You Are Viewing Bicycles

A few months ago, I posted a video from some folks across the pond at Transport for London called, “Do The Test.” The video cleverly displayed that it is very easy to get distracted while driving, and completely miss bicyclists on the road. Last week, I stumbled across the fantastic sequel (thanks, Osocio). Enjoy:

Both videos were produced by WCRS, a London-based firm that also boasts BMW, Mini, and Ferror Rocher as clients. Below is the original “Awareness Test.” Now, go forth and start seeing bicycles!

Cheers,
Sam
“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”
H.G. Wells

When I first tried college down in Tucson, I almost joined a fraternity. My uncle Phil had been (and I guess still is) a Kappa Sigma at the University of Minnesota, and promised to share with me all the necessary handshakes and secret phrases to get in the door. I ended up never rushing, but my roommate pledged Delta Chi so I got a chance to live the Greek Live vicariously. How vicariously? In 2001, the chapter was revoked of its UA recognition and put on level five (5) probation by the national office. In 2006, D Chi regained university recognition. The campus newspaper ran a story on the event, interviewing Delta Chi Chapter President, Andrew Dipsia. Drew was my roommate. That’s how vicariously.

Because of that experience, and the many stories Phil has shared with me, I’ve always had a certain image of Greek Life. And, well, turns out that might not be exactly fair…

Last Thursday afternoon, twenty-three (23) young men on bicycles showed up in Downtown Phoenix. Except, they weren’t from Phoenix, and their destination wasn’t Phoenix. These guys, along with a couple of support vans, were traveling from San Fransisco to Washington, D.C. Another group was traveling from Seattle, and yet another was riding from San Fransisco but taking a more northern route. Thirty-two (32) states and over 12,000 miles will be covered, all in the name of raising money and awareness for people with disabilities. And the kicker? Everyone involved is a Pi Kappa Phi, it’s a prerequisite to ride.

Most social fraternal organizations donate both time and money to nonprofit organizations, but Pi Kapps are the only ones to own and operate its own philanthropic organization. Push America are the leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today. They put on a variety of awareness and fundraising events, but the reason why they were up on my radar screen today was the Journey of Hope. From the website:

The Journey of Hope is a cross-country bicycle trek beginning in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA and ending together with all teams in Washington, D.C. The event raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. Simply put, the Journey of Hope is a ride with a purpose. Make no mistake; this is not a simple ride. The Journey of Hope is about many things. It is about challenging the norm. It is about serving our communities. It is about finding out more about ourselves than we ever imagined. It is about having a dream. It is about a mission. It is about hope.

They made a stop here in Phoenix for a couple of reasons. First, they had ridden almost seventy (70) miles without a break. And second, they stopped by because an ASU student is on the ride. He wasn’t actually here, he’s on a separate leg, but he’s still on the trip.

If you dig what these cats are doing, you can donate to the cause here. Happy Weekend!

It’s going to be hot today. But it’s still a great day for a bicycle ride to the baseball game. It also saves money on gas and parking…

Cheers,
Sam
“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”
H.G. Wells

I had lunch today with Staci of the Children’s Angel Foundation about Phoenix Copper Bikes. I am pretty certain (and hopefully you are, too) that this idea is pretty solid. However, I want to make sure more than the idea is solid before we roll it out for real. So Hugo and I met with Staci today to go over the basic idea and proposal to see where are, where the holes are, and to see where we need to go.

During our conversation, the idea that this is a “timely” concept came up. With gas prices so high, the economy in such a bad place, etc. It had never really occurred to me. My car gets pretty good gas mileage, so I’m not hit that hard by the current jump, and I don’t make enough money to be affected by the economic pressures that are making the news. Peanut butter and jelly are holding pretty steady on the market lately. Plus, I like riding a bike because it makes me feel good, and it provides an easy option for exercise. Not because it saves me some good money. But I guess more people are switching over to being pedal pushers for that exact reason. Like this guy.

Bicycle Repair Man!

Things are coming together on the PCB front. More on that next week.

Cheers,
Sam
“The Lakers would like to see Kobe go on a tear. He’s been very quite early, not looking for the shot.”
Merv Albert

Today is the National Ride Of Silence.

On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

This isn’t just a made-up issue. Just last night, a woman was killed in Tucson on her bicycle. Share the road, friends, and start seeing bicycles!

Cheers,
Sam
“We put our lives in the hands of everyone else on the roads every time we enter them, regardless of our mode of transportation.”
David Veatch

I say almost, because it’s not really official. Like, we don’t have any of the paperwork turned in, and no board of directors. But hey, we have a video! It’s the twenty-first (21st) century. And that’s as good as official…

I’m pleased announce the formation of Phoenix Copper Bikes. Thanks to Matt (director) and Andrew (actor) for making this happen. Send an email to samuelisaacrichard [at] gmail [dot] com to be put on the PCB mailing list. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Sam
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein

Cheers,
Sam
“Enter, Click, Plan Your Trip!”
TARC Slogan

A video for you tonight. It’s fun, I promise:

Also, there is a petition that I am asking you to sign if the message strikes a chord with you. There is a group of bicycle riders pleading Google to add a “Bike There” option to Google Maps. My signature was #24,729, and a few more couldn’t hurt. Here is the link to the petition.

Both of these things I borrowed from my new friend, Jonny, over at Zero Per Gallon. He has some really amazing things going over there in San Fran. I talked about his stuff a little on Sunday, but I know not all of you went to check it out. Go buy a belt or a shirt or something. And tell him I sent you.

Cheers,
Sam
“Be alert, be aware, be alive.”
Safety Slogan

Just a few random things for you guys to have some fun with today…

First, there is this warning from the City of Santa Ana. Parents, make sure you watch out for those backpacks and black books. Those things are scary!

Next is my newest bike-related obsession, Zero Per Gallon. ZPG has a variety of products, including belts made from recycled bike tires, stickers with the clever their clever logo (pictured), and shirts boasting that bikes have the ability to go fifty-three (53) miles per burrito. I wonder how many miles a torta will get you. Those things are amazing. The site is a real fun time. Poke around, you’ll find some good stuff in there. Promise.

Lastly, I have to let you know about yet another opportunity to join the Social Networking world. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me present to you, MyPeaceSpace! It would only be cooler if your computer started to smell like Patchouli when you visited the site. I kid, I kid. Seriously, though. This is a really neat project and you should check it out. Speaking of amazing things happening, I wonder if the people working on creating a US Department of Peace have profiles on MyPeaceSpace?

That’s all I have for tonight. Let me know what you think.