Bike, a noun, a verb

Alibi Bike Rack, Portland, OR

2012-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

I have seen this rack for awhile and have only, just today, had the opportunity to snap a quick shot. This rack sits outside the Alibi, a Tiki lounge in NE PDX. A Tiki lounge AND karoake bar.

This Easter Island Head is but one of several in a row, creating a corral. This rack maintains the qualities found in a staple rack with the bonus of custom design for the location, so it gets a thumbs up!

My Sons

2012-01-26T15:50:00.000-08:00

I am blessed with 4 wonderful sons. I know that all fathers say that, and all fathers are correct in that statement.

On the left is Soren, then Asa, then Kael (in the back), then Asha.

This photo was taken during our KidicalMass January ride.

I find this photo striking and completely unexpected. I did not frame it, and did not plan it as such. The KidicalMass group was gathering for a group photo and I saw an opportunity to take a photo of all my sons within the same frame--this happens much less than you would think.

I like the way they are standing, ready for our ride. It is a cold, wet day and they are not bothered. They are game! Part of the Wittwer Way is to be a team. We are doers, not complainers.

I like the way their bikes are poised, ready to roll out on our ride. The bikes have a ready-to-pounce look; I am lucky I made it out alive.

I like the way they are hanging out with each other. This happens, but as they get older, they have more individual tastes and it is during events like this that I see them join as brothers.

I like the tree rising up from the back. My wife, Ruhiyyih, likes tress, especially artwork that has trees. The tree in this photo could be growth, a family tree, a symbol of stability and strength, or just a good background.

I like that each kid's personality is present in the photo. Soren, age 8, has his golden curls cascading from underneath his helmet. Asa, age 6, is the fastest and strongest biker of the group; he has his jacket sleeves pulled over his hands to block the wind. Kael, age 11, is wearing shorts. He always wears shorts. Asha, age 10, is totally bundled up, dreaming of stop-motion films to create.

These are a good bunch of boys.

Car Light and Car Free

2012-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, I was in a "knot" as one friend on Twitter proclaimed.

If I sell my car, and increase usage of planes, am I car-lite?

I am going to sell my cars and buy one bus. Will that make me car-lite?

Another friend on Twitter replied that "Yes" I would be be car free but I would not be "responsible."

Here was the tweet: I'm going to sell my car and then buy and burn plastic; does that make me car free?

Look me up if you want to see the whole tweetersation, and by all means, share your thoughts.

I often think in terms of exaggeration or extremes because it helps me to find the edges of the concept. From there, I can work my way around. This type of thinking also allows me to see the inconsistencies in the logic.

I think @TacomaBikeRanch hit on it with his use of the word "slippery." Slippery is the word I would use with questionable preachers--you know, the kind that show up for a tent revival and then leave with your grandmother's savings and silver dinnerware.

I have been pondering this issue lately. There are many opinions on the matter. I find the breadth of opinions hopeful--a great amount of discussion creates a great amount of thought. Thoughts are what are used to push to action.

However, I have to admit, I find the "bike usage as all encompassing panacea" idea tiresome, even troublesome. For some reason, bike usage and car usage seem impossible to balance. They are at odds. Diametrically opposed, as my high school English teacher would say.

Bike usage and car usage are not two streams that cannot be crossed. So why is the situation such that the emotional baggage is Bikes vs Cars in the ultimate battle?

I do not think the ignorant pursuit of "bike usage as all encompassing panacea" will serve our urban future well. I think we should be looking along the lines of What is my overall footprint? Which is why I wrote the tongue-and-cheek statement about selling my car to be "car free," but burning plastic along the way.

If I rode a bike, solely, but burnt plastic, consumed exported beers, purchased lots of clothes, and took luxurious trips all of the time, I think my bike usage would be negated by my other actions. Agreed?

If in agreement, then the idea of "bike usage as all encompassing panacea" cannot exist.

This is not some does-global-warming-exist scenario. This is an honest question to what is presumed to be obvious. What effect does singularly focused bike growth have on the overall goal? I tried hard to word this without bias. I want to know the answer to this question. I want to do research. Do cultures and countries where bike use is high have a Bike vs Car mentality? Or are all modes of transportation balanced within the larger scheme?

This last September, I played around with this topic as my Freshman students drafted their own research questions. Over the few weeks that followed, I drafted an essay to show basic essay structure as we started the school year. This allowed me to think through some thoughts, but I found that I had more thoughts than opinions. I also found writing the essay to be quite a humorous proposition because I was writing it with my students, but did not fully use my opinions. I found some of my angles quite humorous.

I will likely pursue the idea more as it tends to crop up every few years for me. This is not the first time I have dealt with this issue.

In March of 2009, Dave Feucht of Portlandize and I sent several emails back and forth on this slippery idea. I posted a draft of my ideas, Some Thoughts on Bike Culture, and so did Dave, but for the life of me, I cannot seem to find his post. His post, as always, was well written and insightful.

I wrote this post without revision and reservation. I did not stop to think about who I may have pissed off, or how I may have come across. My thoughts and words are just out there. Hopefully, those who know me (or know of me) can put these thoughts and words together in the manner in which I intended--an open and polite discourse because, ultimately, I do want to pursue this idea in a more researchable way; something that would add value and direction for our urban life.

**** Added after initial posting ****

I fixed the post-date on this post. I started writing it, title only, in August I 2011, but did not complete it until tonight, 23 January 2012.

Also, the Portlandize post written by Dave Feucht that I reference in this post can be found here, http://portlandize.com/author/davidf/

Kids Napping on Bikes

2012-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

What is more peaceful that a napping kid? Not much, and if your kids are the ages that mine are (6-8-10-11), they don't nap, and are only peaceful on occasion. But that aside, kids are beautiful, and kids asleep on a bike is wonderful sight.

Many days after dropping one child off at school, my youngest, then age 3, would be asleep by the time we arrived home. I would often find some shade under a tree or a coffee shop and spend a relaxed hour reading. The child is asleep on a bike; no need to wake him.

In 2008, I saw Sarah's photo (below) and loved it. The photo has popped up on occasion, year after year.

Sarah Gilbert Twitter, Blog, Flickr

This got me thinking: photos of kids napping on bikes, artfully done, with short narratives about family life with a bike, focus on the peace biking provides with kids. I hope someone furthers this idea into a book or extended blog post.

Here are some other napping kids that belong to the bikey families I follow.

The foot sticking out, totally gets me.

Zak Schwank Temecula, CA Twitter, Blog, Flickr

Snug as a kid on a bike, hands in pocket, warm and tight. The opposite-side-nap-lean is cute.

Madi Seattle, WA Twitter, Blog, Flickr

As Leya reports, stuffies make great pillows.

The awake child looks as happy as the sleeping one.

Leya Barr Twitter Blog Flickr

Look close, the child is in there, a little flower poking through the brown.

Katie and David Procter Portland, OR Twitter, Blog, Flickr

My two youngest. Soren is wearing his gardening gloves as super-hero gloves.

Travis Wittwer Portland, OR Twitter, Blog, Flickr

And a man whose bikes you see quite as often as the kids napping in them.

Henry Cutler Amsterdam, Netherlands Twitter, Blog, Flickr

Here's to all the parents that transport their kids on bike. May the naps last long enough to finish the chapter you are reading.

If you have one to add, share the link in the comments. I will collect photos into a gallery on my Flikr page.

Nap

2012-01-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Have photos of kids napping on, in, or around bikes, put a link in the comments or share it with me via Twitter, email, or other.

They make for a lovely smile.

Zak Schwank's child above.

Rain Schmain

2012-01-22T15:45:00.000-08:00

One of the photos from our KidicalMass ride this last Saturday. What I found compelling about this photo is not even captured within the photo, but the photo is a visual memory of the feeling.

Everyone was happy and having a grand time. Kids were chasing ducks and geese, and adults were talking. No one cared that it was cold, wet, and the possibility of a torrential downpour was only mere moments away.

The weather did not deter anyone from coming together. What I can see in the photo that reminds me of the day are the smiles.

KMPDX January 2012: Rolling in the New Year

2012-01-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

The week leading up to our January ride was filled with rain. Biblical, Noah proportions. However, our ride ended up more like Moses, and our ride was clear and sunny.

It is the third Saturday of the month so that means Kidical Mass, Portland style!

January's ride started in Westmoreland Park and Andy took us on a leisurely 2 mile ride to Oaks Park skating rink where the kids had time to skate and perfect their early 80s moves.

It was great to meet new parents involved in forwarding bike use among kids. If you were not able to make this month's ride, we would love to see you in February because February's KidicalMass ride is for the BIRDS!

Be part of the Mass .... Favorite the Kidical Mass web site; join the email group; follow the tweets. Help make Kidical Mass amassive success.

Here is a Flickr group of today's photos. If you have photos from today, put a link in the comments.

Here is the national KidicalMass Flickr pool.

Kidical Mass PDX 2012

2012-01-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

January's Kidical Mass ride will start at Westmoreland Park and end up at Oaks Park Roller Rink. The ride, as always, will be at a kid's pace and provide camaraderie, group bike riding protocol, and show your kids that riding a bike and riding it in the street is part of life.

Meet up at Westmoreland is 1:00 pm.

The ride itself will be about 2 miles through quiet streets with only two arterial street crossings. These arterial crossings will show how to safely make it across a larger street. The ride will be one way, families leaving Oaks Park when best suits them.

Read, Print, and share a flyer for January's ride.

This Year is going to be a great year for Kidical Mass Portland. Over the last couple of years, attendance has dropped and the organizing of the rides was left up to the whimsy of hope. Enter one Katie Proctor and her organizing and we are set for they year. All you need to do is show up. The list of days, neighborhood location, and leader is at the end of this post. See a place where you can add in a ride or co-lead? Super. Contact Katie Proctor or put a comment on this post and I will hook you up.

The organized focus of this year is exciting and I look forward to the renewed energy of Portland's greatest kid & bike experience.

For more information on Kidical Mass Portland, check out the website. I highly recommend that you (a) sign up for the email list while on the website, and (b) the twitter feed.

Why you should attend ... be part of building your community. Bike usage will increase if people increase it. You already understand the benefits of bike usage, but do your kids? Will your kids continue riding their bikes when they are teenagers? Be part of creating the mindset.

Remember, Kids Are Traffic, Too

The Rides of 2012

1/21/2012 Westmoreland Andy Schmidt/Travis Wittwer

2/18/2011 NE Andy Schmidt

3/17/2011 Sellwood Dean Hanel

4/21/2011 East Kathleen McDade

5/19/2011 Brooklyn Jessica & Jeff

6/21/2011 ?? TEAM EFFORT SPECTACULAR

7/21/2011 Clinton/Division Kathleen Youell

8/18/2011 NE Alberta Andy Schmidt

9/15/2011 Clinton/Division Katie Proctor

10/20/2011 SW Portland Phil Richman/Clay Veka

11/17/2011 Sellwood Dean Hanel

12/15/2011 North Travis Wittwer & Ruhiyyih Wittwer

The Naked Sheep Bike Rack

2012-01-11T18:38:00.001-08:00

Portland, OREGON, The Naked Sheep knitting shop.

For Ruhiyyih's birthday, the boys got her yarn and supplies for knitting. Ruhiyyih wanted to learn to knit and I foresee her knitting a cover for the organization board in the dinning room.

The Named Sheep is a great shop and in my neighborhood as well--bonus. The owner, Cheri, is fabulous. When I went in to get information for the present, Cheri was helpful and a wonderful source of information. When Ruhiyyih, Barbara, and I went in a week later, Cherie was a host beyond all.

I am glad to have a knit shop in my neighborhood and the bonus--there are bike racks out front for when Ruhiyyih and I shop there. Racks right in the front. Racks that have been yarn-bombed!

Sparky's Pizza Bike Racks

2012-01-11T18:29:00.001-08:00

Portland, OREGON, on Martin Luther King jr Blvd, just a partial block north of Lombard street, is a nice pizza place. Sparky's Pizza is sandwiched between two shops, one of which, if I recall, is a tanning salon. It is an unlikely location for a pizza hangout, but I will return.

Good pizza. I hear getting the full pizza double baked makes it extra crispy. We had the margharita (sp?) and bread sticks.

I saw this pizza place when it first opened, but what drew me in was the bike racks. Three of them, curly, and a nice shade of green.

Continuation of Language: Parallelism

2012-01-11T16:25:00.001-08:00

I recently wrote about language misuse in news headlines and statements that go something along the order of, The cyclist was hit by a car. These have become so common that a few of us have used #robotcar to denote a statement where I appears as if the car does not have a driver.

The statement, The cyclist hit by a car, has issues of clarity as a result of:

1) not acknowledging responsibility (i.e., #robotcar)
2) unclear adjective (article) usage
3) nonparallel subjects

I saw a whimsical example of nonparallel structure at my neighborhood candy store.

The sign with which we are all familiar,
No Shoes
No Shirt
No Service

reads in parallel because everything has desired item (the second word in the phrase) has a No in front. This says, If you do not have shoes or a shirt, you will receive no service. To further check the parallel structure, turn the statement into the positive and if it reads well, it is parallel, If you are wearing a shirt and have shoes on, you will receive service.

Easy enough.

However, apply this same logic to the sign prominently displayed on the front door of the candy shop, and the result is humorous.

The problem comes from the third and fourth phrases These phrases, thrown in as an extra among more commonly used ones, which is likely the reason why they do not work, states that people entering the store must have Alcohol and be Sagging otherwise they will not receive Service.

Apply the test,
If you do not have a shirt, you will not get service.
If you do not have shoes, you will not get service.
If you do not have alcohol, you will not get service.
If you do not have sagging, you will not get service.

My family has not been to the candy shop. However, we are excited because it is also a frozen yogurt shop. This will be a great place to which we can walk in the summer. Luckily, I have time to prepare the family with proper sagginess. I wonder what type of alcohol my sons will want.

Decisions.

Forwarding Tweet by @stevevance

2012-01-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

@WITTCO thank you Travis for writing that & ur wonderful knowledge of language that I do not have. I may post this verbatim on @gridchicago

Read it online: http://twitter.com/stevevance/status/155560949342937088

Sent via TweetDeck (http://tweetdeck.com)

#robotcar

2012-01-06T21:45:00.001-08:00

Please use #robotcar to increase awareness of rogue robot cars.

Actually, it is a word thing. Syntax. Parallelism. I find it bothersome.

It is weak writing to to refer to a collision (it is not an accident) without including reference to the operator of the vehicle, whatever the vehicle is--car, bike, boat, or space shuttle.

The above retweet has a man being struck (hit) by a car. A person was hit by a robot car. No one was apparently driving the car otherwise, the driver of the vehicle would be responsible for the collision with the man.

I will hereto refer to this lack of clarity as #robotcar with respect to a post that Steve Vance, a founder of GRID Chicago, wrote. You will see similarities between our posts. In addition, Jonathan Maus, editor of BikePortland, often writes a column entitled, Language Matters. Jonathan will take a piece a writing from the news and rewrite it, showing how a little time and effort can make the conversation more clear. (PS Jonathan, love the multiple meanings of the column title. Clever.)

This type of #robotcar phrasing creates two overarching issues:

1) It distances the responsibility of the operator that caused the collision. For example, in the statement, The cyclist was hit by a car the word "cyclist" implies a person whereas the word "car" is an object. The structure is not parallel.

Responsibility should be placed on the driver, but it gets placed on the car. An object. What this does is belittle the collision and dehumanize the situation. Who can be mad at a car? Even though I am aware of this phrasing and how it takes the driver of the car out of the picture, I still find myself thinking of the person on a bike, I picture it, and the car, I picture it without a driver. That is why language is so powerful. Even when you are aware, you have to check yourself.

Better: The cyclist was hit by the driver of the car. However, this is not great because "cyclist" is a term for the operator of a bicycle (or motorcycle in the colloquial). In keeping the statement clear, the "car" part should just say "driver."

And this leads to the second issue ...

2) The statement is not parallel. In one part, the thing is an object and in the other part, the thing is a person. Take the statement at the start and switch the "cyclist" to the vehicle used and the "car" to driver and see what happens.

The bike was hit by a driver.

So a driver drove up on a curb and hit a parked, unattended, bike? (Or was it a golf club that was thrown in anger which hit a bike parked outside the club house?) All I did was take the original statement and switch the syntax problem so the bike was a robot bike.

Better: The cyclist was hit by a driver. Or, The person on bike was hit by the driver of a car.

Yes, the sentence is longer and you could argue that it becomes convoluted. And yes, the sentence is more complex, but it better conveys the event. Responsibility and people involved are clear.

There are two other problems to the original statement The cyclist was hit by a car.

a) the statement is passive voice placing the person on bike at the start of the sentence and then the car, making the sentence read as if it is the fault of the person on a bike for not being alert. Don't think so? Consider the phrase I added to the original statement and see how it reads.

(Because of his failure to use lighting at night) The cyclist was hit by a car.

Yes, I added the phrase and it does change the intention of the original statement but it flows so well that I would argue that even without my added phrase, the original statement has that tone; your brain reads it that way even if you are not conscious of it.

This happens because we learn the structure of sentences, the syntax. The item doing the action (subject) is usually at the start of the sentence, and the object of that action, is at the end. In the statement Travis threw the ball, "Travis" is the item doing the action. In the statement Travis threw the ball and broke the window, "Travis" did an action which resulted in a broken window.

The window was broken by Travis.

If I put "window" at the start of the sentence, where I expect the item that does the doing, it makes the item sound like the subject. It makes the item sound like the one that does the doing and therefore at fault. Subtle? Yes. However, in the window example there are not two people involved so it is more clear. In a passive statement involving two people, the implications are greater.

The cyclist was hit by a car.

Darn that cyclist for being the cause of the hit by a car.

Words have power. The way we arrange our language has power, and when the safety of people is involved, we need to be clear so the message is sent which brings me to the last problem of the original statement ...

b) The original statement uses "cyclist," a term that grates on me. Using "cyclist" narrowly defines a person. The problem with this narrow definition is it creates communication where a person can group people together as "cyclists" when pushing for a negative angle, 50 cyclists were arrested at the Critical Mass ride. This statement allows a person to think, oh those crazy cyclists--all of them--everyone on a bike--people on a bike--I am not one of them.

Also, by using "cyclist," the opportunity for many people to see riding a bike as a viable part of life is lost because many people think they have to be hard core to be a "cyclist" because "cyclist" is a term that makes you think of races and spandex, of riding your bike more than to the library and grocery store.

"Person on a bike" is a phrase most people can accept because they are people and do ride a bike on occasion. "Cyclist" excludes people.

I am not a cyclist. I am not a driver. I am not a teacher. I am a person. I partake in many activities. I am multidimensional. To think of myself as a "cyclist" ignores that I am more than that. It is ignorant and arrogant. None of my online bios say "bicyclist" or "cyclist." Do yours? What message are you sending?

I can see why news reporting just goes for the easy write. It takes time to revise and in the end, the writer may argue that the time spent is not worth it, saying Who Cares!?

I care. It is worth it because clear communication, communicates clearly the actual situation. There are many issues with the original statement and I did not touch on the problems of not considering what weak article (a/an/the) usage does to a sentence. Using an indefinite article (a/an) rather than the definitive article (the) hides clarity and responsibility. Better than those articles (also known as a type of adjective) is the adjective (personal pronoun) "his" but I will take that up in another post.

Person on a bike; active voice; responsibility placed; and no robot cars. How would you rewrite The cyclist was hit by a car?

What started me thinking, again, was this retweet by BikePortland. In the tweet it is a driver of a car that hit a man. @KGWNews sent the original tweet, photo at top. I usually see this style of phrasing when referring to a collision involving two operators--one of a bike, one of an car.

Abandoned Bikes on Racks

2012-01-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

What does Portland do with abandoned bikes that are locked to racks (and such)?

What does your city do?

What do you think is the best policy for all involved?

If left too long, the carnivorous racks will eat the bikes.

Fwd: Grid Chicago: Don’t forget those bike parking awards nominations by Steven Vance

2012-01-06T11:15:00.001-08:00

Travis A. Wittwer, M. Ed., NBCT

010101110100100101010100010101000100001101001111

Please excuse errors; I do not have the nimble fingers of an adolescent.

@WITTCO

http://bikenounverb.blogspot.com/

http://schools.evergreenps.org/Page/1851

Begin forwarded message:

From: Grid Chicago <steven@gridchicago.com>
Date: January 6, 2012 10:26:16 AM PST
To: WITTCO.gmbh@gmail.com
Subject: Grid Chicago: Don't forget those bike parking awards nominations by Steven Vance

Grid Chicago

Grid Chicago: Don't forget those bike parking awards nominations by Steven Vance

Don't forget those bike parking awards nominations by Steven Vance

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 05:49 AM PST

There are six categories for Ding Ding Let's Ride-Grid Chicago bike parking awards: four "bests" and two "most in need of". Nominate a location now!

Best Civic
Government building, library, community center, etc.

Best Grocery Store
National chain, local chain or store or corner bodega/deli

Best Non-Grocery Store business
Retail store, restaurant, tavern, gym, medical office, etc

Best Multi-Unit Housing
Either public or private housing

Most in need of Bike Parking
A location from one of the above categories that has NO bike parking at all, and desparately needs it

Most in need of Improvement
A location from one of the categories above that desparately needs it's existing bike parking repaired or improved

I'll be nominating the bike parking in the photo above at the AMLI 900 South Loop apartments (900 S Clark Street) for the category "Most in need of improvement". It's placed over 200 feet from the nearest resident entrance, and obviously doesn't have enough bike parking spaces. There may be indoor parking available, though. I am concerned about the installation because this is a four-story split-level parking garage with over 200 automobile parking spaces. The zoning code of Chicago, section 17-10-0207-C, specifies that there must be 1 bike parking space per 2 auto parking spaces, meaning there should be over 100 bike parking spaces in this residential complex.

The double deck bike rack in the parking garage holds only 10, and clearly doesn't hold them well (see photo above in which bikes on this rack are falling over). This is the first example to showcase the problems with the bike parking zoning code and how the experts at the Chicago Bicycle Program are not involved in plan approvals. A reader submitted the photos.

I'll be nominating the sheltered bike parking installation at the Edgewater Dominicks's (5201 N Sheridan) for the category "Best Grocery Store".

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Lisa Simpson Rides a Bike

2012-01-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

One of the few characters we see riding a bike is Lisa Simpson. Lisa rides her bike in every episode, the opening sequence, theoretically saying that she is a daily rider of her bike to and from school.

She is an everyday cyclist.

Lisa is the liberal of the family. Lisa rides her bike because she is an intellectual, or, if you rather, she is thoughtful of life. She is concerned about the environment, and understands that her actions have consequences.

In the opening sequence, Lisa is carrying a stack of books and her saxophone as she rides over hills and one sizable bump. She is set up with both a front and back rack on her bike.

I will not mention that she is wearing a helmet, but I will state that her helmet is not on correctly--it does not cover her forehead.

IKEA Bike Racks

2011-12-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

Whenever I am at IKEA, I am struck by how many bike racks there are.

Portland IKEA has included several key factors when placing bike racks:

Location: these racks are right by the entrance
Traffic Flow: these racks are neither in the way of people walking, nor are forced to compete with automobile parking
Amount: there are plenty of bike racks at the front, and others elsewhere
Style of Rack: while waves are not my favorite, they are not the worst. I can see why buildings choose them--each install, clean, and appear to take up less space (my ideal set up would be a series of staples and if the company wanted easy install, the bottoms of the racks could be welded together on a strip of metal and then the metal installed to the ground)
Shelter: some of these racks, look back by the building, are in an enclosed area thereby providing good shelter from wind and rain.
Encouragement: prominent display tells people, "Could you take your bike next time?"

However, for all of the great placement features, these racks are rarely used. I have never seen a bike locked to the racks when I go to IKEA, and only in photos from Katie and David Proctor have I seen a bike by a rack.

Is this IKEA's fault? No. It is the consumer's. It is understood that (a) IKEA is on the outskirts of Portland and it is not a typical bike ride down there; (b) that the route out there is doable, but not the most convenient, nor best if biking with several kids on their bikes; and (c) usually people getting things at IKEA are purchasing bulky items.

What could IKEA and Portland and the Community do to increase bike traffic to IKEA? Here are some starters:

Save bulky purchases for one trip with a trailer or group of friends. Hell, make it an activity.
Maybe a reverse Bike Move--from IKEA to home!
Find a way to get access to a trailer for occasional use, or bur one, or make one.
There are a number of cargo bike/bike hauling cargo people out there who would love to show off the power of the bike, ask them.
IKEA bike rack photo Panda!

Why Social Networks Work

2011-12-27T15:57:00.000-08:00

Social networks make wonderful things like the following possible.

A friend from Chicago, Brandon, had a weekend trip to Portland. He wanted to borrow a fixed gear bike while here for the full Portland experience. He tweeted that he was looking for a place to rent a bike. I then tweeted that I was looking to borrow a bike for him to borrow while he was in Portland. Within a short period of time, David Haines, offered up his bike.

This is a testament to the value of social networks. It is also a testament to how wonderful Portland is that I could procure a bike so quickly. It was a generous offer by David as he made it easy and totally low-key.

And in the process of picking up the bike, I met Emiliano Jordan who, aside from being a great guy, answered all my son's questions and allowed him to pick up all the shiney and pricey things at the shop.

The above photo is of the front wheel with a head nod to David's twitter icon and alter-ego: BikeRanger.

I had never ridden a fixed gear bike so when Brandon was done, I took it out for a spin. The bike was fast and the forward momentum was unexpectedly strong. Intellectually I knew that the wheels would keep moving forward. However, it was still a shock on how well and how much forward those wheels rolled.

The benefit of a fixed gear (or single speed) is the low maintenance and simplicity. The bike was also incredibly light. This would make a great commuter or around towner bike.

A Tale of Two Burger Joints

2011-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

The McDonald's in Vancouver, WA (2110 East 4th Plain Boulevard) has a number of bike serving features, specifically parking.

Rather than get into a discussion on the relative or perceived nutritional value of the food, I want you to look at what McDonald's has provided.

I cannot say if this wealth of bike parking unique to this McDonald's, or whether these are features adopted when a McDonald's gets a remodel, which the one on 4th plain did get.

The 4th Plain McDonald's has a sign right by the front door that is easy to read and clear on where the bike racks are. Having a sign by the door almost says we are glad you came by bike and we have facilities located right over there...enjoy.

The location of the bike parking is about 40 feet from the door, right at the front, along the front sidewalk, and within view of the front. It is obvious and clearly put for a person on a bike to ride up, park, and walk in. No adventures through bushes or a trek from the other side of the parking lot.

The swatch of land that makes up the bike facility is also clean and has easy access. The concrete slab around the rack is a nice touch as no one likes to stomp in the mud while securing a bike. The facility is also located far enough from the door that bike use does not impede people walking by. There is no interaction which is great.

This particular McDonald's must be unique because I often see a bike inside the entry when a person needs to pop in but does not have a lock. No issue is made. And no one is bothered by it. Clearly, it could be something that the manager complains about or puts up a strict rule, going so far as to post a sign within the entry way saying NO BIKES. However, the manager has not.

To give some comparison, the other McDonald's that I pass (8011 NE MLK, Portland, OR) has far fewer of these bike facilities. However, it is also an older McDonald's. I have not seen the thin staple rack ever used and the only bike I do see is usually parked inside the outdoor seating area, locked to the fence with a cheap cable lock.

While this rack is located closer to the front door, about 10 feet, it interferes with people walking by and is touching the sidewalk that is next to the automobile exit traffic from the drive up. I wish I had a photo to share of this exchange of traffic, just know it is not ideal.

Perhaps, given McDonald's history and growth around automobiles, bike traffic was not considered part of the food-purchasing traffic. This makes sense and is a totally reasonable business plan. I wonder what percentage of current patrons arrive by bike when visiting a McDonald's. (For a good history and insight into the McDonald's company, I am currently reading, Behind the Golden Arches.)

The real question is what changes will I see at McDonald's in the next decade? Will more and better bike parking be part of the McD plan?

McRacks ... I like the sound of that and the arches totally lend themselves to a custom bike rack.

I did a bit of online reading as I was interested what the rest of the nation was saying, or observing, about McDonald's and bike racks. Most of what I read said two things. One, and it seemed to be quite important to state by the commenter was that they (a) do not eat McDonald's food. The second comment I noticed was that people are observing a lack of racks at McDonald's and if a bike is present, it is usually attached to a fence. (Here is just a sample discussion from 2007 which tells me this is not an often visited topic.)

The Burgervilles that I pass have several racks. Does this make them a better restaurant? Most would argue the food is better and the company buys local ingredients and composts/recycles and maybe that forward thinking mind set is why Burgerville considers people on bike a daily possibility at their restaurant.

The Burgerville across from the 4th Plain McDonald's has a rack. Their unique solution to needing bike parking was to take out a car parking spot and make it a bike parking spot. It is out of the way of people walking, and is near the front door, approximately as close as the parking at McD across the street. The overall look of the facility is less appealing. However, there is good access to the rack from three sides, and plenty of room.

While none of these racks, rack placements, facility designs, or restaurants are indicative of all of the locations, it gives me something to observe. I hope to see more facilities (better) at all locations in the future.

I especially want to know the history of the 4th Plain McDonald's, being that it is a remodeled one, and the Burgerville across the street. Two burger joints and how they approached the need for bike parking. Each need carried out in a way that matched their layout, but also likely reflected the philosophies of that particular branch and access to resources.

The Flickr set of these photos.

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T15:22:00.001-08:00

This is what is meant by boxing day, correct?

12 Days of Cargomas! 2011

2011-12-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

A head nod to all the cargo bike people.

On the twelfth day of Cargomas, my cargo bike hauled for me ....

Twelve months of cargo

Eleven garden items

Ten shots of espresso

Nine fresh baked pizzas

Eight feet of fencing

Seven feet of evergreen.

Six chunks of lumber.

Five grocery bags.

Four types of gelato.

Three sons a-talking.

Two youthful hipsters.

And a baby snuggled in the box.

Have a merry, sharry (sharrow) Christmas!

Bike Jams

2011-12-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

It was a crisp sunny day as we biked around town, delivering homemade jam to friends. Plum, Plum-Rhubarb, Pear-Rhubarb, and Blackberry.

We just need a bike sound system so we can jam with the jam.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Full Parking Lot

2011-12-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

At my son's school. The parking lot is small. The only way the parking lot works is for parents to drive in, drop their kids off, and then drive out. The dance is chaos but always seems to work.

However, on some days, when there is an event, or in this case, a Solstice Celebration, the parking lot fills up. Lucky for me, I arrived on my Bullitt. I nestled between two kid-hauling cars and walked to the green canopy in the background and joined in the festivities.

That alone may seem smooth, but the real smooth part was when I left. I just did. Wheeled my bike out of the parking lot, down some stairs, totally avoiding the exit and the pile of cars, sitting, waiting to exit.

Sentence Diagram

2011-12-21T15:18:00.001-08:00

'Nuff said.

Educate

2011-12-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

Kids have good taste.

I parked my bike in my youngest son's classroom last week while attending a school function. When the kids returned to the classroom, a group of them were drawn to the Bullitt.

Future riders of bikes?

Yes.

Bike Rack Calendar 2012

2011-12-21T12:20:00.001-08:00

This is it. Something that I must have. Something that I will buy, wrap in Christmas paper, put my name on it, and place it under the tree.

A bike rack calendar. A mini calendar.

Judy Morton is the creator and you can get them at Bikeasaurus in Portland, OR.

Cargocross?

2011-12-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Steven Vance, a co-writer for Grid Chicago and a cargo bike fan. Person in photo is Chicago Cargo.
----------------------------------------
History & Idea Germination:

Idea passed around in various places over the last two years. Clips filmed, but nothing epic. No one has taken the idea to a finished product.

Will Vanlue (Prudent Cyclist) DMed me December 4. His idea is a cargocross with humor and drama. He inquired about interest by me and others and wondered if a group could be collected to film this.

This may be a good video for filming in the spring. Perhaps at PIR cyclocross.

Needed: cargo bike owners and riders to participate and for the raging group shots. Videographer. Contact Joe Bike, Splendid Cycles, Clever Cycles, Metropolis, Aherne, Metrofiets, CETMA, Tom LaBonty, B-Line, eBikeStore, Spoketown, all of the Joels, Et al

Possible final. It submission for Filmed by Bike 2013? And certainly for fun.

Bit of humor in the video. Some epic shots, some slow-motion, some pain.

As an individual, I cannot do it by myself. However, I have endless energy and ideas; a willingness to organize what needs doing; and I can cook--I make you dinner as we discuss the movie.

Cargo Bike Dogs

2011-12-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

In October we adopted a dog; his name is Bleu. He is a mix, but it appears mostly German wirehaired (but we have been told blue healer and labrador as well).

We have not had a dog in our family before so we are newbies. However, one thing was sure, if we are going to make regular visits to dog parks so Bleu can play with buddies, we will do so by bike.

On a whim, we had Bleu sit in our Bullitt cargo bike box to see if it would just "work" and as we pushed off with him in the bike ... It did not work. I did not expect it to, but if it did, well, that would be sweet.

To help Bleu get comfortable to the box, we brought the box into the house and put it in the living room, thereby making it a fixture in his life. In addition, we:

Put his toys in the box.
Give treats when he goes into the box.
Stand in the box and hang out with him.
Have worked on the command "box" which he seems to understand as he will head to the box and jump in regardless of where we are in the house.
Took the box in the car so he could sit in it on the way to the dog park

Later this week, we will put the box back on the bike and go for a push of the bike around the block. Then, slow biking around block. Hopefully, we will get to biking to the dog park later next week.

Check out Splendid Cycles, a Portland seller of great cargo bikes, for photos of owners with dogs in the boxes. I cannot seem to find the recent photo they have of an owner with a custom box for his dog--a larger dog. Perhaps it is on their Facebook page and has not made it to Flickr. (12/21/11 yep, Fb: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=282270301818978&set=a.106459846066692.3503.106290576083619&type=1&ref=nf)

Set of photos for Bleu in the box.

Rides-A-10-Speed-Everywhere Guy

2011-12-18T21:46:00.001-08:00

Family Guy
S6:E8
"Peter's Daughter"

About 1 minute in The town is getting unseasonable rains to the point of flooding. News Chanel 5 is there to interview the man on the street. This guy mentions how bicycling is a great way to stay in shape. Simple. However, he repeats how bicycling is a great way to stay in shape at every topic change, even when he discloses that he has rectal cancer--information that was not asked.

Family Guy pokes fun at everyone and everything so it would be hard to say that FG is debasing people on bikes (or bikes), and it is funny. But is it the kind of funny that has a deeper layer that perpetuates a mind set?

Twas the Night Before Cargomas

2011-12-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

Starting with:

Twas the night before Cargomas, when all through the ....

Let's put our spin on Moore's poem with a bit of cargo bike flair.

Add a stanza or two in the comments; add the stanzas in order. If it finishes, I will share the results on the 24th.

Here is the full poem for rhythm and syllable count. I have added stanza numbers to aid in our organization:

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem

(1)Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

(2)The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

(3)When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

(4)The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

(5)With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

(6)"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

(7)As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

(8)And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

(9)He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

(10)His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

(11)The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

(12)He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

(13)He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

(14)He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Cargo Bike Kid Drawings

2011-12-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

Kids are cute ...

Kid drawings are cute ...

Cargo bikes are awesome.

Kid drawings of cargo bikes are awesomely cute!

I have 4 sons. They all have, at one time or another, drawn a cargo bike. I like how certain parts of the cargo bike are accentuated or in unique places, depending on the child's experience with the cargo bike. In most cases, the box, or kid-sitting location, gets the focus.

I have started a Flickr group to collect Cargo Bike Kid Drawings. This was in answer to some interest shown on the (R)Evolutions Per Minute, a crowd sourced American cargo bike documentary Facebook group.

The talk was about including some kid drawings, maybe animating them, for the documentary. If you think about it, this makes sense because quite a number of cargo bike users in America have one for children. Liz has an animation plan.

Liz Canning, the creator of this vision, is collecting your raw footage of cargo bike use and interviews of cargo bike users. She will edit the pieces together for a documentary. And she can edit well. Some of the clips in her trailer are from me, so I can see how she blended my cheap footage on a 10-year-old video camera with current video of interviews, seamlessly.

Join the Cargo Bike Kid Drawings Flickr group and pass it on to your friends. I would like to see some drawings in the documentary. I think the addition of another media, illustration, will add to the breadth of the project.

Family Guy Unicycling Fish Juggling Hitler

2011-12-15T23:38:00.001-08:00

The girls have come to check out the Drunken Clam. They mention that they may make this their regular spot. Peter, in a cut away, shoots himself, saying that he has another one of his Scrubs cut aways. Cleveland complains about shows that have cut aways and then

Family Guy

S6:E3 minute 2:22

Scrubs does do that and so does Family Guy. What is interesting is the choice of items to push together in a cut away. Clearly, they are supposed to be incongruous.

How does this cut away color the use of a bike? Does it imply that biking is silly? Yes, it is a laugh, but does it show deeper ideas? It is possible it does not. I laughed.

Winter Cargo Bike Roll Call

2011-12-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Are you hardcore? Do you have a cargo bike (or want to look at cargo bikes)?

Then this Saturday, December 17, 2011 meet at Breakside Brewery in NE PDX.

Start up time is 2 - 4 pm and we will see what happens from there.

Share with any like-minded or interested people.

We can talk about a huge SantaHaul, delivering food boxes and such, for 2012.

SantaHaul Coloring Page

2011-12-11T17:24:00.001-08:00

While our kids made ornaments for their teachers, I sketched away, turning an idea into a decent illustration.

Some of the cargonauts in Portland are planning a winter Cargo Roll Call with a possible carrying of donated toys and goods to shelters and the like. Joe Bike posted on our idea and aptly named it, SantaHaul. Hence the name atop the drawing.

Print and share with your kids to color. You may want to point out to your youngsters that the bike frame is 100% locally made candy cane tubing.

Thanks, Will Vanlue, @vanlue, for PDFing the drawing for me. Nice crisp edges and all. Here is the PDF

The original sketch is the smaller one. Larger sketch was for size and proportions.

After some helpful feedback from my wife, my kids, and the online presence (thanks @stevevance et al), I took out the words under the bike, used a different font, and put the words above the bike. I like having the white below the bike. Easier to see it is a bike.

SantaHaul

2011-12-09T16:49:00.001-08:00

A number of emails have been sent back-and-forth, resulting in some tweets and a formal post.

The basic premise is a winter Roll Call for cargo bikes. Whatever manifestation it takes on from there will come.

If interested, email Joe at Joe Bikes, http://www.joe-bike.com/2011/12/09/open-call-for-cargo-santas-deliver-with-us-bike-shops-get-on-the-list-wittco-splendidcycles/

And for those that care, I did not cringe when using the word, "manifestation."

Happy Cargomas!

Ps, we could use a really cool Santa Cargo illustration.

Travis A. Wittwer, M. Ed., NBCT

010101110100100101010100010101000100001101001111

Please excuse errors; I do not have the nimble fingers of an adolescent.

@WITTCO

http://bikenounverb.blogspot.com/

http://schools.evergreenps.org/Page/1851

QUINONESentially Artful

2011-12-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Ruhiyyih and I attended Bike Craft this Saturday for the social atmosphere and the bike related wares. I had another reason. I wanted to get my hands on Tomas Quinones's latest art--a beautiful coloring book of animals on bikes.

What do you get for the cargo bike lover who has everything AND kids? A super coloring book.

There is a great illustration of squirrels on a tall, tree bike, and several cargo bike drawings--both long tails and long johns.

The Fox with Hens (which has been nicely dubbed FOXFIETS or FOXCYCLES in the 'We Likes Cargo Bikes' Facebook group) is my favorite.

Tomas has these illustrations printed on nice, watercolor paper and he adds watercoloring. We have 4 of these that we will frame and place in the hallway by our sons' rooms.

Want to give a coloring book to your little cargo bike riding kids? You can reach Tomas through Flying Snail Creations.

You can also find Tomas prominently displayed through a Google Search and on Facebook.

Sloppy photo taken out of respect of the artist--to not have a photo that is of a reproducible quality. If you want, Tomas has posted some free downloads on his web site, Flying Snail Creations.

Very Bikey Christmas

2011-12-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

Happy December to all of my bikey friends and families. Stay dry. Stay warm. Enjoy!

Psst ... I had to use Paint to create this. An awful program but it does work. If you have access to better software and want to remake this so that it is an awesome design for a Christmas card, please do so and send me a copy. I think it is a great idea and would love to see it polished. Here is my original photo.

Ethan, thank you for the design suggestion. Appreciated.

Toyota and Cargo Bikes

2011-11-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

The new Toyota Camry commercial sucks. A bit too drastic? Too caustic? No.

It is a 60 second commercial that shares the highlights of the new Camry which, basically, amounts to having a computer that can perform all of the social needs of the driver: making restaurant reservations; purchasing tickets; and listening to Pandora.

It is the last one that got me complaining to my wife. My tirade in a nutshell--Really? Is THIS the best that Toyota has to offer? When Toyota could share an increase in gas mileage, or safety features; or greater carrying capacity, the commercial's focus is superficial. It is lame. It basically says, "We had nothing more we could do to our car so we threw in some bells and whistles."

After quietly listening to my rant, my wife turned to me and said that this sounds familiar.

I thought, but I could not think of it. Then she told me that it reminded her of the Oregon Manifest Ultimate Utility Bike Challenge. The new Toyota which is nothing special, but can stream music and if memory serves, that was the deciding factor for the Ultimate Utility Bike.

Snap!

I know. I said I would not bring it up again, but this was just too good.

View this Toyota commercial and be amazed at how something as silly as a "radio" is the selling point for a $20,000 car. Be amazed at how prominently displayed Pandora is.

Simple Bike Parking

2011-11-30T17:43:00.001-08:00

My buddy, Steve Vance, is at it again--creating a wiki-blog-post-page-digital aspect of his thinking. (A flow chart showing his online intellectual property would be gorgeous.)

This time ... a three-step approach to Simple Bike Parking.

http://www.simplebikeparking.com/

Do you get asked about bike racks? I do. I have had a few shops ask my opinion on racks. That's cool, and now, after sharing my opinion, I will forward this page as a follow up.

Google Cargo Bike Sighting

2011-11-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Stu posted a query on the shift.list a few minutes ago:

Is this you? Google Maps street view going east on NE 47th turning right onto NE Alberta. (Enter NE 47 and NE Alberta, Portland OR into google maps.)

Apparently, Stu, saw a cargo bike on the Street View of a Google Map. I went to the map location and it is Jamie Nichols of Metrofiets on his personal yellow/green Metrofiets.

How Many Bike Racks are Enough?

2011-11-27T12:43:00.001-08:00

This is a tough question to answer as the usage of bike racks changes over the year, changes even over the day.

I was at my local library (North Portland Branch on Killingsworth) and noticed this sign on a handrail adjacent the bike racks.

During heavy use days, there are not enough library bike racks to fill the demand so people often lock their bikes to the handrail. This sign is new. I did not see it at all this last summer.

The library racks are enough for four bikes.

I find rack placement, use, and numbers to be interesting. On one hand, bike racks should be close to the final destination in order to encourage bike usage and ease since the rider is walking after the bike is locked. On the other hand, racks cannot be put up everywhere. If the racks are full, is it okay to expect the user to park his bike half a block away?

If enough racks were installed for the heaviest use time, but that time was only during the summer, would it be a good use of resources to have those unused racks sitting through the winter?

What is a good base number for racks needed for an establishment like a branch library? I do not have the answer, but it is more than two.

Cart to Cargo: Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Why I am thankful.

On the ride home from picking up the last of the Thanksgiving meal, I thought of a video. The basic premise: my right hand is the main character. The right hand is on the handlebar, then the shopping cart, picking up items, putting bags in cargo bike box, then back on the cargo bike as I ride home. The hand would be in roughly the same position for all of the scenes, only the background and action would change. In this way, the cargo bike box would be represented by the shopping cart (box). I like the idea of an empty cargo bike box, slowly filling up shopping cart, then all in the cargo bike box, unloaded at the end, showing that a week's groceries can be easily transported by cargo bike. I carry upwards of 200 pounds of groceries some weeks.

Cargo Bike: Thankful

2011-11-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is Thanksgiving week and I returned from the grocery store where I picked up turkey and root vegetables. Most people find shopping at this time of the year stressful (even a hassle) because they cannot find a parking spot within the grocery store lot.

Today was no different.

The lot was full.

A line of cars collected from the entrance to the exit.

However, I found a spot right by the front door. It was there, waiting for me. It was easy. I rode my cargo bike to the grocery store. I weaved in and out of cars, whistling to the store.

I am thankful for my cargo bike. Not because of the bike itself. Not the object. I am thankful for the lifestyle my cargo bike affords me. I reflected on the way home from the grocery store: a 15 minute ride.

I am thankful that my cargo bike ...

Allows me to avoid traffic
Lets me spend time with my kids (stowed neatly in or on the cargo bike)
Helps me to save gas money when I use my cargo bike for "everyday biking"
Encourages me to be outside, connected to my environment
Slows me down so I can enjoy what is around me, my neighborhood and people
Removes layers of metal and glass between me and my world
Provides a way to carry kids and stuff so I do not have to rely on a car
Creates exercise that is not seen as exercise
Means that wherever I am going, I can find a spot near my location because I am locking to a bike rack, not finding parking on some side street blocks away
Requires that I am not listening to a heater, or the radio, or AC ... I listen to the wind rush by and the hum of my wheels

Here is a whimsical video of grocery shopping.

If you know me in any capacity, you probably know I often talk about my cargo bike, but I do talk about my family and children more, just to put it in perspective.

Cargo Bike Use #42 -- Changing Table

2011-11-20T20:04:00.001-08:00

This summer I was at a block party to celebrate the last Sunday Parkways in Portland and, apparently, the rain which came down in buckets that day.

At one point, I look over at my bike, and Jonathan is changing his son's diaper on the pallet of my Bullitt. Now, I am not going to tell Jonathan off because ... well ... he is Jonathan.

But even if he was not Jonathan, what a great use for a cargo bike. Use #42 to be exact.

I have seen parents use the top deck of their long-tail cargo bikes (Yubas and xtraCycles) for the same purpose.

Everett Raine Alexander Maus is about 5 months old in this photo. (How close am I, Jonathan?) Having your diaper changed on a cargo bike will change you. I expect cargo bigness from Everett.

Everett also got a baby cargo card when he was born.

Some day, when I have a little extra time, and some graphic skills, I would like to make a poster with cargo bike photos spread around the poster at random, but well balanced places, and then have text filling the space left by the bikes to include all of the cargo bike uses, hopefully many silly ones like this and #37 the chaise lounge.

Post a link to your diaper-changing-photos

Cargo Bike Kael

2011-11-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

My son, Kael, riding a Mercutio cargo trike borrowed from Metrofiets. Thanks, Phil. The bike is a size or two large for Kael, but he made it work out of sheer determination.

Another Futuristic Bike Reference in Literature

2011-11-15T14:06:00.001-08:00

In this paragraph, the protagonist, Connor, considers taking his brother's bike when he runs away from home. However, the bike has an antitheft tracking device.

Although this is not futuristic in the sense that this technology does not exist, it is futuristic in that the use of the device is common place.

When I leave my cargo bike out of my sight, no matter how many locks I have used, there is a twinge of fear in my gut. It has reduced the more I get used to leaving my bike.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman. Simon & Schuster BFYR 2007.

Cards go, Cargo!

2011-11-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

There were playing cards, laying on my kitchen table.

Cards ... me looking at them ... ideas popping in my head.

I then sketched a bit.

Ride, Families, Ride

2011-11-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

I love the tag-line. Love it!

Sara, fellow cargo bike enthusiast has a selection of super cargolicious shirt designs. And, yes, she has all the major cargo formats: long tail, long john, trike, bucket ...

After checking out her shirts, head on over to her blog, Full Hands ... she, like me, has her hands full with a pile of sons.

(The hardest part now is to decide which cargo bike shirt--I have a long tail, I have a long john, and I want to make a trike.....hmmmmm)

Zak Rack

2011-10-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

@SchwankyTown had a question about bike rack placement. The second mock up is the preferred option.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35951369@N03/6266604801/in/set-72157627844703601

Sharrow

2011-10-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Big props to Phillip at Metrofiets for giving the sharrows in his street some updating. Okay, he did not actually change the street image, but did some great work in Photoshop.

But it would be cool. And it would be cool in Portland. In 2007-2009, I biked my sons to and from school every day and would pass the images in the bike lane, often times coming across a fun one. It became a game for my sons and I--to remember which one was coming up, "Is it pony tail person or horns on head?" There is a Flickr group for the diversity of these images.

During this time, I got to thinking . . . there are a number of these fun bike lane images, but not a cargo bike one. I contemplated finding a source for material and making one. Finding no easy, legal way to do so, I created one using the image outside my house as a consolation such as it was.

Now seeing the great quality of the one that Phillip created, I know it totally could be done, and done for fun. How about a stretch of street that next gets the sharrows gets a series of "other" bikes: cargo, recumbent, tall, delivery ...? Cool. I checked the Portland Bike Lane Stencils to get the link for the photo group and I saw that some had made their own tall bike version. Nicely done.

Let's take it one step further, Portland. I am happy to organize. Just tell me the person in Portland to contact if Portland has the interest.

Filmed by Bike: collaboration?

2011-10-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

Ayleen sent out the tweet, asking if anyone had film needs and it would get tweeted. Hopefully, bringing people together for great films.

Here is my proposal: a movie that shows how hardcore Vancouver (WA) cyclists are.

Background: Vancouver is often the ugly cousin to Portland, especially in areas involving transportation, especially bikes. While Portland has great bike lanes and infrastructure, Vancouver lacks. This is not a critique of Vancouver. Rather, a statement of how much harder it is in Vancouver so (therefore) more hardcore.

It would not be a video of the haves and have-nots. More about how much more radical and manly it is to bike in Vancouver.

Parody, tongue and cheek, humor.

Perhaps a rap song, metal song with images, but that would require both lyrics and music on top of images.

Perhaps a nice juxtaposition of images in a documentary style.

Portland: posh bike lanes, bike racks, no helmets, low traffic, high bike numbers.

Vancouver: biking on hwys, on roads with no shoulder, right next to cars.

What I can provide:
An endless supply of creativity
Near endless amount of energy
Unlimited dinner to discuss plan
"Actor" and can find others

I also have some editing skills that are getting better and better.

Multiple bikes for different looks

This would be a fun video and hold a great deal of viewing power for the PDX/Vancouver area and the tension between the cities both between themselves and the philosophies of the states (especially with the CRC in process)

wittco.GmbH@gmail.com

Past films of mine shown at Filmed by Bike

Wild Creatures of North America

Rack Attack!

Portland Bans Plastic Bags: What Will People on Bikes Do?

2011-10-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

As of last week, Portland has banned the single-use plastic bags you often see at grocery stores. I am all for this. I do not like the way they feel, the way they float in the wind around streets, and I know those bags clog up the machines in recycling facilities.

But what about people on bikes? Where will they get their inexpensive seat covers for the many wet days in the Northwest?

Hopefully NOWHERE. A bag as a seat cover--lame. If you have a Brooks saddle, head on over to Clever Cycles for a fitted cover. Not a Brooks? Slip on over to your local bicycle shop and see what they can do.

For you DIY folks, I recommend making one. I have thought about making animal shaped ones so it looks like an animal on the seat. The seat is sort-of frog shaped. I can see a green frog over the seat with legs hanging down. There are many possibilities. You could start your own cottage industry. Make it out of backpack scraps. Good luck.

Travois

2011-10-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

The day after the Oregon Manifest award's night, I was at Clever Cycles where I was lucky enough to head out the door just as Ross Evans was giving the Travois a ride.

A ride with three other adults, two of which were standing.

This bike was amazing to see in action. The turning, at low speeds, within 3/4 of the street was fluid without any shaking, or wobble. And I must bring up again, there were two adults standing on the bike, making it all the more tall.

I did not ask them their weights, but concluded that it was "a lot"

That much weight with that much movability at that low of a speed ... cargo bike heaven. Some day I hope to take this bike out for a spin. It is Jonathan Reed & Clever Cycle's entry to the Oregon Manifest 2011 Ultimate Utility Bike Challenge.

It was in my top three before I saw it in use and after seeing it, I am confident in my selection.

What I like:

Low center of gravity
Heavy carrying capacity
Front rack attached to frame
Front rack kickstand
Kickstand with lock so the kickstand cannot be folded (great security feature--guys)
Open source xtraCycle rear added to a beautifully built cargo bike frame by Mr. Reed
Solid frame so no twisting
Step through is easy enough
Small wheels (I am starting to see the benefits)

Here is the Flickr set for this great bike.

Oregon Manifest Photo Set

2011-10-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wittcogmbh/sets/72157627679239263/with/6205349260/

A collection of nothing in particular. However, all things I liked, especially the details to racks and attachment carrying devices.

Utilizing the 5 Stages of Grief

2011-10-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

It has been two weeks since I witnessed the combined wisdom of the Oregon Manifest's selection of Ultimate Utility Bike. I have come to terms with the decision.

Denial: No, they couldn't. Did I hear that wrong? I must have. No, no. No.

Anger: Why? That's not a utility bike. Hell no! Grrrrrr

Bargaining: Please choose a bike of worth. I will do anything. Second place is a good utility bike. How about you use that as a guide. Please.

Depression: Noooooo, everything I read showcases the top picks, but leaves out the true focus of the Oregon Manifest this year--Ultimate Utility. It's me. I am stupid. I have no idea what utility is.

Acceptance: Okay, at least the Oregon Manifest exists. Next time will be more thoughtful. I am sure of it.

To read more of my thoughts on Oregon Manifest this year:

The Cargo Bike Future Sucks

The Naked Emperor and the Utility Bike

My Ultimate Utility Bike

Futon Finds

2011-10-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

What is the deal with so many futon frames in free piles? Not that I mind. It is good wood for coops and I have a straw bin to build. Camp fire wood as the last use.

I have picked up 4 futon frames this summer and came across one today. Luckily, like usual, I have my Bullitt cargo bike ready to go.

My Ultimate Utility Bike

2011-09-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Who knew? I had one in my garage all of these years.

Sorry, OM. No disrespect to you as an event, certainly no disrespect to the builders, perhaps an askew glance to the judges, but the Oregon Manifest 2011 was a missed opportunity to showcase Utility Bikes.

More like ... "U-silly-T" Bike

The Naked Emperor and the Utility Bike

2011-09-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Emperor has no clothes, but at least he is riding a utility bike.

My critical reflections of the Oregon Manifest results have generated some good discussion and that was my hope.

I have read posts which spoke in a similar vein to mine. I have not found much discussion to the contrary. The contrary conversations must be happening somewhere else and I bet music is playing. I would love to hear a solid support for the final selection at the Oregon Manifest. BikePortland provided the judges with a way to share their thoughts, and while I understand their thoughts more, I still do not see how the Oregon Manifest goal of “Utility” was achieved.

In all likelihood I may be totally incorrect, full of shit, and have no clue about the qualifications of an Ultimate Utility Bike. I accept that. I welcome discussion to show me, to teach me.

Yes, Oregon Manifest has garnered attention and helped open doors for awareness. Yes, the change over the last 4 years has been great with regard to cargo bikes/utility bikes. I do not discount that. I attended both days of Oregon Manifest and will continue to attend. Nevertheless, I am going to share my opinions. I have chosen to reflect on what I saw, and in that reflection be critical for future growth. If I am lucky, my opinion may inspire a future event to be more thoughtful if it is going to don the title of Utility Bike or Cargo Something-or-Other.

I suppose I could accept the minimum and say this year’s Oregon Manifest is at least something. I do understand that. It is a good course; it just is not the one for me. If the Oregon Manifest planning team only gets gentle smiles, everyone will leave high-fiving each other saying “great job” and there will be little change in the process.

Cargo bikes (Utility Bikes) are still a novelty, but are garnering the public’s interest in America. For this reason, any opportunity to show that these bikes are reasonable should be well planned.
It is a chance to get families to reduce their dependence on a car. It is an opportunity for people to spend time within their city, slowing down and enjoying life. It is a way for many people to make a living. With this much attention and interest, I think the events that showcase a cargo bike should be more thoughtful in design. People are watching. People are learning.

And what did people learn at the cargo bike race this last summer? Cargo bikes are fast, owned by males, and actually do not carry much. I agree with everyone who commented. However, I am not willing to smile and say it was good enough. There were enough people around to have been used as resources to make the final selection one of true utility. Oregon Manifest’s definition of utility was weak and hopefully our conversations will help strengthen future.

Ken & Tricia, the idea of a convention without awards is great. As a teacher, I am often faced with creating a learning environment, just to have it squelched by awards in the form of grades. In case you were wondering, like you, I will also continue to support the Oregon Manifest. Not even “continue,” just support. I have not stopped. Everyone has been civil in our civil discourse. If you are every around North Portland, let’s go out for beers on cargo bikes.

Jonathan (NY), your comment about the magazine editor acknowledging cargo bikes, by way of being on the panel, is well taken. It does take cargo bikes out of the realm of recreational and puts it in every day life. I like your rant. You have a good way with words. I will go out for beers anytime.

Wade, 2011 is the year of cargo bikes. I even started a Cargo Bike calendar for 2011, knowing this to be true and in spite of the events that 2011 offered. Yes, it really is not about the awards. We all know that awards are often not a key. I went to Oregon Manifest knowing that it was likely I would not agree with the selection. And in the grand scheme of things, I will let it roll like water off a duck’s back.

I think the upset that many feel is that the results were so far off. Take for example, the Fraces bike. It is gorgeous. It almost looks alive. The cargo area is like a pallet, like a box, and having the frame come above the cargo space (where many long johns have just the frame under the pallet or box space) is a good contribution to the cargo world. This bike is my wife’s top pick. It was not mine. However, I can say that I see where she is coming from. I agree with her choice because it still falls within the realm of Utilitarian—my sense of utilitarian, the vague sense of Utilitarian as not defined by OM, as well as what I know to be the sense of the everyday cargo bike users out there in America.

I did not choose the same bike as my wife, but I see her selection as solid. If the Fraces bike had been selected, I would have said that I am unsure of the cable steering, but clearly that is a good bike and I want to know more about the steering mechanism as I saw several at OM using it when my experience was just one lonely green bike in Portland that I see on occasion. My claps would not be claps of confusion, but of his bike being recognized as I have seen his work in the cargo scene for some time. Wade, I welcome you to raise a pint of lager with me anytime.

Yes, a paradigm shift has happened. But without continued energy to continue the shift, it will falter. I have been in education long enough to know that a shift with accolades and smiles, but no critical reflection, will create little movement in the long run.

EthanPDX, people are beginning to see the potential and will re-embrace bikes. This is positive and the public will continue to see it as positive. Most of the discussion on the Oregon Manifest results has occurred in secluded spots of the Internet or among Utility obsessed or bike focused individuals. The public still sees the positive. The write up I read in the local newspapers was positive. In some ways, it is our responsibility to monitor and assist the utility bike events so that the public gets the best. Beer time? On me.

Patrick, hyperbole. Truly it is hyperbole to start a discussion and show a point that would not be glossed over with some smiles and high-fives. It has been a good year if the definition of good year is “any exposure.” However, I would like to have had that exposure go one step further and expose what makes a cargo bike unique. There was a race and so much more could have been done for that. What could have been a competition to showcase dismounting and mounting skills; cargo carrying capacities; and unique ways in which cargo is strapped or otherwise put on the bike, became a simple race of go back-and-forth and carry things that could be put in a back pack. I have seen cargo bike races where hay bails, car tires, or kegs are used. That is cargo.

I arrived at the race with my heavy hauling platform fully expecting a cabinet, and hoping for a dryer.

I did STP on my cargo bike to see how it handled over the length of the course so it was essentially a heavy road bike, and I did pile my camping supplies, food, and clothing on the bike to see what was possible (reasonable) on a cargo bike. Additional water bottles, map case, tie-downs, and a case for snacks were a few of the utility add-ons.

Like you, I have been around long enough and owned or ridden a number of cargo bikes to know cargo bike use is greater than it was in 2009 or even 2005. I also know that 2011 will be better than 2010. 2012 even better than 2011. I respect your work and vision and have witnessed your mastery from afar (your design company is superb). Beer at Lompac? Coffee at Ristretto?

Sara, It has been a great year, and families like yours are not out of the loop. You are the loop and you are what the Ultimate Utilitarian Family using a variety of Ultimate Utility Bikes can do. Some day when I am on the east coast, we can beer it.

Ash, if pressed to honestly answer, and it seems like I have to at this point since the hyperbole seems to be the greatest sticking point in my previous assertion, 2011 has been a good year for cargo bikes. I like the fact that you were an ambassador for cargo bikes in your community; I like that you offered test rides on your Madsen to anyone interested. Some day I will make it to Chicago and I’ll buy the beer for you and we can invite Steve. (P.s. I like the sitcom idea. How about Who Left Up the Lid as a title?)

Since Sunday, there has been good discussion on this topic--all of it thoughtful, civil, and all correct. The differing perspectives will help guide the future focus. That is good. Discussion is the only way to get a full perspective. If we can ride away, on utility bikes, carrying with us (a) the idea that cargo bike events could actually showcase cargo carrying strengths, (b) judging events can be more precise in their purpose, and (c) that the future of cargo bikes will gain more momentum if we pedal if forward rather than coasting, we will have done well.

We have some pedaling to do … we have some hills to get up.

Gary Fisher, I am awed by your creations and the one for Oregon Manifest this year. You did what many of us couch complainers did not do--you did it. (Now, if any builder & backer want to team up and put me on their team, I am game.) You do not need to make waves or rock the boat, but let’s get that boat into the harbor. Gary, it would be an honor to buy you a beer.

Surfimp, I do not think you are missing the point. There was an entry that had an Xtracycle package. This bike, the Travois from Jonathan Reed and Clever Cycles, utilizes the Xtracycle for its length and proven use, and attached it to a bike that is a Utility Bike rather than a bike from the garage. I will buy a beer for anyone with an avatar like “surfimp.”

Metrofiets, striking a nerve with the judges is true. That is a very gracious statement from you. The final bike is a bike that spoke to the judges; it struck a cord. But again, that was not the criteria of the competition. The judges should judge based on the merits of the object against the rubric (goal) of the event, using their expertise to select.

To continue the paragraph analogy from my previous post--I have a writing style that I like. When my students use imagery as a way to pull the reader in, I am particularly fond of it. They do well with it and I enjoy the flow of words that come from their eyes. However, when a paragraph is held against the rubric, all forms of "hooking" work, not just the one I like. I may enjoy others more, but I do not let that sway me from giving all formats a full judging. In this scenario, I (a) have a clear rubric, and (b) have a bias, but go back to the rubric for my goal so I can assess within the framework I was given by the National English Standards. I am happy to buy you a beer as well although having the beer come from one of your Beer Bikes would be equally as fun.

Clear rubric (goal) + focused judging = meeting the goal for which you set out.

Rob, My beef is not with OM's existence but with the poorly executed opportunity they had. It was a missed opportunity.

You can't ask for the ultimate utility bike but then say to the judges, “pick your own favorite regardless of utility.” That is essentially the same as saying to submit any bike you want and the judges will pick their favorite, regardless of “utility.” Beers?

Cargo Bike (Utility) Flow Chart. Feel free to add to it.

Jonathan (Reed), your bike does rock, even more so when I saw it under heavy use and low speed turning. I agree with you that a final build should be left up to the interpretation of the builder (team). It is gracious of you to say that this was the intent of Oregon Manifest’s vagueness. I think builder freedom and innovation is possible even with precision of the goal.

One aspect that OM pushed this year that worked is the collaboration among teams. I am glad that you liked your team, and they did, indeed, rock. I did see themes in this year’s Oregon Manifest that were inspiring:

Front racks (attached to frame)

Detail in racks design and attention to use

Extra storage on the bike for small items like phones

Panniers (although there is more to utility than putting luggage on a bike)

Lighting & visibility

Locking mechanism on the bike

Side cars and a trike

Atypical wheel dimensions

The Oregon Manifest is a positive event, but let's be honest. It needs work.

As a close, let it be known that I like the Emperor. He is a good guy. He is generally funny and means well. He has done a great deal for his kingdom. I will not insult him or call him degrading names, but clearly he is naked and I though he would like to know.

The Cargo Bike Future Sucks

2011-09-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

There was a palatable pause as the first place winner for the Ultimate Utilitarian Bike was announced at the the 2011 Oregon Manifest awards. The pause was long enough to register as a pause. A stop. It was uncomfortable. Clearly people everywhere in the crowd were saying, “What the hell?” I looked around and saw other people looking around. There was some confusion.

It went something like this … The winner of the Ultimate Utility Bike was announced; pause … the pause was stark ... and then people quickly started to clap realizing that it would be impolite to not respond. But the pause was there. It was heard and certainly felt. The claps were half hearted and ended quickly without boisterous cheers. It was not a celebration of Ultimate Utility Bike.

This is not to negate the creative power and building beauty of the first place winner, or anyone in the challenge. They are people and involved in a worthwhile adventure. I would buy any of them a beer. I could not build better. This is also not to negate the Oregon Manifest group. I could not organize better. I am not a promotion coordinator. I am not a builder. I am not a promoter.

What I am is a guy who loves cargo bikes.

At first, I thought that I had read the Oregon Manifest challenge wrong when it was first posted on their web site. Perhaps, “Ultimate Utility Bike” meant something specific, making the final pick obvious. In an effort to rectify this, and to find my error, I headed back to the challenge posting, reading again what they wrote. I did not locate my error.

“We’re looking for the ultimate modern utility bike: a bike designed as an integrated Tool For Living that is yet to be found on the retail floor.”

I saw a great deal of super utility bikes in the competition that I would not be able to find on a retail floor because of their innovation and attention to the focus of UTILITY. The final pick though--let’s be honest, is very much a bike I would find on a retail floor with an electric assist right off the shelf. The bike’s best feature, based on how much air time was given to the feature during the award speeches, was that the bike had a good stereo.

I do not equate stereos with Utility, big U or little u. Nor did I see stereos as part of the Challenge, and believe me, I just looked again. (It isn’t there.)

The Challenge goes on … “building a bike that is flexible, durable, able to carry reasonable loads with ease, and ready to accommodate the many small and large challenges of everyday riding. Transportation bikes must be sturdy and durable, yet nimble enough to provide all-around utility during a short trip or a longer haul.” Only one of the top three bikes did this with ease and with a capacity that shows that the building team realized that they were building a utility bike. This one bike, sadly, was not the top pick by the judges.

The problem is not the spirit of the Challenge so much as it is in the lack of focus. The above statement seems to want a bike to be able to do everything--to be nimble and durable; be able to take on small and large challenges; and be able to ride a short or long distance.

The problem with this is that you cannot make one bike to suit all needs especially if the goal is Ultimate Utility Bike. Utility is vague and the Challenge left it even more vague. Perhaps the organizers were thinking that they did not want to limit the inspiration of the teams. But in the end, it did limit the innovation of Utility because the end result was not an inspiration. There was very little unique or adventurous or forward-thinking in the bike design of the final pick.

As a school teacher, if I told my students to write a paragraph that was the Ultimate Paragraph and gave little more than that title and a convoluted passage about how the paragraph should be the most compelling, yet allow the reader to chose their commitment for fear of killing inspiration, what I would receive would be a stack of Ultimate Crap. What is my rubric? What is the goal or the standards by which the paragraph is assessed? I cannot expect my students to meet the challenge if I make the greatest part of the challenge figuring out the mystery of what the Ultimate Paragraph means.

So the problem last night was both an odd first place choice and the vague challenge that preceded it. The latter causing the former.

What was done was done. I cannot change that. However, I can hope that people will learn from this year's Oregon Manifest. I hope people will listen to the critiques that will come out in the next few days by various people and groups. Listen and learn. And if we do learn, then in the end, it will be worth the initial stumbles.

I have a recommendation. Alan Cooper, in his book, The Inmates are Running the Asylum, discusses the idea of Personas--Fictional characters to target a market or end user. The idea being, you cannot create one object or service for everyone. One object or service for everyone will fail, but if separate, smaller objects or services were created to target specific needs and specific users, then a company will have a greater success rate.

So Ruhiyyih and I created three personas on the way home from the awards ceremony. With these personas, Oregon Manifest could provide a clear communication of what the Ultimate Utility Bike is.

Meet Yolanda Werner. Yolanda is a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, John, have a three-year-old daughter, Nicole, with a second child on the way in 8 months. Yolanda is a busy mom, taking Nicole to the neighborhood school, arriving at various play dates, doing the weekly grocery shopping, and trying to find time for herself as well. Yolanda used to carry little Nicole in a child seat on her bike, but Nicole has outgrown the seat and does not yet have the ability to bike herself around. Yolanda and her family need a bicycle that will fulfill all their current needs and change with their growing family. Yolanda is concerned with visibility and wants to be seen as well as see what is around her during her early morning travels when the sun may only just be rising. Yolanda will be the primary user of this Ultimate Utility Bike. However, John will use the bike on occasion to take Nicole, and the baby, places during the summer, or for adventures around the city so the bike needs to fit him as well.

Next up is Tim Cunning. Tim started work at a small, local delivery company, Portmanteau, which wants to include more bike deliveries in its offerings, hoping, at some point to create a whole segment of their company to bike delivery. Portmanteau hired Tim with the intent to start this segment. Tim will, indeed carry reasonable loads with ease. Most of his cargo will be in boxes, but there will be an occasional odd size or shape. Tim wants to carry 300 lbs of cargo on his Ultimate Utility Bike regardless of whether his route that day is a long or short haul. Tim is married and has one child. He lives 12 miles from his work and plans to use his Ultimate Utility Bike to get to and from work as well as use it for work. Tim wants to be visible to all forms of traffic when commuting to and from home as well as visible to others when biking through the streets, making deliveries. Since it is a work bike, Tim will not carry his child on the bike.

Finally, Bob Smarten. Bob does not have kids and is not likely to have kids (you never know). However, what he does know is that he needs a bike that is more utilitarian than his every day commuter that he used right now. Bob works for a public works department and travels around the city by car, carrying a variety of cases and tools for survey and data collection. Bob currently does this by car, but knows that he could easily do this by a bike and would like to do so especially since he already commutes into the city by bike. What better way to continue his bike usage than to have an Ultimate Utility Bike that could carry his varying supplies and travel to locations within the city? Bob’s typical supplies are 6-8 shoe box sized cases for instruments, a medium sized suitcase for tools, and various writing materials, including a computer. Bob would like to be able to use some part of his bike as a “desk.” Bob spends a good deal of his time down so the visibility of him on his bike is crucial with all of the traffic around. Bob lives in a city with a bus system, a mas transit light rail, automobile, foot traffic, and the occasional person on a skateboard. Bob wants to be able to easily lock his bike when he reaches his destination as any extra time spent locking up his bike is time added to his day. Additionally, given the gray days and early nights, Bob needs to be visible when biking home at the end of his day.

Personas allow for a focus that vague philosophical hopes cannot achieve.

Malcom Gladwell, author of Blink, writes about Howard Moskowitz. Howard Moskowitz was hired to find what the public wanted for spaghetti sauce, or in other words--what is the best spaghetti sauce? Moskowitz kept track of his data and found that people fell into 3 categories: plain, spicy, and extra-chunky. His understanding for the food industry was that you cannot create one style to fit all people. In the case of spaghetti sauce, to create one type of sauce would set up a company for ⅔ failure. This is why you have the variety of sauces on the shelves today.

To achieve a goal, to meet a challenge, the focus needs to be clear, the criteria by which the final creation will be judged needs to be precise and communicated to the participants.

Steven Vance and I have spoke about how 2011 is going to be the year of the cargo bike. All I have to say is that it was been a let down. 2011 has sucked for cargo bikes. And Portland, is this the best that we have to offer the cargo bike world in America? After the cargo bike race this summer that did not involve any serious cargo, and the Ultimate Utility Bike that has barely any utility and is has a stance that is too aggressive for a daily urban utility commuter, I find myself at a loss.

Or maybe it is clear. What these two events have in common is a lack of what makes a cargo bike (or utility bike) a cargo bike. The cargo carrying capacity has been taken out of both competitions and the situation has been reduced to nothing more than a glorified, highly promoted, typical bike challenge.

The future of utility bikes in America is apparently one without much of a look to a future.

A Fully Loaded but not Maxed Out Black Oak Fabrications Trailer

2011-09-11T20:17:00.001-07:00

Cargo Bikes--is this the coolest bike ever made?

2011-09-11T20:16:00.001-07:00

Yes.

Tom Clynes came to Portland, OR to see cargo bike. I happen to be around.

Bicycling Magazine, October 2011

2011-09-11T20:14:00.001-07:00

That is me on the left, loading up a Black Oak Fabrications trailer with as much stuff as I can--couch, table, cat gym, shelves and more shelves, rugs, boxes, a chair, mattress, and a plant. Later, we moved a heavy (HEAVY...two-person, heavy) bandsaw on the trailer. Powered by a Bullitt from Splendid Cycles...it was no problem.

I rode one of Joel and Barb's Bullitts (a white one--Milk model). The other guy in the photo is riding my cargo bike which you can see in other photos in this issue (a black one--John Player Spezial).

I am saving up for a Black Oak Trailer. I have had a number of items I have hauled lately that were too large for a pallet but certainly easy enough to carry on a bike trailer bit as no trailer exists in my garage, I had to borrow the neighbor's truck.

Cargo Bikes and Free Piles

2011-09-11T20:06:00.001-07:00

I do not know how it is in other cities, but in Portland, Or, if you wait long enough, you may just find what you need in a free pile.

Free piles are, piles (clever, eh?), that are found on the sides of roads, in the median strip. These piles are not junk, but useful items that the owner no longer needs, and that, likely, the owner does not want to have a yard sale.

I make free piles. It is good for everyone and I do not have to spend all day waiting around for $25.30. My free time is worth more.

Today, I headed down to Powell's bookstore on Burnside to pick up the October issue of bicycling magazine. This issue has an article on cargo bikes.

On the way home, I passed 3 free piles.

Stacked on my Bullitt cargo bike: shelf from IKEA; another shelf; concrete block; some slide viewers; and a magazine. The magazine...that was heavy (it contains an article on cargo bikes--Bicyclin magazine, October issue...author spells cargo bike with a hyphen).

Cargo-bike.

If you know me, I have pondered the varied spellings of cargo bike. For those that care. "cargo bike" as a compound noun with a space is the most common with "cargobike" as the next most common, and a hyphen as the last most common. (Based on readings of media involving cargo bikes. Hardly a longitudinal study but I am please with it.)

Bike Nap

2011-09-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

A tweet caught my attention this morning as it popped into the #cargobike column. @jamesdosborne shared that "Ellsley had her first #cargobike nap today!"

This had me remembering the numerous times that I would get to our destination and my sons would be asleep in our bike trailer, and later, our bakfiets. The beauty of either of these is that I had only to find some shade at our destination and let the children nap. And if they did not wake up when it was time to roll, fine. I did not have to wake them to pack them into a car.

I very quickly learned the benefit of carrying a book with me while biking my sons around. They napped. I read.

Do you have a photo of your child asleep in or on a bike? Put a link in the comments. I would like to make a collage later.

For more from @jamesdosborne, check out his blog One Less in Denver.

#15, Dreadlock Dude, and My Block Party

2011-09-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

I realize you are on a bike. I realize that you are slower and smaller than a car, and if you were to hit one of the kids running around in the street, there would be less damage. However, the street is still closed for a block party.

When the barricades are up, with a sign saying "Road Closed," it is not only for automobile traffic but for bikes as well. There is a block party going on. Kids are running around. We have tables and chairs and BBQs. Really, the sign is up to warn you that this is not a street you want to go down.

Please go around the block rather than through our block party on your bike.

I love you. I love bikes. I consider myself a bike person and pretty tolerant, but when person on a bike #15 rode through the party and got in the way of kids playing, I out up the garden hose to further display that this is not a street for riding today

It is one street. Surely you can go around.

Then there was the guy. The guy with dreadlocks on a bike who rode through the barricades, and the garden hose, knocking everything over, and blasted right through the party.

Not cool.

Again, I bike; am involved in bikey things; I have 11 bikes in our family. But seriously, this is why there is a sizable population of people who do not like bike related growth because they see it as supporting that guy. Why should they support a bike lane when it is just going to be used by an irreverent, ignorant, and unapologetic rider who has an overly blown sense of entitlement?

I wanted to defend people on bikes when my neighbors spoke poorly of Dready, when they connected his lack of respect to other instances they have experienced. But I realized that they were right--I would not want to support Dreadlock Dude.

I later put up orange line so it was even more obvious.

I know this is not the bike community as a whole. I know that you I cannot judge a group by one person. And I will not.

But Portland ... Let's be honest, there are many people out there that will judge. Mr. Dreadlocks is sending the wrong message and he is representing.

It was just one street. You could have gone around.

It Was a Great Day

2011-09-10T23:14:00.001-07:00

Kael's Trike

2011-09-10T23:13:00.001-07:00

We went to a block party recently where the Ross family lives. Phillip let us ride around on the trike (I believe) he had shipped up from Mexico.

It was a fun ride. Easier to tip than you think.

It made me want to move forward on building my own trike.

Free Pile Paradise

2011-08-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

There are countless reasons to love cargo bikes. One of my top reasons is spontaneous carrying capabilities.

On a ride today, I rode by a pile of tongue and groove wood, probably someone's old porch ceiling by the look and finish.

But to me, it is just what I need when I build a rabbit hutch this winter. I plan to make the hutch "house like" and will use this wood as the lap siding. I priced out the lap siding and it was somewhere around $60.

Free, reused, repurposed, reCYCLED.

I love my Bullitt.

Our Fiets of Parenthood

2011-08-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am breaking my trend of posting bike events this summer--this post is going out in a timely manner.

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The second annual Fiets of Parenthood took place this last Sunday on a side street next to Clever Cycles, a large seller of cargo bikes and cargo bike related love in Portland, OR. Fiets of Parenthood is a family oriented bike "competition" for kids and families with an emphasis on cargo bikes.

There is a list of wonderful people to thank for putting on this free and fun family event. I know how hard it is to organize events, especially those for families, and I thank you all for your time. Clever Cycles, of course was the happy host; Sarah Gilbert and Shetha kept the machine going; mcguire/barber designs created the superb logo; and Julian originally wrote about his idea for a Fiets of Parenthood, sharing with the rest of us.

I ring my bell thrice to you all.

Our family started at Peninsula Park where we met up with one other family for one stage of a Kidical Mass ride to Irving Park. From Irving, we rode to Clever Cycles, showing our children and everyone out that day that kids are, in fact, capable of riding a bike in the street. Biking is safe. Along the way, we observed traffic rules and educated the young. For our family the bike ride was an 8-mile round trip that an 11-, an 8-, and a 6-year-old completed on a scorching hot day (Thanks, Jewetts for having the water cups and supporting water breaks).

As the families on bikes (30 or so people) rounded the corner to Fiets of Parenthood, we heralded our arrival with joyous ringing of our bells.

First up was the Kindercross, a kid-centric cyclocross. Few things put a smile on my face like watching kids have fun on their bikes. Our own sons, Soren and Kael Wittwer, took second and third place respectively. Way to go Wittwer Kids!

Bike decorating was a big draw for our sons. Kael offered to customize helmets for kids and adults alike. Kael's helmet was especially awesome--a dragon. (I take credit for this son of ours.)

Next up was the Family Obstacle Course which used the same course as the Kindercross, but had the added difficulty of items to pick up as well as needing at least one child on board. One family, the Beerhorsts, did the course with six children. Props just for doing that. I used to get looks for carrying my three sons and groceries.

I ring my bell double thrice for you all.

I had two of our four sons as my co-cargonauts on our Bullitt, Asa, age 6, and Kael, age 11. We achieved a first place (tie with another family) in the Adult Obstacle Course. Asa did a full on Dukes-of-Hazard jump out of the box to obtain the dropped toy and Kael jousted the rings marvelously and lifted the groceries as if he had done that before.

Ruhiyyih and Soren, age 8, also took to the course on our Yuba, Soren jumping off the long tail and plunking those groceries easily in the huge Yuba Go-Getter bags.

A benefit of having an annual event is that it gets better each year. This year, the event course was more involved, and was a better use of the space.

The Start is in the center of the course, then soon after a right turn to the
Teeter-Totter which was difficult not because it teetered, but because it was so soon after a stop. The speed needed to go over it and the parallel orientation of a cargo bike was difficult. After the teeter-totter came the
Joust which consisted of 4 rings magnetically attached to a pipe and a sword for the child to poke through as many of the rings while cruising by. Points deducted for rings not jousted. Turn right and then right again and you hit the serious
Slalom through the cones, most of which we were able to do by just riding straight, then two right turns and it was time to load up on
Groceries, two bags which included some pipe insulation and paper towels for the upcoming winter. A right turn and then is was the
Slow Zone where Shetha would count to 3 and then you could take off again, turning right to get to the ... Oh, NO!
Dropped Toy. After the dropped toy recovery it is a
Speed Lap on to the sidewalk and then off of the sidewalk to the
Finish Line.

Average time (unscientifically) was somewhere around 1 minute 30 seconds which is pretty cool considering all that was done within that time. The Wittwer time, with the additions and subtractions of feats accomplished, was 1:09.

(For a complete walk through of the course with photos, go to my Fiets of Parenthood Course set.)

Heading home afterward, I was struck by the numerous missing families. Where were the all of the cargo bike families that I see on Sunday Parkways or at the pool? Where were the cargo curious families who wanted to view the performance? Maybe the event coincided with nap time. I know how valuable that time is, but I was left with a feeling that there was a large chunk of families missing; that only a small slice of the cargo bike coalition was present.

Next year, Portland. Next year. Get yourself out there!

The full 2011 Fiets of Parenthood photo set.

Fiets of Parenthood is a Northwest version of the Mama Bakfiets Race.

Start them young!

Fiets of Parenthood

2011-08-20T23:29:00.000-07:00

After watching a number of people talk about a cargo bike event, a few people up and did it last year. Thanks Sarah (for making it all happen), Julian (for the original idea), mcguire barber designs (for the sweet logo), and Clever Cycles (for hosting and tolerating).

Last year was the first (then hopefully annual) event, and behold ... it is now annual as tomorrow will mark the 2nd ANNUAL Fiets of Parenthood.

The event will be held in the street near Clever Cycles, 900 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97214, from Noon until 4 pm.

There will be events in which the kiddos can compete as well as the multi-stage, deeply serious, adult+kid(s) cargo bike course. There will be bike decorating, prizes, snacks, fun, and much MUCH MUCH more!

Last year, my sons and I did well, and considering that we had the largest number of kids on a cargo bike, three, we rocked it, coming in 2nd overall. We took the stages, the curb drop, and the weaving around the cones serious. Here is a photo of us, sporting the only Madsen at the event. Thanks for capturing it Shetha.

If you want to make the day an even greater adventure, join Kidical Mass and ride with us to the event. We will meet on the SE corner of Peninsula Park at 10:30 am, leaving very soon after, for a meet up at Irving Park Playground at 11:15 am, and then on to Fiets of Parenthood!

Fiets = Dutch for bike, allows for the great American English Pun. A nod toward the Dutch cargo bike culture with a bit of American smile.

Sci-Fi Velodrome

2011-08-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

"Sports up there. There's a velodrome ring here." [Armitage] pointed. (107)

"They race bicycles," Molly said. "Low grav, high-traction tires, get up over a hundred kilos an hour." (108)

Gibson, William. Neuromancer. New York: Ace, 1986. Print.

I recently reread Neuromancer as I needed a bit of light reading while my sons were in swim lessons. With this reading, I understood what a velodrome was.

I have been to the Alpenrose velodrome and was surprised that I enjoyed it. The setting was beautiful: green, good people, sun shine, and cool drinks. But I really did enjoy watching the racers go round the track, every now-and-again asking my friend rules and strategies.

photo taken from an outside wall just off Williams Avenue, Portland, OR.

Ru-Haula

2011-08-20T18:42:00.001-07:00

It is official--Ruhiyyih has claimed the Yuba Mundo for her own. It used to be mine. Now it is "ours," but really "hers."

All it took was one ride and she was hooked. I think much of Yuba's success is that it is a comfortable ride. It rides like a typical bike; there is nothing uniquely complicated or unusual feeling about it. It is just long.

Yuba also has an appealing price. As cargo bikes go, it is inexpensive, barely more than a typical bike, and about 1/3 the cost of a long john. In addition, Yuba has one of the greatest payload carrying capacities in its class.

What drew me to the Yuba was the well thought out frame that allows for many ways in which to carry items--kids or stuff. I have carried 8 pallets on my Yuba without trouble, 4 pallets on each side. Plywood, shelves, trees, groceries on one side without much in the way of a balance issue.

Ruhiyyih has effortlessly hauled kids, groceries, or in the case of this photo, visiting friends. Check out the chic side saddle position.

The Yuba Mundo is a good way to go if you want a cargo bike that will evolve with your lifestyle. By this, I mean that while you have kids, you can haul them. Eventually, your kids will grow up and ride their own bikes. At that point, the Mundo becomes your daily driver with the capacity to grab groceries, free piles, or large purchases from the ReBuilding Center.

If the idea of a Yuba Mundo (a cargo bike long tail) interests you, I recommend that you head over to Joe Bike and test ride one. You will be surprised on how well it handles.

Joe Bike is the world's largest seller of Yubas and a shop full of super people. In fact, the Joe Bike team has a ratio of 1.1 Yubas per employee. I may have to visit Joe Bike myself to get my own Yuba now that mine has been taken.

Ultimate Free Pile

2011-08-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

What is more Portland than bikes, beer, and coffee?

Free piles. And this last summer was the ultimate free pile. In fact, it was a free pile posing as a garage sale. Ben, the host, of the free pile (ever meet a free pile host?) is moving to Saudi Arabia for work and in doing so, wanted to pass on stuff he did not want to take with him.

Ben stated, "If you show up on a bicycle, I guarantee that you'll walk away with something for free. If you show up on a cargo bike, I'll even let you have a dresser, chair, TV, etc... (larger items) for free! As long as you can haul it away on your bike, you're good to go."

And good to go we were.

The six of us made the journey with two cargo bikes--Yuba and Bullitt--and 4 kid bikes. I wish I had a photo of our bikes as we left because we scored.

It was a great way to spend a Saturday and the 8 mile round-trip ride was a breeze, even little Asa who pretty much rocks a bike every time he puts foot to pedal. Thanks, Kael, for showing me the beauty of a free pile.

Dueling Long Tails

2011-08-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

On my ride yesterday: an xtracycle next to which I placed my Yuba. Two long tails. Fun sight.

This was on Williams Avenue, PDX outside Ristretto's Roasters.

3 Cargo Bikes

2011-08-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

I see a greater number of cargo bikes in my neighborhood. It used to be that the only sighting was the occasional Old Town Pizza-fiets cruising down Williams. Now I see several Xtracycles, a few UTEs, a Kona, and now this summer I see three cargo bikes consistently at my neighborhood pool (Peninsula).

I am pleased by the increase.

Bicyclists Being Bad

2011-08-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

First, I ten to avoid the term "bicyclist" as it is narrowing and dividing. It is as silly as identifying a group (or oneself) as O-positive-blood-ists. However, the alliteration worked and I went with it.

People who ride bikes are just as apt to disrespect other forms of transportation. Arguably, people on bikes are less so, you hope, because of their enlightened form of transport and awareness of how it feels to be on a bike around cars.

However, people on bikes do bad. Run stop lights in crowded intersections; cut through traffic without I if any indication of intention; careening down foot paths; and parking bikes in ways that block access to people walking.

I am big on bike parking. I like it. Find it gorgeous and when done right, artistic within the environment when it serves it's purpose. However, bikes are often locked in places that impede foo traffic. In the photo, these two bikes are blocking the access to the swimming pool side door. In the grand scheme, no biggie, but it made me consider the inconsiderate nature of the people who locked the bikes together, in front of this door.

Oh, the racks for parking may have been full but then the person on bike needs a better option. A person driving a car would hopefully circle until finding a spot rather than parking on the steps to the library because he "couldn't find a spot."

People who ride bikes already have a tenuous respect in this city. While Portland get accolades galore for biking this and that, many think the praise is at the expense of other's wants.

All I am saying is that I would have parked my bike around the corner at another rack, or somewhere that did not block an access door.

Seattle-to-Portland: The whole event

2011-07-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

"Nope. Can't take it," he stated just loud enough for others to hear while he looked at the floor, avoiding my eyes as if he felt he should help, people are watching after all, but did not want to engage in any further conversation than necessary.

By "it," the baggage handler at the Amtrak station in Portland, OR meant my cargo bike. But I called last month to make sure that it would work. I gave measurements and weights and everything, I told him. I even arrived an hour early just to deal with my bike.

"Nope. No. I cannot be responsible." He continued to avoid my eyes, hoping that I would just cease.

The weight limit for Amtrak is 50 pounds. My bike weight was 58 without extra road gear. I was sure I could take off enough stuff to get the bike down to 50 pounds so the real sticking point was that my Bullitt could not be put in a bike box because the pallet does not detach, making the bike wider than a box.

"It won't fit in a box," the baggage handler said aloud to himself. I discussed this with a baggage handler on the phone last month to check, I told him.

Something I learned from my father early on in my teenage years was that if a predicament or complication arises, just wait ... quietly. Stand. Let the other people figure it out. They always do if you do not leave. Staying enlists a sense of helping.

And it did. Luckily, two other guys came over, Eric, the conductor, and Bill, another baggage handler from many years of work. Bill told me that it would not be a problem and that Amtrak used to regularly take large items. "Silly," Bill said. He told me that my bike could easily be put in box car #14 which was empty save 4 car rims. Eric said that he would tell the guys in Seattle that there was a bike in the box car and that I would lift it out myself. The compromise that Bill and Eric created to appease the Portland, OR baggage handler was that I would lift my bike in and out of the box car. (On a side note, since I lifted the front wheel into the boxcar and then leveraged the back of the bike into the box car, I did not have to lift all 58 pounds of my heavy bike.)

With my bike kick stand down, back wheel locked in place, I thanked Eric and Bill for their help and found my seat on the train. Hassle #1 solved on my trip to Seattle for the 2011 Seattle-to-Portland bike ride. Happily, there were no more hassles. Given the increase of cargo bike usage in the Northwest, hopefully Amtrak will rethink their policies like Jet Blue did when it received feedback for charging a passenger for his folding bike was within the limits of checked luggage. Jet Blue responded within the day, solved the situation, and dealt with it well.

The Seattle Amtrak station is a beauty. I enjoy going through it. Has an old feel. Outside the station, I oriented myself for my ride up to Lake City Way. I must have had a perplexed look on my face, often the case when dealing with directions, because a police officer came over and offered suggestions. She looked at my route and made two suggestions that simplified my trip and allowed me to see the many new bike lanes and sharrows Seattle has put in. I have heard good things about Seattle's current mayor, McGinn, and was impressed with the changes to roads that I traveled only a year prior. Will Vanlue, The Prudent Cyclist, took some shots of these changes on his trip to Seattle in August 2011.

Part way on my trip to Lake City Way, two cabbies called me over so that they could check out my bike and they had a slew of questions. Turns out, that their brother could use a cargo bike like this in his food delivery job. I handed them a Splendid Cycles business card and the web site for Tom's Cargobikes.

In order to turn my Bullitt cargo bike into a road bike, I had to make a few modifications. Areo bars is was the first addition. Had to have them. On a whim, I had them on my cargo bike last year and found that they allowed me to change my position and stretch, a much needed thing on a ride that long on with a bike this heavy. Thanks Mike for the loan of the aero bars for a second year.

Camelback water system. I attached this small backpack to the left side of the handlebar down tube and sinched it to the rear attachment bar using the backpack straps. I now had 70 ounces of water for the trip. No need to stop if I did not want to. I routed the hydration tube up the handlebars and zip tied it by the areo bars.

I did install a water bottle cage in case I wanted to access water that way. I figured that I would take in lots of water in small sips over the course of the trip. Nuun gave me the bottle when I picked up my packet at REI in Seattle. I liked the feel of the bottle and the plastic did not add a weird taste to the water (no. 2 plastic) so I traded out the water bottle that I (stoled) borrowed from my son, Kael.

Black Star hip pack. This bag has come in handy many times. Well made, simple, and durable. Good compartments as well. I used this bag to house my snacks, phone, and keys. I attached the bad to the aero bars with zip ties and used the strap which came with the bag to hold down my luggage and camp gear on the pallet. It worked so well that I will make two similar straps for future cargo carrying needs (a long length of 2" webbing with fast tech buckle).

I had to change around the items on my handlebars to accommodate the aero bars. I turned the bell upside down so that I still had one (easier to not lose it that way as well) but would not hinder the elbow rests of the aero bar. I also had to turn the right hand shifter and brake a bit forward thereby putting it under the elbow rests as well.

SPD shoes and pedals. I did not get these specifically for STP, but I knew that they would be helpful. Last year, I rode in hiking shoes, normal pedals.

Joel, at Splendid Cycles, gave my bike a tune up, tighten, and grease job prior to my leaving. I heard some chatter in the linkage to the front wheel. After leaving the shop, the chatter was gone, brakes and gears tuned, pivot points greased.

I stayed with friends off of Lake City Way for a couple of days which gave me the opportunity to explore Seattle. I went to the library and found the "red hallway" and some great librarians who got me situated on a computer so I could check email.

Not knowing how far I was from UW or what the morning of the ride would bring, I over plan, I headed to the UW dorms to see if I could get a room for the night. I got one of the last rooms. Standing my bike up from corner to corner in the elevator, it just fit. Dinner, a bit of Netflix, and a lot of water, and it was just me and my cargo bike as the cool night air slipped in through the open door.

Next year I will stay at my friends' as they are quite close (4 miles) or at the starting line in a sleeping bag.

My training regiment this year was the same as last year--prayer and blind endurance. Even though my training did not include doing STP in a day, I was open to the possibility. At Centralia I would decide to "carry on" or "party down."

While my time from Seattle to Centrailia was 6.5 hours with one stop outside of Puyallup to pee, I decided to hang in Centrailia. It was a good decision. The original plan was that if I made it to Centrailia before noon, I could repeat the same time for the second 100 miles. However, I enjoyed spending the whole afternoon and evening in the shade, listening to bands, and consuming the free food swag. Orangesicles ... isn't that why people do STP? That orangesicle tastes so good after 100 miles.

Timing wise, I would do STP in a day. However, I do not think my body would have allowed me, especially without any official training. I will do it some day but not for many years. I need my kids older so I can consistently train. I will leave that one-day-STP-cargobike honor to someone from Team Beer, or ... you?

My friend, Scott Mizee, took this photo of me eating dinner, showing off yet another benefit of a cargo bike--chaise lounge. I had the all-you-can-eat potato bar and I did eat-all-I-could eat. The evening cooled down around 8 pm as I set out my sleeping bag. What a life. Sleeping under the stars on a warm night after a morning or riding.

The trip from Centrailia to Portland went smoothly. I am undecided whether I like the first or second half more. Both have their strengths in terms of visual appeal. I do like the long, focused part of HWY 30 (second half), but the variation in terrain of the first half is good. Plus, the first half has the famed "Puyallup Hill" which is a one-mile, 7% grade hill which becomes all the more a hill with a loaded cargo bike.

STP: Super Power Travis!

Last year, the route in Portland was to pass near my house but was changed a few times and ended up going over the Steel Bridge. However, this year the route did go down Vancouver St., two blocks away from my house so my family came out to see me pass by. They made signs. It was great seeing them after being gone for a number of days and although my house was only a short walk away, I had a few more miles to go to get to the finish line.

Why STP? I like STP because it is a long, quiet ride. Lots to see. Slow pace, not a race. It is like mountain climbing in that it is about reaching a destination, the goal, and it is about endurance and I have plenty of that. Both years, I brought along a music player and a song list for the ride. Both years I did not use the player. I have found that having music playing in my ears would ruin the ride, make me feel removed from my surroundings.

Why cargo bike? Keeps me in check. Steady. It represents my style. My speed. It is strength over speed. I drove a VW van for a similar reason because it forced me to slow down and enjoy the ride. I get too amped up when left to my own devices. A cargo bike allows me to appreciate the world around me. Plus, I can totally carry anything I happen upon in any free pile I pass.

Last year I did STP on the Metrofiets Manifest cargo bike. This year a Bullitt. Next year, my wife and I may do STP and if that is the set up, I will do it on a traditional road bike, enjoying the trip with Ruhiyyih, and seeing how much less energy I will need to expend, using a road bike.

Me at home.

The numbers ...

58-pound bike

10 pounds of road gear

30 pounds of luggage/camp gear

6.5 hours from Seattle to Centralia with one stop

7 hours from Centrailia to Portland

Last year's STP on a Metrofiets. Before my ride Right Before my trip to Seattle and the Reflections on my 2010 STP.

More photos from my STP trip, visit the Flickr set.

Yes, this post is nearly a month from the actual trip. I have been busy. Thanks.

Precious Cargo

2011-07-25T17:52:00.001-07:00

Cargo Bike Film Rig

2011-07-25T17:36:00.001-07:00

Rickshaw Wonder

2011-07-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Filmed by Bike trailer

2011-07-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

11:30 am pull out to film the trailer. Basic premise: kid leading a pack of people on bikes to the Filmed by Bike festival.

Join in. 1306 NW Hoyt. PDX, OR

Amsterdamized meets Nutcase Helmets Head On

2011-07-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Tweets have been sent out by Amsterdamized (web site) to NutcaseHelmets (web site) without response. Perhaps NCH has responded offline, but that would not do much for their case.

NCH has been called out. Will NCH respond?

Here is the NCH page of which @Amsterdamize speaks. The background contains smashed watermelons to connote your brain being smashed if you do not have a NCH on. The red pulpy mess is visually effective. However, is it an appropriate metaphor?

In the center of the NCH Safety page is a clip board with statistics. The one that I find most odd is where it is stated that "85% of bicyclists killed in 2003 reportedly were not wearing helmets."

I think this statistic could have been added because NCH wanted an even number of bulleted items, but what gets me is that NCH is implying that the deaths of those people on bikes was related to not wearing a helmet. This is not causational. At best, it may be correlational. However, it is clearly ridiculational.

I will not even start to tear apart the spurious logic contained in the claim that "85% of bicyclists killed ... were not wearing helmets." But I will share a story. My high school physics teacher was in the Navy. He told as a story, as a way to show poorly connected data, where he and his ship mates were coming off a ship and each was handed a box of a certain brand of cigarette. On the pier, a reporter asked each sailor what brand he was smoking. This reported then reported that nearly 100% of the American sailors prefer this certain brand of cigarette.

I understand that this story is one of data created, rather than poorly analyzed data. The point is to bring to light that there are more factors involved than can easily be put into an 85% statement like the one on the NCH page.

Similarly, I could state that 98% of people on bikes killed last year were wearing underwear. It is probably true, but just as silly.

I have no problem with helmet use, helmet wearing, or helmet buying. All four of my sons have helments. In fact, the helments are NCH.

My sons have helmets because it is the law in Portland, OR as well as the fact that they are kids and as such are prone to the small tips in which a helmet would surely help.

I own a helmet as well. Two. On some of the organized rides I attend, it is mandatory. I have a long distance, light helmet as well as a Bern for around town if I feel the need. Mostly, I do not wear a helmet simply because I do not want to connect "riding a bike" with "unsafe."

I also appreciate NCH's support of Filmed by Bike and that they are a Portland company.

Much of the helmet conversation is filled with emotion and the idea that covering something with something will, undoubtedly, keep you safe--after all, we put shoes on our feet to keep them safe from sharp rocks. But this conversational logic is flawed.

For further thoughts on helmet use and laws, I recommend No Helmet Law. Or head over to Portlandize for an angle.

STP Centralia

2011-07-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

At the half way point. 100 (that is probably not precise) miles completed. 11:30 am. Six and one half hours.

I thought about doing a one day ride this year, but without training, the results would be forced. Time wise, the numbers show it is feasible at my watch-the-country-side pace.

Riding style is steady, slow, strong. Few to no stops.

Bullitt Bike Mods/Adjs for STP

2011-07-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Areo bars: not so much for speed but for allowing me to stretch.

Camelback attached to the handlebar down tube with the hydration tube up by the handlebars.

Black Star hip pack for snacks; attached to aero bars.

I did add a water bottle cage with bottle given to me by Nuun.

Thick webbing strap to hold my gear, clothes, and camping stuff on pallet.

STP 2011

2011-07-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

My bike and I are ready for STP. My Bullitt now weighs about 80 pounds. 58 for bike and about 20 for gear and luggage.

I am currently at Haggert Hall, one of the dorms set up at UW for STPers. This puts me closer to the start line so my morning will be more smooth. I have a terrible sense of direction so anything that can put me where I need to be is great.

I did STP last year on a cargo bike. I used The Manifest bike built by Metrofiets (PDX). It was a smooth ride.

I like STP because it is a long ride where the distractions of life lift away at least for the moment. It is zen on the road.

Clothes Hanger Style Bike Rack

2011-07-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Notice how this rack is being used like a staple rack? That is because the "hangers" are near worthless for ease of use and security. Let alone slipping your bike within to utilize the hanger if you wanted to attach your bike to a small girth tube for security.

Seattle, WA Stewart St

STP Markings Appear!

2011-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

The markings were out today! I saw these on my route to the Amtrak station.

Happily, the STP route runs two blocks from my house (on Vancouver St.) this year. Would have last year, but route changed a few times.

Locking My Bike

2011-07-06T15:14:00.001-07:00

The ultimate goal when locking up your is to not have it taken. My father tells me stories of how he and his friends would ride their bikes to school and just place them in the school style rack (grill).

While this may have worked for my father in Wisconsin, in the 1950s, it will not work today.

However, no matter what you do, there will always be a way to steal a bike. You may have the best locks in the world, but if the rack or pole is weak, then you have a weakness.

All you can really do is make it hard to take your bike--discourage the theft. In a sad way, your goal is to make the thief move on to another bike.

Place your bike in a visible area. Do not leave your bike, on a rack, outside, overnight.

I have a hub generator so I throw a cable around the wheel and attach it to my U-Lock (locked to frame and rack).

This type of cable is not hard to cut through, but I am creating a deterrent. I will replace this cable with a more durable one when I can.

In some ways, the presence of several locks will send the message that "this bike" is not worth your time. (You could argue that several locks says "steal me because I must be worth a lot of money," but I have not found that to be true.)

I have a rear wheel lock. This type of lock is great for use with other locks, and especially that time when you get to the library and realize that you do not have your U-Lock with you. It works for a quick jaunt in and out. Or when you can see your bike from your cafe chair.

I recommend purchasing a rear wheel lock because you will always have some lock on you. Remember ... deterrent.

I have another cable that goes through my seat and back to my U-Lock. You can take out the quick release on the seat post and put in an odd-head-bolt to achieve the same purpose.

Then the U-Lock which connects my frame (the bike) to the rack.

This may seem excessive. However, it does not take long to set up and I figure less than a minute of time is worth having my whole bike there when I get back.

Locking up your bike (well and securely) is a good habit to get into.

I have posted this video before, but it warrants posting again: Hal Grades Your Bike Locking.

Photos taken with the only camera on my person that day--my phone. Funny how we have accepted lower quality photos for higher convenience.

Filmed By Bike 2011

2011-07-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ruhiyyih and I had a great evening with friends and film. After the ride over, we had dinner at Noho's Hawaiian cafe. Then some preshow waiting in line.

My favorite films this year:

(a) Drunk Girls -- LCD Soundsystem (NY, NY)

(b) Get Dirty -- Robin Moore (Portland, OR)

(d) All You Haters (Sux My Balls) -- Evan Nix and Adam Nix (Denver, CO)

Last year, I won a Black Star hip bag in the raffle and this year a Ergon backpack likely due to the ticket containing the all-magic number 37. I think Ruhiyyih has claimed the backpack as she has started to adjust it to her frame.

I will use the Black Star bag during STP this year as it worked so well last year. The backpack, I have yet to try it out on a ride, but it is super comfortable. It does not flop around when you move from side-to-side.

Afterwards, dancing and celebrations!

Klean Kanteen Family

2011-07-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

A Mama bottle, a Daddy bottle, and a Kid bottle.

Thanks, Ethan and Kellie Jewett.

Awarded bottles at a BBQ for spirited family dress up. (It was Ruhiyyih's blue suede boots, wasn't it?)

Happy 4th

2011-07-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Did you do up your bike as if attending a small town parade? We did.

Ruhiyyih went all out. Ribbons everywhere. I will post photos of the other bikes this evening.

Host a Cargo Bike Round Up

2011-07-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

In April of 2011, Joel, of Splendid Cycles, organized a Cargo Bike Roundup for a visiting writer, doing an article on cargo bike culture. This event was well received and attended.

This set in motion another cargo bike gathering. This time during Pedalpalooza.

Phillip and Jamie, of Metrofiets, organized another gathering. This time to celebrate Pedalpalooza and showcase their new Beer Bike.

You can host a cargo bike gathering in your city. It is quite easy. I have a few suggestions for you.

Local cargo bike shops and builders--enlist and encourage the builders and sellers of cargo bikes in your area to support and promote the gathering. These people often have an email list, newsletter, or, at the very least, some space on their window for a poster.
Beer--do not even think about gathering up cargo bike enthusiasts without the promise of some beer (free or available). Beer gathers. I think cargo bikes and do not require the draw of beer. However, it does make a difference.
Brewery with large front space--find a cool brewery (locally brewed if possible and you can enlist them in promoting your event) with ample front space for 30 cargo bikes. The cargo bikes will be out front, displayed, like a hot rod show. The brewery can also use your even to bring the "cargo curious" folks of your town in. Nowhere where there be such a selection of bikes on hand for show and try.
Beer--You need to have it available.
Shift.list--your area may have a similar communication network.
Facebook--love it or hate it, it serves the purpose. Make sure to come up with an icon for your event so that people can see it in the feed. Suggest to all of your friends to like and share.
Flickr--Put a photo with notice in your Flickrstream. You probably have contacts within your city.
Twitter--Tweets. Short. Simple. Send them out daily. Ask your tweeps to retweet.
Pamphlets--have a few on hand to pass out or place on cargo bikes you see.
Beer--we were at Cascade Brewery in Portland, Oregon. These guys make superb sour beers. It was not until this event that I had one. Yum.

Future Ideas

Cargo curious event for people to attend that are looking for a cargo bike. Shops and builders could display and share their bikes. People could test ride and ask questions.
Cargo Bike Drive In Movie.

Want to know more?

Example of Cargo Bike Roll Call flyer and the Flickr set for this event.

There is even a Portland Cargo Bike Roll Call Flickr group now. Hopefully this means that there will be more of these events to come.

Penny Farthing Handlebars

2011-07-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

Penny Farthing

2011-07-02T14:58:00.001-07:00

Aptly named for the relative size difference between front and rear wheels.

'Rackfast--the most important meal!

2011-06-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

The fam' and I were making those drawings-to-plates yesterday and this was one of my designs. I decided on my other one, a full plate waffle, but thought this idea good enough to share.

I see a T-shirt design in the future. I like the 1950s style kid; the Rebus; and the pun.

If you are interested, I have a Bike Rack group on Flickr. You can also search Twitter for the #bikeparking feed.

Bullitt Pallet Tie Downs

2011-06-26T13:01:00.001-07:00

One of many modifications/attachments that I will work on this summer for my Bullitt. Others are:

1) a modular pallett flat that reassembles into pallett sides--covers the honeycomb Buillitt pallet so that the floor raises above the Bullitt rails so no load is directly on sides and then lifts and is put back in the Bullitt rail slots to form Taller side rails.

Yes, I spelled pallett with two "t"s like Bullitt.

2) side rail straps--easy to pack and store and will allow just enough side support for grocery bags.

3) and folding bag that goes just in front of head tube and on pallet. This will hold those little things that I carry but do not need the full cargo bike bed.

4) glove box bag on cyclist's side of head tube to hold lock and cable; tool kit; misc items.

Maybe I can work with Black Star bags (Portland, OR, Alberta St.) to fabricate a final bag.

Cycle Track ... Well, sort of

2011-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

This traffic arrangement happened today in Portland during Sunday Parkways. It was on a stretch of the route on Willamette Blvd.

It was great to ride. Transportation of all types moved swiftly and easily on this stretch. Was this just a happy coincidence of route planning or, and I can hope here, is it an experiment?

I hope for an experiment.

Reason #38: Free Piles

2011-06-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

Came across a free, large bush, about 4-years-old. Good leaf quality and color. Will flower some sort. Was in median strip. Then cargo bike. Now in side yard where a bush was needed.

Cargo Bike Roll Call: calling all cargonauts and the cargo curious

2011-06-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 24 · 5:00p- 8:00pm

Location	939 SE Belmont St., Portland, Oregon

Created By	Phillip Ross

More Info	CARGO BIKE FUN WITH METROFIETS! IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE LARGEST ARRAY OF CARGO BIKES IN PDX - AND DRINK SOME GOOD BEER WHILE DOING SO - THIS IS THE EVENT FOR YOU! Friday, June 24th, 5- 8 pm, we will be showing off OUR NEW BEER BIKE while hosting a cargo bike meet and greet at Cascade Brewery's Barrel House - cash bar. (939 SE Belmont). Please spread the word - no cargo bikes will be turned away - trikes, quads, bents, longtails, boxbikes, sterobikes, etc - all are welcome and encouraged to RSVP as well. RSVP as soon as possible. The brewery needs to know how many bikes will be on display so they can plan accordingly. Thanks to Joel at Splendid Cycles for spearheading the first ever cargo bike get together a few months back. It was super fun if you missed it!

The above photo is of Metrofiets' first beer bike for HUB. It would be cool to have a side-by-side photo. And then make 6 more for a "6 pack" photo!

Pedalpalooza Mr. Mom Ride

2011-06-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

"So how many miles was your Mr. Mom ride?" my lovely wife asks as I return home with the kids.

"220 ... 221 miles. Whatever it took," is how I responded.

Today was the first of what will hopefully be an annual Mr. Mom Ride during Pedalpalooza.

I was 11 when the movie, Mr. Mom, came out. It was hilarious then and even more so because I am a Mr. Mom. Aside from the several years I took off from work to stay home with the kids, I enjoy being the person at home with the kids. I find "Mr. Mom" to be a compliment.

For those of you unfamiliar with the movie, here is the IMDb listing for Mr. Mom. Don't worry. My kids have not seen it either so I will have to educate them. However, for their generation, the idea of a stay-at-home dad is not too out of the ordinary.

Daniel and Gigi, the organizers of the ride. (Damn, that apron is a clever option. I should have done that. Let's require ... er ... encourage ... that next year.) These two set up a ride that took us to many of the Fatherly points of Portland.

Ethan-dad tried to unionize us all given that we are among the lowest paid childcare providers. I will have to think about that one before I sign up for my card.

First up was the obstacle course of Manly Skill. Cups were placed about the playground with the goal being to tap, nudge, or otherwise hit the cups with your

tire, but not break the cups. It is harder than it looks. I tried. In addition to the difficulty of the task, the sound and explosion of shattered plastic everywhere was too fun for the kids to not ride over a few. With 1-point for a correct nudge and a negative 2-points for any crushed cup, the high score was 4.

This location, the playground behind a school, presented an unexpected, but much loved by the kids stop--the dumpster. It was a Manly dumpster keep in mind. It was full of all sorts of discarded materials from classrooms that no longer had room for such things. My middle son, Soren, scored 25 markers. When they took their baths tonight, they mentioned that this was one of the highlights.

Just down from the park is Manly Fire Station #14. These gents allowed us to check out the firehouse and engine. However, upon arrival into the station, the alarm sounded and they were off. Joe-dad, being the wise one that he is, took this opportunity to educate his brood on the act of leaving the house. Just like the firefighters--quick, without complaint, and it really does not matter which sippy cup or shoes you have. When it is time to leave the house, it is time to leave.

Then the long ride to Sassy Bar & Grill for some Fatherly Grilled Cheese. When I read that we would stop for grilled cheese at Sassy's, I thought it was some new kid joint. However, it was the original Sassy's. I figured that Daniel and Gigi were mistaken in their stop. This could not be the place. But it was and when the tray of sandwiches was brought out by two quickly covered ladies, I could not help by smile. Needless to say, we ate al fresco.

We ended up at The Mashed Tun for some Manly Munchies and Fatherly Fun. This stop also coincided with happy hour. Nice one, Gigi. The best part of this stop, the abandoned field next door. Give my kids a field with rocks, lumber, and dirt and they are in heaven.

Having ridden a distance, eaten some chow, and toasted our drinks, my brood is ready for a nap.

For more photos of this ride, check out the Mr. Mom Ride Flickr set.