Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Capitol Forest Ride #1: Fall Creek 8-50-6
This ride starts and ends at the Fall Creek Trailhead, accessible from Delphi Road on the Westside of Olympia.
Please be aware that these are shared trails and you may encounter other cyclists, hikers and equestrians. Do your part to share the trails. At a minimum, let folks know if there are other riders in your group behind you. Additionally, it is advisable to talk to equestrians and ask them how they'd prefer to proceed -- to have you pass them or have them pass you, whether they'd like you to dismount, etc. It is often a good idea to talk to the horses, as they are familiar with the sound of human voices and which helps them realize you are not a dangerous predator. Be an ambassador for trail riding. Have fun.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Jandd Waterproof Saddle Cover
Posted via email from OlyBikes
National Trails Day is Saturday, June 5th!
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Chehalis-Western Trail (CWT) Bridge Opening
BTW, he's kidding about almost getting killed, though, right Congressman? Uh, sir?
(Olympia Power & Light also reported on the story, but I am sorry to say I cannot find a weblink for it.)
Anyway, I want to thank everyone involved in the project, as well as all those who came out to the even, undeterred by the iffy weather. Ironically, May's weather has been worse compared!
Very Good News: Pending closeout of the project, word from Thurston Regional Planning Council staff is that there is enough money left to fund property acquisition, design and possibly even full construction of the last portion of the "Gap Project" over Pacific Avenue, near the "Kite Girl" statue in Lacey. I wonder if she'll find another place to reside....
1 --
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Two Down, One to Go! Martin Way Non-motorized Bridge Opening
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http://www.olybikes.com
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Cell Phone Bill on Governor's Desk!
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Bridging the Gap Phase 2 Ribbon Cutting!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
National Bike Summit Crankin' it Up for Cycling
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Monday, March 08, 2010
Urgent Action Needed on Cell Phone Bill
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
The Kind of Cell Phone Bill You WANT!
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Bike & Pedestrian Safety Bill in WA Needs Your Help
Many of you have already heard from me regarding HB 3001, our bike/ped safety bill. The bill has been doing well and now is our chance to get it significantly closer to being law. So, I am now asking you to make what I hope is the last phone call or email.
Contact your Senator right away and ask them to <b>vote "Yes" on HB 3001 as amended by the Senate</b>. To find out who your Senator is and get their contact information, click here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ We prefer that you call them.
HB 3001 would require the already approved bicycle/pedestrian awareness curriculum be taught in traffic schools which are for drivers that have received infractions and may qualify to be granted a deferral of the infraction by attending the school. Many licensed drivers do not have knowledge about such safe driving practices. The materials for these classes will be paid for by the Bicycle Alliance so there is no cost to the state.
Expanding the curriculum requirement to traffic schools from drivers education schools where it is already required would increase this important knowledge about safe driving practices.
Thank you and please contact me if you have questions or need additional information.
Dave Janis, Policy Director
Bicycle Alliance of Washington
206.224.9252 Ext. 302
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Posted via email from OlyBikes
Friday, February 26, 2010
Bridging the Gap Phase II Nears Completion!
- Apply to be on the City of Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: http://tinyurl.com/ykex8ao
- Contact the Capital Bicycling Club's Advocacy Director and find out how to get involved with existing efforts or to initiate change on your own local bike issue.
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Monday, December 14, 2009
Solo Trail Spin in Capitol Forest
Thursday, December 03, 2009
RADBOT Will Save Your Rad BUTT
- Twice as bright - seriously, if drivers can't see this light, they should have their licenses revoked.
- Includes a rack-mount WITH the light - any bike with a cargo rack should run the taillight at the back of the rack.
- Includes a legit reflector - we are huge fans of running both and here's why.
- Including a fender mount would have been totally amazing (hint, hint, PDW folks).
- It would have been cool to see a rack adaptor that included a tab _to mount it to the rack_. Either your rack must supply such a tab (some do, some don't) or you need to fashion your own. If you go all DIY and make your own "adaptor adaptor", please make it mount to the rack with _two bolts_ so it doesn't swivel around. Bike mechanics/nerds will know what I mean when I say that Jandd got their design right and Blackburn got it wrong. That's why we carry the Jandd mount in stock for $4 which is way worth it, because it is light-mounting perfection in stainless steel form (again, hint, hint).
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Use Steady Beam -- Not Blinking -- Headlights
Use headlights in steady mode, not blinking. We have two reasons for this advice. First, we believe that it is much easier for other road/path users (not just motorists) to judge their distance from, and relative closing speed on a steady light source. This is crucial as the relative speed is the sum of the cyclist's and motorist's speeds, which reduces reaction time for the motorist. Also, flashing forward lights are generally reserved for emergency vehicles only, and we would hate to hear that a cyclist was found to be at fault when hit by a careless motorist simply because the cyclist's headlight was flashing, which is not the norm for any non-emergency vehicle.
That said, blinking rear lights are OK. The closing speed of a motorist overtaking a cyclist is reduced by the speed of that cyclist (we always assume the cyclist is travelling with the flow of traffic, as required by law). This gives the motorist more time to perceive the cyclist and avoid them. Also, many states, including Washington, specifically allow rear lights to blink/flash (there is no such allowance for headlights as far as we know).
Steady beam taillights are more than a fine idea for cyclists, for the same reasons of driver perception mentioned above for headlights.
Note, we are not lawyers but think that WA State requirement for rear lights, whether blinking or steady, is that they must be used in additionto a reflector, and not just in place of one. We are not aware of any cyclist being cited for using only a rear light, though. Read the laws here.
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Monday, November 09, 2009
Bicycle Headlights
Bicycle headlights can be divided into two groups:
- Higher-end lights bright enough for a cyclist to see what they are rolling over.
- Entry-level lights that cannot light up the road.
Higher-end systems start at $85, and entry-level lights are priced below that. OlyBikes sells both categories of lights, though we feature higher-end systems on our website.
Entry-Level Lights
We often refer to these as "defensive lights." They help make cyclists more visible to other road users, but simply are not bright enough to light up the road (so do not expect them to). They are fairly affordable, portable, lightweight, and make great backup lights for brighter systems, or even loaner-lights for a friend who has stayed past dusk.
Few of these lights are rechargeable, but you can always opt to use rechargeable batteries in them. Indeed, doing so will in short order pay for both the batteries and the charger -- especially if the light has incandescent halogen bulbs!
Last, but not least, defensive lights meet the nearly nationwide requirement that during evening hours, bikes be equipped with a white, steady beam (not flashing!), visible for 500 feet. Fines of $105 for breaking this law are not unheard of. That's more than enough for even a basic "high-end light" -- speaking of which...
High-End Lights
You'll need a pretty bright light to see what you are rolling over. Think about it -- as the beam projects out from your headlight, the great majority of it bounces off the road or trail and keeps travelling away from you a la the phrase -- "angle of incidence = angle of reflection". To really SEE what you are rolling over, enough light must reflect back from the road/trail to your eyes. That's tough considering how shallow the angle of the headlight beam is. Factor in limited reaction time at speed, potential ambient darkness (especially in more rural riding), and it's simply a challenge that not every light is up to.
Several years ago, high-end light systems were solely the domain of incandescent halogen and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. Halogens were relatively cheap but somewhat inefficient. HIDs were much brighter, with 500-900 lumens (equivalent to about 45-65 watts of light), but with run-times up to twice as long as the highest-end incandescent lights. Halogen incandescent systems have largely left the market two years ago, forced out by LEDs (see below). Now HIDs are experiencing the same fate.
For years, LEDs were relegated to the low-end light category. They were dim and only put out light in a narrow plane that wasn't very useful to see by. Even the much-touted 1-watt LEDs that are pretty omnipresent today lack the output to allow a rider see where they are going, and those lights routinely cost around $50. When this article was first written, LEDs just didn't "pencil out" against bright halogen lights. Now they do, plus LEDs offer greater durability, smaller batteries and longer burn times. As a result, higher-end incandescent systems are almost completely gone from the market.
Super-high-end LEDs rival any HID system out there. Cygo's Trion 600 light is a perfect example of how LEDs are really maturing as a lighting category. With 600-1200 lumens of light, they cost less, weigh less and are more portable and durable than HID systems (HID bulbs are not very shock resistant and replacement bulbs can run $50 -- ouch!). Such LED systems cost from $300-$700 depending on brightness and feature set. While this might seem like a lot, consider the cost and inconvenience of either crashing solo from unseen debris/poor surface, or worse, from being hit by a car. The medical bill from even a minor trip to the hospital would likely cost more than the nicest LED light available.
Generator-Powered Lights
Battery-powered lights aren't the only option, of course. Dynamo (aka "dyno") light systems supply power via either a frame-mounted-tire-driven generator or a generator contained in the hub of a front wheel (dynohubs). Tire-driven systems are cheaper, but: they make some noise, can be knocked out of alignment (damaging the tire), can slip in wet/snowy conditions, and are usually slightly less efficient than dynohubs. On the other hand, they are less expensive, and are completely efficient when not in use (technically, dynohubs supply some resistance even when not in use). Dynohubs are more efficient in use, never slip, and their silent operation is a small mental boon, as the rider isn't constantly reminded that they are supplying light system power via noise.
Surprisingly, a 3-watt dyno system can supply as much usable light as a 10W battery-based system. How? Quality dyno lights, have high efficiency reflectors and lenses that focus all the light exactly where it will be usable for the cyclist. In contrast, most battery-powered headlights are adapted from the world of indoor halogen lighting. This approach is one of "sheer horsepower" applied inefficiently in order to get enough on the ground to see by.
Generators, particularly dynohubs get a big thumbs-up regarding their dependability. Own one, and you'll never wonder, "Did I bring my light? Is it charged?" If you can pedal, you have light!
Like battery-powered systems, dyno lights have benefited from the evolution of LEDs. The latest ones use multi-watt LEDs that reach full brightness even at low speeds. LED emitters are orders of magnitude more durable than incandescent lights, meaning that you'll never have to replace the emitter (from use or shock). Efficiencies are high enough that many cyclists leave their dynohub LED lights on all the time. There is little downside to it for around town commuting.
Generator systems are usually used to power headlights, but can also power rear lights too. The wiring for a complete system is a bit more complicated and vulnerable. Many folks simply run a standalone battery-powered taillight. If you want a dyno-powered taillight, make sure that the dyno and the headlight can accommodate one (some are not designed to work with taillights).
One of the longstanding downsides of generator systems has been a lack of visibility when the rider stops at traffic lights or stop signs. This too has been overcome by using a "standlight" wherein a capacitor (like a short-term battery) powers either the main light emitter or an auxiliary LED emitter. Standlights usually provide a couple minutes of "defensive-visibility" (allowing other road users to see the cyclist). Standlight circuitry is "in the light", not the generator, so if you want that feature, make sure you are getting a headlight or taillight that has a standlight.
OlyBikes has the following recommendations about lights:
- Head-mounted lights, assuming that their beams are more perpendicular to the ground, may allow more light to reflect back to your eyes (increasing ground-visibility). However, low-mounted lights provide more shadow detail -- a handy perceptual cue in uneven terrain (some riders like fork-mounted lights for that reason). Head-mounted lights have other advantages though. Simply look at a driver on a side street or pulling out of a parking lot and they get your light's full brightness directed at them. You also get hands-free illumination for dealing with mechanical trouble or to better see keyholes at night. Plus, if you have multiple bikes, you'll probably use the same helmet, so no extra light mounts are needed. When you lock up your bike, your light system is already WITH you, so it wont be stolen or be yet another thing you have to carry in your hands at your destination.
The downside to helmet-mounted lights is that the batteries are usually carried in a jersey or jacket pocket and some folks don't like the weight or necessity of wearing a garment with a pocket. A few cyclists use helmet-mounted lights with bike-mounted batteries. If you try that, remember to disconnect the wire before walking away from your bike (ouch + crash = doh)! Perhaps the best helmet-mounted lights are those with internal batteries, like the Cygo Milion 150 or Cygo Milion 200 (the former is compatible with an optional helmet mount, the latter comes with BOTH a bar mount and a helmet mount).- In terms of brightness, you need at least 10 watts of incandescent light or 150 lumens of LED output to begin to see what you are rolling over. That translates into at least $85 for a 12-watt system like the Cygolite Night Rover. There is plenty of reason to get a nicer system like the Cygo Milion 150 or Cygo Milion 200 though. They are lighter-weight, have longer "burn times", fast and smart chargers and batteries that provide more consistent brightness as they discharge.
- Keeping it simple is a good thing. Avoid lights with excessive bells and whistles. Remote switches are more likely to fail (besides being another thing to secure to, and remove from, your bike). Features like fuel gauges seem nifty, but in reality, any competent person can keep track of how long their light has been burning. Plus with fast and smart chargers becoming more common, batteries can be easily "topped-off" before being fully discharged (and by the way, "battery memory" is largely a myth).
- Exceptions to the "Keep it Simple" rule are "fast" and "smart" chargers, and lights with multiple brightness settings. These are worthwhile features. A 10-11 hour recharge time may work well for some, but for busy folks with tight schedules, a fast charger, with 2-5 hour turnaround is more convenient. Smart chargers help protect batteries by shutting off when their job is done. This is an important feature because overcharging batteries easily damages them, resulting in dramatically reduced burn time and/or battery life (often thought to be "battery memory", which it is not). Protect your investment by getting a system with a smart charger (they're usually fast chargers too). Perhaps of lesser import, multiple light levels can be handy for increasing burn time (at the expense of brightness, of course).
The world of bike lights is changing rapidly and for the better. Today's systems are smaller, lighter, brighter and more efficient, while prices are dropping. Expect that in another year or two, that LEDs will have advanced to the point where not only incandescent sytems are gone from the market, but HIDs as well. We're already seeing LED dyno lights that are as bright as HIDs coming out now. With such dramatic gains in technology, the future of bicycle lighting looks quite bright indeed! Joking aside, investing in your safety is the smartest thing you can do -- get a derailer decent enough to do the job, but get the brightest light you can afford.Take a look at the light systems featured on our website.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Olympia Offers Urban Cycling Workshops
Hello bicycle enthusiasts and future bicycle enthusiasts,The City of Olympia and the Capital Bicycling Club are holding another round of Urban Cycling workshops to help you set the routine for fall commuting.We are offering a new, condensed version of the original Urban Cycling course, called Urban Cycling Basics. See below for our new Fall schedule. Beginners and experienced riders welcome, recreational and transportation cyclists as well. To register, please contact me, Kerry Tarullo: 753-8575, TTY 753-8270, ktarullo@ci.olympia.wa.us. There is a $5 or $10 class fee, includes materials. Bike in good working order and helmet required.Urban Cycling Basics $5Option 1: Saturday, August 29, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Option 2: Saturday, October 3, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.A shorter version of our Urban Cycling workshop, this class covers just the basics: bicycle traffic laws, negotiating with traffic, lane positioning, tools for the road, flat tire repair, and a group ride around Downtown Olympia.Urban Cycling $10Friday, September 25, 5:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.This class covers everything from how to fit your bike and make adjustments to traffic laws and equipment & tools youll need for your ride. You will learn riding strategies and safety maneuvers and we will end the class with a group ride in Downtown Olympia. Friday evening classroom discussion, Saturday on-bike lesson and group ride.
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Olympians, Dust Off Your Photo Albums...
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Lacey Woodland Trail Phase II Groundbreaking!
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&q=map+6729+Pacific+Avenue+SE+Lacey,+WA&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,4641630515688735107&ei=rZRwSuHBCojCsQP3vuj5CA&ll=47.039988,-122.793159&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=h&iwloc=A&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="
View Larger Map" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Celebrate Summer with Bike Polo Sundays 4PM @ Garfield School, Olympia
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"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Friday, June 19, 2009
Trails in/around Olympia Thriving!
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"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Support an Olympia Bike Park, Tuesday, July 14th...
What can you do?
The city council meetings allow 30 minutes at the start (7PM at 900 Plum Street) for the public to make comments. It would be really great whether you ride 20 inch wheels or 29 inch wheels if you could show up at 6:30 and sign up to say just a few words to support cycling recreation.
It's easy!
You sign up on a sheet by the front door and when your name is called to speak you walk up to the podium state your name, Olympia address, and how much you really enjoy (insert BMX, Mountain Biking, Cyclocross, Flatland, Road Racing, Bike Trails, or whatever) and really support the efforts of the parks department to recognize the need for a space to ride. Or something to that effect.
It would be really great to have the bike rack full, a bike chained to every pole holding up the round walk way cover, or every person in the seating area holding a helmet to let the council see how big this issue is to us.
What if I can't make that meeting?
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"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Monday, June 08, 2009
Bridging the Gap Phase II Ground Breaking Celebration
Congressman Brian Baird just stolen my thunder as I walked up to him at the ground breaking event. This will take some explaining...
A few years ago, when the federal transportation bill was being re-authorized, I saw an announcement that Congressman Baird was going to be in town. We had recently secured funding for Phase I of the Bridging the Gap Project (the bridge over I-5) thanks to Sandra Romero, then one of our representatives in the State Legislature (now a County Commissioner). There wasn't any such funding for the other two phases. Having been involved in a lot of other forms of bike advocacy, some effective, some not, I thought I'd try something different than another meeting or hearing. I decided to invite the Congressman on a bike ride of the area, specifically to show him the Bridging the Gap Project. He agreed, and after some quick organization and planning, we met with some other riders from our community at the Olympia Farmers Market.
Long ride short, Congressman Baird agreed to try and help fund Phase II of the project (a bridge over Martin Way), and was, obviously, successful. True, things have proceeded along slower than anticipated since then, but the hundred or so folks that gathered at the ground breaking event on 6/7/09 were still glad. I had thought of a good-natured heckling of the Congressman might be in order, but I didn't get within 15 feet of him before he shot my joke right at me! I was stunned (and relieved).
When a project like this is in its infancy, it's hard to see "The Promised Land". All you perceive is a sizable obstacle that isn't cheap to fund or easy to get support for. With early leadership from individuals on the Thurston Regional Planning Council (such as Pete Kmet of Tumwater City Council), as well as help from Sandra Romero and Brian Baird, we're more than half-way there. I think that staff and elected officials are really learning what is possible with regional cooperation, and how loved and needed facilities like trails are in their communities.
And me, I've learned that my congressman has a sense of humor!
Thanks to everyone who helped out with and attended the event. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go plan a bike ride....
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Bridging the Gap Phase II Ground Breaking Celebration
Congressman Brian Baird just stolen my thunder as I walked up to him at the ground breaking event. This will take some explaining...
A few years ago, when the federal transportation bill was being re-authorized, I saw an announcement that Congressman Baird was going to be in town. We had recently secured funding for Phase I of the Bridging the Gap Project (the bridge over I-5) thanks to Sandra Romero, then one of our representatives in the State Legislature (now a County Commissioner). There wasn't any such funding for the other two phases. Having been involved in a lot of other forms of bike advocacy, some effective, some not, I thought I'd try something different than another meeting or hearing. I decided to invite the Congressman on a bike ride of the area, specifically to show him the Bridging the Gap Project. He agreed, and after some quick organization and planning, we met with some other riders from our community at the Olympia Farmers Market.
Long ride short, Congressman Baird agreed to try and help fund Phase II of the project (a bridge over Martin Way), and was, obviously, successful. True, things have proceeded along slower than anticipated since then, but the hundred or so folks that gathered at the ground breaking event on 6/7/09 were still glad. I had thought of a good-natured heckling of the Congressman might be in order, but I didn't get within 15 feet of him before he shot my joke right at me! I was stunned (and relieved).
When a project like this is in its infancy, it's hard to see "The Promised Land". All you perceive is a sizable obstacle that isn't cheap to fund or easy to get support for. With early leadership from individuals on the Thurston Regional Planning Council (such as Pete Kmet of Tumwater City Council), as well as help from Sandra Romero and Brian Baird, we're more than half-way there. I think that staff and elected officials are really learning what is possible with regional cooperation, and how loved and needed facilities like trails are in their communities.
And me, I've learned that my congressman has a sense of humor!
Thanks to everyone who helped out with and attended the event. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go plan a bike ride....
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Gap Phase II Ground Breaking THIS Saturday, June 6th @ 3PM!
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"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Monday, June 01, 2009
Wind roaring in ears -- Synergistic payback time -- Tandem screams downhill
"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
Posted via email from OlyBikes
Friday, May 29, 2009
Olympia Micro Loans for Commute Bikes
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"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Bike & Pedestrian Improvements coming to Jefferson & 14th in Oly
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"Bikes, Parts, Repairs and GREAT Customer Service"
http://www.olybikes.com
Phone: 360-753-7525
(website features FREE bike safety & advocacy materials)
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Just How Green IS the Bike Industry?
But working to minimize impact is greater than that. It's also about "best product selection" because we want folks should use durable stuff to ensure that they have good experiences on their bikes. Sure, bikes are fun, but they are way more than toys; they are serious transportation. We see tons of bad product design which drives us up a wall, and we are concerned that the bike industry rationalizes that it is being more innovative and is greener than it really is. We're also not the "sit idly by" types when we see things that bug us. With that in mind, we recently sent this letter to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News (aka "BRAIN"), an industry trade publication.
The November Editorial page of your paper was a welcome mix of the various ways the bike industry could and should work on environmental issues: reduce impact and enable smart transportation choices.
We are glad that more commute bike models are becoming available from manufacturers. We just hope that bike makers avoid the dreaded "cutesification" that reduces function for the sake of gee-whiz aesthetics. Commute bikes can be plenty of fun, but they are far from toys. Just like for cars, "city miles" beat up bikes more than "highway miles". Proper design and spec is needed to cope with the high demands of urban riding - lots of starts, stops and shifts, in all kinds of weather.
Often, folks who are trying out bike commuting for the first time are not avid cyclists. They may not understand what makes a high quality bike, let alone why one is desirable for riding to and from work, school and on errands. A shop might have only one opportunity to get someone to try bike commuting. If the customer gets an ill-suited, cheap bike that doesn't last, they may give up on bike commuting altogether. It can be challenging to get people to pony up for a bike that's up to the task, but we aren't serving them well if we don't make a real effort. That’s "we" in the big sense, starting with bike manufacturers, but not ending there. All the accessories that allow for safe, secure, practical and comfortable bike commuting need to be up to the task. So, how about it, manufacturers? How about making quality stuff? How about actually using your stuff and seeing how it holds up over time? I bet it would be an eye-opener for many industry folks. We are very picky about what we carry at our shop because it reflects our reputation. Also, as we explain to customers, "we don't sell landfill." Carrying cheap stuff that breaks only wastes resources and money. If bad experiences with inferior products discourage people from bike commuting, then nobody wins. Well, maybe Exxon….
While we're helping folks reduce the environmental impact of their travel, why don't we as an industry also commit to reducing excessive packaging on our products, and make sure that whatever packaging is used, is either recycled, recyclable or both. It's just ridiculous that in this day and age, that any marketing department can't figure out how to communicate everything they need to on recyclable packaging. It’s just a crying shame to generate so much solid waste. What’s it to be folks? The “same old, same old”? Maybe some half-hearted "green-washing"? Or can our industry make a real commitment here to reduce our impact while helping folks to reduce theirs?
We'll save our comments about how 99% of the industry’s products are shipped half-way around the world for a future letter.
So, yeah, we have a long way to go before we can really say we're green. Ironically, it is back where we USED to be, before economic globalization had such a stranglehold on everything. I guess it's easy to buy locally-made stuff in China, though, huh?
We're looking for opportunities to carry products made in the USA, particularly in the Northwest, where we're located. We'd love to hear suggestions from you, beloved reader. We need lots of eyes searching for those few needles in the industrial haystack. Please leave a comment suggesting your fave bike products that you think we should carry that would meet the somewhat vague description of eco-friendly.