Jim Freeman is a lawyer and bicycle commuter in Chicago who advocates on behalf of bicyclists and pedestrians.

Jim believes the bicycle is a solution to many of the transportation and health problems facing urban America today. For further information you can visit Jim’s website at: lawyerjimfreeman.com Momentummag.com

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www.velo-city2012blog.com

facebook.com/velocityconference twitter.com/velocity2012

HIGHLIGHTS CHANGWON, REPUBLIC OF KOREA

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Ayfer Baykal | Technical & Environmental Mayor

COPENHAGEN’S CYCLE SUPER HIGHWAY NETWORK

Wan-Su Park | Mayor, Changwon City

300 km. of high-class routes Services for cyclists Integrated modern ITS solutions

PUBLIC BIKE SHARING SYSTEMS (PBS) IN ASIA

PHOTO BY SUHEE KANG, SOCIECITY

Planned city of over 1 million people Desire to be a leading model of urban sustainability Successful introduction of a public bike share program.

PHOTO BY RICHARD CAMPBELL

THE WORLD’S PREMIER INTERNATIONAL CYCLING PLANNING CONFERENCE IS COMING TO NORTH AMERICA!

WHY ATTEND?

Join global cycling leaders to learn how to overcome challenges & find solutions to increase mobility through bicycles!

YOU WILL GET: The Latest in Planning The Latest in Design Thinking The Best Ideas in Sustainable & Liveable Communities To Share and Learn Best Practices To Experience Global Vision

SIGN UP NOW!

Early registration deadline is March 31, 2012

Don’t delay. Sign-up now to save the equivalent of two nights accommodation, and receive the most competitive transportation costs to Velo-city 2012.

Telephone: 604.685.0450 Toll Free, Canada & USA: 1.877.685.0452

VELO-CITY2012.COM

MAGAZINE

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

( smart living by bike )

MOMENTUM

MAG

MOMENTUM MAG

( smart living by bike )

MOMENTUM MAG

( smart living by bike )

MOMENTUM

EXPERIENCE VANCOUVER

a North American leader in cycling, walking, urban planning & sustainability 400 lane-kilometers of bicycle facilities, including separated bike lanes Integrated bicycling-transit solutions The world’s most liveable city 2008-2010

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

PORTLAND, OREGON

HOW TO DOUBLE BICYCLE TRANSPORT MODE SHARE

THE NEW ECONOMY – PORTLAND STYLE

Sam Adams | Mayor

Maria Vassilakou | Deputy Mayor

The quintessential Bike City USA Preeminent bicycle culture in the Unites States Booming bike economy

World’s most liveable city 2010 Public transport mode share of 35% Trying to double cycling mode share from 5-10%

PHOTO BY VIENNA CYCLE CHIC

PHOTO BY RON RICHINGS

bikeweddings

Photo by Kevin Dunne

bike 1

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Momentummag.com

bikeweddings Photo by Anne Ruthmann

3

captions Photo by Anne Ruthmann

1 Kristi Tatebe catches a ride with new hubby Ben Johnson at their wedding in Kaleden, BC, in 2010.

2

Photo by jeff cooke

5

3 Cake-topper of spokes bent and welded into shape

by Skunk – founder of the SCUL bike chopper nerd gang – for Dan and Heather Pugatch’s wedding.

Photo by Tim Daw

4 (l-r) Steve Jones, Brian Smith, Susan Conrad and Jason Henderson parade by bike en route to Brian and Susan’s wedding in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, in 2011.

5 Surrounded by the wedding party, newlyweds Ashley and Jeffery Zahavich take their restored family trike for a spin post-nuptials.

4

Photo by Anne Ruthmann

7

Momentummag.com

2 Dan and Heather Pugatch, with friends and family, pose with their getaway tandem for a photo-based guestbook.

Photo by Cara Price

Photo by Jeff Anderson

6 Toby and Stephanie Lukins used their Yuba Mundo longtail as their wedding getaway vehicle (in place of the usual limousine) in Truckee, CA.

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7 Guests used spoke cards placed in the front wheel of a penny-farthing to find their tables at Dan and Heather Pugatch’s wedding.

8 Justin Trahan with his wedding-day bicycle belt buckle in Shawnee On The Delaware, PA.

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Baby Jasper helps his dad and sister with some bike repairs.

familystyle

Junior

Bike Mechanics You’re never too young to start fixing bikes writer+Photographer: kathleen wilker

E

ver since our kids could crawl over to the tool bucket, they’ve been helping us fix bikes. At first their help involved taking screwdrivers out of the tool bucket, poking them in the spokes and leaving them on the driveway.

Let them play with tools, take time to be inclusive and kids will learn how to fix bikes.

Now the kids know that if they can pinch a tire, it’s time to get out the pump. Inflating a tire all the way takes more arm strength than they can manage, but they can certainly get it started. I would recommend investing in a quality pump that won’t easily break after a few rougher uses, especially if the kids are going to be using the pump. Sometimes pumping up their tires is so fun that they immediately deflate their tires and start all over again. Work and play, play and work – it’s all connected for kids.

Another job the kids are really good at is cleaning and oiling chains. In the spring, they scrub our rusty chains with steel wool and then take flat-head screwdrivers and scrape all the sticky built-up grime off. These are messy jobs, but they love getting their hands dirty. When it’s time to lube the chain again, an adult drips the oil while the kids turn the pedals to rotate the chain. Later, kids can remove the excess oil with a rag by themselves.

Fix bikes anywhere

In our family, bikes are fixed in our garage, on the driveway, in our basement, in the living room and on the side of the road. I find that a drop cloth takes care of most of the muck for indoor repairs.

Being a pretty bikey family, we have an actual bike stand, but any bike can be stabilized Momentummag.com

for repairs by being turned upside down. If the kids are fixing their bikes outside, put an old T-shirt underneath to protect bike seats from the rough ground.

Most kids display an extraordinary confidence in their ability to fix things, as long as they are given the opportunity to try.

Anna Sierra is eight years old and her seat post has a quick release. She’s always adjusting it because she loves showing us that she can make the tweaks all by herself. Adjusting a seat with wrenches requires more hand strength, but the kids help by finding the right-sized wrench. And they like to join in the talk about righty-tighty and lefty-loosey when we’re figuring out which way to turn the wrench.

One of the more popular bike repair activities at the kids’ After School Bike Club this year was patching inner tubes. Derek, my husband, has piles of inner tubes in the garage, and he happily let us take them to school to patch them. Some of the kids working with the inner tubes couldn’t find any holes, even after carefully putting the inflated tubes into buckets of water and watching for bubbles. We cut a few holes so the kids would have something to patch. After being patched, the tubes morphed into hula hoops, skipping ropes and other toys.

Fixing bikes with kids turns them into junior bike mechanics

Sometimes fixing bikes with kids can be messier or can take longer. But creating a bike fixing culture where everyone’s contributions are important and valued is definitely worth the effort. Because, as we grow this bike riding culture, we’re going to also need to grow confident, capable, bike mechanics who can take care of their own bikes and help out other riders.

Most kids display an extraordinary confidence in their ability to fix things, as long as they are given the opportunity to try.

The other day, Derek came home from a mountain bike ride with a seriously bent chainring.

As he wheeled his bike into the kitchen, the whole family admired the damage.

The next morning, our five-year-old found a copy of Park Tool’s Big Blue Book of Bike Repair on our bookshelf and was carefully looking over the pages and writing notes. I asked Jasper if he was trying to fix Daddy’s bike. “I am,” he said, “I just can’t actually read.”

So I scooped up one boy and one book and together we scanned the index for “chainring,” then turned to page 83. Recognizing the right pictures, saving the page with a bookmark and leaving the book on the kitchen table left Jasper feeling satisfied that he had helped his dad fix his bike.

Kathleen Wilker is the editor of Momentum’s popular Families on Bikes blog. She loves riding around Ottawa with her family and friends. Kathleen is very grateful that her family keeps her many bikes in such good repair so that she can spend her non-biking time writing about biking. familiesonbikes@momentummag.com

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I Y A M

N O I T S NA

A

M E K I LB

!

H T ON

TO WORK

WEEK: MAY 14-18 DAY: MAY 18 www.bikeleague.org/bikemonth

Opus Scout

$248 CAD, not available in the US this year opusbikes.com An aluminum-framed kids’ bike with a rear V-brake. A bike you wish you had when you were a kid.

familystyle

my first pedals!

16-inch wheels for your kids introduction by: Kathleen Wilker

At five, Jasper was ready for his very own bike. We tried a few 16-inchers before finding one small enough for Jasper’s little legs and light enough for him to power uphill. I ran beside him while Jasper was learning to ride and needed support starting and stopping. He felt confident having me close by and learned quickly. Here are three bikes that we are testing.

Momentummag.com

Norco Sparkle

$205 CAD, not available in the US norco.com This aluminum alloy-framed kids’ bike with coaster brake might take you back to your own childhood.

Trek Jet 16

$199.99 USD, $219.99 CAD trekbikes.com This heavy duty steel-framed kids’ bike – with kid-fitted features, such as grips, pedals and coaster brake – will likely outlast more than one child.

want more?

Visit momentummag.com/gear/kids for complete reviews of these bikes.

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style 6

1

1

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M o m e n t u m ma g . c o m

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Quality, Comfort, Style

style editor molly’s hot picks for spring!

1

Amanda Dress In Lemon Drop

$395 evafranco.com Why is this dress perfect for spring cycling? Oh, let me count the ways. 1) The bright sunny yellow color. 2) The full pleated skirt – excellent for twirling and riding. 3) The classic V neckline.

It’s the quintessential “brighten your day and everyone else’s day around you” dress.

2

Bobbin Birdie

$650 bobbinbicycles.co.uk This bicycle captures the essence of urban city cruising. Stylish, comfortable and carefree. And think how amazing you’ll look if you ride it while wearing your brand new Eva Franco Spring Dress.

3

Federico Red Brass Bell

$15 publicbikes.com They say the journey is more important than the destination and I suspect you’ll be passing many people along the way. So let them know you’re there with this colorful brass bell.

4

Bike Klutch

$75 nonavarnado.com This sleek clutch has all the practicality of a fanny pack (and style issues aside, they are practical) combined with the elegance of an evening bag. I love that the clutch can easily be either.

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Transporter Bag

$120 dar-ge-los.com One part shoulder tote, one part backpack, this waxed cotton canvas (i.e. water resistant) bag can go with you anywhere. And trust me, once you’ve given it a try, it will go with you everywhere.

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Defining the very nature of boarding a bicycle in the easiest manner possible, relaxed in attitude and comfortable by nature, the Biria is the original and authentic “Easy-Boarding”

Dose Jacket

$275 nau.com Spring cycling calls for a lightweight jacket that looks sleek, but can be shed and packed into a pannier as well. The Dose jacket inhabits both the fashionable and the functional worlds and moves effortlessly between the two.

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Old world chic styling intersects modern technology to provide the optimum ride

biria.com | 201.461.1980 M o m e n t u m ma g . c o m

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photo by Eric Wolfe

style

nonavarnado q&a with bike fashion designer

N

ona Varnado, one of my favorite designers, makes beautiful women’s clothes that just happen to be ideal for city cycling. Her collection is made in New York, NY, which supports the local business community. She is also the lead editor for thebirdwheel.com, a collaborative women’s bicycling site. I recently had the opportunity to pick her brain and learn more about her views on urban cycling.

Q

What emerging trends do you see in women who cycle right now?

Diversity and personalization. Women approach cycling differently: from a more “lifestyle” perspective, rather than from the perspective of bike racers or recreationists. There are women, like my sister, who are learning about the differences between folding bikes and upright commuter bikes while at the Mark your same time matching jackets to bags and atCalendars! tending community board meetings to make Upcoming bike cycling safer! That kind of quiet revolution fashion shows is the most exciting and important. In terms of racing, it’s about supporting women’s Pedal Nation, March 24 and 25, cyclocross and pitching the idea of adding a Portland, OR women’s race to the established larger events. pedalnationevents.com In fashion, it’s blending beautiful everyday Ride Style at the apparel and technical details from Philip New Amsterdam Lim’s Fall 2011 collection to small designBike Show, April 28 and 29 in New ers, such as me, who are totally dedicated to making gorgeous, practical things that make York City newambikeshow.com. cycling easier and more glamorous.

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Q

photo by Eric Wolfe

Interview by: Molly Millar

What three things do you never leave the house without when heading off on your bike?

I tend to over-pack, like I’m going to be on a seven-year journey even for small neighborhood trips. So I’ve learned to overcompensate by only carrying a small, super functional accessory bag, like my Bike Klutch. I have just the urban necessities: keys, cards, cell, Burt’s Bees colored lip balm and business cards. That’s as minimal as I get – otherwise, I’m a total bag lady! I’m the one person you can always borrow a pen from, and I usually have an extra pair of socks or a little travel makeup kit, in case I need to be presentable.

Kym Perfetto models the American Tweed ($345 USD) at the Navy Yards, Brooklyn, NY. photo by dmitry gudkov

Nona Varnado - wearing the Original Bike Dress ($95 USD) - with friend Vanessa Marie-Robinson (of For the Love of Bikes) in Greenwich Village, NY.

awesome. I also make a small Bike Klutch bag that’s super pretty and minimal for keeping it light. + Pants: Men really got lucky this year with Levi’s releasing bike-specific jeans, but they left out the ladies! There are a bunch of cool indie companies that make great men’s pants, but I see a lot of women re-appropriating older fashion pants that have a sort of equestrian or cargo style for riding a bike. I blended a lot of the things I love about the men’s designs – technical fabric, details – with a flattering feminine fit for the design of my NV Riding Pant. It has an equestrian style to it, but it’s really subtle and I love it when people freak out over how cute the ankle buttons are to secure the pant cuff! + All things Reflective: Reflective details are everywhere, but some designers are making it less of a Hazmat-like safety requirement and more of an aesthetically pleasing detail. Dargelos (Brooklyn) makes a cool reflective netting vest and Wovenspoke (Australia) makes these gorgeous reflective scarves. I have reflective piping in all my jackets. But the waterproof and tweed jackets have reflective piping in their seams that looks like a traditional trench pattern, and it’s pretty awesome when you see the light hitting them.

Q

What’s the coolest new piece of clothing, accessory or gear that you’ve seen on the urban cycling scene this year? (Feel free to include one of your items of course!)

+ Bags: I love the waxed canvas bags and accessories that local crafts people, such as d’emploi in Brooklyn or R.E.LOAD Bags in Philly, are putting out right now in these lovely grays, browns or classic hues. They’re smaller bags that don’t scream “bike.” I’m also loving that panniers have become popular and cute. I’m a little biased, as the owners of BASIL bags in the Netherlands are friends of mine, and their bags are

The NV Riding Pant ($210 USD), currently being produced in a heavier weight Black for Winter/ Spring, photographed in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY.

Momentummag.com

urban transport system

www.ortliebusa.com

DOWNTOWN

Waterproof Briefcase Pannier

5 Ye a r Wa r r a n t y Made in Germany www.ortliebusa.com

Adjustable fold-over closure Reinforced Bottom Shoulder Strap QL2 pannier mounting system Internal organization

Photo by josh davis

style

cycling

in style Name: Naomi Davis Blog: taza-and-husband.blogspot.com City: Washington, DC Biking in Washington, DC, is the fastest and most fun way for me to get around with my baby girl, Eleanor. I love wearing vintage dresses yearround even when I’m riding. To stay warm while biking through the capital during colder months, I pair my dresses with chunky scarves and colored tights.

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Momentummag.com

Photo by Kristin Cofer

style

Name: Erin Hagstrom Blog: calivintage.com City: San Francisco, CA I wear whatever I like when leisurely riding my bike around town. If I want to wear a vintage dress and a bright red hat, I usually just make sure to wear cycling shorts under my skirt and to keep my hat in my basket while riding.

My trusty PUBLIC Cruiser has a comfortable upright riding position, which means that I don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function in order to incorporate cycling into my daily life. I also ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker for longer tours, but that’s a completely different ball game!

Momentummag.com

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Photo by Bryan

style

Name: Veronika Placek Blog: ticktockvintage.blogspot.com City: Philadelphia, PA I’m wearing an Urban Outfitters skirt, vintage blazer and ASOS blouse. The trick to cycling in skirts is making sure that they’re easy to move in, but not too voluminous – you don’t want it getting stuck in your chain! I’d wear this outfit on a ride to brunch or to meet up with friends on Germantown Avenue.

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Momentummag.com

Photo by daniel morrow

style

Name: Elizabeth Morrow Blog: delightfully-tacky.com City: Tacoma, WA I wear dresses and skirts pretty frequently.

While some might think this makes biking difficult (and immodest), I find ways to make it work, like wearing opaque tights or bike shorts under a skirt or dress. I find that layering is the easiest way to stay warm and allows me to be creative with my outfits!

Momentummag.com

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readytoroll writer: Christine Laroche

Cycling Chic

I

’d be hard-pressed to pinpoint exactly when a bicycle became a fashion accessory, but I do know exactly when the lightbulb went off in this fashion editor’s head, and when I fell in love with pedaling with the wind in my hair.

It may have been a timely tweet or an article shared on Facebook, but quite frankly, the details of how I stumbled upon the Cycle Chic network aren’t nearly as important as the fact that I did. I didn’t just

Somehow, it took a series of events to open my eyes to this lifestyle. Once I was looking, the signs were everywhere.

On a trip to New York City for Fashion Week, I snuck away and sought out Adeline Adeline, a boutique that has become synonymous with stylish urban cycling. It was love at first sight.

From the custom-designed style by designer Kate Spade (complete with coordinating handlebar handbag)

biking wasn’t just healthy... it could become a part of my signature style. stumble, I fell hard. I spent hours scrolling though page upon page of Euro-chic style-setters who brooded beautifully on their vintage rides, decked out in flawless ensembles.

This chance discovery happened just as I started riding Montreal, QC’s BIXI bike share bikes. But if this was going to be a feasible way for me to get around, it would have to suit my sense of style. Padded shorts and reflective vests weren’t going to fly.

Cycle Chic proved to me that biking wasn’t just a healthy, ecofriendly way to get around: It could become a part of my signature style.

Of course, this isn’t a new way of thinking. When the bicycle was first invented, no one would have dreamed of wearing anything but regular attire to ride. It was a way of getting around, and if you wore heels and dresses every day – which a woman naturally would at the end of the 19th century – that’s what you rode in.

to the sleek, modern styles by Public, I was smitten.

Then came a video showcasing top designer Phillip Lim’s 3.1 FW11 collection where the models eschewed the runway for the street, their vehicles of choice being Linus bikes. The short flick is moody, sexy, fashion-forward – exactly what urban cycling should be.

Next thing I knew, riding a bike had become the best way to get snapped by street style photographers. Stylish cyclists popped up on top fashion blogs, including The Sartorialist, Mr. Newton, Garance Doré and more.

When people learn that I ride my bike pretty much everywhere, they are surprised. “In those heels?” they ask. “Of course,” I reply. “What better way to show them off?” As the slow cycling movement grows around me, I can’t help but swoon.

After all, cars are decidedly unchic… and so last season.

NEW 120 cm 47‘‘

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Christine began a career in magazine journalism at LOULOU. During her four years as a fashion editor there, she interviewed top designers, tweeted from the front row at New York Fashion Week and filled countless pages with her sharp editorial voice.

Currently the Montreal editor for Vitamin Daily, she spends her spare time slightly obsessed with practicing yoga, keeping up with the Kardashians and riding her Public C7. @christineisme Momentummag.com

Anz_Momentum_BordoBig_3,65x9,75.indd 1

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Photo by Rachel Schell

it’s better to bike & walk

Overall Grand Prize

Alliance Photo Contest Winners

D

Carolyn Szczepanski Communications Coordinator Alliance for Biking & Walking

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Overall 3rd place

Photo by Russell Roca

Courtney Sandau and her daughter were riding their bikes in Riverfront Park, in downtown Spokane, WA, when the fountain came on and they almost got soaked. It was captured at just the perfect moment to get a silly, joyful photo of them on their bikes.

Miss and Shane, bike advocates from Eugene, OR, taking a ride with their newborn.

diversity 1st place A great day for biking.

Photo by John Luton

Photo by Liv Ames

ry leaves crackling under your bicycle tires as you pedal through the park on a perfect fall day. The sun warming your shoulders as you walk down a bustling sidewalk through the valley of city skyscrapers. When we choose to travel by bike or foot, we all have those indescribable moments of zen when the world slows down or the universe opens up.

In 2009, the Alliance for Biking & Walking – a coalition of nearly 200 state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations across North America – recognized that images matter. To increase biking and walking in our communities, advocates need access to quality photos that convey the power and possibility of a self-propelled lifestyle. So, to build an online library that would be free to bike-ped advocates, we asked the public to submit their best images to the People Powered Movement Photo Contest.

In 2011, we hosted our second photo contest and were flooded with more than 1,500 photos in the seven different categories and were awe-struck by many of the images. Thank you to the hundreds of contest participants, our panel of judges and the generous sponsors of the 2011 People Powered Movement Photo Contest.

And, of course, congratulations to the winners.

women 1st place Cycling puts a smile on your face.

Momentummag.com

Twe

eed riders meet the street.

biking & walking 1st place

Photo by Alexander Labayen

The streets were closed to cars to let people walk out at sunset to see the fireworks.

Keeping streets safe for kids.

biking 1st place

The Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, leads fellow residents on a ride down the Ben Franklin Parkway on Bike to Work Day. Momentummag.com

Wheeeee!

open street 1st place

Photo by Bethany Heemeyer

Photo by Kyle Grandiger

Tweed riders meet the street.

advocates in action 1st place

Photo by Cheryl Burnette

walking 1st place

Photo by Jane Healy

Photo by Liv Ames

Overall 2nd place

Bikers and pedestrians enjoy a car-free Lyndale Avenue alongside the Gorilla Yogis during the 2011 Open Streets Minneapolis. mar>apr>12

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urban

travelguide Exploring the waterfront, public art and museums of Wellington, New Zealand.

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Momentummag.com

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

B

eing a cycle tourist gives you a new perspective on a city: you can easily travel from cafe to local attraction, to restaurant, to show; parking is a breeze; and you’ll save some dough. Still unsure about what traveling with your bike might look like? We have the perfect guide for you! In the following pages, you will get a personal account of what exploring new cities by bike has meant to two well-traveled cyclists. A plethora of intimate knowledge about local cycling activities and amenities can be found in our 12 Visitors’ Guides. Plus, we have several short articles and tips that demystify the urban cycling experience.

58 59 60 61 63 64 64 66 Momentummag.com

explore a city by bike bike around town urban bike tours biking around a new city with kids how to rent a bike what makes a hotel bikefriendly? packing 101 visitors guides mar>apr>12

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there’s nothing like exploring a city by bicycle

t

As we’ve traveled by bicycle, there have been dozens of times where we’ve stopped in our tracks after catching the aroma of kebabs cooking on a grill, freshly roasted coffee or the distinct smell of brewing beer. When you’re traveling on a bicycle, you simply must stop to eat, which is when it’s nice to be traveling in a city, because your choices are endless.

We’re a little embarrassed to admit it, but on our last big bicycle tour around the US, we would often detour from our route to hit the restaurants and diners we saw on the Food Network.

Watching those shows was how we stumbled upon the “Texas BBQ Trail” and ended up on an Odyssean quest for the best barbecue. From Llano to Lockhart (the self-proclaimed barbecue capital of Texas), we sampled ribs and brisket, standing in long lines in hallowed and smoke-filled eateries, and inevitably starting up a conversation with fellow barbecue lovers seated next to us at the communal tables. Sometimes, the best way to find good eats (and make a new friend) is to ask.

One such conversation in Terlingua Ghost Town led us to the small pink food cart that is Kathy’s Kosmic Kowgirl Kafe. Another conversation led us to Julio’s, a local institution in Austin, TX, known for amazing roasted chickens.

Exploring food culture, of course, doesn’t necessarily have to mean eating. As you cycle through a city, you can stop for a cooking lesson or a wine tasting. We were invited to join some folks for a bicycle ride and coffee cupping in Durham, NC, and spent an hour learning how to pick out the subtle flavors and smells in a simple cup of coffee. In Bend, OR, after taking a spin around town we pedaled to the Deschutes PHOTO BY Dottie Brackett

here is something inexplicably thrilling about using a bicycle to explore a strange new city, its streets pulsating with life.

The glass and steel of buildings shimmer with a certain magic, street life seems more vibrant and the smells and sounds of a metropolis at full tilt threaten to overwhelm your senses.

When you’re on a bicycle, you can’t help but feel completely alive and immersed in the moment. Instead of merely gazing passively through window glass, you experience and interact with a place in an immediate way.

On a bike, you’re privy to the slight inclines of city streets, you can smell restaurants before you see them, and you can hear the different languages that are spoken in different neighborhoods. Cities provide fascinating opportunities to explore new cultures and ideas, and what better way to make these new discoveries than by bicycle?

Since we began traveling by bicycle, we’ve spent considerable portions of that time in cities. We’ve visited and explored many urban centers by bike, including Portland, OR; Tucson, AZ; Austin, TX; and most recently, Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand. Every time we enter a city, we’re filled with excitement about seeing what it’s “really like.” When you drive through a city, you often experience only the start and end destinations. The joy of riding a bike through a city is that you realize it’s not a homogenous place; it’s an intricately connected tapestry of neighborhoods, businesses, open spaces and people.

Have Food, Will Travel

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

Writers: Russ Roca & Laura Crawford

Greg White stops for a break while cycling the Lakefront in Chicago.

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Cycling the world famous Brooklyn Bridge is an excellent part of any trip to NYC.

Momentummag.com

Illustration by Doug Scott

PHOTO BY Jim Darling

bike around town Handy travel resources for exploring new cities by bike writer: Krista Carlson

Bicylinginfo.org

Extensive state and international directories of downloadable maps, local transportation departments, bicycle laws, links to government agencies, professional organizations, advocacy groups and more.

Bicycle Friendly America

bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica One of the best things about seeing a city by bike is feeling the wind in your hair while you explore diverse neighborhoods, such as Washington, DC’s Chinatown, pictured here.

A listing of bicycle-friendly businesses and communities, presented by the League of American Bicyclists.

Bed, Breakfast and Biking brewery where we signed up for a brewery tour.

The staff was friendly and let us park our bikes inside the conference room. We got to taste the raw materials that made beer, see where their beer was bottled and, of course, got to sample some of the finished product.

Art on Wheels

Believe it or not, cycling through a city is a great way to experience some of its art. Whether it’s a museum, neighborhood or sculpture on the street, there are great opportunities to feed your creative side. And getting there by bicycle means you can get there faster without having to find parking. You can ride from one area to another.

When you find something interesting, you can simply dismount and take a closer look.

Portland is not only rich with bicycle culture, but also with incredible (and often interactive) public art. You can take a trip to the world’s smallest park, which is a scant two feet in diameter. Or watch the strange egg beater sculpture as it sways in the wind in the middle of a triangular traffic island by Powell’s Books.

In Tucson, AZ, you can actually ride your bike on some public art, for example, a bicycle bridge shaped like a giant rattlesnake. As you ride through the snake’s mouth, the bridge makes a rattling sound.

Or pedal to the more serious and somber “Bike Church.” Painted white and made from bicycle Momentummag.com

parts, the bike church resembles a steampunk gazebo and was erected as a memorial to fallen cyclists.

We often gravitate towards art districts when we explore cities by bike. Neighborhoods with a concentration of cafes, pubs, galleries and younger people are often bicycle-friendly. Long Beach, CA, boasts five distinct “bicycle-friendly business districts” – areas of the city that are trying to accommodate cyclists by providing bike parking and offering select discounts. Retro Row on 4th Street features two community institutions where you can always strike up a conversation and hear some good live music: Portfolio Coffeehouse and Open Bookstore.

Visiting a city by bicycle doesn’t have to be about spending money or gorging yourself on food. Often, a great adventure can be had by simply seeking out a city’s bike paths. Cities often construct bike paths to show off the best of the city and demonstrate civic pride. Pedaling your way down one of these paths can take you through some of the most notable parts of a city, often complemented by beautiful public art and historic plaques. One of our favorite such paths follows the river in Chattanooga, TN. Not only do you have gorgeous natural scenery to admire, you’re also treated to dozens of unique sculptures that were commissioned by the city.

In Wellington, NZ, the waterfront has a shared-use path that winds around the coastline

bbbiking.com

A guide to bike-friendly B&Bs and inns throughout North America.

Traillink traillink.com

A service provided by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy that provides information on all kinds of trails, including biking. Listed by state.

The Cyclists Yellow Pages cyp.adventurecycling.org

An exhaustive worldwide listing of bike-friendly accommodations, maps, guides, organizations, clubs, shops, publications and tips on figuring out the rules of the road in new places.

Bikes on Transit Database bikemap.com/bikesontransit

A complete index of rules for bikes on public transit throughout the US.

Lonely Planet GuideBooks lonelyplanet.com

The Lonely Planet travel guides are the definitive in finding your way around the globe. Travel guides are available for cities, regions and countries.

FalconGuides Biking Series Guides falcon.com

These guidebooks feature a range of rides for varying levels of cyclists, designed to showcase an area’s natural, cultural and historical attractions. mar>apr>12

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PHOTO BY Anahi DeCanio

along a seawall. As you ride you’ll pass several cafes, small sandy beaches with people swimming, the Te Papa cultural museum and public art inspired by local Maori culture. In one afternoon you can see some of a city’s highlights, grab a bite to eat and get some fresh air – all on a bike.

Bike Shop Bingo

A ride through the Wynwood Art District is a great way to take in some of Miami’s street art and colorful murals, many installed for the international Art Basel show.

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

One of our favorite things to do when we visit a city is to stop by the local bicycle shops. While it sounds like a geeky endeavor, bike shops are great destinations if you’re visiting from out of town because they will often know the best bike routes and are knowledgeable about places to explore with your bike. Many cities now offer cycling maps, which highlight cyclist-friendly roads around town, and local bike shops often have copies on hand. Joining a local bike ride can be a great way to spend an evening and make new friends, especially if there’s a slower-paced social ride. Ask the shop employees about any community rides – sometimes you’ll luck out and hear about a once-in-a-lifetime local cycling event.

If you didn’t bring a bike with you, many bike shops also rent out bikes by the hour or day. The Bike Center, a new bike parking and service station located in the heart of Santa

Halcycon is a bicycle shop in Nashville that has repair stand arms on the exterior that customers can use to work on their bikes.

the new generation of urban cyclists knows that the best way to experience a place is on two wheels.

Monica, CA, rents out a variety of bikes. You can rent a hybrid-style bike for a leisurely cruise down the beach path or a drop bar road bike to tackle the local hills (they also have maps of great local rides available). Pedal Bike Tours in Portland, OR, runs many guided, themed bicycle tours. They provide the bicycle and guide, you provide the pedal power. You can do a “Historic Downtown” tour to learn about the architecture; a “Bites by Bike” tour where you sample artisan coffee, breads and cheeses; and, of course, a

urban bike tours

What are they? Where are they? Why do one?

Illustration by Doug Scott

writer: Betsy Agar

Whether you prefer to guide yourself, join a group, or customize your tour, bike tours offer a great introduction to an urban centre.

Exploring a city by bike puts you on the ground with the locals where you can experience the culture firsthand. Tours are styled in a range of ways. Some have a theme, such as historic sites or architecture, while others focus on local gems that are typically missed by the tourist’s radar.

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Self-guided tours, such as those mapped out in pdfs by Nice Ride Minnesota, are great for people who like to wander at their own pace but appreciate some hints about the city’s architecture, wildlife, music and even an “I see dead people” tour! niceridemn.org

recreational, transportation, professional road and kids’ bikes. bikeandroll.com

Even locals appreciate the secrets revealed by the Streets of San Francisco Bike Tours that are often missed by travel guides (sosfbiketours.com).

In Miami’s Wynwood Art and Design Districts, the Street.Art.Cycles tours are likened to “strolling through the halls of a great, outdoor museum.” Look for StreetArtCycles on facebook.com.

Join one of over 30 bike rides and tours across the United States with Bike and Roll. You can choose from a variety of different rides for your tours, including

Cycle Vancouver suggests private bike tours as a creative option for corporate team building events. cyclevancouver.com

Pedal Bike Tours in Portland will customize your tour – you pick the places and they’ll map the route (pedalbiketours.com).

Momentummag.com

Is It Safe?

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

A big concern about riding in a new city is safety.

Unfamiliar traffic in a new place can be quite intimidating. Each city has two sets of traffic rules: the stated ones and the unspoken rules.

It behooves you to be aware of both! If the city has a bike advocacy group, they will usually have information regarding laws about riding bikes in their city. Many cities have strict laws against riding on the sidewalk. Some cities have bus lanes that are also shared by bikes. Some cities expect you to ride on the left side of a one-way street, others on the right.

The unspoken rules of traffic are more interesting and take closer observation to discern.

To get a sense of how traffic moves and interacts with bicycles, sometimes we will walk a few blocks in the city center and just observe. Are drivers generally aware of pedestrians and bikes?

Which streets seem to have the most bike traffic (generally a good indicator of what streets to ride)? By taking a short walk on the sidewalk you can gradually become acclimatized to the new traffic environment, instead of trying to make sense of it while dodging car doors.

In our recent adventure in New Zealand, we spent a few weeks in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand’s largest cities. New Zealand is one of the few countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Our brains were so used to riding our bikes on the right side of the road that we experienced a sort of cognitive dissonance. It seemed completely improbable to ride on the left and every time we ventured on the street, we kept half expecting to meet a car head-on! For the first

Illustration by Doug Scott

“Brewery Tour” where you visit some of the 40 different nearby breweries.

If you’re going to be in a city for a few weeks, you could always buy a bike. Craigslist and community bike shops are a good source for “extended rental” bikes. When you’re done, you can either donate the bike back to the bike co-op or sell it online!

biking around a new city with kids writer: Kathleen Wilker This summer our family visited HalifaxDartmouth for a week. Having our bikes with us allowed us to easily get to know the cities, their parks, neighborhoods and special features in a family-friendly way.

If you’re getting ready to explore a new city by bike with kids, here are a few tips and tricks for creating wonderful memories for the whole family.

Ride to the parks

New parks are great picnic spots. We rode to the beach, visited ornate gardens, scrambled up trees and investigated new play structures. No matter how much riding we did together, the kids still needed time to run around and play.

Stop for random fun stuff.

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

Hidden treasures uncovered on an exploratory ride in Austin, TX, may include a freshly made maple donut with a stack of bacon from Gourdough’s food truck.

Riding back to our campsite one evening, we passed a group of people dressed in full zombie gear who were gathering for a zombie walk.

Cruise ships, ducks crossing the road, busker festivals and comic book shops are all well worth checking out and are often the kids’ favorite memories.

Dress for the weather.

We’ve ridden through some very heavy rainstorms with the kids. As long as the wet ride isn’t too long and there are dry clothes to change into, the kids don’t mind the weather and often even relish the unexpected adventure.

Enjoy treats together.

A basket of strawberries from a farmers market, ice cream from a little shop you happened to ride by, croissants or sushi from the grocery store – it doesn’t matter what the treats are, but if you’re all riding, you’re all going to be hungry, and tasting a new city is fun for the whole family.

We love our GPS.

Riders begin to gather in East Austin, TX, for the very popular Thursday Night Social Ride.

Momentummag.com

Maps of a new city are great when you have them. We like to bike around with our GPS when we’re getting to know a new place. The GPS is not usually on, but when we’ve gotten turned around, it’s nice to know we can find that sweet little café when it’s lunch time or the campground when it’s starting to get dark. mar>apr>12

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MOVE AGAINST THE GRAIN. Fast wheels, strong frames and clean paint, the Indie is designed for people that ride the line between utility and style. From point A to any point you want, it’s the perfect urban vehicle for the roads, alleys and paths you cross along the way.

Find out why you'll love

: CADEYRN CRAIG

at norco.com

Illustration by Doug Scott

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

how to

rent a bike

Cycling during a trip is getting easier all the time Via Bicycles is one of the many unique shops in Philadephia where you can find good deals on new and used bikes for an extended stay in town.

of bicycling in their own cities, it is a natural progression to want to explore other cities by bicycle as well. Whether you are traveling on business or on vacation, there are more options than ever before to experience your final destination by bicycle. You can bring your own bike or rent one when you get there. You can ride to find the best hamburger in town or ride to take in some local culture and sights. You can ride with a tour group or explore by yourself.

Just because you’re going to a strange new city doesn’t mean you have to hang up the helmet. If anything, it’s a unique opportunity to experience a city in a way that will leave you with a deeper sensory impression. Pedal on!

PHOTO BY Russ Roca

few days in the country we did a lot more walking than riding, making sense of the traffic patterns and signs, watching how other cyclists rode and what streets they took. After about a week, we were confident navigating the streets, riding around roundabouts and making tricky right turns.

It seems counter-intuitive, but we have found that when traffic is at its worst in cities, bicycling actually feels safer. Traffic speeds are slower and you can easily keep up with gridlocked cars.

That’s not to say it is always pleasant. The noise and fumes are nauseating, but you have the time to look at all the buildings and neighborhoods you are riding past. When traffic has come to an unbearable standstill, we will often become pedestrians and just walk on the sidewalk. That is another supreme advantage of riding a bicycle in a city: if you want to walk around, you can simply leave traffic at a moment’s notice, and do so without circling endlessly to find a place to park.

One thing to be keenly aware of, however, is bike theft. Nothing can end and ruin a bicycle trip quite like getting your bike and belongings stolen while you’re doing a quick run to the grocery store or grabbing a coffee. If you’re traveling with a partner, it’s often good practice to take turns going into shops. It’s wise to carry a small U-lock if you plan to leave your bike unattended for any period of time. If you happen to have forgotten yours, some bike shops may be willing to loan or rent you a lock. You might also consider using theftdeterring security skewers for your wheels and saddle. If you’re staying at a motel or hotel, bring your bike with you into your room if possible.

Some forward-thinking hotels are even going the extra step and offering rental bikes for guests to use, so you can leave yours at home.

Momentummag.com

For the dedicated traveling cyclist, there is no perfect option. Either you bring your own bike, which involves all different kinds of hassle and potential risk to your beloved ride, or you rent a bike. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and, thankfully, in many cities around the world, things are getting easier.

The fastest and friendliest way to get your hands on a bike away from home is by using a city bike-share network.

They generally consist of identical, easily adjustable, easy-to-ride bikes that can be rented all over a city from automated kiosks. The Parisian Vélib’ system is the world’s largest, seconded by Montreal’s BIXI network. Many cities are adding public bike shares; among the fortunate destinations are: Montreal, London, Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, Denver, Washington DC, Miami and Minneapolis.

NYC is toying with adding a bike share this spring, and many existing systems are undergoing constant expansion.

If you happen to be staying at or near a university in the US, many campuses have their own extensive bike-sharing programs. Included are such diverse locations as UC Irvine, Cornell, University of Chicago, Ohio State, University of Vermont and many others.

For those traveling to a less-well-served location, or in need of a particular mount, private bike rental either from a shop, hotel or tour service is the way to go. The Ace Hotel in Portland, OR, and the Good Hotel in San Francisco, CA, both rent bikes along with the room.

Popular tourist destinations will feature an abundance of bike rentals, from cruisers to road bikes. A thorough search in most cities should uncover a large shop that offers hybrids or city bikes for rent. I’ve found them in the yellow pages or through 411 in a pinch. If you plan on using the bike for everyday transport, consider bringing your lock.

If none of the previous options are working for you, then you can always just buy a bike with a plan to resell it before leaving. Co-ops and small used bike shops might promise to buy a bike back from you for slightly less than you paid, effectively making it a rental. Purchase and resale through Craigslist can work too, depending on the area.

Whatever option you choose, be persistent. Your stay will be all the better for it.

Tristan Lapointe is a corporate and freelance writer, cyclist and bike mechanic living in Montreal, QC. He puts in lackluster performances for croixdefer. wordpress.com, blogs at daggedout.tumblr.com and whiles away his living hours at the Mile End Bike Garage. facebook.com/groups/14011543165

New Urban Frontiers

The new generation of urban cyclists knows that the best way to experience a place is on two wheels. As more people discover the love

writer: tristan lapointe

Bicycling through a city and following your nose lets you stumble upon some great epicurean treats, like “hot chicken,” a popular regional food in Nashville.

croixdefer.wordpress.com daggedout.tumblr.com facebook.com/groups/14011543165 mar>apr>12

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usa

• øArlington County, VA, Capital Bikeshare • Boston, MA, Hubway • Boulder, CO, B-Cycle • Broward (Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood), FL, B-Cycle • City of Miami Beach, FL, DECOBIKE • Chicago, IL, B-cycle • Denver, CO, B-cycle • Des Moines, IA, B-cycle • Kailua, HA, B-cycle • Madison, WI, B-cycle • Minneapolis, MN, Nice Ride Minnesota • Nashville, TN, Nashville Green Bikes • New York, NY, NYC Bike Share • Omaha, NE, B-cycle • San Antonio, TX, B-cycle • Spartanburg, SC, B-cycle • Washington, DC, Capital Bikeshare

canada

• Montréal, QC, BIXI • Ottawa/ Gatineau, ON/QC, BIXI • Toronto, ON, BIXI Mapped at: g.co/maps/ght49

what makes a hotel bikefriendly?

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Writer: betsy agar

ictoria, BC, is leading North Americans to bike-friendly accommodations and putting together a hotel ranking system at cyclevancouverisland.ca. Their website has helpful tips that will get you in the know. When planning your next trip, look for a hotel that: (1) allows bikes in the rooms or has secure, covered bicycle parking, (2) offers complimentary bikes on-site or discounted rentals nearby, (3) is on or near the city’s cycling path network and keeps cycle route maps on hand, (4) is near bike shops, (5) has an equipment check-in or lockers where cyclists can secure belongings after they check out. For the hardcore cyclist, check to see if the hotel offers a place to hang up wet cycling clothing, or has laundry facilities, and if it has an on-site DIY bike wash center with basic tools to tune or pump up.

To see a google map of bike-friendly hotels visit: g.co/maps/v5swu

Illustration by Doug Scott

packing 101

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PHOTO BY Joni Schrantz / Studio ESS

North American Cities with Bike Shares Up & Riding!

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Jupiter Lily awaits guests at Portland’s bike-friendly Jupiter Hotel. For more about that city’s amenities, see page 75.

writer: Aurelia d’Andrea

Whether packing for Perth, Prague or Poughkeepsie, every traveler needs a checklist.

How else will you remember your passport, toothbrush and helmet? When travel plans include tooling around on two wheels, you’ll want to tote more than just your protective headgear. Stuff these items into your carry-on and you’ll be gliding safely and stylishly from museum to monument to Michelin-star restaurant.

The Bike

For their instant mobility, convenience and independence, folding bikes are a traveler’s best friend. The RollsRoyce of all foldies, the Brompton offers a high-tech ride and coat-check convenience in one compact package, practically eliminating the need to carry a lock. For extra security, pack the pocket-sized Kryptonite Evolution. Going the ultra-light route?

Investigate your destination’s bikeshare options by visiting its municipal transportation website.

The Helmet

Helmets are a true imperative when cycling a new city’s unfamiliar terrain.

Protect your pate with a CPSC-certified number by Sawako Furuno for a Champs Elysées-ready riding experience.

The Clothes

Your sartorial mantra should begin and end with “layers.” Technical undergarments that wick away sweat are a good foundation, but it’s the final layer that matters most. If rain is in the forecast (check online before departure day), pack a synthetic, water-resistant jacket that covers the thighs – consider Madame de Pé’s chic, functional designs – or go the budget route with a plastic rain poncho that costs less than a fiver at most bike shops.

The Eyewear

Keep midsummer sunshine out of your eyes with a sturdy pair of impact-resistant, UV-protective lenses. Oakley’s offerings span the spectrum from sporty to dinner-withthe-queen appropriate.

Momentummag.com

+venture: visitors’ guide see our visitors’ guide for hotel options in some of North America’s best cycling cities. Here are a few additional hotels:

Hotel San Jose

(1316 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX) Rents out Townie Cruisers and a PUBLIC Bike, locks and helmets.

Bike racks outside, and some weather protected storage, some tune-up tools and bike washing can be arranged. Located on one of Austin’s “killer bike lane system” roads. sanjosehotel.com

EPIC Hotel

(335 Bowery, NY, NY) The Bowery in NYC offers complimentary bikes to their guests. bohonyc.com

europe at handlebar level

Ruschmeyer’s

(161 Second House Rd., Montauk, NY) Offers cycling as one of many activities available to guests. kingandgrove.com/ ruschmeyers-montauk

Accent Inns

(3233 Maple St., Victoria, BC) This hotel chain allows bikes in ground floor rooms, has laundry facilities and has a wash and tuning station. accentinns.com

photo by Susi Wunsch

(270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, FL) Lends bicycles, including tandem bikes and bicycles for men, women and children, along with locks and helmets. Kimpton recently opened another bike-friendly hotel in South Beach. epichotel.com

Bowery Hotel NYC

discover

small groups & supported self guided tours

We take care of all the logistics: Luggage transfers Custom Dutch-style bikes are available to guests at Ruschmeyer’s in Montauk, NY.

Bike rental Complete backup & support

The Lights

In some cities – Paris, for one – you’re legally obliged to light up your bike after dark. Pack a pair of lightweight, compact, USB-chargeable (for example, Blackburn) lights to play it safe and legal, wherever you roll.

The Bag

A mesh-backed backpack does double duty by equally distributing weight across your back while keeping it perspirationfree. Deuter and Ortlieb offer designs that lean toward the sporty-but-über-functional side.

Rental bike come with a basket?

Pack a bungee cord to strap down your valuables.

Momentummag.com

The Shoes

With standard pedals, the shoe style is less important that the sturdiness of its sole. Pack footwear that offers a solid stride for walking and you’ll get the same firm feel on your bike. Treating your shoes with a weatherizing product will help repel water in inclement weather, and stuffing them with socks and other soft items makes the most of your suitcase space.

Aurelia d’Andrea lives in Paris, where she thunders across the cobblestone streets on an old three-speed Peugot. See more of her writing at aureliadandrea.com.

Accommodation rage includes: Charm & family run hotel, boat, gîte hostel, guesthouse, agriturismos, apartment, mountain refuge/hut The variety and choice of meals are worth traveling for themselves!

Visit utracks.com to order our FREE brochure or call our team

1.800.567.2216

TICO retailers & wholesalers permits

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denver:

+venture:

wheeling through the Mile High City

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visitors’ guide

writer: michael lloyd

fter a winter’s slumber, springtime in Denver is a beautiful medley of green, sunny skies and cool air: perfect riding weather. The Rocky Mountains are covered in snow, but the Mile High City has roads, paths and trails that are perfect for keeping you and your bicycle busy. Bring a light and try riding after the sun goes down for a different perspective on the city. Or rent a B-cycle bike from one of the municipal bike sharing stations.

Photo by natasha dunn

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meets Denver Cruisers (various locations) This Wednesday night ride takes place from May to October. It’s all about fun, costumes, bar hopping and friends. Bring a wig - everyone else will, so why not let your hair down. denvercruiserride.com

toronto: meets

Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W) Down the street from the Drake, this hotel has 37 rooms, each designed by a local Toronto artist. gladstonehotel.com

Kensington Market (West of Spadina Ave. and North of Dundas St.) A little urban village if there ever was one, (rentals) the pedestrian- and cycling-friendly Kensington Market is the best place to BIXI Toronto (various locations) The grab picnic fixings. kensington-market.ca public bike share program is fairly new to Toronto and has 1,000 bikes in 80 stations Toronto Island. This car-free island around downtown. toronto.bixi.com is a short ferry ride from the downtown and is a must for bikers. It also contains Toronto Island Bike a nude beach, but best keep your shorts Rentals (Centre Island) You can on while biking. toronto.ca/parks/island rent regular or tandem bikes. toronto.ca/parks/island

streets

eats

streets

(shops) Woodlot Restaurant & Bakery (293 Palmerston Ave.) A much hyped, trendy Curbside Cycle (412 Bloor St. W) restaurant located just off the College St. This bike store sells European bikes bike lane. woodlotrestaurant.com and accessories, but they also rent out bikes. curbside.on.ca Jet Fuel Coffee Shop Inc. (519 Parliament St.) This coffee shop Urbane Cyclist (180 John St.) is also home to Canada’s longestAn inviting space run as a worker running cycling team. Fuel up here. cooperative. Cyclists of all types are jetfuelcoffee.com welcome. ucycle.com

sleeps

Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W) This funky hotel offers bike rentals and a great bar. thedrakehotel.ca

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writer: jake tobin garrett

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want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ toronto-visitors-guide

Grand Hyatt Denver (1750 Welton St.) This hotel in the heart of downtown is friendly and accommodating towards cyclists. granddenver.hyatt.com

The Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast (2147-51 Tremont Pl.) You can loan a cruiser or lock up your trusty steed in their secure indoor bike parking.

Snooze (2262 Larimer St.) This cafe has Breakfast is made with locally-sourced what you need to get started in the a.m. ingredients and the walls are adorned The pancake of the day is always a winner. with the works of local artists. snoozeameatery.com queenannebnb.com

getting around the Big Smoke on two wheels

oronto’s winter and summer months have their respective charms, but spring is where it’s really at for cyclists. Not only does June contain the most pleasant weather, with Torontonians relaxing on patios and park lawns across the city, but there is also a slew of cycling-related events, as June is bike month. The blue skies and warm temperatures, but with none of that nasty humidity, make for the perfect weather for day trips and neighborhood exploration.

sleeps

Photo by ryan hodgson-rigsbee

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Tour De Fat (various locations throughout the city) Colorado’s premier brewer puts on a cycling-focused party not to be missed. Enjoy food, beer and some of the best local music at Denver’s largest bicycle party. newbelgium.com/events/ tour-de-fat

Highland Tap and Burger (2219 West 32nd Ave.) This open air hangout has duck fat fries – a perfect pairing with their locally-brewed beer. highlandtapdenver.com

chicago: C

explore the Windy City writer: John greenfield

hicago really shines in the summer, when the beaches, free concerts in Millennium Park and dozens of neighborhood festivals offer great cycling destinations. But spring and autumn can be beautiful times to ride here, too, and the Bike Winter organization celebrates coldweather cycling with clinics, arts events and snow rides. The easiest way to sample some of the city’s best cycling is a spin on the Lakefront Trail. For an urban escape, ride the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line northwest with your bike towards the North Branch Trail, which meanders 17 miles (27 kilometers) through deer-populated forest preserves to the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

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meets Kidical Mass (Palmer Square, 3064 W Palmer Blvd.) Gather every second Saturday of the month for a ride all about the kids; it is chaperoned by parents and sticks to residential streets. chicagokidicalmass.org Momentummag.com

streets (rentals) B-cycle was the first large-scale bike sharing system in the United States and continues to stock rental bikes at several stations throughout the city. Anyone with a credit card can rent a bike for a half-hour or several hours. denver.bcycle.com Bicycle Doctor (860 Broadway) Has cruisers, city bikes, tandems, mountain bikes and road bikes on offer. bicycledr.com

streets (shops)

Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop (1611 Platte St.) This shop has taken a community approach to serving the Denver

Bike the Drive (Columbus and Jackson drives) This inspiring ride shuts down the Lakeshore Drive superhighway, replacing cars with 20,000 cyclists. bikethedrive.org

eats

The Handlebar (2311 W North Ave.) This vegetarian bar and grill features stools made of wheel rims, vintage bicycle posters and a lovely back patio with free bike parking. facebook.com/ handlebarchicago Lula Cafe (2537 N Kedzie Blvd.)

This critically acclaimed localvore restaurant next to Boulevard Bikes (boulevardbikes.com) is great for a romantic dinner or lazy brunch. lulacafe.com

sleeps The James Chicago (55 E Ontario St.) A stylish hotel near the Magnificent Mile shopping district and the Lakefront Trail, offering guests free use of Paul Frank bicycles. jameshotels.com/chicago Longman and Eagle (2657 N Kedzie Blvd.) Sleek, affordable guestrooms in bike-friendly Logan Square.

Guests receive tokens for bourbon shots at the gastropub downstairs. longmanandeagle.com Momentummag.com

cyclist. There is a place to give your bike a quick tune-up, at no charge. Look for the “I love bicycles” sign painted on the side of the building. salvagetti.com Chocolate Spoke Bike Studio (2805 Downing St.) Buy a restored bicycle or have the owner custom construct one for you. This intimate bike shop is surrounded by bicycle building equipment and filled with thoughtful cycling accessories. chocolatespokes.com

Photo by rodeonexis.com

need to psd

GLOBAL CYCLING WITH LOCAL CHARACTER

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ denver-visitors-guide

streets (rentals) B-Cycle Chicago (several locations) Chicago’s bike share system currently has about 100 vehicles, but the city will be getting 3,000 more by summer 2012. chicago.bcycle.com Bike and Roll Chicago (several locations, open in Millennium Park year-round: 239 E Randolph) Rentals, repairs and showers, plus several lakefront rental locations.

Guided tours available, including the Presidential Tour of Obama landmarks. bikechicago.com

FIND FRIENDLY FACES & WIDE OPEN SPACES IN

EUROPE & LATIN AMERICA

streets (shops) West Town Bikes/ Ciclo Urbano (2459 W Division St.) Sales of refurbished cycles, commuter gear and repair work at Ciclo Urbano bicycle shop help fund West Town’s bike education programs for underserved youth. westtownbikes.org Rapid Transit Cycle Shop (1900 W North Ave.) The best place in town to shop for folding bikes and recumbents. rapidtransitcycles.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ chicago-visitors-guide

www.ExperiencePlus.com | 800-685-4565 mar>apr>12

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Photo by steve molder

meets

streets (rentals)

Miami Critical Mass meets at Government Center on the last Friday of every month. miamibikescene.blogspot.com

DECOBIKE. The program boasts 100 rental stations with 1,000 bikes scattered strategically in Miami Beach.

Rentals are available for half-hour jaunts or day-long journeys. Find docking stations using an iPhone app or interactive web map. decobike.com

Miami Beach Community Ride (601 5th St., Miami) Convenes every second Saturday of the month, starting at the Miami Beach Bicycle Center at 9 a.m. bikemiamibeach.com/communityride.html

eats The Café @ Books & Books on Lincoln Road (927 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach) Eclectic and flavorful menu, great people-watching. booksandbooks.com/miamibeach

miami:

where you can see Palm Trees & Flamingos writer: dina weinstein

W

hen the rest of North America shivers under layers of long johns and parkas, Miami basks in balmy temperatures. From October to April, bicycling is a joy, though beware the aggressive and distracted drivers. Cycling around the Magic City and environs has many angles to soak up under the swaying palm trees, from ethnic neighborhoods to national parks, beaches and batidos (tropical milkshakes). Bike rentals are plentiful and there are an increasing number of lanes.

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Tobacco Road in Brickell (626 S Miami Ave., Miami) A historic BBQ restaurant; you can bring your bike around to the back dining area. tobacco-road.com

Bike & Roll (210 10th St., South Beach; Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) Offers bike rentals and tours and free downloadable bike route and attractions maps. bikeandroll.com/miami/index.html

streets (shops)

Miami Beach Bicycle Center (601 5th St., Miami Beach). bikemiamibeach.com Willie’s Bicycles (2425 Biscayne Blvd, Miami). twitter.com/williesbicycles

sleeps The Shore Club (1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) A lively, intimate and electric hotel. shoreclub.com Standard Hotel (40 Island Ave., Miami Beach) Called a haven of serenity, this hotel in the city feels like it’s on a tropical island. standardhotels.com/miami

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ miami-visitors-guide

Berlin – 7:34 AM. GermAn InnovAtIon

Location: Rosa-LuxemburgPlatz, Berlin Mitte, Germany

GP1 BioKork Re-inventing the original. GP1 BioKork is more than just a grip naturally sculpted to fit your hand. Utilizing the same patented construction as our standard GP1, BioKork features sustainably farmed cork. Grass fibers are used to reinforce the core structure and vegetable oils soften your grip. GP1 BioKork, Better by Nature IF Product Design Award Gold Winner 2010.

DeveLoPment PArtner: GermAn SPort UnIverSItY CoLoGne

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www.ergon-bike.com

Momentummag.com

Photo by russ roca

sleeps Ace Hotel (20 West 29th St.) Located in Midtown Manhattan, Ace is a bikefriendly hotel that puts you in the heart of NYC. acehotel.com Bowery Hotel (350 Bowery) Found in the vibrant Lower East Side, the Bowery offers guests complimentary bicycles. theboweryhotel.com

streets (rentals)

Bike and Roll (Locations throughout the city). bikeandroll.com

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see the Big Apple on two wheels writers: BRYEN DUNN & TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

ew York, NY, is a city of neighborhoods and there is no better way to explore the diversity of the five boroughs than on two wheels. With more than 800 miles (1290 kilometers) of bike lanes and greenways – 250 miles (400 kilometers) installed in the last four years – including 15 miles (24 kilometers) of the country’s premiere physically-separated bike lanes, getting where you want to go on your bike is easier than ever.

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meets

iPad Sleeve $30

iPad Messenger $80

Summer Streets (August 2012, Manhattan) Every Saturday in August, enjoy seven miles of car-free streets in Manhattan. nyc.gov/html/dot/ summerstreets/html/home/home.shtml

La Flaca (384 Grand St.) Known for its party fare, this Mexican restaurant also is the place to go for frozen margaritas and offers discounts to bicyclists through Transportation Alternatives’ Bike-Friendly Business Program. laflacanyc.com Brindle Room (227 East 10th St.) This bike-friendly restaurant dishes comfort food in its East Village space and offers discounts to bicyclists through Transportation Alternatives’ Bike-Friendly Business Program. brindleroom.com

Mini-Commuter bag $100

Kindle sleeve $35

Smartphone Case $18

Moleskine Folio $50

MacBook Pro + Air Sleeve $40

Rickshaw Bagworks is a proud founding member. sfmade.org

Momentummag.com

streets (shops)

Bicycle Habitat (244 Lafayette St.). bicyclehabitat.com Red Lantern Bicycles (345 Myrtle Ave.). redlanternbicycles.com NYC Bike Share is scheduled to launch this summer. nycitybikeshare.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ nyc-visitors-guide

Specialty iPad Sleeve $40 Zero Messenger, Tweed $65

NYC Century Bike Tour (September 9, 2012, check website for location) Take part in the only all-urban Century Tour in the US. nyccentury.org

eats

Fresh Bags Made Daily.

Hand crafted bags and sleeves made to order in San Francisco.

Handlebar bag $25

nyc:

Hudson Urban Bicycles (HUB) (139 Charles St.) Rents, builds and sells bike equipment. Offers city bikes and child carriers. hudsonurbanbicycles.com

Shop rickshawbags.com

904 22nd St @ Minnesota San Francisco info@rickshawbags.com 415-904-8368

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Photo by russ roca

meets

streets (rentals)

Thursday Night Social Ride (Festival Beach – north side of Lady Bird Lake just east of the I-35) Meets at 7:30 p.m. and the ride starts at 8 p.m. tinyurl.com/7re5my8

Mellow Johnny’s (400 Nueces St. at West 4th St.) Lance Armstrong’s shop also has a café, bike storage and showers. mellowjohnnys.com

Full Moon Cruise (Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge) Whenever the moon is full, this ride sets off at around 12:30 a.m.

Check the atxbs.com calendar for event updates and information.

eats Torchy’s Tacos (1311 South 1st St.) Here you’ll find untraditional tacos that are so addictive, they could be why some people don’t leave Austin. torchystacos.com

austin:

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Odd Duck (1219 South Lamar Blvd.)

The first farm-to-trailer food cart. They change their menu daily, depending on what’s fresh and in season. oddduckfarmtotrailer.com strong cycling culture in the State Capital writer: leana mooradian

he social cycling scene in Austin is incredibly rich. There are multiple rides every day and newcomers are never left without a chance to hop on two wheels and meet new faces. But what this city has going for it above all else is a diverse and friendly cycling population. Roadies, hipsters, commuters, tall bike hooligans, BMX riders and students share and litter the roads at every turn.

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Barton Springs Bike Rentals (1529 Barton Springs Rd.) You’ll find cruiser rentals, as well as mountain bikes and electric bikes. bartonspringsbikerental.com

streets (shops) Bicycle Sport Shop (517 S Lamar; 10947 Research Blvd.; 9900 W Parmer Dr.) Showers available on site, as well as a wide fleet of rental bikes for every type of rider, including tandems and electric bikes. bicyclesportshop.com Tsunami Cycles (2114 1/2 South Congress Ave.) Repairs for bikes of all types. tsunamicycles.com

sleeps Hotel San Jose (1316 South Congress Ave.) Free bike rentals are available for guests at this centrally-located hotel. sanjosehotel.com Hotel Saint Cecilia (112 Academy Dr.) Located on a secluded estate, the Saint Cecilia offers free bike rentals to its guests. hotelsaintcecilia.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ austin-visitors-guide

family biking made simple & safe!

Instead of eating dust in a trailer or enduring a view of your back, iBert’s safe-T-seat places the child between the adult rider and the handlebars, giving parents improved control over both child and bike. (Also available in pink)

www.ibertinc.com 70

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Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

meets

streets (rentals)

ARTCRANK (April, location TBD) A bikeposter show, created by Charles Youel.

Beer-, sweat- and art-soaked. All the icons attend. artcrank.com

Nice Ride (2834 10th Ave. S) An affordable, high-quality bike-sharing program available that operates from April to November. niceridemn.org

Stupor Bowl (February, location TBD) Drunkenly roll around Minneapolis in the heart of winter. Balaclavas, ice beards and brews. A Winter Viking staple.

Freewheel Midtown Bike Center (1812 S 6th St.) Our favorite bike shop, right on the Greenway. The Vegan Suicide is a delicious, off-menu treat, well complemented by a whipcream waffle. freewheelbike.com

eats Bryant Lake Bowl (810 West Lake St.) Hipster central. Bowling, organic delectations, avant-garde concerts. $2 PBR if you walk in with a helmet on. bryantlakebowl.com

minneapolis:

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Peace Coffee (3262 Minnehaha Ave.) Local coffee. Bike-messenger-delivered beans. A caffeine high just the way ya like it. peacecoffeeshop.com sightsee around the City of Lakes

writers: TOM EVERSON & patrick stephenson

icycling around Minneapolis, MN, is transcendent and quasi-spiritual in just about any season, but the best of all is fall, when temps cool comfortably and the abundance of trees throughout the city turn orange and gold.

An autumn ride around Lakes Calhoun or Harriet or Isles is a height of Minneapolitan cycling. Thanks to Minneapolis’s robust infrastructure – wellmaintained paths and well-marked bike lanes abound – it’s possible to get just about anywhere by bicycle, no matter the season. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Momentummag.com

sleeps Aloft W Hotel (900 Washington Ave. S) Near the Guthrie Theatre, the Mill District, Gold Medal Park and Grumpy’s, with a Nice Ride station right outside. alofthotels.com/minneapolis Sheraton (2901 Chicago Ave. S) Start your day on the Greenway! The bicycling superhighway is a short step down from this Midtown branch.

Sheraton.com/minneapolis

streets (shops) One On One Bike Studio (117 Washington Ave. N) A raw, rock ’n roll messenger hangout, North Loop style, with organic fair trade beans brewing in the cafe. Check out the bike basement. oneononebike.com Angry Catfish (4208 28th Ave. S) A bike-cum-coffee shop with a ritzy vibe, in South Minneapolis. Excellent Americano. ACF has a good selection of MN-designed TwinSix apparel. angrycatfishbicycle.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ minneapolis-visitors-guide

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Photo by geoff livingston

Bike Movies in the Park (various locations) This gathering includes rides and movie screenings at various parks.

Previous flicks included Breaking Away and The Triplets of Belleville. tinyurl.com/7rsdne4

eats CafĂŠ Santropol (3990 St.-Urbain) Located along a bike path in the Plateau, Santropol CafĂŠ is famous for their monstrously big cream cheese sandwiches. santropol.com

montreal:

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a taste of Paris in Canada writer: bettina grassman

hether you BIXI it or bring your own bike, the city has plenty to explore.

Montreal Island hosts 310 miles (500 kilometers) of bicycle paths. Many paths lead to quiet green spaces where the only traffic you’ll have to contend with is of the two-wheeled variety. One of Montreal’s favorite bike paths runs along the historic Lachine canal. But for many cyclists, nothing beats the beauty of Mount-Royal Park, the site of the mountain that gives Montreal its name.

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meets Tour de l’Ile and Tour de la nuit (VĂŠlo QuĂŠbec) are indisputably the largest cycling events of the year, attracting over 25,000 cyclists. The group rides have now gotten so big that VĂŠlo QuĂŠbec created a whole festival around it called, “FĂŠria du vĂŠlo.â€? veloquebec.info/en/feria/the-montreal-bike-fest.

Maison des cyclistes (1251 Rachel St. E) Housed in the VĂŠlo QuĂŠbec quarters, this cafĂŠ is a popular rest spot for cyclists. At the intersection of two important bike path superhighways. velo.qc.ca/fr/vq/maison

sleeps Hilton Bonaventure MontrÊal (900 de la Gauchetière Street). The Montreal Hilton probably sees more limousines than bicycles, but when cyclists come, the hotel will open its glamourous doors. hiltonmontreal.com Hôtel Travelodge City Centre (50 RenÊ-Levesque West) One street away from Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, which hosts many of the biggest events of the summer. travelodgemontrealcentre.com

streets (rentals) BIXI bike share (various locations) The three-speed bike share bikes are heavy and clunky, but with 405 rental outlets all over the city, BIXI takes the prize for convenience. montreal.bixi.com La Bicycletterie J.R. (201 Rachel E) Located along a bike path in the heart of the Plateau, J.R. is one of Montreal’s most reputable and established bike shops. Prices start at $15 for four hours. labicycletteriejr.com

streets (shops) ABC Cycles and Sports (5584 Park Ave.) One of the giants in the Montreal cycling retail business. Situated in the Mile End, this shop has an impressive range of bicycles for sale. abccycles.com Dumoulin Bicyclettes (173 JeanTalon St. E) One of the highest-rated retail shops in Montreal. Also a generous supporter of community bicycle shops and other local non-profit initiatives. dumoulinbicyclettes.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ montreal-visitors-guide

schwalbetires.com

Bohle 51580 Reichshof, Germany ARalf division ofGmbH, Moser Enterprises | Ferndale, WA

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Photo by ricardo martins

meets Park it! (Dolores Park, Golden Gate Park) The Presidio – an Army-basecum-national-park. Must-sees. But SF is also building out “parklets” that convert parking spots into mini gathering areas. sfgreatstreets.org/parklets

Sunday Streets (various locations) Multi-block car-free block parties that take place on one Sunday each month (spring, summer and fall), modeled after the Ciclovía in Bogota, Colombia. sundaystreetssf.com

eats

Mojo Bicycle Cafe (639A Divisadero St.) Part cafe, part bike shop, Mojo is the center of bike culture in the North of Panhandle (Nopa) neighborhood. mojobicyclecafe.com

san francisco:

bike through the Bay Area

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writer: mary catherine o’connor

isherman’s Wharf?! Forget it!” exclaimed San Franciscan and cycling legend Gary Fisher, about the spot that’s ground zero for cheesy tourism in the city. “That’s not San Francisco.” Herewith, a biker’s must-do list of places and activities that are, in fact, very San Francisco.

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Velo Rouge Cafe (798 Arguello Blvd.)

An oasis of warm, delish coffee and food in the oft-foggy Inner Richmond ’hood.

A great stop before or after your Golden Gate Park sojourn. velorougecafe.com

sleeps

Good Hotel (112 7th St.) Will accommodate you and your bike in ecofriendly style. Bike rentals also available on site. thegoodhotel.com

Metro Hotel SF (319 Divisadero St.) Has a Euro feel and is located smackdab between the Haight and the Castro. metrohotelsf.com

streets (rentals)

Bay City Bike Rental (three SF locations, see website) Offers guided tours or just bikes: hybrids, mountain bikes, road bikes and electric bikes. Child seats, tagalongs and trailers available. baycitybike.com bike & Roll (899 Columbus Ave.) Rents bikes out of five different shops, including one downtown. Also offers guided tours. bikeandroll.com

streets (shops)

Public Bikes (123 South Park St.) Sells bikes and gear that are pretty, practical and commuter-friendly. Did we mention pretty? They’re pretty. publicbikes.com warm planet (311 Townsend St.) A full-service bicycle shop specializing in folding and cargo bikes located next to the Caltrain Station. warmplanetbikes.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ san-francisco-visitors-guide

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+venture:

vistors’ guide

vancouver:

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cruise through Lotusland

writer: sarah ripplinger

Photo by prayitno

our best bet for a great experience in Vancouver is to bike along the seawall and along the trails in Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park.

The Central Valley Greenway is a fantastic day ride that runs some 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Science World to New Westminster. The beaches are particularly welcoming in the summer, and are beautiful places to contemplate the scenery year-round – check out Kitsilano, Third Beach and Spanish Banks. If you’re in Vancouver for the last Friday of the month, you may want to join in for a Critical Mass ride, which meets at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia Street side) in downtown Vancouver at 5:30 p.m. and departs at 6 p.m.

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Car Free Vancouver Day (Commercial Drive, Main Street, West End and Kitsilano) Car-free streets with entertainment and activities for the whole family. carfreevancouver.org discover the Port City by bike writer: erik neumann

eattle is an excellent city to explore by bike. Paved rail trails run along Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, connecting different neighborhoods. Bike lanes and sharrows are steadily popping up around town, thanks to the Bicycle Master Plan. Tour Seattle June through midSeptember for warm days and little to no rain.

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meets Seattle Bike-In (Contact Northwest Film Forum for date and time: 1-206-829-7863) What’s better than an outdoor movie in the park on a summer night? Expect classics like A Sunday in Hell, Jour de Fete or Quicksilver. nwfilmforum.org Seattle Summer Streets (700 Fifth Ave.) Car-free streets for everyone to enjoy. seattle.gov/ transportation/summerstreets.htm

eats

Ace Hotel (2423 1st Ave.) A cyclingfriendly accommodation with amenities on site. acehotel.com/seattle

streets (rentals) Counterbalance Bicycles (2943 NE Blakeley St.) Located right on the Burk Gillman bike trail.

Offers three-speed upright cruisers. counterbalancebicycles.com Recycled Cycles (1007 NE Boat St.) Rents out road and city bikes, as well as trailers and trail-a-bikes for the kids. recycledcycles.com

Cafe Presse (1117 12th Ave.) (shops) Walking the line between bourgeois and bohemian, Cafe Presse serves Free Range Bicycles (3501 delicious french-themed fare. Think Phinney Ave. N) With a nod to the baguettes, gruyère, cured ham and chocolate toast. cafepresseseattle.com utilitarian, Free Range Cycles has built its reputation on excellent Brouwer’s Café (400 N 35th St.) A services, affordable bikes and Belgian-style café/ bar that’s a block friendly staff. freerangecycles.com off the Burke Gillman bike trail. Ample bike parking is available right outside. Dutch Bike Co. Seattle (4741 Ballard Ave. NW) For the best in brouwerscafe.blogspot.com classic European bakfiets, threespeed cruiser rentals or a strong cup of coffee. Located in Seattle’s Ballard American Hotel (520 S. King St.) neighborhood. dutchbikeseattle.com Situated in Seattle’s International District, American Hotel offers cheap accommodations in a want more? neighborhood full of great food and Extended Visitors’ Guide at fun shops to explore. Near downtown. momentummag.com/articles/ seattle-visitors-guide americanhotelseattle.com

streets

sleeps

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Photo by Ben Johnson

meets

Bike the Blossoms (citywide) Take a self-guided tour through the city and check out the amazing cheery blossoms. Maps and prizes available for participants of this event, which usually takes place in late April. vcbf. ca/events/bike-theblossoms

eats Bandidas Taqueria (2781 Commercial Dr.) A staple hangout for hungry riders, Bandidas is run by a dynamic duo of fixie-riding women. bandidastaqueria.com Go Fish Ocean Emporium (1505 W 1st Ave.) Nestled in the bustling False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf near Granville Island, Go Fish is the best place to get fish and chips – and fish tacos – after a morning riding the seawall around Stanley Park. yelp.ca/biz/go-fishocean-emporium-vancouver

sleeps The West End Guest House (1362 Haro St.) Bikes are available for free at this bed and breakfast located in a quiet downtown neighborhood. westendguesthouse.com The Sylvia Hotel (1154 Gilford St.) A heritage building on Vancouver’s scenic English Bay, The Sylvia Hotel is close to bike trails along the seawall and offers secure indoor bike storage. sylviahotel.com

streets (rentals) JV Bike (955 Expo Blvd.) Rent everything from electric bikes and tricycles to cruisers, tandems and child seats. jvbike.com Spokes Bicycle Rentals (1798 W Georgia St.) Find a bike that’s right for just cruising, city touring and tackling trails. spokesbicyclerentals.com

streets (shops) Woah! Nellie (2539 Main St.) Lovely city bikes and mixtes, as well as accessories and friendly staff. raincitybikes.bigcartel.com KISSING CROwS CYCLERY (4562 Main St.) A friendly shop that specializes in custom-built city bikes. kissingcrowscyclery.com

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ vancouver-visitors-guide Momentummag.com

Photo by russ roca

Powell’s City of Books (1005 W Burnside St.) The vast stacks include a good selection of local travel guides, many bike-oriented. Check out their book-themed bike rack out front. powells.com

eats Hopworks BikeBar (3947 N Williams Ave.) Bike decor galore, but the best part is the massive bike traffic you’ll experience on the way there. hopworksbeer.com/general-info/bikebar

portland:

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the cycling culture Mecca of western US

writer: elly blue

t can be difficult to pick out specifically bike-friendly places in Portland because, well, that’s every place. The city boasts hundreds of miles of bike routes, over 70 on-street bike corrals, and business owners who go out of their way to accommodate patrons arriving on two wheels.

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meets Pedalpalooza (all over Portland!) Over two weeks of bike fun every June. Anyone at all can organize a ride – as a result, there’s a huge range, from wacky to nerdy to sporty to sexy.

Literally something for everyone. pedalpalooza.org 2012-TN-momentum-half_page-print.pdf 1 1/26/12 8:09 PM

Cartlandia (SE 82nd Ave. and Springwater Corridor Bike Trail) Portland’s only food cart pod that’s directly on an off-road bike trail. Far from usual tourist spots, and well worth the detour. cartlandia.com

sleeps The Ace Hotel (1022 Southwest Stark St.) Hip boutique hotel with free custom bikes for guests to use and a Stumptown cafe in the lobby. acehotel.com

bike rentals and tours. Tandems and trailers for kids available. Centrally located. waterfrontbikes.com Clever Cycles (908 Hawthorne Blvd.) Rent a folding bike, a cargo bike or a Dutch bike, or just peruse their selection of urban riding clothes and accessories. Hip inner southeast. clevercycles.com

streets (shops) CityBikes Annex (734 SE Ankeny St.) One of the oldest bike co-ops in the country. Good selection of sensible riding and rain gear and a loft full of used bike frames to choose from. citybikes.coop Bikeasaurus (1337 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) If you can’t make it to BikeCraft, this tiny shop is the next best thing. Not a bike shop at all, but a perfectly curated selection of practical and beautiful bicycle lifestyle accessories. bikeasauruspdx.com

The Jupiter Hotel (800 E Burnside) Rents out city bikes. jupiterhotel.com

streets (rentals) Waterfront Bicycle Rentals (10 SW Ash St.) Reliable, friendly

want more?

Extended Visitors’ Guide at momentummag.com/articles/ portland-visitors-guide

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behindthebrand: linusBikes

city-style appeal writer: sarah ripplinger photographer: augusta quirk

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Fact Adam McDermott named Linus Bikes after his nephew, Linus, who is now under the impression that all Linus bikes belong to him.

n sunny Venice Beach, CA, the cruiser bike scene is just about as gnarly as the surf scene. Two guys that are contributing to the strength of the cycling culture there – and increasingly elsewhere, as well – are Adam McDermott and Chad Kushner: founders of Linus Bikes, everyday commuters and sometimes surfers, too.

McDermott was born and finished high school in Cape Town, South Africa. That’s also where he met Kushner. Both studied film and later landed in Venice Beach working as camera assistants in the film and television industry. After about three years, and some trips overseas to bike-friendly centers in Europe and Asia, McDermott began to consider founding a brand of city bikes that reflected the cycling culture in Venice Beach.

“Bicycles are the core of the community here,” he told me over the phone from the Linus shop headquarters in Venice Beach. “It’s central to life here. Whenever you’re going out and meeting people, you’re doing it all by bike.”

Cole Maness runs the show room, with a smile.

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A view from the Linus showroom of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the heart of Venice.

McDermott’s overseas experiences afforded him the headspace to reflect on where Venice Beach’s urban cycling culture excelled and what it still lacked.

“For me, it was the actual hardware, it was the bike. I felt that it needed a transformation for bicycle culture to take root here.” Co-founding Linus, he said, was an extension of his belief that “a simple, elegant, affordable bike would be a better platform to help breed bike culture in the states.”

For example, “Los Angeles is a really stratified and alienated city,” he said. “The bicycle is the best way to create community.”

Three to four years and many 60-hour work weeks later, the time and effort McDermott and Kushner have invested in their business is finally paying off. Linus bikes are sold in most major cities in the United States.

“We’ve been very fortunate with how we’ve been received,” he said, owing much of his success to timing. “I think it’s been a cultural shift. Bicycles are a recessionary product and people are living differently, living a little smaller; and, I think bicycles play into that.”

Densified urban centers where people can get to most of their daily needs within a five- to 10-mile radius can help to bolster the widespread use of bikes for transportation, McDermott said, and he sees cities moving in that direction. Right now, he’s content to witness the growth of the culture and increasing prevalence of people riding bikes, even in car-centric urban sprawls, such as greater LA. “I feel like I see bicycles everywhere now. Wherever there’s a bicycle lockup, I’m always seeing stacks of bikes all over Los Angeles.”

“Even people who drive are more aware of cyclists on the road and are sharing the road with them.”

Naturally a daily commuter himself, McDermott divides his time between riding his Dutchi cruiser bike - for shorter trips around town and when hitting the beach - and his Dover five-speed, which he uses for those greater-than-fivemiles trips.

Momentummag.com

Founders Chad Kushner and Adam McDermott. “It’s nice working out of the old Venice Bungalow, somehow it never really feels like work,” Adam said.

Aesthetically-speaking, McDermott is partial to the style and line of the rarer to be seen, but increasing in popularity mixte frame – the Dover is also a mixte.

“I’ve always liked the mixte because it’s the most beautiful frame; I really like the line of a mixte,” he said. “I like how it rides and having the slanted top tube and the extra stand-over clearance. A lot of it is esthetics: The twin top tube that has a diagonal line that goes from the top of the bike to the end of the bike.”

It will come as no surprise that Linus offers four mixte options as part of its 2012 lineup: the Dover 1 and 5 and the Mixte 3 and 8, along with some non-mixties: Dutchi, Roadster Classic, Roadster Sport and Gaston.

Seeing people riding Linuses while he’s in the bike lane is one of the perks of the job.

“It’s really exciting to make something and see it become part of the landscape and become part of people’s lives.” After all, that’s what this whole Linus Bikes business is about, McDermott said. “We want bikes to become part of everyday life.”

Linus’s accessories line supports that lifestyle by proving bicycle add-ons that are functional and that also look good. Their line of bags is expanding, and the company now offers a smooth-edged silver headlamp that can be mounted on a bike’s handlebars, stem or forks.

You can find Linus bikes in stores across the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The company is also looking to expand to Russia, Japan, Brazil and possibly Korea, the United Kingdom and Argentina, this year.

Momentummag.com

The bicycle is the best way to create community.

The color palette of the Linus bicycle collection. mar>apr>12

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folding bikes WRITER: GWENDAL CASTELLAN

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ou will likely ride more often if you have a folding bicycle. Sony’s introduction of the magnetic cassette Walkman in 1979 started the revolution of the portable music device. Since then, it has evolved into the iPod and multi-featured smart phones that many people can’t leave home without. With small wheels and a step-through frame, the folding bicycle is easy to handle and can be adjusted to fit riders of almost any size. The small stature of the smaller-wheeled folding bicycle also makes it less intimidating. As such, folding bicycles are a great choice for people who would rather that the bicycle adapt to their lifestyles.

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Photo by Velo-Citi

A folding bicycle makes a statement in any setting.

folding bike

A folding bike in the city makes sense as you can carry it on a train or bus for a longer commute with little hassle.

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photo by david niddrie

What to Look for in a

Is the bike easy to fold and unfold?

Bear in mind that some models require users to lift the frame up completely during the fold, while others can be folded while keeping the bicycle in contact with the ground. Decide which best fits your needs and strength.

Can the bicycle be rolled around when folded? For example, if you plan on taking transit, you may need to fold your bicycle as you enter the subway station and travel with it for a fair distance. If you can’t roll the folded bicycle conveniently, this could be a chore. Even the lightest folding bicycle will feel heavy if you have to carry it over long distances.

Can the folding bicycle carry luggage? Most models either come standard with a rack or bag-mounting system, or have it as an option. Consider how much stuff you might want to take with you and check to see if the folding bicycle can accommodate it. Otherwise, you might need a backpack or other type of bag.

Can you take the bicycle traveling?

Most airlines and bus companies, for some reason, treat bicycles as persona non grata and can charge expensive excess luggage fees and require bicycles to be packed in large boxes. Folding bicycles can often be packed into regular large suitcases and pass the check in process without being noticed. If this is something you’d like to do, make sure the model you choose is easy to fit in a suitcase and does not require too much disassembly to fit. Some manufacturers offer cases as accessories that are sized to the folded dimensions of their bikes.

How many gears does it have? If your typical commute is mostly flat, then it may be a good idea to have a lighter bicycle with fewer gears or only one gear. Conversely, if your town is hilly, then having a wider gear range is often important. photo by david reid

How do the clamping systems work?

Depending on the system, all these extra moving parts may need maintenance and servicing. If you are not aware of this, then the bicycle may start to develop a lot more creaks and squeaks.

Does the bike have mechanisms to keep it folded? This is particularly important if you have to carry or transport the folded bicycle, but less important if you only have to keep it folded long enough to fit it into the trunk of your car.

Is it a chain drive or a belt drive? This is an important consideration, as you will be handling the bicycle in the folded position and, depending on where the chain sits when the bicycle is folded, this could mean that you have to make chain stains a fashion accessory or avoid the problem altogether with a belt drive or a direct drive.

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Oyama has been making folding bikes for 40 years and some models can be stashed in the most compact places.

Momentummag.com

photo by Reece Terris

It’s a smaller ride that can easily integrate into your everyday life and augment your mobility .

Blasi Avia are among the dozens of folding designs that followed suit. The Bickerton inspired Andrew Ritchie to create the Brompton folding bike in 1976 with the express intent of further developing the compact portability of the folded bicycle.

Folding bikes have long been popular in large cities in Europe and Asia where most people live in apartments with few storage options. Similarly, in North America, more Bromptons sell in Manhattan than in any other North American city. Bike Friday, which makes folding bikes in Oregon, sends about 50 percent of its bikes to

Momentummag.com

photo by Velo-Citi

Many inventors started to tackle the challenge of making the bicycle portable during the first bicycle boom of the late 19th century. In 1887 Emmit G. Latta submitted a patent for a folding bicycle.

In it, he stated that: “The object of this invention is to provide a machine that is safe, strong and serviceable and more easily steered than the machines now in use.”

The bike he proposed, he said, should also be able to “be folded when not required for use, so as to require little storage-room and facilitate its transportation.” Looking through historical bicycle books, such as Bicycle: The History, by David V. Herlihy, it is amazing to see so many early designs that already had elements of the modern folding bicycle.

The modern small-wheel folding bicycle can be traced back to the F-frame Moulton, first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1962. The Moulton has small wheels and no top tube. It does not fold, but is fast, light, portable and easy to mount. The Moulton’s popularity paved the way for a flurry of innovations, including the introduction of folding hinges. The 1968 Raleigh 20, the 1971 Bickerton folding bicycle and the 1973 Di

Riding beachside on a 1972 Raleigh Twenty folder in Santa Monica.

Asia. Dahon lists strong sales to owners of yachts, RVs and even private aircrafts.

Many North American city centers are experiencing renewed growth and densification. Folding bicycles are poised to become much more important to consumers looking for something that can fit into their apartments. But ease of storage need not be the only reason to consider folding bicycles. Their ability to fit into the trunk of a small car or be carried onto a bus or subway during rush hour makes them a very attractive option that will truly increase the opportunities you have to ride.

The portability of folding bicycles will likely have something to do with their future popularity. According to mapnificent.net, a web page recently created by Stefan Wehrmeyer that uses Google maps as its foundation, the range that you can travel nearly doubles when you incorporate biking into your trip.

People who can easily bring their bikes with them, therefore, have an advantage.

One myth that should be dispelled is that smaller wheels necessarily mean a slower riding experience. Smaller wheels

have more rolling resistance. However, because they are on the whole lighter and have less air resistance than larger wheels, they can be just as speedy.

The key to preventing a small diameter wheel from slowing you down because of rolling resistance is to make sure the tires are properly inflated. Smaller wheels will feel a little rougher than full-sized wheels. Most designers get around this by either including some kind of suspension or dampening into the frame design or by specifying larger balloon tires. Smaller diameter tires are also more likely to get stuck in large potholes, so extra care should be taken when riding on uneven terrain.

The advantage of a folding bicycle is that it can be condensed into a small package and stowed away while still offering all of the convenience and independence of a regular-sized bike. It’s a smaller ride that can easily integrate into your everyday life and augment your mobility.

For a great historical summary of the folding bicycle check out:

foldingcyclist.com/folding-bike-history.html

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bike reviews

bike friday 1st class tikit

Reviewed by gwendal castellan

dahon mu n360

Brompton m6l-x

price $1,998 USD find it at bikefriday.com

price $1,699 USD, $1784 CAD find it at dahonbikes.com

price $1,300-$3,000+ USD; $1,219-$3,000+ CAD find it at bromptonbicycle.com

With its hyperfold mechanism, the 1st Class tikit is Bike Friday’s fastest-folding commuter bike. It includes a Shimano Nexus eight-speed internal hub, front and rear fenders, and a quick transit cover. We tested the tikit with a folding rear rack and one-sided front rack.

Dahon Mu Aluminum frame with NuVinci N360 continuously variable transmission hub with a 360-percent range.

The Brompton tested had titanium forks and chain stays, fenders with mud guards, SON hub dynamo with a Busch & Müller LED front lamp, Eazy Wheels and a 25-liter C Bag.

Folding Size 11.7 × 30.8 × 25.7 inches Weight 28.8 pounds (13.1 kg) Wheel Size 20 inches

Folded dimensions 35 × 24 × 15 inches Weight 25.8 pounds (11.7 kg) without racks Wheel size 16 inches

folding size 23.03 × 22.24 × 10.63 inches Weight: 23.54 pounds (10.68 kg) without bag Wheel size 16 inches

Cons Pros Not having to readjust the seat and handlebar height after each time you unfold the bike is a big plus. Once folded, the tikit can be rolled around on its wheels like a travel suitcase – the frame is conveniently shaped like a handle. The range of the Nexus eight-speed internal hub is excellent and the single shifter transitioned between gears smoothly.

The tikit will fit into most standard-sized suitcases once the stem extension has been disassembled and the front wheel removed.

Pros

Cons Shortening the time it takes to fold this bike requires some practice.

The folding mechanism that you use to push the seat post forward after hitting the back of the saddle to unlock it is a bit stiff and could be challenging for some riders.

Ideal Rider

The tikit is clearly a very multifunctional folding bike, a commuter bike that folds quickly and easily, allowing a rider to integrate the bike into a multimodal commute with very little hassle.

Overall

Riding the tikit felt fast and zippy; the core of the frame is incredibly stiff and responsive. All the flex of the bike was in the seat post and the head tube, which smoothed out the bumps in the road. The tikit was one of the faster folding bikes that I have tested. The Nexus eight-speed hub was problem-free and provided a broad range of gears that met the needs of riding in a hilly city. We tested the tikit with both a front rack and rear rack.

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With the NuVinci N360 rear hub you get butterysmooth shifting. It’s almost eerie to ride around without a click, a creak or a clang coming up from the bicycle. The 20-inch wheels with Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires add to the smoothness and comfort of this ride. You can fold this bike in less than 15 seconds.

If you get a flat tire on the back, it will take more time to remove the wheel than on a bike with a conventional hub with a quick release skewer.

Fortunately, Dahon includes a pump in the seat post.

Overall, the bike is larger than some and heavier than the others tested. All of the folding clamps do loosen over time and should be checked regularly to make sure they are nice and tight.

Ideal Rider

The Dahon Mu N360 is a very comfortable ride that has sufficient gears for tackling most hills. It would work wonderfully as an urban commuter bike that allows the rider to duck into a subway, hop into a taxi or jump on a bus, bike in tow.

For people looking for a bike they can simply, reliably take out and ride, this is a good choice.

Overall

The Dahon Mu N360 is all about the continuously variable transmission. The NuVinci N360 hub really simplifies the riding experience and creates a low-hassle folding bike.

There are also no dangling derailleurs and the handlebars fold down between the two wheels.

You will need to disassemble the bike somewhat and remove the wheels to fit it into an airline suitcase. Dahon offers a slightly oversized case called the AirPorter, which easily fits the folded bike. Their AirPorter Mini requires more disassembly, but fits the airline legal dimensions.

Cons

Pros Of all the bikes tested, this had the smallest folded size. When folded, all the parts and cables are cleanly tucked away, making it easy to store under a desk or a restaurant table. It can fit into the allowable checked-bag-sized suitcase without disassembly.

Although the six-speed BWR (Brompton Wide Range) hub system is wellsuited to climbing hills, the fluidity of the shifting was challenging, as the Sturmey-Archer internal hub’s wide range requires a two-speed derailleur to get even gear spacing. The rider must constantly alternate shifting between the right and left shifters to move up and down the gears. It took me a while to intuitively remember which shifter I needed to adjust to get to the next gear.

Ideal Rider

It is well-suited to multi-modal commutes and people who don’t have much storage space on either end of their trip. The light weight and compactness also make it a very attractive option for the airline or train traveler.

Overall

The Eazy Wheels rolling accessory allows the bike to be effortlessly rolled around when folded.

The ride was exceptionally comfortable, thanks to the long wheel base and the polyurethane suspension damper between the frame and the back seat stays. The front bag attachment system allows the bike to be folded without being detached. The Brompton B Bag, a slightly padded bag with integrated castors for easy wheeling, will help you travel with your bike.

Momentummag.com

origin 8 price $380.99 USD find it at origin-8.com

The Origin 8 has an aluminum frame and comes with a seven-speed derailleur with twist grip shifting, fenders, a rear-mount carrier and Kenda Kwest tires.

Dimensions 32 inches long × 26 inches high Weight 29 pounds (13.15 kg) Wheel size 20 inches

Cons

Pros The fold is quick and very similar to the other 20-inch-wheel folding bikes, but with a much lower price tag. It comes standard with a rear rack and fenders.

Brake cables and shifter cables cascade rather haphazardly around the handlebars. They could be bundled together in some way to prevent them from getting caught on other parts of the bike when folding and unfolding.

There are no latches or magnets to keep the bike folded, so carrying the bike when folded requires the use of a strap or a bag to prevent it from swinging open.

Ideal Rider

The Origin 8 satisfies the basic requirements of a folding bike. It folds reasonably fast and into a small enough package that it is easy to stow away. For the budget-conscious cyclist, this could be a great find.

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Overall

The folding latches work well, but are bulkier and less ergonomic than those of the more expensive 20-inch bikes we tested.

The bike was stable and comfortable to ride, and the gearing was sufficient to handle most hills. Folded, the Origin 8 must be disassembled and the wheels removed to fit into an airline bag.

Momentummag.com

Official distribution USA www.seattlebikesupply.com Canada www.onthefourth.com

Momentum_Adv_vierkant.indd 1

mar>apr>12

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27-01-12 19:44

MOMENTUM swag pick up the latest

goodybasket strida lt

in our new online store

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

price $650 USD find it at strida.us

This triangular A-frame folding bicycle is the most distinctive in appearance of all the folding bikes tested. The LT comes with a Kevlar belt drive, disc brakes, gel pressurerelief seat, rack and fenders. folded Dimensions 45 × 20 × 9 inches Weight 22 pounds (10 kg) Wheel Size 16 inches

( smart living by bike ) American Apparel hoodies in sea blue. $50 + shipping Unisex sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

MORE PRODUCTS COMING SOON!

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The most significant pro is the ease and speed of PHONE folding and unfolding the FAX LT. It is easy and convenient to hold while standing in a crowd and to roll around when folded.

Date: Also, with a belt drive and disc brakes, you are sure to stay clean and free of Offer correct, if any?grease and dirt.

AD FORM Cons The single gear on the model tested was insufficient to tackle steep hills. The unusual geometry can take some getting used to.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ideal Rider

AD APPROVAL:

Ad approved as is The STRiDA LT folding❑ bike is best suited to Ad convenience approved with ❑the urban environments where indicated of completing the last mile corrections of your journey ❑ Re-Proof by bike will really shave time off yourafter corrections areitmade commute. Although not uncomfortable, is not ideal for longer rides.

Overall

The STRiDA LT was designed to meet the needs of commuters who are traveling only a short distance and using multiple modes of transportation. The upright riding style and greaseless belt-drive are ideal for people who want to ride in everyday clothes. The same goes for the disc brakes, which reduced the amount of grime accumulation on the bike wheels. For airline travel, STRiDA sells a soft slightly padded heavy duty nylon bag that resembles a golf bag.

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Momentummag.com

tern link d8 price $600 USD, $700 cad find it at ternbicycles.com

The Link D8 is an eight-speed, 20-inch-wheel folding bike with a single pivot point midway on the frame. The kickstand is included.

Folded Dimensions 14.96 Ă— 31.1 Ă— 28.35 inches Weight 26.68 pounds (12.1 kg) Wheel Size 20 inches

City Bikes for America Since 2005

Designed and Handmade in Boston Lifetime Warrantied Guaranteed to be Perfect We even make the lights!

Pros The Tern Link D8’s folding clamp mechanism has a familiar feel, but the “N-fold,� which allows you to line up the front and rear wheels without lifting the wheels off the ground, is new. This is a quick and smooth way to fold the bike without lifting.

Cons The dimensions of the folded bike are decent but not ultra-small. When folded, the bike must be carried, which requires some arm strength.

Ideal Rider

This folding bike is great for people who need a bike that rides well, but who don’t have any bike parking in their apartment building. It can be stowed away easily in any small apartment closet.

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Overall

The eight-speed derailleur has a comfortable range of gears (32 to 85 gear inches), which helped me climb some of the steeper hills with relative ease. The handling is stable and the v-brakes worked flawlessly during testing. This bike is a very good value. Tern’s range of racks and luggage truss adapter is compatible with their KLICKfix handlebar bag systems. For airline travel, Tern’s AirPorter suitcase and the AirPorter Mini conform to airline baggage dimensions and will fit a disassembled Link D8.

Momentummag.com

SOMAFAB.com mar>apr>12

85

goodybasket Crumpler Dry Red No. 10

smart packing

for city travel Remember these travel essentials for a seamless trip by bike in a new city

$265 USD crumpler.com This is one tough carry-on that doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

Crumpler makes great travel bags that are guaranteed for life.

Pryme 8 V2 Lite

$59.99 USD prymegear.com If you like to wear a helmet while riding, take yours with you. The Pryme 8 V2 Lite is a great choice, as it’s one of the lightest city-style helmets on the market.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5

$62.95 USD kryptonitelock.com An essential travel peace, this light and small lock from Kryptonite will easily fit in your day bag and will give you extra peace of mind no matter what bike you end up riding on your trip.

Blackburn Flea 2.0 USB

$44.99 USD blackburndesign.com Most rental bikes do not come equipped with lights, so these small USB rechargeable lights are a great essential travel piece.

Nokia Lumia 710 smart phone

Prices vary nokia.com Take pictures, use Google Maps to find your way, call your hotel, upload your journey to Facebook. It’s hard to leave home without a smart phone these days, let alone visit a new city.

Sculptured Sign Strappy Sandal + Androw Boat by Ecco Shoes

$130 (Women’s) $150 (Men’s) ecco.com Comfortable and stylish, you will thank yourself for bringing along a good pair of shoes. Both of the styles shown here will work great for both daytime and nighttime, and are incredibly versatile for biking, walking or just hanging around.

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PoCampo Streeterville Clutch in Umber Waxed Canvas

$85 USD pocampo.com A purse for both day and nighttime that also attaches to your handlebars, this bag from PoCampo is a functional and stylish addition for your trip.

Rickshaw Commuter Laptop Backpack

$190 USD rickshawbags.com This commuter backpack has a laptop sleeve inside that will help keep your laptop safe during travel.

This backpack works well as your first or second carry-on item and doubles up nicely as a day bag while you are exploring a new city. Plus, you can design and pick your own style!

Klean Kanteen Insulated Café Mug-To-Go with 2 Cap Combo

$29.95 USD kleankanteen.com | momentummag.com For hot coffee or cold drinks, the Klean Kanteen insulated mug is a great travel companion. Be warned: boiling hot water will stay boiling hot if you don’t let it cool before closing the lid.

Momentummag.com

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SMART. STYLISH. F UN. civiacycles.com

Momentummag.com

mar>apr>12

87

goodybasket

bike

camping gear

The MSR Hoop freestanding tent on the shores of Lillooet Lake, BC.

Photographer: delivery dude

carry it

on a bike

Coffee transportation in Centralia, WA This human-powered fleet of longtail and trailer-enabled bikes was formed in 2011 to deliver packages, building supplies, coffee and even people.

Have you carried something extraordinary by bike? Send your photos to photo@momentummag.com and let us know!

bike part 101 chainring Part of the chain drive, this is a toothed wheel/ gear known as a sprocket that is bolted onto the bike crank. It grips the bike chain to rotate the wheel. The larger the chainring, the more distance you will cover with each pedal stroke.

More definitions at sheldonbrown.com

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writer & photographer: David Niddrie

W

hile I enjoy all-season camping, my best nights are those spent in the warm air, wrapped in a cloak of stars, next to a fire and an ebbing body of water. I head out a lot and my method is to always choose the best gear I can afford and make it last.

I scoped out some choice spots in the coastal rainforest of British Columbia to test a camping kit for Momentum. This time, I brought along a selection from Cascade Designs in Seattle, WA. Known for their innovative product line and rugged manufacturing standards (many items are made in Seattle), Cascade is a go-to brand for outdoors folk.

Rolling into camp, we start with shelter.

The MSR Hoop is a three-season, two-person freestanding tent weighing between four and five pounds. This isn’t your lightest option, but it’s very livable: tons of headspace (sitting is no problem), doors on both sides and roomy vestibules that fit everything, even (sections of ) your bike if needed. Without the fly, the twinkle of starlight overhead lulls you to sleep.

Under the sleeping bag was the ultralight Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, an inflatable mattress that packs down tiny and keeps you well insulated.

Compared to my regular Therm-a-Rest, this did the trick at a fraction of the size and weight – important for conserving pannier real estate.

For dinner, I paired my well-used stove with the MSR Base 2 Pot Set – nonstick aluminum pots with a handy strainer lid. Coupled with the Alpine Folding Utensils – each cleverly designed to be two utensils in one – this minimal setup helped me whip up gourmet meals for our group with ease. Cleaning was a piece of cake. Which reminds me – next time I’ll find a backcountry oven to try out some desserts!

The Base 2 Pot Set comes with a handy, lockable lid that doubles as a strainer.

The Base 2 Pot Set and Alpine Folding Utensils during dinner prep at camp.

cascadedesigns.com Momentummag.com

.com .com ™

40% OFF COUPON AT C H E C KO U T E N T E R C O D E

404MOM

VALID THROUGH MAY 31, 2012 AT T W I N S I X . CO M

JE RS E YS

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SOCKS

CAPS & HATS

POSTERS

BOTTLES

T 6 JU N IO R

GET THAT TOMATO HOME SAFE! high utility

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Email Back To: ads@momentumplanet.com Introducing the Rambler. Whether in town or out in the country... relax and enjoy the ride.

Uses ordinary bike components, easy to maintain.

Custom bikes hand-crafted in Montana, USA. For more information, visit our website. lightfootcycles.com 3306 DVN Lane • Darby, Montana, USA 59829 • (406) 821-4750

Momentummag.com

❑ Ad approved with corrections indicated after ❑ Re-Proof Fixie, Hybrid,

Specializing in Road, Email Back To: ads@momentumplanet.com corrections are made Cruiser, BMX and Mountain, new and used bikes.

SUPER AFFORDABLE! NEW LOCATION!

778 Dundas St. West • Toronto • 647-352-7433

RIDEONAGAIN.COM 604-736-7433 mar>apr>12

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Momentummag.com

inside: the bike writer: benjamin van loon

photo by Kati Jenson

Shifters

T

he evolution of shifter technology is intimately connected to the development of gearing mechanisms. The earliest of these was the internally geared hub, which was patented in 1895 and used a handlebar-mounted lever for switching between two or three speeds.

It wasn’t until 1951, when Campagnolo’s Gran Sport derailleur was introduced, that shifters became truly important. The original shifting interface was operated with friction shifters. Often located on the down tube, friction shifters use lever-based mechanics to manually adjust the derailleur and chain line. Some riders still prefer this style.

In 1984, Shimano introduced the first successful index shifting (automatically aligned shifting) with its six-speed Dura-Ace group. These shifters were still mounted on the down tube. It wasn’t until 1988, when SRAM introduced grip shifts (twist shifts), that index shifting migrated to the handlebars.

Originally used on road bikes, grip shifting is now popularly used on mountain, hybrid and commuter-friendly flat-bar bikes. Grip shifts get their name from being mounted next to (and sometimes integrated with) the handlebar grips.

Giving them a simple twist, which draws out or retracts the cables, allows you to maintain full control while shifting.

Shimano then introduced the rapidfire trigger shifting system in 1989. Still handlebar-mounted, trigger shifters use a two-lever system and work internally like a ratchet, contracting or alleviating tension on the derailleur cables. They are most often used on mountain and hybrid bikes, mounted next to the brake lever. They allow you to shift with your thumb or forefinger, rather than your whole hand.

Shimano further adapted this indexing technology for more efficient road bike ergonomics.

In 1990, they introduced their Shimano Total Integration shifters, which use a similar lever/ ratcheting system as rapidfire while incorporating the shifter and lever in one unit. This is now standard for road bikes. Shimano, SRAM (Double Tap) and Campagnolo (ErgoPower) all make their own competing versions of these integrated road bike shifters.

Benjamin van Loon is a writer, editor and cyclist from Chicago, IL. @benvanloon benvanloon.com Momentummag.com

mar>apr>12

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m @ .co or LE howe do SAikes at th ON b 0 X am $2 TI new ine, w. onl ww $15

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93 ad Form

Banjo_Momentum_Ad3.ai

1

10/26/11

( advertising marketplace info: ads@momentummag.com )

12:09 AM

Naked Bicycles - 250.285.3181 Naked Bicycles - 250.285.3181 C

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$9.95

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BICYCLE CULTURE, PRODUCT NEWS & REVIEWS

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BikeSchool.com ad approval: BikeSchool.com

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We offer beginning and advanced training in bike

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• Anyrepair, Changes from this point forward maymechanic cost you in timecertification and materials. corrections indicated shop operation,

repair, shop operation, mechanic certification

and frame building in our two state-of-the-art Re-Proof after ❑ two and frame building in our state-of-the-art facilities in Oregon: Ashland and Portland. corrections are made facilities in Oregon: Ashland and Portland.

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VELO VISION magazine

Br i n gs y o u t h e b e s t w o r k b i k e s , fo lder s , r e c u m b e n t s a n d m o r e fr o m E u r o p e a n d a r o u n d t h e w o r l d

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95

bikeStyle paul steely white City: New York, New York Occupation: executive director, transportation alternatives Photo by harry zernike

what is your bikeStyle?

P rofessional with a touch of rumple. I am suspicious of people who are perfectly put together on the bike. How do they do that? To me, being a city cyclist means having an intimate relationship with the elements, which often entails a bit of tousle.

What are your favorite clothes to bike in?

Stretchy pants that move with my legs. Outliers are kind of pricey, but nothing beats them for feel and look. In the summer, I love biking in cotton short sleeves with the top few buttons undone. Feeling the wind move through a slightly damp shirt as you zip around the city is one of my favorite summer biking sensations.

Where are we most likely to spot your bike?

When moving, on the Prospect Park West bike lane.

When at rest, locked outside the Transportation Alternatives office on West 26th Street.

What do you like most about riding?

It used to be the freedom and speed, but more and more it’s about a sense of belonging. You can really mesh with your city and your fellow citizens when you are out there negotiating around, seeing the familiar and also the new, making eye contact, trading a fleeting smile or knowing look.

What is your dream bike for everyday cycling?

I love my WorkCycles Opafiets. It has big tires for taking on NYC potholes, a worn-in Brooks saddle and an upright geometry that gives me a great frontrow seat to the ever-unfolding drama of the street.

What did you eat for breakfast?

I’ve been skipping it lately – just going with a glass of water with a shot of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. Morning fasting, I’ve found, keeps my head clear and there is some research to support that a little morning cardio on an empty stomach is a great way to teach your body to burn fat more efficiently.

What song is most played on your iPod? “Pressure Drop” by Toots and the Maytals. The Clash’s version is great too.

Basket or panniers?

Neither. I usually ride with a musette bag, or, if I have lots of stuff, I’ll stick a box on the front rack of my Opa.

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