Sunday, October 23, 2011

Monday, March 14, 2011

Virtual cycling

I was reading the Columbia Daily Tribune online this morning and came across an article called “All Weather Workout.” It talked about ways to workout when Mother Nature isn’t so nice. And certainly on a day like today with a slushy snow/rain mixture, you have to get creative. A section at the bottom mentioned investing in a virtual-reality cycling trainer. For people who typically go cycling to get in their workouts, this invention sounds pretty neat. Here’s what the article said:


A virtual-reality trainer is a sophisticated cycling simulator. You insert your rear tire into a motorized roller and your front wheel into a frame that has a steering sensor. The system is wired to a computer programmed with software that shows a video of a bike route and controls pedal resistance to simulate hills and wind resistance on the course. A lot of cyclists say it makes time and miles go by faster.”


Would you try something like this?


Article link: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/mar/13/body-running031311/?pulse

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Contact your elected representatives, it really does make a difference!


Columbia area bicyclists,

Ten Missourians will be visiting congressional offices in Washington, DC, tomorrow as part of the National Bike Summit. They will be visiting the office of every Missouri member of Congress, making the case for better, safer bicycling and walking in Missouri.

If you could spend five minutes sending a message of support to your members of Congress, it would really help back them up.

We don't have anyone in person from Congressman Luetkemeyer's district this year--making your phone calls and messages more important than ever.  He WILL listen if he knows his constituents are backing our message.

It's easy--just visit this website
There you'll find your members of Congress list along with the best ways to
contact them:
 - Online message (direct link to their online feedback form)
 - Phone & fax numbers (the Washington office, where we'll be visiting)

Please give them a call or send them a message like this:

-----
Dear [Congressman or Congresswoman or Senator] X,

The National Bike Summit is taking place today in Washington and a delegation from Missouri will be visiting your office.

I hope you'll take the time to meet with them, because bicycling and walking is very important to Missouri and to me.

Federal funding for bicycling and walking is a very, very small amount--just 0.03% of the federal budget--but it is very, very important:

 - Federally funded roads and highways are among the biggest impediments to bicycling and walking

 - Destinations that people want to bicycle and walk to cluster along federally funded roads and highways

 - Federally funded roads and highways cut right through every city and town in Missouri, and when they are not built to allow people to bicycle or walk along or across them, the result is that entire neighborhoods become unwalkable and unbicycleable.

[Add a sentence or two about why bicycling and/or walking is important to you.]

Sincerely yours,

-----
Again Visit this website for the contact info for your representatives:

THANK YOU!

When you contact your elected representatives, it really does make a difference!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Parade Happy

Today marks the final day of the True/False Film Festival of 2011. I saw a couple films over the weekend and wish I could have gone to more. It was such a cool opportunity to see these films because they are all so unique. One film that I loved was called “Buck.” It was about a man that can tame the wildest of stallions in such a tender way. Since I’m a huge animal lover, this film was very inspirational.

In addition to the films this weekend, PedNet Bike Club kids had lots of activities. I went to the parade and caught some of the action with my video camera. Even though it was raining and cold out, the energy of the parade was tip top. The kids and adults rode their bikes with floats attached with smiles on their faces. It was a great weekend for the Columbia community. Check out the short video clip!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Walking School Bus



I was on campus today when I saw the new Walking School bus ad on the side of a public transportation bus. If you are unaware, A Walking School Bus (WSB) is a group of 5-10 children who walk to school together under adult supervision at local schools here in Columbia. You can learn more about WSB at the PedNet website here.

Seeing the ad reminded me that the Spring 2011 WSB program will begin March 7. To volunteer as an adult supervisor, you can fill out the registration form.

Happy Walking Everyone!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

WeCar brings sustainable car sharing program to Mizzou's campus



A sustainable car sharing program started this fall at Mizzou.

Did you know that a shared vehicle can remove 15 – 20 cars off the road? WeCar sharing offers an economical, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation alternative to owning a car.

WeCar offers students, faculty and staff freedom and mobility without the hassles of owning a car. Two hybrid vehicles and two sedans are available and conveniently located on the MU campus. Membership is $35 annually and reservations can be made online. Hourly weekday rates for sedans are $8 per hour and hybrids start at $9 per hour. Customers who are 18 -20 years of age are eligible to use this service but must have their own insurance.

“Bringing WeCar to Mizzou will provide an important service to our students, especially those who are on-campus residents, and will allow them the freedom to go grocery shopping, run errands, etc.” said Dr. Jeff Zeilenga, Asst. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “This program also supports MU’s sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, as well as relieve congestion and parking demand on campus.”

I don't know anyone personally who has used the car sharing program, but it seems like a good choice for students who need to travel a long distance. Walking or riding a bike is always a good choice for getting around on campus but going further distances can sometimes be a challenge. This alternative method provides students the option to use a car only when they need one, without the temptation of using one all the time for close destinations.

What do you think of the new program? Do you know anyone who has used WeCar?