Very Urban Cycling

  西洋人 [Seiyo-jin], aka "The Westerner," is always reading interesting things and finds worthwhile bicycling ephemera on the web. So good of him to send them my way.  Here's one of them, relayed initially through The Atlantic from Mexico City:

I can identify with this rider’s enthusiasm as he slides and turns in the midst of so much, albeit polluted and overcrowded, life. I remember the rush one can feel when pushing through urban traffic, feeling superior to the masses stuck in clogs of cars and trucks. In my college days my friend and I had nerve, less judgment and whistles, that propelled us through tight traffic in Philly. We snaked through gaps and narrow passages defined by endless lines of chassis and bumpers. Luckily we didn't get hurt. I hope this man continues to avoid accidents just as we did....

Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg

I had a great opportunity on MLK day to volunteer at Recycle Bicycle, which salvages old bikes for parts and scrap metal and uses the parts and proceeds to repair bikes and donate bikes to kids who need them. Its director made clear to us volunteers that so many city kids ride around without brakes, and that by offering free repairs or used bikes in good condition we can save lives.  The bikes here also go to individuals who have no other means to get to work, so the bikes are an ecologically sound solution to sustaining employment.

Lots of Bikes!

Recycled Chains

Volunteers Ready to Break Down Bikes

Packed Paniers Provide!

I take pride in grocery shopping by bike. As I grab items from the aisles, I envision whether the next can or box will fit in the limited space hanging over my rear wheel. And then there is the excitement of buying a little toooo much, and bargaining that I can find space for it atop my bike rack, secured with my ailing bungee cord.

After securing everything, I roll out among the evening commuters, sliding through the parking lot satisfied I do not need a car to feed my family's bellies.

Odd One

In my travels last week in NJ, I saw this strange bike affixed to a roof rack. Seems a combination of BMX and kids bike. Not sure what all the tape is for either...

Quick Cyclists

New pens. New sketches.

Inspired?

Commuting to work has been relatively easy in this December's unusual mild weather. Last weekend I took advantage of this temperate spell and did a slew of errands by bike: newspaper & milk-run, gift grabbing at the mall, and a post office stop with a large package (bound for the parents of our Pakistani exchange student) strapped to my bike rack. The travels even revealed a new short-cut that only pedestrians and pedalers can use -- a nice discovery!

***

In the two years I've been blogging here (how long will I continue this? my inspiration is waning), there seem to be a greater number of cyclists in the area.  Below is one of their machines outside a local department store, with a good-sized cargo box. Those handlebars are pretty impressive too, ready to handle quite a bit of tough handling with so much leverage. 

Boscov's Bike

And yet another commuting bike entered my sights this morning. Stopping at the Cornerstone Coffeehouse I met another commuter, bound for Union Deposit Rd (quite a hike). His all black Cannondale was equipped with very roomy saddlebags (also black), disc brakes and a Planet Bike front blinker. I did suggest he add something reflective to his garb, which was also all black. Do be visible everyone!

Velo Poster

Grabbed this poster at the Trexlertown bike fair last spring. Now it adorns my office!

Another Odd Object

Recently saw this lovely item on the street while waiting for the light to turn green.  Sometimes I find stuff worth grabbing, but this is not one of those finds!