Author Archives: Christopher

Chicago, home of  the deep dish pizza and bad cyclists. Why do I say this? Apparently the legislature is throwing around a law that would prevent bicyclists from effectively texting while moving. As Ald. Margaret Laurino, 39th, chairman of the committee and sponsor of the measure puts it, “Like drivers, bicyclists will not be able to text while moving. Nor will bicyclists be able to use their cell phones unless they utilize a hands-free device.”

Ken brought up an interesting point when we were discussing this. If this law was for bicyclists “like drivers” why did it not apply to bikes as well. Admittedly I am not up on the bicycling laws of Chicago but if they are anything like New York’s bicyclists would have to follow all of the rules of motorists. So the law in New York about texting while driving would also affect bicycles. This law could present a nice opportunity to append the laws for measures that are particular to bicycles.

Also the wording about this confuses me a little. The phrase “while moving” could raise a few questions. Does that mean that that bicyclist and drivers alike can stop at a light or a stop sign and pull out their phone to start texting?

Whether or not to follow car laws or making special considerations for bicyclists is an issue of great debate in the bicycling community. Here at ABC we follow the rules of the road as long as it is safe to do so, or at least that is our official stance. *wink

Written by Chris Belsole

I am not a native of Albany, Albanean Albinen. So I get news some times about what is happening in good old Westchester New York twenty minuets outside of New York City; the burbs as they say. Apparently the are considering putting bike racks on their buses for people to store their bikes on for going long distances. This is something I can confidently say that Albany does very well.

After a statement from the Westchester county administration said that “bike racks fastened to the front of the bus presented problems because they collectively took up space at bus storage facilities.” Which is unequivocally true because adding metal on the front of the bus would add more space no matter if they folded up or not. What I love about this was the “solution” they came up with for this problem.

So if not hang the bikes on the front of the bus than where? Their solution was for double wide buses only to put racks up in the back of the buses for people to use. Since you are currently not able to enter from the back door on any of the Bee Line buses that means people would have to get their bikes on the buses, walk them through the entire bus, packed or otherwise, to get access to a rack. Not only is this a terrible idea… No wait, that is just a terrible idea. You are not only inconveniencing the cyclist but also the passengers that have to sit there while a bike moves through them. This would not foster a positive relationship from anyone.

Granted Donna Greene from the county administration said, “[this] did not seem like a good idea,” but it is kind of funny that an idea like that even gets entertained as a viable option. If I am being completely honest I feel a little sense of pride for how Albany handled the bus rack situation. I see all the time how other cities have so many features when it comes to bicycling that we don’t. It is nice one time to see that we are not as bad as we could be even if it is a little Schadenfreudeish.

Written by Chris Belsole

This one comes from Bike Hacks.

I wanted to carry my son with me, but I didn’t want him to ride behind me.  So by welding a modified extra seat for him we can ride together facing front and enjoy our car free day. Anyway, it’s rather difficult to describe in words as a picture means a thousand words so I give you the following picture.  Thank you.

I hope your day is a little better now.

Written by Chris Belsole

We don’t talk much about gender issues on this blog. I am not sure why. It has just never come up. Seeing as bicycling, as I understand it, is geared towards men and in general there are more guys on bikes than girls, not that women don’t ride bikes, I though I’d have a post just for you lovely ladies. God, I hope that did not come out to sexist.

Anyway, I recently came across an article on bicycling while menstruating. Okay now since I just lost half of my audience I’ll move on. Again from Commute by Bike comes a really interesting article about a very particular situation. My name being Christopher and not Christina I really can’t tell you about it. So I’ll just let blogger Stacey Moses do my talking.

“Experts agree! One of the most common, drug-free recommendations for dealing with menstrual cramps is to ‘get regular exercise. This improves blood flow, produces pain-fighting endorphins, and may reduce pain.’ As a lifelong athlete, I have always found that a good workout, whether it is a bike ride or other cardiovascular exercise, makes me feel much better physically, restores some of that energy that may be lagging the first day or two of my cycle, and does wonders to clear my head.”

There is a lot more interesting and useful information in the post. So go check it out.

If you are a female and would like to write for this blog  send us a message in our contact form.

Written by Chris Belsole