Which bike is more desirable than any other on the planet? You’ve been voting on the GCN App over the last six weeks to decide which bike you want more than any other, and we’ll reveal whether it’s the Cannondale SystemSix, Canyon Aeroad or Pinarello Dogma F. We also bring you some of the latest hot tech from the Taipei Cycle bike show and more!
Desirable bike
From Highways.dot.gov
In 2020, the United States had 938 bicycle fatalities due to roadway-related crashes.(1) As bicycle use increases, transportation agencies are tasked with determining the optimal location and configuration for constructing on-road bicycle facilities. Several bicycle lane configurations are available, including the traditional bicycle lane, a buffered bicycle lane, and a separated bicycle lane (SBL). Recently, many U.S. transportation agencies have started implementing SBLs—also known as protected bicycle lanes—as a safety enhancement. Figure 1 provides an example of an installation. SBLs provide a bicycle lane that is separated from the adjacent motor vehicle lanes by including both a buffer and a vertical element between the motor vehicle lanes and the bicycle lane.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
The large number of bicycle-involved collisions demonstrates the need to prioritize analyzing and enhancing the safety of bicyclists. In recent years, transportation agencies have constructed a variety of bicycle lane configurations, including SBLs, yet the associated influence that an SBL may have on reducing crashes has yet to be determined. This Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) project evaluated the safety effect for various on-street bicycle facilities. The research focused on the feasibility of developing a crash modification factor (CMF) for the placement of SBLs at roadway segment locations.
SITE IDENTIFICATION
The criteria established for a site to be included in this FHWA study are as follows:
From GreenMatters.com
BY RAYNA SKIVER
Check out these awesome bike trails in San Diego. Take a ride through the mountains or right along the coast!
There are many different ways to experience the landscape, but biking is definitely one of the best and most exciting. Check out a few of the most popular bike trails in San Diego to see for yourself!
For the chance to see some green foliage and bright wildflowers, head to Los Penasquitos Canyon. This rocky loop trail is 6.8 miles and takes you throughout the preserve. Before planning your ride, double-check the trail conditions and watch out for any closures — also, note that there’s a $3 parking fee. Once you’re on the trail, be prepared to share it with other bikers and hikers.
Overall, Mission Trails Regional Park is a great spot for all things biking. But the Fortuna Mountain trail is one of the best in the area, as it offers both a challenging ride and beautiful views. The loop is 6.2 miles long and will definitely be worth your time!
Bikers on AllTrails mentioned that while the trail is fun, some parts of the trail might need to be walked, as it can get pretty steep when going downhill.
Photo by Zack Dowdy on Unsplash
Falling the week before the Tour of Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem offers the classics specialists one final opportunity to hone their form ahead of the biggest one-day race in Belgium. At 260.8km with gruelling cobbles and multiple ascents of the infamous Kemmelberg, it is one of the most attritional races on the calendar! Biniam Girmay made history by winning in 2022 but who will claim this year’s race?
From TheAcorn.com
I have lived in the Conejo Valley since 1993. I have raised my two sons here and ridden my horses for over 25 years all over our Santa Monica trail system.
I know Paramount Ranch, Malibu Creek State Park, Chesebro Park and Sycamore Canyon trail systems as well as I know the inside and outside of my own home.
Bike riders and equestrians have been trying to share these incredible trails for as long as I can remember. Rarely are there days when we do not encounter each other.
A few comments in a recent letter to the editor by Jonathan Stewart need correcting. Equestrians always have the right of way on any and all trail systems anywhere in the state of California. A quick fact-check will work for anyone interested in researching that. In fact, the order stated in trail etiquette everywhere is that bikes yield to hikers and all hikers, runners and bikes yield to horses at all times.
When a horse is startled it typically results in a horse rearing, bucking, spinning or bolting despite the very best of training.
Regarding damage to the trails, all bikers and all equestrians need to stay off of them until they are dry. On that, I feel we can all agree.
Additionally, Mr. Stewart, I don’t believe there is one horse owner who is jealous of a bike rider of any kind. Owning these incredible animals and having the privilege to see our trails by horseback is not easily described here.
Photo by Lucia Macedo on Unsplash
From BicycleRetailer.com
PeopleForBikes and the League of American Bicyclists will launch a new electric bicycle rider-specific safety curriculum this summer. A first-of-its-kind campaign, the curriculum will help new and experienced riders understand best practices specific to riding an e-bike.
As electric bicycle sales continue to outpace all other types of electric vehicles, more Americans are enjoying the benefits of this environmentally and health-friendly mode of transportation. This recent growth in electric bicycle ridership highlights the need for safe, convenient, and easy-to-understand guidance on safe riding and responsible ownership, particularly for riders who may be returning to or are new to bicycling.
The e-bike rider education curriculum, which will launch in July 2023, was created in partnership by the bike industry and bicycling advocates and will offer clear, simple, and actionable steps anyone can take to increase their knowledge and confidence ahead of their next e-bike trip.
“The League is thrilled to be able to expand our cycling education curriculum to include tips and lessons tailored to meet the needs of people riding e-bikes,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “By empowering more people to be able to ride an e-bike safely and skillfully, we can help more communities realize the benefits of a nation in which more people ride bikes. We’re grateful to PeopleForBikes for their partnership on this important initiative.”
Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash
New groupsets from Asia are hitting the market and posing a serious challenge to the current big three manufacturers. But should Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo be worried about the likes of L-Twoo and Sensah? Alex and Ollie discuss, as well as bringing you the final of our Most Desirable Bike competition, new Lazer x Red Bull helmets and a whole lot more from the world of bike tech!
From BikePacking.com
By Logan Watts
SRAM just dropped another innovation bomb on the mountain bike world with the new SRAM Eagle Transmission, a wireless drivetrain based on a hangerless direct-to-axle frame mount. We got a hold of the new X0 group for this first-ride review. Find that plus weights, prices, and details on the groups here…
My, how quickly things change. It was only 11 years ago when SRAM was the first to ditch the front derailleur with the introduction of XX1, the first mainstream 1×11 mountain bike drivetrain. Then, in mid-2016, SRAM launched Eagle, the first 1×12 MTB group, which was a full-on attempt to make the front derailleur a thing of the past. And with a 10-50T cassette that matched the range of most 2x drivetrains, the industry took the bait.
SRAM went for cables next with the release of AXS in 2019, the first wireless mountain bike drivetrain. Today, SRAM is putting a hit out on the derailleur hanger with the advent of the SRAM Eagle Transmission, a new drivetrain that connects directly to the frame via a hanger-free axle connection. Is it progress for progress’s sake or worthy innovation that improves performance? We had the chance to try out the new Eagle Transmission—or E.T. as we’ve been calling it—to find out in this first ride report.
Image courtesy of SRAM
From BikeRadar.com
The bill would provide tax credit on new electric bikes under $8,000
By Stan Portus
Federal lawmakers in the USA have reintroduced a bill that would give you a tax break on the purchase of a new electric bike.
The Electric Bike Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act would cover 30 per cent of the cost of an electric bike, up to $1,500.
The refundable tax credit would apply to new ebikes under $8,000, which is double the $4,000 cap proposed in president Joe Biden’s scrapped Build Back Better campaign.
The bill would provide the maximum credit of $1,500 to people with incomes up to $150,000 for a single filer or $300,000 for a joint filer.
Cycling UK has urged the UK government to follow the USA’s lead, stating subsidies are a cost-effective way to maximise the carbon-reducing potential of ebikes.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing when looking back at the error of our ways! But what are the bits of kit & tech the team at GCN wishes they had got sooner? Alex is here to share all so you can get a step ahead and not miss out on the GOOD STUFF!
