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This recent editorial from the Christian Science Monitor“There’s no reason that Europe or China should have the fastest trains,” said President Obama in his State of the Union speech. Actually, there is one reason that might hold back America from having a much-needed high-speed rail system: a long-term government commitment to fund it True, the Obama White House has worked up a head of steam in favor of fast trains. It has already dedicated $8 billion to them in the 2009 Recovery Act. And it hopes Congress will spend another $5 billion over five years to keep this idea moving.Together, that would be more than three times the annual budget for Amtrak – a sum as energizing to regular train users as a locomotive whistle. But the new spending won’t complete even one train line that exceeds 150 m.p.h. – the definition of a fast train. It will help only two states, California and Florida, to build such lines (California’s alone is expected to cost at least $45 billion). And it will improve speed and safety in other corridors around the country, such as St. Louis to Chicago, and Portland, Ore., to Seattle, but not break the 150 m.p.h. barrier there.If Obama wants to be known for fast trains as Dwight Eisenhower was for interstate highways, he will need long-term buy-in from Congress, from state and local governments, and from private investors. To fund an investment this big, the support must be bipartisan, must include multiple funding sources, and must continue over administrations.That may not be as hard as it looks, largely because reasons against high-speed rail are falling by the wayside. One traditional one is that America is too spread out to make fast trains economically viable. But few people are talking about a system to connect the entire country. Over the years, the Department of Transportation has designated 11 “corridors” where high-speed rail would benefit highly populated areas. It’s an approach that makes sense.Read more.....
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2010/02/obamas-high-speed-rail-program.html
Join County Supervisor Carole Groom and keynote speaker Gil Penalosa of Walk and Bike for Life. Learn about the many benefits of active public spaces, joint use agreements, community and school gardens, and park equity mapping.Workshops will be provided by the Prevention Institute, the Trust for Public Land, Planning for Healthy Places, and Collective Roots.RSVP is required for this FREE event. Space is limited. Lunch will be provided.To register: call (650)363-4568 or e-mail gquiney@co.sanmateo.ca.us.You can also catch Mr. Penalosa in San Mateo on the 15th -http://bikesiliconvalley.org/content/944.October 16, 2009 - 8:30am - 1:30pm 399 Marine Parkway Redwood Shores Library Redwood City, CA
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/10/gil-penalosa-of-walk-and-bike-for-life.html
Spotted this cart being used by the Chai vendor at tonight's Bike-In movie.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/shopping-cart-bike-trailer.html
Found this Surley parked outside of the Saratoga REI. This Surley "Big Dummy" outfitted an ExtraCycle kit has all a Silicon Valley Family Needs; two child carriers, a pick up bed located in the front, complete light and horn kit and even 4 water bottle holders.The child carrier looks like it is a hand built custom kit complete with a child proof kick plate.The Extracycle bags on the rear provide plenty of room for groceries and the bed up front is perfect for larger items such as the kids toys.If any one wants go share their families "SUV" and their stories of a car free or car-lite life, leave me a comment here.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-family-suv.html
So Let me get this straight. If I drive a truck (solo of course) bigger than most Japanese houses, and I stencil an Amerkin flag on the side of the truck (which is almost the size of a highway billboard), I am an American Patriot. How did we get here. How does this supposed to represent hard working, sensible, tolerant Americans. The sheer energy just to move this thing off of a stop light could power my home for 2 days. It's no wonder why former President Bush how to go to the Saudi's; hat in hand to beg to keep the oil spigots open. Middle East oil barrons just love to see pictures like this. More money to fund terrorist projects. So please sir, ask yourself this question; "Who is the true American Patriot, Me, or that guy on the bicycle I just ran over?".
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/dont-let-flag-fool-you-he-is-part-of.html
So Let me get this straight. If I drive a truck (solo of course) bigger than most Japanese houses, and I stencil an Amerkin flag on the side of the truck (which is almost the size of a highway billboard), I am an American Patriot. How did we get here. How does this supposed to represent hard working, sensible, tolerant Americans. The sheer energy just to move this thing off of a stop light could power my home for 2 days. It's no wonder why former President Bush how to go to the Saudi's; hat in hand to beg to keep the oil spigots open. Middle East oil barrons just love to see pictures like this. More money to fund terrorist projects. So please sir, ask yourself this question; "Who is the true American Patriot, Me, or that guy on the bicycle I just ran over?".
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/dont-let-flag-fool-you-he-is-part-of.html
What was the extra-ordinary, is not just the everyday and ordinary.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/honey-when-did-i-get-so-fat-i-used-to.html
Or ...Tree Mulch is the Only Off-Road These Beasts will ever see.Las Palmas Park, Sunnyvale, Ca, USAThe two photos below show (illegal) overflow parking at a local park even though there was ample parking across the street.For those of you who read this blog from, Europe, Brazil, Australia, and and Japan; I don't make this stuff up; this is not Hollywood, this is real life in the Silicon Valley. We are overrun with cars; and not just Euro and Japan size cars with 2.5 liter engines, but monsters; the size of my aparment when I lived in Tokyo.In the pictures above these 4WD beasts drove over "dangerous" Tree Mulch to find these covered spaces.As James Kuntsler mentioned in "The Geography of Nowhere"; "if beings from another planet landed on this one they would think that it was inhabited by automobiles." If they saw this scene they would observe that the big fat earthlings were having a summer picnic. The photo above was taken a couple of days ago showing just how brazen we have become.I would welcome any comments you would have. -- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/hey-where-do-we-park-our-tanks.html
I'm trying to be positive here. This guy orgal could really use a bike. Think of the cleaner air, increased health,as well as the school children who can walk, ride, and play.So fellow cyclists, let's show this guy just how healthy and fun cycling can be.THIS is why I Ride.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/no-this-is-not-amsterdam-yur-in-amerka.html
On Miller in front of Both Lynbrook High School and Rainbow Park in San Jose. 10:21 AM-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/alert-large-branch-down.html
Athena Ford, 20 the driver charged with felony vehicular manslaughter in the death of Paul Benabides pleaded no-contest to the charges on July 24th. The women was "playing" a game of car-surfing with Paul, her boyfriend, when he fell from the roof of the car at speeds of up to 40 mph. The street, Lois Ave. in Sunnyvale is a residential street with a speed limit of 25 mph. One of the factors given for the accident besides speed was alcohol. Ford has been scheduled for sentencig on September 14 of this year where she could face up to one year in jail. In a previous post, I mentioned how suprised I was that on this quiet residential street, a couple of days after the accident there was no evidence that a young man had tragically lost his life. There were no candles, pictures, ribbons, street markings; not even the telltale signs of road flares that would indicate a recent accident. Paul Benabides -- RIP
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/car-surfing-driver-pleads-no-contest-in.html
Had to take a photo of this car while riding by this morning. The sign on the windshiel says "Cash For Clunkers Approved. The car was parked at a Shell station at the corner of Stelling Rd. and Stevens Creek Blvd. in Cupertino. Can't figure out what the direct connection to the Shell Station.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/08/cash-for-clunkers-approved.html
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/even-more-photos-of-no-pants-ride.html
More Photos
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/san-jose-bike-party-july-ride-no-pants.html
What is it about bikes and Peet's Coffee in the Rose Garden area.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-schwinn-spotted-on-alemeada.html
Nice. It's a Schwinn Grey Ghost!-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-schwinn-spotted.html
This old Schwinn spotted at Peet's in downtown San Jose.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-old-schwinn.html
New Game! To encourage the residents and visitors to the Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area to get out more often and explore the area by foot and by bike I'll be starting a new game. Since I am out and about the area on a daily basis I have been taking a lot of pics with my new iPhone. I will be taking pictures of areas, monuments, works of art, plazas, stations etc. The main theme of the photos is that they will be shot from walkways, sidewalks, plazas, bikeways, and bridges. There is no hard and fast rule, but in general I hope to take pics of interesting places you would only see if you were not travelling by car over 25 miles per hour. Ok.... The first photo is:Leave you answer in a comment post.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/view-from-street.html
Friday Night's ride witnessed about 2,500 riders with just about all showing their "No Pants", which included grass skirts, tennis dresses, anatomically correct male biking shorts, bikinis, pajamas, kilts and all manner of no pants. Dont Miss next month's Ride....Beach Blanket Bike-AlongMeeting at a new locationMarketplace Center
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/no-pants-ride-bike-love-and-no-pants.html
It will be 70 degrees tonight; don't just sit at home. Meet at Dick's Center tonight at 8:30 fir a nice ride through San Jose with about 1,000 of your neighbors. Rememer, no pants; skirts, kilts, shorts, pajamas or other. Just no pants!-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/tonight-pants-ride.html
Came upon this sad sight on a 1 AM ride. Must be recent; candles still burning and flowers still fresh.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/1am-discovery-summyvale-saratoga-td.html
Came upon this sad sight on a 1 AM ride. Must be recent; candles still burning and flowers still fresh.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/1am-discovery-summyvale-saratoga-td.html
Came upon this sad sight on a 1 AM ride. Must be recent; candles still burning and flowers still fresh.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/1am-discovery-summyvale-saratoga-td.html
Given that this coffee shop is situated at two heavily used bike routes; on Foothill Experssway and Homestead Rd., along with Starbucks competion just 39 steps away it would only seem natural for the local favorite to cater to cyclists.Well they do have a bike parking rack although of is not covered it is somewhat close to the entrance. It looks, however that it was just added after the fact since it was shoehorned between the car parking lot and the business/shop walkway.Given the local being well used by cyclists I would expected just a little more.I would give this business a B+.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/peet-coffee-at-homestead-foothill.html
While on my way home this warm summer evening I stopped by the local library branch to do an after hours book drop off. I was pleasantly suprised when I saw the signs pictured here (sorry for the nightine quality). A local bike shop; Calabases Bike Shop provides the free lock rentals. What a great way to show the community you care. Now if only the neighborhood streets were more bike friendly. Oh well; baby steps, right.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/san-jose-calabases-library-bike-parking.html
Cecil Cox pleaded no contest in the hit and run deaths of Edina Oliva, 70 and Oralia Puga-Ramirez, 73. The two elderly women were hit on August 9, 2008, while crossing Stevens Creek Blvd. and Cypress Avenue while in a crosswalk. Although the Santa Clara Distric Attorney's office was seeking a nine year sentence the court disagreed and felt that seven years was a more approriate sentence. Cox who was homeless at the time was eventually arrested after he was sighted at a local public library.
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/cecil-wayne-cox-pleads-no-contest-in.html
Some photos of a bike thief in Union Square, San Francisco.Thanks to geekstinkbreath at Flickr -- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/thief-caught-in-act-in-union-square.html
Tree Down in bike lane and sidewalk.; on Prospect Rd. and Via Roncole, just west of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. in the eastbound lane. Caution - bikes headed downhill at a high rate of speed.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/bike-lane-alert-cupertino.html
This article is a repost from my friends over at the World Carfree Network. The article was written by by Ton Daggers and Jane Harding.In Groningen, the Netherlands’sixth largest city, the main form of transport is the bicycle. The city is famous for having the highest percentage of bicycle usage in the world. How has Groningen done it? Cycling here, and indeed in much of the Netherlands, is just the norm. The success comes from a series of sound policies which view cycling as an integral part of urban renewal, planning and transport strategy. By providing proper infrastructure and amenities cycling has blossomed over time and today the main 46 routes of the cycling network is used daily by 216,000 citizens. By prioritising and promoting cycling as the main mode of transportation, city planners, local authori-ties and cycling advocates have played an important part in the city’s reputation as a great place to live. Groningen has a relatively young population of approximately 180,000 inhabitants, which account for a large proportion of the city bikers, but people of all ages opting for two wheels over four. And this is a growing trend. Research by Groningen municipality in 2008 showed a considerable growth of cycling in the last years: an average of 1.4 bicycle trips per person per day in the city, making up more than 50% of the total journeys, a growth of 9% from 2007. In order to further understand the sucess of the bicycle in Groningen, it is important to look at how urban design and policies have changed over time to make it the leading cycle city we see today.“Cycling is viewed as an integral part of urban renewal, planning and transport strategy”History of Carfree Development The city has a long history of urban developments which have maintained the value of keeping the inner city as a central point for a host of activities: a blend of living, working and shopping which favours pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation over the car. Since the 1960s the municipality has been way ahead in its traffic plans and spatial planning policies; maintaining a vision of a “compact city”and implementing policies which have led to a carfree city centre, with almost all areas easily reachable by bicycle. However, the path has not always been easy. During the 1950s and 1960s most cities and towns in the Netherlands were making room for vechicles – some even removed bicycle paths in order to free up space for the car. In Groningen, motorisation was growing rapidly and so was suburban sprawl – there were no restrictions for cars driving through and very few cycle routes leading to the centre. The motorist was king at this time.In 1972, local authorities changed the emphasis of urban planning and development in Groningen. The centre of the city was to be considered as the “living room”for its people. The basic concept used in urban planning was based on the “compact city”vision, which placed an integrated transport system high on the agenda – for an inner city favouring a combined use of pedestrians, cyclists, buses and other means of public transport. A traffic circulation plan divided the inner city into four sections and a ring road was built, encircling the city and reducing access to the centre by car. The result was an inner city which is entirely closed off to cars, and only possible to travel between sectors by walking, bicycling or using public transport. What has further spurred the use of bicycles over all other sustainable transportation is the huge expansion of the cycle network – there are many traffic free bike lanes from the outskirts to the city centre – making cycling is the most viable mode of transport for most journeys.Importance of policy The city treats cyclists with respect. A series of sound transportation policies and invest-ments has maintained a carfree urban space – favouring walking, public transport and predominantly cycling. This has resulted in a major trend away from car-use to bike-use in the city of Groningen. Between 1989 and 2000, € 23 million was invested in cycling infrastructure and the annual amount con-tinues to grow. Investments have also been made to expand the network of cycling lanes, improve the pavements, build bridges for cyclists, and many more bike parking facilities – making cycling faster and more convenient. As cycling is the lifeblood of the city, it has been given adequate space and time to flow safely and efficiently. During the 1980s and 1990s a car parking policy was strictly implemented. Car parking with time restrictions was introduced in a broad radius around the inner city. Park and Ride areas were created combined with city buses and other high quality public transport. But overall, cycling policy has been central to the traffic plans, which in contrast, car accessibility has been restricted within the city centre.Reaping the RewardsOver a long period of time local authorities have made clear choices, however manifold criticised. Traffic circulation plans were based on the concentration of motorised traffic into a limited road space on the outskirts of the city, and developing a very coherent, comfortable and dense cycle network. This is the result of a clear vision of urban development – based on the idea that a city is for its people. Groningen is a compact city, and for now at least, continues to stay this way. For example, newly built neighbourhoods are no more than 6 km from the city centre. Groningen municipality research showed in 2008 78% of residents and 90% of employees now live within 3 km of the city centre. Residential areas are developed with good connections to the city centre and green lungs in between. There are entire housing developments built along major bicycle and scooter “roadways”, massive bike parks everywhere, many roads that are one way for cars but two way for bikes, and special signal phases for bikes.Groningen in NumbersPopulation: 180,000 inhabitants Size of Groningen: 87 square kilometres Residents Traveling by Bike: 57% Average cycling trips each day: 1.4 per personNumber of cycling routes in Groningen: 46Number using cycling routes each day: 216,000There are some interesting economic repercussions to come out of replacing space for cars with greenery, pedestrianisation, cycleways and bus lanes. Banning car traffic has boosted jobs and business. Groningen’s economic development has improved, particularly for businesses which were once in revolt against car restraint, but now are clamouring for more of it. The main function of the inner city has become a successful mix of living, working and shopping. Cycling into the Future Groningen undoubtedly leads the way in the “cyclisation”of European cities, but many others are putting two wheels in motion to follow its example. However, no other European city can match Groningen’s record, where 57% of all trips around the city are on bikes, but in quite a few cities the ratio is rising to a third or more.The impressive high rate of cycling in Groningen can be explained best by consistent urban development and transportation policies based on reclaiming inner city space from cars, making it into a living room for its people. This spatial concept of city develop-ment has undoubtedly been rooted in the clear political vision of the Social Democrats for several decades. Such legislative commitments do seem to be the key in getting citizens to kick the car habit. Apart from a political vision, many other actors involved in making Groningen the “World’s Cycling City”cannot be ignored – the cyclists themselves. In a nutshell, the success of cycling in Gron-ingen can be explained as a result of a strong vision for a liveable city for its people. For more information, please visit: http://www.cyclinginfo.nl/ and http://www.fietsberaad.nl/The centre of the city was to be considered as the ‘living room’for its people”Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/truusbobjantoo/2404090966/
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/groningen-worlds-cycling-city.html
After travelling two weeks through the farm fields of Vermont and Quebec, this New England farm ride looks great. Two days of riding through the New England countryside. Good food and drink; along with hot tubs at the end of the day make for a great experience. For more information contact the folks at The Farm Ride. Photo credit: thefarmride.com-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/traditional-new-england-farm-ride.html
The Vegetarian Hybrid Owner who drives to Whole Foods or the bicycle peddling omnivore?Whole Foods Cupertino opened up over a year ago to great environmental fanfare. From low VOC (volitle organic compounds) to sustainably harvested lumber, the comany's green bona fides were trumpeted to the community. But, like the classic dilemma of building LEED certified buildings in the suburbs it's a little cheeky to proclaim enviromental agricultural sustainability when you have a parking lot that's holds nearly 400 cars.On a recent visit to the store at 6:45 AM (store opens at 8:00 am) nearly all possible bike parking spots were taken by employees. How many employees left their bikes at home because of the lack of safe parking.The design of the building may be environmentally friendly but it is not cyclist friendly. The racks are located against large windowless walls, which do not allow for a watchful gaze on the bikes. Also the bikes (whether employees or customer's) are constantly exposed to sun and rain.I would give this business a C-.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/who-more-green.html
This Friday, the City of Santa Clara will conduct a ribbon cutting/opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of Reach 3 along the San Tomas Aquino Trail. This section of the trail will start from Scott Blvd. and continue to a parking area located at Monroe St. and San Tomas Expressway. With the completion of this section, the trail will now extend from the San Francisco Bay Trail to the north, for a total of 3.8 miles. When the trail is completed (with the completion of the 4th reach at 4.0 miles) the trail will extend all the way to Pruneride Ave. and cover almost 8 miles. For more information see the trail map provided by the City of Santa Clara.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-section-of-san-tomas-aquinosaratoga.html
So....Kaiser Permanente, my health care provider, the ones behind the ad campaign entitled "THRIVE"; wants me to eat blueberrys, have healthy relationships and ride me bike. All good, until you ride you bike to the Santa Clara/Homestead facility and are greet by multiple multi-story parking garages and speed/radar signs. When I asked the valet if they would park my car....excuse me... bike; they laughed...Oh well at least pharmacutical stocks were up today in heavy trading.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/thrive-on-free-valet-parking.html
Edge cities: redefining suburbiaWednesday, July 8, 2009 12:30pmIn the 1980s, edge cities pulled jobs from the central cities and remade the suburbs as car-oriented employment centers. Today, those edge cities are in the middle of the region and often have major transit lines running through them. What happens next to remake suburbia and the transit stations within it? Leading this tour along the Pittsburgh/Baypoint BART line are John Rennels from BART; Gary Craft, principal and founder of Craft Consulting Group and a Contra Costa Council board member; and Jim Kennedy, redevelopment director for Contra Costa County, who will explore transit-oriented development in the county and assess the future of suburbia – for both jobs and housing.San Francisco, CA 94105-4015Free to membersRSVP to tours@spur.orgOkay to bring lunch
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/san-francisco-walking-tour-edge-cities.html
Jeff Mapes's "Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities" From traffic-dodging bike messengers to tattooed teenagers on battered bicycles, from riders in spandex to well-dressed executives, ordinary citizens are becoming transportation revolutionaries. In Pedaling Revolution, Jeff Mapes traces the growth of bicycle advocacy; examines the environmental, safety, and health aspects of cycling; and explores the growing bike culture that is changing the look and feel of cities, suburbs, and small towns across North America.
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/jeff-mapes-cycling-author-coming-to-san.html
Share the Road Summer Bike Clinics with the Silicon Valley Bike CoalitionJuly 25 and August 8 and 22, 2009REI and the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition will be hosting bike clinics at REI Saratoga. Multiple 45 minute clinics will run between 11am and 3pm. Check out SVBC's Share the Road presentation and get basic bike maintenance tips to keep your bike in top shape for summer rides, commuting, and trails. 11am - Share the Road 12noon - Get to Know Your Bicycle 1pm - Share the Road 2pm - Get to Know Your Bicycle SVBC's Share the Road campaign is a collaborative project that aims to promote safety on Bay Area roadways and to generate goodwill between motorists and bicyclists. Spearheaded by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, and joined by partners such as Webcor, REI, Bikes Belong Coalition, Low-Key Hillclimbs and others, we believe that respect and awareness will make the road safer for everyone. REI's Get to Know Your Bicycle is a free clinic to better acquaint you with your bike, so that you can maximize your comfort and safety on the road/trail. You'll learn how to perform a pre-ride safety inspection and outfit with essential accessories, remove a wheel, fix a flat, change a tire, and make simple nut and bolt adjustments for comfort and performance. top photo by Mark Stosberg
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/share-road-summer-bike-clinics.html
This scene was witnessed at Stacks Restaurant in downtown Campbell. The gi-normous size of this single occoupancy vehichle actually blocks any hint of sunlight to diners for about five hours. Now imagine how your breakfast or lunch would smell when this thing fires up.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/sorry-i-ordered-salad-but-you-brougt-me.html
After riding around The City this afternoon I stopped by the Sports Basement next to Portrrro Center for an event hosted at the store. Although the is a street track just out side the large doorway I looked inside briefly and spotted this great rack! All unet the watchfulbeyes of the store personal. Great job.Yep , that's my bike. The homemade sign in the back says "Bike Parking".Bike Parking at this business gets an A.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/kudos-to-sports-basement_02.html
Looks like an Electra parked in front of Stacks Restaurant in Campbell.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/nice-cruiser-spotted-in-campbell.html
Caught this guy doing his morning exercise routine on a bike rack. The rack is just outside of the restaurant he works at; The Burger Joint, located just between the San Francisco CalTrain station and the SF Giants Ballpark.He told me he rides his bike to work after a short BART trip and does about a 15 minute work out before clocking in at the restaurant.After working at the restaurant and eating too many burgers he said he ballooned to 230 pounds; he even showed me his CA driver's license to prove it. He says he now is down to 180 pounds and sleeps much better at night. He credits both cycling and the bike rack exercises.This Business gets an A. Well placed racks that get used; in more ways than one.Other Related "Bike Parking Posts"-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/bike-rack-boot-camp.html
After my post two days ago about Csr Parking signs in downtown San Jose it's good to see a bike rack done right. This rack located just outside the front door at the San Francisco REI is a perfect example of how good planning invites and welcomes customers who arrive by bicycle.With a greeter placed at the front door to welcome all customers; shoppers will feel that their bike is safe and secure.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/07/bike-racks-right-way.html
(Map Below)Although in this blog I try to retain an upbeat tone to the benefits of decreasing our dependence on cars, I do have to highlight something the auto companies try to hide, and that is the sheer number of casualties; both fatal and non-fatal, related to autos. In memory of all victims of traffic fatalities I try to make mention of those who left us just to show you how vulnerable we all are to traffic fatalities. As I have mentioned before I have allready lost three high school classmates (one who lived several doors down from us) and several friends. When I tell people that I ride a bike the usually response centers on the dangers of cycling, without ever realizing that for most males under 30 years old, traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death.This rememberance actually started the moment I became car-free when someone responded with the usually "bike=danger" response. I figured that if people actually saw a visually representation of a traffic death in their neighborhood they might just be a little more careful in how they drive. I also try to hightlight the young age at which many auto-victims leave us. Two Things To NoteThe high frequency of bicycle and/or pedestian incidents that involve a hit and run is both shocking and embarassing. Asleigh Jackson is just one example of a cyclist who along with her boyfriend where "just riding along" when they were struck by a late model BMW of Highway 9 and Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga, CA. (flyer courtesey of Alto Velo)This criminal has not been caught yet, highlighting another reason to keep this on everyone's radar.The other troubling statistic is the number of train vs. autos, bikes, and pedestrian accidents. I beleive in the first part of this year the number has grown to 16 in the Santa Clara valley. I am currently research this statistic to come up with some reliable data.Victims 20 and Under 1-5-2009 Skylar Feather, age 18, driver1-22-2009 Man Ly Yeung, 18, pedestrian2-1-2009 Ivy Carrasco, 15, "Go-Cart" Driver2-3-2009 Issac Young, 6, passanger, killed by DUI driver2-9-2009 unidentified solo driver, killed in rollover incident.2-22-2009 Maura Avalos Garcia, 203-7-2009 Rafael Narajo, Jr., 20 driven by 20 year old Adam Mendoza charged with vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and drunken driving3-11-2009 unidentified 17 year pedestrian5-8-2009 Seth Adam Koller, 16, pedestrian5-16-2009 Paul Benabides, 20, car occupant6-5-2009 unidentified passenger, 226-18-2009 Shawn Miller, killed while crossing VTA Light Rail Tracks.6-18-2009 Simardeep Bathia, passenger, 20 6-21-2009 Filipe Bergara, 20, driver6-21-2009 Maria Jennings, 19, passenger of Filipe BergaraRest In PeaceView 2009 Fatal Vehicular Accidents in South San Franciso Bay in a larger maptest
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/2009-first-six-months-its-not-car.html
These two beautiful Electra "Hollywoods" spotted at Peet's Coffee in Willow Glen, San Jose, this morning.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/spotted-in-glen.html
This sign seems so natural for a city that boasts "Come Downtown to play. We have over 23,000 parking spaces". Translation - Cars are are number one priority. Bike/Ped projects.....nah.....not on our list.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/park-san-jose.html
Saw this nice Surley Long Haul Trucker today, fully outfitted for touring. Nice steel frame.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/nice-surley-long-haul-trucker.html
Spotted this bike parked in front of my local Peet's coffee shop. The owner said that max speed is 26 mph and it weighs about 60 lbs.The logo on the frame looked like it said "E+". The battery is in the front oversized hub and the motor is in the back hub.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/interesting-electric-bike.html
Just in time for summer. Here are some posts related to bike touring in Quebec.Cycling in Quebec is an amazing experience for several reasons. Without having to travel to far you can enjoy a cultural experience unlike anything in the lower 48 states. In addition to the language and food; the historical apsects and the sheer enthusiasm for cycling are evident everywhere. In this first blog post of August 16, 2007 I describe "The State of Cycling in Quebec" .The reason to visit Quebec by bicycle though is the recently inagurated "La Route Verte", a wonderful trail system that spans much of this French speaking province. As the website states:Made up of over 4,000 km of bikeways criss-crossing the most beautiful regions of Quebec, the Route verte puts you on the right track for the vacation of your dreams. No matter which bikeway you cycle on—the Parcours des Anses in Lévis, the Véloroute des Bleuets encircling Lac Saint-Jean, the Berri Street bike path in Montreal or the Estriade in the Eastern Townships—you’re riding on the Route verte.After flying in to Burlington, Vermont we headed north to the border to discover the Canton d'l Este or "Eastern Townships". Due to the Anglo influence in the area the town names are strickingly similar to their New England counterparts. Names such as Windsor, Sherbrooke, Sutton, and Bromtonville give an indication of the areas past. In the Eastern Townships a visit to the Benidictine Abby - St. Benoit du Lac is a must. The abbey is famous for their cheese and ciders which are all produced on site from the abbey's farm and orchards.Definitly make it a point to visit either Montreal or Quebec City. Quebec City, being the only walled city in North America is a treat to walk around. Set up on a bluff overlooking the Saint Lawrence River is an absolute gem of a town. Also try to get in a ride to the Montmorency Falls about an hour by bike outside of town. Don't worry about not being able to find your way by bike. The trails on La Route Verte are very well marked and there is a Canadian Tourist Office in every town we visited. The staff in these bureaus are extremely helpful and friendly (and speak excellent English).If you didn't find any of the area worthwhile the food alone will make you want to go. After sampling some of the local food; including Poutine, you really realize we are borderline third world when it comes to food.Happy Travels
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-bike-tour-recap.html
For those interested in helping with the San Jose Bike Party rides there will be a meeing at Orchard Valley Coffee in downtown Campbell on Monday, June 29, starting at 7:30. Check the website for more details.www.sjbikeparty.org-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/san-jose-bike-party-meeting.html
While walking in downtown San Jose yesterday I came upon this construction project (right next to the PETA lettuce ladies street theater). I'm not sure what a "Green Mobility Sidewalk" is, but there building the "Green Project" right next to a 450+ car parking structure, a gas station, and a car wash. Just hope when all is completed I don't get run over while trying to be green and mobile.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/green-mobility-sidewalk-project.html
While out walking on the Alameda I noticed this project under construction. A women cyclist was hit at this corner over a year ago.This appears to be a artistic stab at a traffic calming device to get cars making the right turn from the Alameda to slow down. Let's hope it works.-- Post From My iPhone
http://1lesscar-sv.blogspot.com/2009/06/street-improvement-on-alameda-bike.html
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