Now that the weather in Los
Angeles has gone from pleasant to perfect with the subtle advent of
spring, I've been spending more time risking my life atop my bicycle as
I wend my way to meetings and errands. As a faithful urbanist I have
little trouble convincing myself of cycling's merits, which, as former
California State Health Officer Dr. Richard Jackson likes to say, can
"improve your life span, lower your blood pressure, make you better
looking, improve your sex life, and save you money." Sounds good to
me.
Cycling
Increasing Bike Ridership Means Pulling in Women
In the U.S., men bike far more than women. Some researchers suggest that understanding and meeting the demands of women is the best way to increase overall ridership.
Scientific American
How Transferable is Holland's Bike Culture?
Cyclists hear a lot about how much better the biking is in Europe. The Brooklyn Paper takes a look at why, and whether or not the lessons of Amsterdam are applicable in the US.
The Brooklyn Paper
London Mayor Cuts Cycling Funds
London mayor Boris Johnson is facing backlash for withdrawing money from bike route funds to rephase traffic lights, among other things. The move is less than effective for making London a "true cycling city," say critics.
Guardian (UK)
Have Bike Lanes, Cyclists Will Travel
Cyclists are much more likely to use bike lanes when they're available -- even if it means going out of their way and taking longer routes, according to a recent study from Portland State University.
A Snapshot of Cycling in Upstate New York
An Albany newspaper takes a look at cycling in the Capital District: cycling is up, and advocacy groups are working to take advantage of it.
Metroland
Cities React as Drivers Become Cyclists
Across the country, cities are trying to figure out how to handle the rising tide of cyclists riding through their streets. A common reaction is to offer classes on safe cycling.
The Christian Science Monitor
Employers Going Beyond Requirements for Commute Alternatives
Employers in the Seattle area are outpacing City Hall in providing incentives to employees not to drive to work in single occupancy cars. A state law even requires companies with 100 or more commuters to provide alternative commuting plans.
The Seattle Times
Bicycling in U.S. is Risky Business
The US has never encouraged cycling as a practical mode of travel, and as a result, biking to work is a rare and hazardous activity, with four times the fatality rate of some European countries. A Rutgers University study shows how that can change.
New Urban News
It's Just Like Riding A Bike...Mostly, Kinda
What can leaders of a particularly hilly city do to encourage cycling? Well, they can try making it easier to ride a bike.
Citymayors.com
Simple Cycling Solutions
Wed, 03/26/2008 - 10:21
A Billion Reasons to Take Biking Seriously
Mon, 01/14/2008 - 21:33
Sometime in the last year – when the smart people in North America weren't looking – bike-sharing turned into a billion-dollar industry.
I may be exaggerating when I say “industry.” But not “billion.”
Smart Growth Safety Benefits
Tue, 11/20/2007 - 06:02
Many families move to sprawled, automobile-dependent suburbs because they want a safe place to raise their children. They are mistaken. A smart growth community is actually a much safer and healthier place to live overall.
