Bike Tart

Bike Tart Talks

2010-10-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed on a local TV program about making the transition from car-bound to car-free.

Watch the whole program here.

Bicycle Baggage

2010-10-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

When I used to drive a car everywhere, I carried a small handbag and used my vehicle as a portable closet. The glovebox was full of supplies: lip balm, sunscreen, bandaids, Swiss Army knife, etc. After I ditched the car, I had to adapt my travel closet to more svelte transportation.

I found out pretty quickly what doesn't work. Messenger bags or anything that you sling over one shoulder is an obstacle. The weight of the bag causes it to slide forward when you lean toward the handlebars. Nothing is more unsettling that a loose pack dangling haphazardly off your neck. It's like having a dog in your lap when you drive. You can't predict which way it will turn.

I tried a couple of times to hang a bag off the handlebars. Not only does this make the bike all squirreley, it throws dirt up onto your bag. I learned this the hard way.

A better solution for carrying stuff on a bicycle is a basket. A small one in front of the handlebars is like an open-air glove-compartment. It can hold the small stuff - tissues, MP3 player, small bags. A rear rack with large basket(s) attached is perfect for heavy loads and big handbags or packs. I've carried everything from a handbag, to two bags of groceries, to a small vacuum cleaner on my bicycle – and have never resorted to hanging trash bags!

You can buy baskets with mounts from a bike shop but you can also adapt just about any sturdy container. Attach it to the rear rack with zip ties to hold it firmly in place. Buy special mounts from your local bike shop to attach a small basket to the handlebars.

What about the helmet?

2010-08-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

I don't wear a helmet – not when I drive, not when I walk, and not when I bicycle. Life is fraught with danger. I've reached an age at which I can choose to care about some risks and ignore others. I am statistically more likely to sustain a head injury as a car driver/passenger or a pedestrian than I am as a bicyclist. That doesn’t mean I don’t take precautions. I cycle defensively, use lights at night, obey traffic laws, and signal my intentions to other vehicles.

There are other reasons for not wearing a helmet: drivers are friendlier when they perceive that you're more like them. Helmets are expensive, ugly, hot and bulky. Try lugging one around a shop or museum.

I don't often ride bareheaded, however, as I like to have some shade and a cover for the occasional wind-whipped 'do. In the summer, a straw fedora or breathable baseball cap is cool and functional. I can tuck my hair up inside and get some shade without sacrificing too much air flow. In winter, I bring out wool berets and furry caps.

If a helmet makes you feel better about bicycling, then you should wear one. If you're like me, then don't wear one. The most important thing: ride your bike with joy – not in fear.

Why I'm a Bike Tart

2010-01-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, I got rid of my car and began using my bicycle as my primary transportation. At the time, my central California city was not quite cycle friendly. Although the weather is mild and topography flat, there was no room for bikes on the streets. Cars and their drivers are mostly of the SUV/pickup truck variety operated by people who are not used to sharing roads. I was often the only cyclist for miles.

This spring, the scene started to change. We have an enlightened mayor and transportation department that is re-purposing the streets for every type of vehicle and pedestrian. I see other cyclists every day. And I don't mean lycra-d racers riding in packs.

I don't dislike long-distance riding for sport. That’s how I got interested in two-wheeled transport as an adult and it's a wonderful way to get fit. But, like many sports, it took a lot of time, special clothes, and a hardcore fitness mindset. I had to ride every day and I just got bored with logging miles.

I retired the carbon fiber bike and picked up what the Dutch call a “sit up and beg” bike. After I pimped it out with a few baskets, fenders and lights, I had a chic new mode of transport. One that was a lot less expensive than a car, did not require special clothes (except for some sweet hats and high heels), and took me almost anywhere in town with style. I still get plenty of exercise, just not the sweaty kind. It’s more of a glow-y energy.

I think of my bicycle as I do a car: it does not define the type of person I am, it’s just a means of transportation. Be creative with your ride and you will rediscover the joy of the wind in your hair and the freedom of going anywhere at any time.

The Copenhagen Cycle Chic Manifesto.

- I choose to cycle chic and, at every opportunity, I will choose Style over Speed.
- I embrace my responsibility to contribute visually to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape.
- I am aware that my mere presence in said urban landscape will inspire others without me being labeled as a 'bicycle activist'.
- I will ride with grace, elegance and dignity.
- I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality and style.
- I will, however, regard my bicycle as transport and as a mere supplement to my own personal style. Allowing my bike to upstage me is unacceptable.
- I will endeavour to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle.
- I will accessorize in accordance with the standards of a bicycle culture and acquire, where possible, a chain guard, kickstand, skirt guard, fenders, bell and basket.
- I will respect the traffic laws.
- I will refrain from wearing and owning any form of 'cycle wear'. The only exception being a bicycle helmet - if I choose to exercise my freedom of personal choice and wear one.