The bottom line is we ALL need to respect each other while we are out on the road. Motorists need to be more considerate of bike riders and we bikers need to be obedient to the local laws and rules of the road. Reno and Sparks motorists and bikers must share the road. I was biking to the grocery store a few days, riding along the right side of the street near the sidewalk since there was no bike lane. While riding, a car nearly sideswiped me, inching so close I almost hit the side mirror. Fortunately, there was no accident or injury. Incidents like this and others can be prevented on both sides; we just need to take more care.

and for more cool Bike Ballet on the web check out:  Crazy Bike http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=crazy+bike&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f#

The long awaited Build-A-Bike maintenance course is finally here.

Build-a-Bike starts June 4, and is going to be taught by Ed Jenson, a veteran of the Washoe County School District and professional bike mechanic.

This program is going to be a comprehensive look at biycles and how to repair them. From flat tires to rebuilding wheels, Ed and the RBP volunteers
are going to teach you how to do a complete overhaul.

There are six three-hour courses, starting Wednesday, June 4th. And continuing for the five following Wednesdays.

Participants can either bring their own bicycle or purchase a bike from RBP.

Cost of the class is $50 and includes most everything except a bicycle.

Space is limited to 8 spots so sign up fast.

for questions or to sign up email us at
renobikeproject@gmail.com
or call the shop
775.323.4488

see you soon,

Noah

Check out Erik Burke’s post about what DKNY and the City of New York are doing in the name of “Bicycle Advocacy,” at www.overunder.blogspot.com. Perhaps this endeavour advocates cycling, however I’m skeptical being that the only information on the bike is DKNY.com. It could also be seen as discrediting “Ghost Bike” ceremonies, and or confusing those who are familiar with that tradition. Judge for yourselves.

It doesn’t seem like bicycle transportation is quite on the presidential political radar yet, but there’s still hope. Chelsea didn’t seem prepared for my question about dulling the pain of gas prices by avoiding using a car as much as possible. Rather she moved on pretty quickly to other energy related topics. Which is fine. There are big fish to fry, though transportation is much larger than just energy and pollution. And altering CAFE standards or upgrading government building efficiency over 10 or 20 year ranges is too little too late. You can’t dull the sting of change by waiting. That will only make it more expensive and more likely to be reversed…

If you’re of a mind to, please get out this Saturday and caucus. If not, make sure you vote next November.

Thank You, Chelsea, Emily and America for taking the time to talk bikes with us!

-M

The Reno Bike Project does not endorse or support political parties or candidates.

Not only does the Reno Bike Project make cool stickers and kick-ass bikes, but we are helping to improve air quality as well!

The Truckee Meadows Tomorrow organization presented the Reno Bike Project with a Silver Star award for helping to measurably improve the air quality in the Truckee Meadows by encouraging alternative transportation and a healthier lifestyle for Renoites. On October 5, 2007 (last Friday) the RBP was recognized at the Truckee Meadows Tomorrow “Accentuate the Positive” celebration for helping to make Reno a great place to live, work and play.

We had a great response from the community. Many people who came up to our table had heard something about the Bike Project from their friends and colleagues and wanted to know more. Many people were interested in the Burning man hand-me-down bike and virtual tour Kyle and Noah had set up. There were even a few people who just wanted a free sticker, but any exposure is good exposure, right? And by the end of the luncheon we had the name “Reno Bike Project” rolling off the tongues of everyone there as they pledged to donate their old bikes and get their new bikes fixed up and ready to ride to work.

The Reno Bike Project expects to make Reno the Greatest Cycling City in the West, and judging from the response from last Friday’s celebration, we have huge community support. We have come a long way in improving air quality in the Truckee Meadows, as the number of bad air quality days has dropped significantly over the past two decades (truckeemeadowstomorrow.org), and the Reno Bike Project is ready to make the quality of life here in Reno even better for the future. Thanks to everyone who donates bikes to the shop, rides their bikes instead of driving as much as possible, and encourages others to do the same.

Congrats ‘yall!

-Carrie

Our good friend EriK BurKe is up to it again with weekly stories of bicycle escapades in New York. And while millions ride in New York only some document it in an entertaining way. This American Bike is worth checking out on his Blog. www.overunder.blogspot.com

The Reno Bike Project would like to announce the opening of Reno’s First Community Bike Shop. No longer are we cooped up in Noah’s garage!

The shop is located at 250 Bell St. in the fancy Cathexis building. Find us around back on the alley between Bell and Ralston right behind the Truckee River Lodge.

We are working hard everyday to get the shop in tip top shape, and new hours open four days a week are coming soon. Stop by and check it out.

Thanks,

-Management.

The Practical Pedal:

There are many elements of a great front porch, chief among them are a good dog, a cold beer and something awesome to read.

Here we have Juniper, New Belgium Sunshine Wheet, and The Practical Pedal, a new magazine edited by Wiley Davis of Bozeman Montana. Inside are articles on selecting the right trailer for your needs, Dutch cargo bikes, and eschewing technology for simpler pleasures. Here’s an excerpt from Wiley’s introduction to the issue and the magazine:

Things would have been different if I’d owned a bicycle trailer. Like most fifteen-year-old kids, I had a bicycle. But I’d never been exposed to the idea that bikes could be practical, even utilitarian, tools for transportation. Sure I rode my bike to friend’s houses, but as soon as something heavy needed to be hauled, I’d call in the big automotive guns… or resort to the desperate measures of the plywood debacle. It took me twenty years to figure out that bicycles are useful, even to someone with a car and a driver’s license. But I am heartened to see that bicycles are emerging from their recreational prisons. Bicycle shops are beginning to carry bikes with both the gearing and strength to carry loads. Small manufacturers such as Xtracycle, Cleverchimp, and Carry Freedom are making the kind of gear people need to put bicycles to work as viable forms of transportation. And the large manufacturers are beginning to see that practical bikes can help them reach a huge, untapped market.

Thank you Wiley!!

Sign up for a free subscription.

Join their Flickr community and win a trailer!

-M