Category Archives: News

“Bikes Use Bike Signal Only”

Posted on December 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Eugene has added a temporary sign, the one that flashes words, saying “Bikes Use Bike Signal Only”. This is great for cyclists and motorists who have yet to realize there is a newly placed bike only traffic signal last Thursday located at 18th/Alder. I am not sure when the light was actually placed or when they will remove it. But I think this is a good idea to help bring awareness to the new signal. To read more about the newly placed bike only traffic signal, read my article here; Eugene’s First Bike Only Traffic Signal

I made a short video of the sign.



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Eugene’s First Bike Only Traffic Signal

Posted on December 2, 2011 | 3 comments

On Thursday, Eugene got its first bike only traffic signal at the intersection of Alder crossing 18th. It looks like a standard traffic signal with green, yellow and red lights but in the shape of bicycles. The signal right now is considered temporary, only until they get a yellow housing for it, as well as its own mast. It’s a much needed addition for this intersection of the recently redesigned Alder. It allows cyclists to cross 18th safely without the worry of being cut off by cars. Alder is now a one way for cars going south, and 2 lanes for bikes going north and south on the other side of the road. This is an intersection with lots of traffic especially coming away from the university on Alder. I have encountered a couple times where cars would try and turn left in front of me, even with multiple cyclists waiting next to them in the bicycle lane. Hopefully Eugene starts adding more of these bike only traffic signals at other busy intersections. North of 13th of Alder could really use them and it seems like they plan on that from the looks of it.

Some background on the bike only traffic signal: In June the Governor signed SB130 into law which adds bike only signals to Oregon’s list of traffic control devices. (You can read more about the bill here: Bike Portland and Oregon Live) Portland was a big push behind this bill and is working to get its first couple bike only signals in. Portland has been a great help with the innovation of bicycle infrastructure in the US.
 
     

*UPDATE: Video of the Alder St Cycle Track

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PSA: Reflective is Cool

Posted on November 30, 2011 | 4 comments

This was going to be a simple review on using iron-on reflective tape to enhance your visibility while riding. But with recent news of many cars hitting cyclists, I have decided to do my part to try and keep cyclists safer on the road.

I am young. When I first started riding I never even wore a helmet. I first thought they didn’t look “cool”. (I had one, I just didn’t wear it until I moved to Oregon). This article is NOT about whether you should wear a helmet or not. That all depends on how you are riding and where, and it’s up to you. I will say I now think helmets look cool, and is a great place to put reflective tape or even small lights. I wear mine, and now feel weird if I walk out of the house without having it on, even when I know I’m not riding my bike.

I’ve come a long way since my early years of riding, and have now started using most all safety items. Even thought I never thought I would.
In order of when I started using them:

  • Front blinking light
  • Any number of blinking rear light depending on where and how long I am gone.
  • Helmet
  • 200 lumen front light
  • Any number of blinking rear lights depending on where and how long I am gone.
  • In wheel orange lights
  • Reflective tape on helmet, bike, and anything else. More Here
  • ANSI Class 2 Reflective Vest (something I never thought I would do)
  • 115db Air-horn
  • Bicycle Bell (yes, I got a bell after the horn)
  • Iron on reflective tape for jackets

All these things help you be seen and hopefully keep you out of danger by other cyclists, pedestrians, and car drivers. This was really just going to be about adding some reflection to your person right now. There are a number of ways to help you be seen while riding.

Photos and more about staying visible and safe after the page break.

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Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show 2011

Posted on October 19, 2011 | 1 comment

The Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show is happening at GoodLife Brewing Co. in Bend, OR this year on October 29th & 30th. I have gone to the show the past 2 years in Portland. This is always a great event where builders from the Northwest can come and show off their great bikes they have built. With over 30 exhibitors, this event is put on by Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association. I will be posting photos from the event.

Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival 2011
This event is happening during the same weekend as the Day of the Dead Cyclocross Race, which should be a great time as well. It’s happening just over a mile from the OHBS at the Old Mill District.  There are a couple other bicycle related events going on as well, full list HERE.
This should be a great time for everyone.

These events will be held at:
Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show
GoodLife Brewing
70 SW Century Ave 100-464
Bend, OR 97702

Day of the Dead Cyclocross Race
Old Mill District/Deschutes Brewery
520 S.W. Powerhouse Drive,
Bend, OR 97702

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Yehuda Moon, Kickstand to Kickstarter

Posted on October 16, 2011 | 1 comment

Yehuda Moon on Kickstarter

Yehuda Moon & Kickstand Comics is a great comic started by Rick Smith. The comic is about life around the Kickstand Cyclery.  The comic has been around since 2008; in that time it has grown to many more characters, story lines, another contributor (Brian Griggs), and even being published in Bicycle Times Magazine. Sadly, in September of 2011, the comic came to a halt. You can read Rick’s reasoning yourself on the Yehuda Moon site. It is still a little unclear what Rick plans to do in the long run. We all wish he might still continue, even if it is more infrequent (the comic was updated every day!), but just today it seems he has decided to public the last 3 volumes of the series (Volume 2, 3, and 4) with the helpful backing of Kickstarter. You can purchase Volume 1 in the store directly. If you have enjoyed these comics, this is a great way to show it, and have it forever. I know we all wish Rick well, and hope to maybe see something again in the future.

More about the Yehuda Moon and Kickstarter HERE

Signed drawing of Yehuda, and charred piece of the origanal Kickstand

Signed drawing of Yehuda, and charred piece of the origanal Kickstand

If you haven’t heard of Yehuda Moon you can still get started reading them, They are all online still, here is a link to the first strip. Yehuda Moon 01-22-2008

Yehuda Moon 01-22-2008

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Apprenticeships May Solve Skills Gap; From NPR

Posted on September 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Here is a good article from NPR I heard this morning called Apprenticeships May Solve Skills Gap, Spark Economy. It talks about how apprenticeships might be a good addition to acquire skills for a career you would like to pursue. But here in the U.S. we have not been learning skill this way for a while now. I have thought about this ever since high school. I think there should be more than just going to a 4 year university to get your skill set for the career you would like to go into. I personally would like an apprenticeship, I am a “tacit” learner as Tim Brown is saying in the article, I easily learn skills visually and hands on, and would do better learning this way than I might other ways. Technical/Specialty schools (like UBI) fill the need for more hands on learning but more employers should think about apprenticeships before turning down an applicant that might not yet have the higher education they are looking for.

NPR

Read Full story here at NPR, Apprenticeships May Solve Skills Gap, Spark Economy

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