Ben and Melissa Bryant of Bellingham have started ‘Tour de Mass’, a 300-mile bike ride across the state, Provincetown to Williamstown. They started Aug 2nd and expect to finish Aug 11th. It’s pretty sad that the Globe isn’t covering it, did you know that the Guardian in the UK has an entire section dedicated to cycling?

Here’s the link to the Google map of their trip.

When I stopped, the boys ran out to be in the picture, and they agreed – we need bike racks.

windham ride, originally uploaded by jgodsey.

A small group of Methuen Rail Trail supporters met up on Windham’s Rail Trail last Monday. The Banks, Tondo, Gallagher and Lavoie families (as well as myself) took a small cruise up and down Windham’s well cared for trail. Only a few of us had visited the trail in the past, and those that hadn’t were all a flutter with the idea that we could have anything like this for our very own. Hopefully we can make this a regular thing that will keep us inspired until that day comes.

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In celebration of today’s Bike to Work day or week or whatever they hell it is, I figured I’d do what I could and use my bike to do a bit of shopping over at Twaites. (I am still not brave enough to try to go so far as Stop and Shop or Demoulas.) I got across Gaunt Square easy peasy and decided to take our lovely scenic bridge and skip the challenge that is Five Corners. And THAT’s when I almost took a header on this lovely freaking surprise. The morons at Mill Falls Apartment took their damaged and never installed bike rack from the parking lot and tossed it onto the bridge. If I weren’t going so slowly I wouldn’t be typing to you now, I’d be sitting somewhere with a gash on my head wondering what the hell just happened.

Now I know they don’t WANT a bike rack there else they would have one that was properly installed and wasn’t dented by snow plows, but simply shoving it out of the way like this is irresponsible.

Nevertheless I DID make it to Twaites and took a little side trip to Mexico Lindo to pick up a few noshes. Ignoring the fact that as a city we have about 7 bike racks to our name. (45 thousand people 7 bike racks..go figure) But I did have a nicely bloodless trip.

Now I need to find some removable panniers if I am going to do this kind of thing on a regular basis. Cause right now I am wishing I had stopped at Rostens and bought a few beers. So I can sulk in silence. Is it just too much to ask why we don’t like BIKES here?

Posted by Mark Navin, Senior Producer, Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Show airs: 04/24/2009

Bike advocates say that making bicycling more of a transportation option for Boston workers, could be the answer to many of the city’s transportation issues. But just a few years ago, Boston was named by one bike magazine as one of the least “bike-friendly” cities in the country. The mayor and other public officials have been trying to change that perception, and new bike lanes and other infrastructure have gone in, or are being considered. Including a bike sharing program, that would allow people without bikes to get from one place to another by borrowing a bike free or very cheaply. We’re talking about practical biking in Boston this Friday at 1 on Radio Boston. (show archive - the show pod cast link)

from The Boston Globe
By Alan Wirzbicki
April 14, 2009

WASHINGTON – Despite a recent declaration by Governor Deval Patrick that encouraging bicycling is a priority for his administration, Massachusetts ranks last in the nation among all states in requesting federal funds for bike lanes, rail-trails, and similar improvements and has failed to use more than $80 million set aside for the state.

Since 1991, the state has only spent about 37 percent of its share of the funding designated by Congress for such projects, a far lower rate than in any other state, according to federal statistics. By comparison, Connecticut and Rhode Island have spent 99 percent of their federal funding.

Massachusetts has been allocated $135 million for bike and pedestrian funding since 1991, and has used $51.1 million. Critics blame the gap on a cumbersome application process that requires cities and towns to pay for planning and engineering studies, submit applications to two state agencies, and then wait, sometimes for years.

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If you have kids have them cleaning their own bike, especially if you are cleaning yours at the same time. Get them into the habit of taking care of their bikes and they will make your investment in their bike last longer.

Cleaning - I am always amazed how many people just park their bike and spend little time cleaning it. Any conscientious biker will wipe down their bike before and after each use. Dirt, grime and road salt are so easy to avoid. and cleaning it off will easily extend the life of your bike and its moving parts. Clean everything tires, rims, seat, chain, chain rings, cassette, derailleurs, pedals, brakes, even your basket and panniers. Many people have recommended Simple Green, but any good biodegradable cleaner will do, I try to stay away from harsh chemicals because i don’t want to lose the ancient decals on my bikes.

Tires – Check tires for splits, cracks,and tread for uneven excessive wear. Replace the tires if needed. Tires and tubes are relatively cheap, and much cheaper than having blow out on the road just because it needed to be replaced.

Wheels - Clean the rims with a cloth and rubbing alcohol, some of the road tars are tough to remove. If your bike is ancient like mine, rust and spots on the chrome can be tackled with a good chrome polish. There is even biodegradable non toxic chrome polish that even kids can use. Check the balance of the wheel does it spin straight or is it untrue? If you can make the minor adjustments to the wheel with a spoke wrench go for it, if not take the wheel to the shop and get it up on a truing stand. Uneven wheels cause brake wear, difficulty steering and a bumpy ride.

Brakes - Check the brake pads, make sure they are wearing evenly. If they have any uneven wear, get new ones, they are another inexpensive item that can save you lots of trouble being replaced before they become a problem. Check the brake cables, do the pads strike the rim at the same time when applied? Adjust the brake arm tension screws so the brakes are even.

Chain – Elevate the rear wheel and spin the pedals, you may need help doing this unless you have a stand, you can always use the bike rack on your car. You should be able to shift through all the rear gears smooth; if it skips any gears try adjusting your rear derailleur. If the problem persists take it to the shop, if you use your bike a lot you may just need a new chain. They are relatively inexpensive and are another thing to keep in perfect working order to prevent problems on the road. If you can change the chain yourself you probably don’t need my advice, I only have 3 gears and they are all internal.

Lubrication - get out the bike lube, apply even coat to the chain, on the inside and outside of each link and between the pins and rollers. Let is set and then wipe off the excess with a rag. Apply lube to all the pivot points on the front and rear derailleur, as well as any hinges and levers on the brakes.

Check your gear – If you have a seat bag with essentials, check to make sure everything is in order. For just kicking around town I carry a first aid kit, a spare tube, tire levers, puncture patches, multi-tool, c-wrench, pen note pad, small bungee cords, zip ties, a bandanna, disposable camera.

Springs coming get ready to ride.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lesson 1: The Need for Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility (PDF, 269 Kb)
Lesson 2: Bicycling and Walking in the United States Today (PDF, 179 Kb)
Lesson 3: Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Overview (PDF, 387 Kb)
Lesson 4: Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Types (PDF, 1.65 Mb)
Lesson 5: Adapting Suburban Communities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel (PDF, 181 Kb)
Lesson 6: Neo-Traditional Neighborhood Design (PDF, 678 Kb)
Lesson 7: Using Land-Use Regulations to Encourage Non-Motorized Travel (PDF, 3.5 Mb)
Lesson 8: Tort Liability and Risk Management (PDF, 149 Kb)
Lesson 9: Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections to Transit (PDF, 250 Kb)
Lesson 10: Off-Road Trails (PDF, 105 Kb)
Lesson 11: Traffic Calming (PDF, 1.13 Mb)
Lesson 12: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities in Work Zones (PDF, 108 Kb)
Lesson 13: Walkways,Sidewalks and Public Spaces (PDF, 273 Kb)
Lesson 14: Pedestrian Signing and Pavement Markings (PDF, 195 Kb)
Lesson 15: Pedestrian Accommodations at Intersections (PDF, 327 Kb)
Lesson 16: Mid-Block Crossings (PDF, 453 Kb)
Lesson 17: Pedestrians With Disabilities (PDF, 72 Kb)
Lesson 18: Shared Roadways (PDF, 1.2 Mb)
Lesson 19: Bike Lanes (PDF, 460 Kb)
Lesson 20: Restriping Existing Roads With Bike Lanes (PDF, 341 Kb)
Lesson 21: Bicycle Facility Maintenance (PDF, 69 Kb)
Lesson 22: Bicycle Parking and Storage (PDF, 178 Kb)
Lesson 23: European Approaches to Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design (PDF, 212 Kb)
Lesson 24: Education,Encouragement, and Enforcement (PDF, 153 Kb)

PDF of the entire 282pages (12.4mb)