“Do Bike Lanes Reduce Congestion” Is the Wrong Question

From StrongTowns.org

By Emma Durand-Wood

The logic by proponents of bike infrastructure goes like this: If more people use a bike rather than take a car, then there will be fewer cars on the road, causing less congestion.

On the other hand, folks who oppose bike lanes say that by taking space away from vehicles, the bike lanes actually cause congestion.

So which is it? I’ve been pondering this for some time, and I’ve come to the conclusion that asking whether bike lanes reduce congestion is the wrong question.

Congestion Is Not the Enemy

This might sound counter-intuitive, but bear with me: Most of us think of congestion as a scourge that must be eliminated, but there’s a different way to look at it.

Congestion is a byproduct of people getting to places they want and need to go. A recent Transportation for America report put it this way:

 

Photo by Dário Gomes on Unsplash
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How Much Slower Is A Gravel Bike?

Is the gravel bike truly the one bike that can do it all? They’re amazing, no doubt! But even still, the big question everyone wants answered is: how much slower is a gravel bike compared to a road bike? And importantly, will you be able to keep up with your mates on road bikes?

 

7 Best Bikes For Women Cyclists of 2024

From USNews.com

Finding a bike is challenging no matter your gender or sex. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to fit, saddle, frame geometry, components, and more. Julie Gabay, owner of Pacific Cycling & Triathlon in Stamford, Connecticut tells U.S. News 360 Reviews that “most brands have shifted away from women’s specific bikes, focusing instead on creating unisex models that accommodate a wider range of riders and promote inclusivity. Manufacturers are prioritizing bike fit over gender-specific designs.”

Ideally, the right bike will fit well from the start, but don’t be afraid to modify your bike with handlebars or a seat that better suits your anatomy. As a female cyclist and triathlete, I have plenty of experience looking for the perfect fit, but for this article, I’ve also consulted competitive and recreational cyclists, as well as accomplished cycling coaches, to help determine exactly what women should look for in a bike.

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October 5th Social Hour and Bike Ride – Walk Bike Glendale

We invite you to our first Safety Spotlight Tour.   In honor of Clean Air Day, we want to take you on a ride to showcase a few cool improvements that were installed this year that make our streets safer.

But first, join us for a social coffee hour at 9 a.m. at Adams Square Mini Park across the street from Kafn, a cool and hip coffee shop with fantastic drinks!  Dont forget your reusable mug. During social hour,  we will be giving away FREE bike lights, and reflective straps and stickers (while supplies last) to help you navigate the streets of Glendale safer.

At 10 am, we will roll out for what will be about 7 miles round trip that includes stopping at 3-4 destinations along the way and we anticipate being back at Kafn around noon.  Here is where we are headed:

1.  Adams Square Mini Park intersection improvements
2.  N. Brand Demonstration Project
3.  Pelanconi & Kellogg intersection improvements
4.  San Fernando Road new bike lane
5.  (optional TBD) Glendale Narrows Riverwalk

We Traveled With Our Bikes 192 Times In 4 Years. Here’s What We’ve Learned

What are the absolute must-haves and top tips for traveling with your bike? Between Ollie & Alex, they’ve racked up over 30 years of experience flying, building, and riding bikes around the world, and today they’re sharing their advice! This week in HOT tech: an oversized pulley wheel system that requires proof your bike is good enough for it, an even more expensive 20th-anniversary CeramicSpeed OSPW, titanium mudguards, and a more affordable titanium all-road bike. Plus, some chat about the UCI World Championships time trial!