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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

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!

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!

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!

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?

A Masterpiece in the Making

Hmmm what’s new in my life? Oh, I know – I’m working on a documentary featuring PedNet! I have to create a 15-minute film for my senior capstone class by the end of the semester. With so much going on at PedNet, I knew there was bound to be an inspirational story that I could document. So far I’ve been following a couple Bike Club groups. Watching the ‘Move Ahead Bike Club’ kids was a neat experience. The looks on their faces once they got the hang of riding their bikes were priceless. The kids are also working on floats for the True/False film festival parade. I am going to let the direction of the documentary be pretty flexible at this point. Hopefully after getting more footage I’ll be able to start piecing together a masterpiece!

Bike Friendly Businesses Get My Patronage

The Spokes Man, aka Robert Johnson, shows us that there are plenty of bike friendly businesses in Columbia in his Columbia Daily Tribune column Awards Honor Bike Friendliness

In the immortal words of the Spokes Man:
"Being bicycle-friendly is beneficial for a business. It frees up parking spaces, has proved to reduce employee absenteeism, and it’s chic to be considered an environmentally friendly business. It’s also the right thing to do. Take the time to make sure your workplace is recognized for doing the right thing, and be sure to visit these businesses that already have been recognized."

Refreshing my mornings

Every morning for the past week I have started my day doing yoga. I usually like to take a walk around my neighborhood, but the snowy weather has made that a little more difficult. Having been cooped up in my apartment during the snowstorm, I had to make sure I was staying active. But I have to say, doing 30 minutes of yoga every morning has been very refreshing.

There are so many benefits to yoga. Better posture, increased strength and flexibility, improved balance, and an overall happier mood are just some. I’ve found that starting my day with a clear mind helps me to stay focused and more energized for school and other activities.

Furthermore, just doing something in the morning before work, school, or any other activities you have going on can be beneficial. As the weather gets nicer (give it a month…or two :) ), getting outside for a walk, run, or bike ride can be a small key to a healthier lifestyle. There is nothing better than fresh air and a little vitamin D.

Walking is Grrrrreat!

How many of you walk, bike, or take public transportation to work/school? For those of you who do, you understand how rewarding it can be! What better way to start the day than getting some fresh air, right?

For those of you who don't currently walk or bike to your end destination, this is why I enjoy it. I live in downtown Columbia and I find that the mile walk to campus each day is exactly what I need: no matter what the weather is like outside. Here is what walking to class helps me to do before I start my day:

--Clears my head
--Releases some energy before I have to sit down for an hour +
--Saves money/hassle of driving
--Gives me some alone time
--I can think, zone out, or plan my day all on a walk
--If the weather is nice, I get to enjoy it even if my day is really busy!


The reason why I encourage YOU to look into the PedNet Coalition a little more is because their mission is unique and important! They offer numerous opportunities to get outdoors and become more physically fit.

Think about it....

Alternative Travel

Thursday morning and our street was still not plowed.  I'm not complaining though, I know its a big task getting streets cleared and ours is usually one of the last.  I'm used to it. 

I didn't want to attempt to get my vehicle out because, although my driveway is perfectly clean, it is clearly a "road to nowhere" and I didn't want to end up like this guy.

  My neighbor.  He's kinda mean or I would have helped.

So, how to get to the office today?  Biking was a possibility, but it was 15 below zero and I prefer to keep all my digits.  Instead I walked to the top of my road and hitched in with a co-worker.

Later that day I had a meeting at the Health Dept so I walked to the Wabash Station and grabbed the 103W bus.  A bargain for only a buck! It dropped me at the Health Dept. bldg but lo and behold, I was on another road to nowhere.

Bus stop at Worley and West Blvd.

After the bus pulled away I had to step back out into the street and go around the snow banks to get into the building.  Luckily, I have good mobility.  Anyone with limitations would have had trouble.

After the meeting I headed off walking to meet my husband at Gerbes for a restock of supplies.  Three days in the house with a gigantic 13-year-old left us with little more than some butter and General Tsao sauce. 

As soon as I left the parking lot it soon became apparent that I was going to have to improvise.  The sidewalks on Worley were completely snow covered.  I decided to walk in the road facing traffic. It was quite nerve wracking.  I was worried that someone might be texting and not see me until it was too late.

Bless those fire fighters at Station 2!  They had shoveled their walk!  I was able to get off of busy Worley until I could turn onto Pershing.

 The sidewalk in front of Fire Station 2

Challenging travel day? Yes.  But, I used three different modes of transportation and none of it single-occupancy vehicle.  I call that a success.

New Course from PedNet: Bicycle Mechanics College

I’m currently working on an article for PedNet’s monthly newsletter. It’s about a new program called Bicycle Mechanics College. It is an 8-week course being taught at Walt’s Bicycle Fitness and Nature on Wednesday evenings in March and April. If you are someone like me, Bicycle Mechanics College would be a great way to learn all about bikes. I know I could definitely benefit from all the course has to offer. Here are the weekly topics:

• Week 1: Basic maintenance and repairs
• Week 2: Tires, rims and fixing flats
• Week 3: Hubs, bearing and bottom brackets
• Week 4: Wheels and truing
• Week 5: Drive Train – cranks, chains, cogs, cassettes, chain rings
• Week 6: Shifters and derailleurs
• Week 7: Brakes
• Week 8: Bike fit, ergonomics, control and speed

In 8 weeks, you certainly learn a lot. Trained professional League Cycling Instructors (LCI) teach the course too. Bicycle Mechanics College originally started in Santa Barbara, CA before the idea started to gain popularity at PedNet. For only $150, you can register for the whole program. I highly suggest anyone looking to advance/gain knowledge with bikes secure a spot quickly. This class is bound to be popular and great fun!

How to winterize your bike commute

While snowed in these past couple of days thanks to the great snowpocalypse of 2011, I stumbled across some great tips on how to winterize your bike ride. Although it may still be a couple days until Columbia clears the streets where you ride, keep these helpful hints in mind!

First up: A short video from Streetfilms. The video profiles riders in Chicago who face harsh winters but see the benefits in riding year round. Shows tips about warm clothing, proper bike maintenance and the winter mentality shared by Chicago riders. Check it out here: http://www.good.is/post/video-how-to-winterize-yourself-for-a-bike-commute/

Next: A place to share your winter biking tips! GOOD has created a forum to share tips, stories and advice with others who also bike through the many seasons. Read what others have to say and share your own advice! http://www.good.is/post/share-your-winter-biking-tips/

Are you planning on venturing out into the snowy abyss anytime soon? Remember stay warm and safe out there!

-PedNet Communications Intern
Rachel

"want to ride 'rents say too cold:( c u!"

When I started this whole Bike Brigade thing, I really didn't know what to expect or how it would work. I figured that as the weather worsened, most kids would stop riding and it would be just Max, Annarose and I biking through the winter as usual. Some kids did stop riding with winter's arrival, but as the temperatures dropped, a core group of kids kept showing up each morning. I didn't make a big deal about it, but I was always pleasanlty surprised. The first day with temperatures below 32 degrees, I didn't make a big deal about it. The kids showed up, got on their bikes and rode to school without complaint or remark. I didn't say anything about the temperature until we arrived at school.

When we arrived at the bike racks, I said "Wow! Do you guys even realize how amazing you are?! It's 27 degrees and you just rode your bikes to school. You are so awesome!"

Now, it is February 1 and five kids are still riding their bikes to Smithton and three kids are riding their bikes to Lee Elementary daily....through snow, rain and extreme cold. On days when the weather is especially harsh, some kids are not allowed to ride. When this happens, I invariably receive texts like this: "want 2 ride 'rents say 2 cold :( c u!" These texts give me a smile and a chuckle. I absolutely understand and respect parents concerns for their children and not wanting them to ride when it is too cold. I just find it sweet and funny that the kids want me to know that they want to ride.

I am very lucky. I honestly can not think of a better way to begin and end my days than riding bik with kids. They are amazing and inspire me daily.

PedNet in the news

The Spokes Man had a column about snow studded bike tires a few weeks back.  These would be quite handy right now as the Blizzard of 2011 commences to show us who's boss.  Here's Robert demonstrating how they worked on a frozen Stephen's Lake.  No worries, the lake had been cleared for ice skating.

Note the cinematography on that video.  Robert said that the person holding the camera complained about the bitter cold the whole time but I don't remember it that way at all...

The Trib also ran a news story about BWWW Funding.  That's Bike Walk & Wheel Week for you novices to Columbia or the PedNet world.  No matter, we are still going to have a killer week with fun rides, educational classes, and all the free breakfast you can ride your bike or walk to.  Anybody for trying to hit all of the stations this year?