Feds Becoming Bike Friendly

Bicycle-Friendly-BusinessesWhile many businesses have been steadily embracing cycling, things haven’t been as smooth on the government side of things. However, this month the League of American Cyclists announced that many federal agencies are now becoming bike friendly as well.

The League of American Bicyclists announced 91 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) from across the country, extending the program to 43 states and Washington, D.C. These new awardees join a trendsetting group of more than 600 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.

“Government agencies are definitely following the lead of the private sector in creating better places to work,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “That’s particularly exciting because the health savings, environmental benefits and increased productivity of a healthier and happier workforce benefit us all. Let’s hope the politicians on Capitol Hill are paying attention to this good work!”

On the government side of things the National Park Service, which manages the nation’s parks and National Mall, moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. In addition the Federal Communications Commission moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. The FCC has seen its number of bike commuters double since the agency received Bronze, and leaders look forward to even more participation with this latest announcement.

Also based in D.C., the International Monetary Fund is a new Bronze-level business. The IMF boasts more than 400 registered bicyclists in its workforce.

Current Bicycle Friendly Businesses Fall 2013 Official Website

Kinetic Op-Ed: 3D Scanning Speed and Accuracy Prevail to Scan Bike and Rider for the Windiest Conditions

GKS

The Company:

The company is a major manufacturer of high-tech bicycles with a worldwide distributorship and many professional endorsements.  Their mission is to promote bike riding through innovative products and exceptional care for their dealers and customers.

The Challenge:

In their ongoing quest to improve the efficiency and aerodynamics of their bikes, company engineers have been testing them in a wind tunnel since 2000.  The goal is to improve design to reduce drag, so the same amount of power will create more speed and better air flow. The wind tunnel testing works well for mechanical assemblies like the bikes and components. However, in order to obtain truly realistic results, the interaction between the bike and the rider must also be factored into any wind resistance testing plan.    Continue reading Kinetic Op-Ed: 3D Scanning Speed and Accuracy Prevail to Scan Bike and Rider for the Windiest Conditions

Viper Protection

ViperIn movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark snakes are used to protect treasure from thieves, but the Viper hardcase from Booq is on the case to protect tablets and other devices when on the go. It is tough but lightweight and can easily be stashed in a backpack or laptop case. A slick and rugged water-resistant denier ballistic nylon exterior shields from abrasive surfaces and the elements, while the nicely padded, non-scratch neoprene and nylon twill interior snugly cradles your laptop and provides additional storage space for your accessories. Video after the jump

Electra-fied!

ELECTRA-JACKET-2The Electra 2 cycling jacket from Louis Garneau will help keep the chill out on those cool days, and if it heats up just a bit the sleeves are detachable and it can quickly convert to a vest. The back is even vented to prevent cyclists from overheating. It features a front two way zipper, as well as chest and back pockets that zip closed to carry that important stuff. There is even a mini-light tab that helps a rider be seen at night.

The Electra 2 is made of Diamond Air fabric that is light and breathable but still can act as a windbreaker, while the Mesh Airdry will wick moisture away. It is a cool jacket for those cool days.

Louis Garneau Electra 2 Jacket Official Website

Swing Into Spring

TOMMY-HILFIGER-GOLF-SPRING-Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but Tommy Hilfiger Golf looks to embrace the colors of spring with its 2014 collection, which is the preppy heritage and energetic spirit at the heart of the Tommy Hilfiger brand.

This includes three new deliveries, the first of which draws inspiration from iconic coastal golf destinations like Monterey Bay, California. Pieces include modern golf classics such as polos and sweaters rendered in a palette of tonal blues and white highlighted by light blue and turquoise accents. This includes classic patterns with nautical stripes, argyle and traditional plaids.

The second the nautical influences of San Francisco, California with tailored pieces featured in a vibrant palette of red, white and royal blue. Touches of modern black, inspired by the city’s distinct architecture, ground the delivery and emphasize the sporty design.

The third is inspired by the country club lifestyle and East Hampton’s renowned prep traditions, with a crisp, sophisticated color palette of kelly green, navy and white modernizes classic silhouettes.

The entire collection features 100 percent polyester fabric that combines style and comfort with moisture wicking capabilities that keep garments dry and provide anti-odor properties essential in a technical garment.

Tommy Hilfiger Golf Official Website

Do Helmet Laws Discourage Cycling

SpainLast month the Spanish cabinet approved amendments to the existing Law on Traffic, Circulation, Motor Vehicles and Road Safety, and then passed the proposed bill to the Spanish Parliament for approval. Under the heading “Improving Road Safety’ is an amendment that could make bicycle helmets mandatory for all cyclists under the age of 18 on all roads (urban and rural).

This may sound like a good idea, but the European Cyclists’ Federation noted that mandatory helmet laws could actually discourage people from cycling. The above poster – in Spanish – noted “20 children are run over per year. Would you feel safer if your child wore a helmet? The danger for children are cars, not riding bicycles.”

The ECF also added:
“Research in the field of cycling in Australia (a country with a MHL) has led to the conclusion that “the greatest effect of the helmet law was not to encourage cyclists to wear helmets but to discourage cycling” (Robinson 1996). By portraying cycling as a dangerous activity, MHLs dissuade people from cycling.”

This is something to consider. While recommended use of helmets could warn people why a helmet is necessary, making these mandatory could have the effect of keeping people off bikes.

[Via ECF: Mandatory Helmets: An Attack on Spanish Cycling]

Get Wild

WildWhen heading to the wilds you don’t need to do so like a wildling. WILD, a new brand based in Portland, Oregon is look to bring a civilized line of outdoor apparel for those who spend time in the great outdoors. This includes the new Park Place Snap-Front Jacket (above), which is made of synthetic corduroy. It is waterproof – a must in the Pacific Northwest – but is breathable as well. It is just the thing for a wild one who wants to stay warm and dry.

WILD Official Website

Pain and Suffering

SufferfestNo pain, no gain. So if you want a serious workout on the training bike you need to do more than watch cartoons and the evening news. The Sufferfest provides downloadable cycling training videos that feature high-intensity workouts along with a soundtrack to get you and keep you in high gear. These are training videos for beginnings to the pros. And now Sufferfest is even compatible with Strava. Video after the jump

Major Manta

Osprey-Manta-28With the Osprey Manta 28 hydration pack on your back you’ll have plenty of water for that long hike and a lot of storage for just about everything you might need. It features a dual compartment zip front pocket and stretch mesh side pockets that offer plenty of storage.

It also comes with a built-in raincover, helmet attachment, and ErgoPull hipbelt so it will remain comfortable and balanced for those long hikes.

Osprey Manta 28 Official Website

Elemental Riding

EWRPlenty of cycling apparel companies offer the latest fabrics, but if you’re looking for a retro look and want the old school Merino wool – with a 21st century twist – then Earth, Wind and Rider might be just the thing for you. The company utilizes 100 percent Australian Merino wool that offers a timeless look. The New Rochelle, NY company even does custom jerseys – complete with a retro look.

Earth, Wind and Rider Official Website

Fat Weekend

Fat-Bike-SummitWe know that “Fat Tuesday” is the usually held for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but Ogden Utah will have a fat Friday and Saturday. The Global Fat Bike Summit will be held January 24-25 to promote fat bikes’ low environmental impact, seek access to lands currently off limits to bikes, and explores the potential for local economic growth opportunity such access can bring. It will bring together dealers, consumers, land managers, fat bike manufacturers and media representatives.

The two-day event, co-sponsored by Quality Bicycle Products and Ogden City, combines educational seminars, a fat bike expo, a festival, and a race.

Global Fat Tire Bike Summit Official Website

Monster of a Light

Tacprogear-TM15-Tiny-MonsteHalloween was more than a week ago, but for next year plan on having the Tacprogear TM15 Tiny Monster Rechargeable Flashlight on hand as this monster will surely light the way. It blasts out 2450 lumens, making it the world’s smallest yet brightest rechargeable searchlight on the market.

It utilizes three CREE XM-L LEDs, and is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum that has been HA III military grade hard-anodized. It is also IPX-8 waterproofed to two meters, and features a coated mineral glass to resist scratches.

Tacprogear TM15 Tiny Monster Rechargeable Flashlight 2450 Lumens by Nitecore Official Website