Why Bike Advocates Must Include Women

Background

I have been paying more attention lately to community planning efforts. I see a definite trend away from traditional, car-centric thinking. The concept of complete streets is becoming more widely used and implemented. But we in the US do not have to start from scratch as if the new idea of making streets usable by commuters on foot, bicycle, etc., actually a new idea. Back in the 1970's the people of Nederlands made a collective decision to reduce their dependence on foreign oil and to invest in an infrastructure that supported other forms of transportation. A significant amount of scholarship has been applied to the process, and results support the idea that building safer transport routes for biking and walking will result in more people cycling and walking. It is also important to remember to promote cycling as a Lifestyle, not just a means of transportation.

How Women Fit into the Equation


This post was inspired by the Girl Bike Love blog, where I found an interesting and well written article explaining just how it matters that women are invited into the dialogue and listend to while they are there. I won't go into too much detail about the article (you can read it and decide for yourself), but I will mention one premise is that for the majority of young people, a woman is the most influential person in their lives.

I will close with this video on the development of cycle-centric Dutch thinking:

Be Seen

Have you been caught out on the bike past sunset by accident, without lights? I have and it's a little scary. Do you ride regularly at night? If you do what lighting solutions do you use?

I recently went somewhere on my bike knowing I would be riding home in the dark. I brought the lights I had and thought I'd be well enough prepared. I was wrong. I made it home safe and sound, but I realized if I am going to do this again I need to be better lit up. I also want to see better.

What I had not considered was that the bike path I planned on riding had a new danger after dark. The daytime benefit of being separated from street traffic also meant that there was no lighting. It was completely dark. This created 2 problems: no one could see me and I could not see any obstacles in my way.

I have come accross this video demonstrating an interesting product designed to illuminate cyclists in the dark. It looks pretty cool. While it will not solve the "seeing" issue, it seems to take care of the "being seen", take a look:

New Ideas

I have come across a new idea in commuting by bike. Some cleaver folks have devised a way to feel safer riding into a big city. Check out this video demonstrating the "Bike Bus" concept.




Here is a longer explanation...



Any new ideas on bikes and bike riding in your area?

Commute More

The days are shorter and the temperatures are lower. This combination forces me to adopt a more strategic approach to ride planning. I am finding myself doing a bit more commuting and less "joy riding." So far this has brought unexpected pleasures. Riding into a fantastic sunset the other night I found myself stopping every few minutes to take another picture.

I have also found pleasure in being able to ride right up to my destination, dismount, and park. I feel invigorated instead of tired when I arrive.

Last weekend there was a 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in San Diego. Some good friends were walking and I feel personally connected to the event. I supported my friends by meeting up each day and bringing them treats, essentials, and good cheer. We stopped, had a drink, and told stories. I rode part of the route and connected with the walkers. The freedom of the bike impacted my experience positively.

I am exploring a "car-free mentality" which to me, means I don't automatically think: drive, when going somewhere.