Chicago Bike Blog

How to get more people on bikes?

The Commute by Bike blog posed a question the other day, which, in one form or another, has been plaguing the bike industry for years: how to get more people on bikes?

As someone who has done the on-the-ground work of getting people on bikes for well over a decade, I have a few ideas. Unfortunately, historically, the bike industry hasn't been known for paying attention to small, quirky shops that don't order bikes by the truckload. When, as fledgling shop owners, we first started going to the industry trade show, no one wanted to talk about bikes as transportation. They all thought it was fringe.

Fringe, schminge. A "fringe", no matter how small, can turn into a fiercely loyal following for a bike company or shop that reflects their views. A "fringe" can double in size, and, though still a relatively small percentage of the wider population, can represent huge gains for the company or shop that responds to its needs.

On the one hand, it was heartening to see the bike industry finally embracing bikes as transportation at last year's Interbike trade show. On the other hand, I couldn't help thinking, that with the exception of a few really forward-looking companies, bike commuting was being turned into one more "trend". The banners that once featured mud-spattered, tooth-baring mountain bikers were replaced by images of guys in peg-legged jeans weaving through traffic with huge messenger bags on their backs, and sunny women with willow baskets full of groceries on their handlebars.

Well, these things aren't bad in and of themselves. They do create an image of cyclists that is more mainstream, and perhaps more acceptable as an urban presence. It's just that I think these are relatively shallow efforts. We don't want bike commuting to become fashionable, because fashions come and go. We want to evolve urban culture to embrace bike culture as its essential component.

Rapid Transit Cycleshop is no longer a fledgling business, but we are still a very small fish in the bike industry pond. Nevertheless, we have grown our business nearly tenfold since we first opened, largely on our unwavering commitment to cycling as transportation. So, if anyone in the bike industry is listening, I have a few suggestions on how to get more people on more bikes more often:

• Non-intimidating image and non-intimidating bike shops. Huge dollars are spent on products and marketing targeting the enthusiast cyclist, someone who is already deeply invested in the sport. I believe the industry, starting with top level executives at major bike companies down to the corner bike shop, should devote equal, if not greater, attention to the novice, or someone who has not been on a bike in many years. Don't criticize their walmart bike. Don't bombard them with technical details. Don't overwhelm them with expensive accessories. Don't try to "convert" them. Listen to their questions and concern, and show them how they can incorporate a modest, ordinary bike gradually into their lives. Don't translate their needs into dollars. Don't try to immediately turn them into a Customer. See if you can first win their trust.
• Safer bike routes. The main reason more people don't ride for transportation is their fear of danger. Experienced bike commuters have learned the skills necessary to maximize their safety in traffic. But, like it or not, riding alongside speeding cars is intimidating to most folks, and this makes commuting by bike out of the question for them. Off-street bike trails, thoughtfully designed traffic signals, and traffic-calming measures would make bike commuting safer, not to mention more pleasant, for novice and experienced riders alike. Bike manufacturers and bike shops should make working with state and local authorities a priority, to create biking facilities that would enhance rider safety, and driver education programs to increase acceptance of cyclists and curb driver aggression.
  Realistically, these measures can take a long time to implement. To get people biking sooner, get away from visions of messengers dodging buses and taxi cabs. Be prepared to talk to potential customers about alternative routes, quiet streets, and bike trails they may not be aware of. It helps if, as a shop representative, you ride these routes yourself and can offer first-hand tips, pros and cons, and have trail maps on hand.
• There is a fine line between fashion and self-expression. Don't sell bikes solely as a fashion statement, or you may only attract fashionable clients. In fact, I even question selling bikes for fitness, ecology, economy, or anything other than biking for it's own sake. It's not that I disagree with those ideals, but to a novice, they can seem judgmental. The last thing you want is to instill guilt in a new cyclist. You want them to celebrate and look forward to the occasions when they do ride, not feel bad about the times they don't.
  In fact, I think the industry should get away from the discussion of stuff: are shifters X better than shifters Y? are straight handlebars better than curved? is this geometry better than that? Who cares? Commuting is not about the the "stuff": the bike, the parts, the accessories, the bling. Most of that stuff can be changed, anyway. Commuting is a choice, and you can choose to commute on just about any bike out there. Really.
  
• Showing what is possible. We celebrate the big events: winning the umpteenth Tour de France, riding across America or around the world, winning the Ididabike. Inspirational stories, but, for most of us, unattainable feats. If bike companies are looking for people to put in their ads, I can think of quite a few ordinary people who have incorporated bikes into their lives in ways that anyone can. Some of these people are older, they could even be your grandpa; many are young and healthy; some are battling an illness, or disability; some struggle with their weight; many live on very limited budgets; some have a very long way to get to work; some live in iffy neighborhoods; some have children to cart around; some have dogs; some ride every day; others ride when they can; some buy all new equipment; others recycle found objects. Put these people in your ads, and show what regular people can do in the course of ordinary days. These people are the most loyal customers, the biggest fans, the best representatives, and the most vocal advocates for the cycling industry. Pay attention to them.

Embrace those online reviews!

I guess if the online reviews of my shop were all unconditionally positive, I would love the idea.

Alas, they're not. So I, too, will be critical.

The overt purpose of online reviews seems to be to create uncensored community feedback on local businesses and services. It's like word of mouth magnified by the power of the internet. If  you do a great job, people will refer friends to you, if you tick them off, they make sure the whole world knows about it.

In principle, this makes perfect sense. In practice, I see a few serious drawbacks.

First, a great many people still don't know their way around those social bookmarking sites, or don't care to use them, and though they may be thrilled or disappointed with the service you've provided, they have no way to tell the world about it. For example, Rapid Transit Cycleshop has less than 30 total customer reviews on Yelp, while we service more than a hundred paying customers just on a typical spring weekday. Many of those customers have been coming back for several years, and a handful of those that do have written positive reviews. Like this one:  "The folks at Rapid Transit truly value me as a customer.  I've bought bikes from there, and they've bent over backwards for me on countless occasions.  Plus, they have the most competent, trustworthy bike mechanics.  Over the years, Rapid Transit has made me glad I own a bike instead of a car.  They're not in it strictly for the money, but they've clearly succeeded over the years.  They're true advocates of bike culture." Many others either keep the good news to themselves, or use traditional word of mouth.

Second, there is no way for a business to respond to and correct grievances. Got a gripe? Please bring it to me. The sign above the register invites you to bring your purchase back for a full refund or exchange if not completely satisfied, and we have honored that policy for many customers on many occasions, whether poor fit was a problem or simply a change of mind. When we are informed of the problem, very often an unexpected solution, and even increased mutual respect, can grow out of the dialog. This venue has no room for dialog. It's a good place to lodge a complaint, but only if you don't want to find solutions.

Third, comments that are simply hateful or even obscene. These are perhaps less of a problem from a business standpoint, because I imagine that most readers of these reviews will simply draw a circle on their foreheads, and ignore them. Think for a moment about the blood sweat and tears you put into your work every day. We, as shop owners and personnel, work in the public arena all the time, dealing with people's good and less good moods, and good and less good days, often providing cures for more than just their broken bikes. We get pretty thick skinned. But there's no other way to say it: that stuff hurts.

Fourth, well... enough already. There is simply no accounting for taste, preferences, personalities and other intangibles. What to one person seems like a high-end bike is basic transportation to another. A week may seem like a long wait for a repair, but not if it's May and you've called around and found that other shops have a three week backlog. An expensive tune-up to one customer may be a life-saving operation on a beloved bike of another. What frustrates me about online reviews is that they are a one-way street. So I'll end with one that goes the way I'm heading: "Lots of bike shops sell bikes.  Rapid Transit sells bike commuting."

Well, that's my take on it. But it you feel inspired, go ahead, and take a lob at us on Yelp or Chicago Bike Shops, or wherever. (But, really, couldn't we just talk it over?...)

Why indeed?

In celebration of Earth Day, I'd like to offer a helmet tip to Amanda R. for a link to a NY Times article by Michael Pollan entitled Why Bother?

Michael Pollan is one of the two authors that have helped me to rearticulate my priorities. The other is Barbara Kingsolver.  In one of her books, she writes: "I believe our largest problems have grown from the earth's remotest corners as well as our own backyards, and that salvation may lie in those places, too."

Like these two authors, rather than relying on solutions handed down from above, I have started to look for them in my own corner of the universe. In my quest for a saner, calmer, more sustainable, more livable life, I too, in my small way turn to things that I hope will contribute to a saner, calmer, more sustainable, and more livable community and planet.

Don't just change the lightbulbs!

Learn where your food comes from.
Grow a garden.
Share your crops.
Ride your bike.
Take a walk.
Be with your children.
Talk to your neighbors.
Share ideas.
Build a community.

It's worth a bother.

Why not to bike

Ever think it's a hassle to get on your bike? It's raining. You've got too much to carry. You can't wear what you really want to wear. You're too tired. You'd rather just roll out of bed and into your car. I'm sure those of you out there with small children know that the temptation to use the car increases exponentially when you have to tow them around.

I've given in to that temptation. In the early months of motherhood, I had a very good excuse to use the car: you simply cannot carry a small infant on a bike. In circumstances like this, one's ideals often come head to head with practical and safety concerns. Many committed cyclists (though certainly not all) give up when they become parents, and use the car to transport their children. It's easy to fall into that category, and get accustomed to using the car.

Some of our customers go to great lengths to cycle with their kids.

My husband, unshaken in his commitment to human-powered transport, often wonders in frustration why most people chose to drive most of the time. But it really makes perfect sense. A car is comfortable, it protects you from the elements and you don't need any special gear or clothes to use it. Since it carries things for you, you can get more done in just one trip. Not only do you not have to expend any of your ow precious energy to power a car, you can even fortify yourself with food or coffee while driving. And, speaking of food, you don't even need to leave the comfort of your car to go to the drive-thru ATM to get cash for your drive-thru burger. Furthermore, the car creates an illusion of safety, seemingly isolating you from other drivers, their bad moods and their problems.

When making a decision about convenient transportation, few people stop to worry about the fairly obvious costs associated with driving. At the moment of getting into a car, they seem relatively remote. And virtually no one worries about the more deeply hidden, long range costs of owning and driving an automobile. The health costs you incur every minute you sit on your butt, inhaling exhaust, gnashing your teeth in helpless frustration against another gapers' block. The costs to drivers in general as they become irritable, impatient and desensitized to the needs of others around them. The costs to our neighborhoods, as they become less friendly, convenient and safe for pedestrians and children. The serious and statistically documented public safety costs. The costs to our environment... You get the point. You've heard it all before.

We, as a society, have a driving habit. Our cities and communities are designed, and continue to be designed, to support that habit. City planners accommodate our driving lifestyle. When we say something is convenient, we often mean it's convenient for the automobile. Our driving habit is very difficult to break, because our society condones it, values it and expects it. When you decide to ride your bike on the street, you have to weigh your beliefs against that practical reality. Because our streets are so completely given over to cars, and because drivers' tolerance for other vehicles on the road is very limited, safety is a real issue for all cyclists. It is even more vital to cyclists with small children. As a parent, you may be willing to take certain risks yourself, but you would never risk the safety of your child.

For all those reasons parents, including yours truly, succumb to the driving habit, and it can take much determination to change that. Parents have to be realistic and prudent about their transportation choices. For example, while I'm quite willing to ride seven miles down Elston Ave. to get myself to work, I'm unwilling to haul my children downtown on the back of the bike.

But just as biking doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing activity, neither does driving. Just because you have kids, doesn't mean you can never bike anywhere. Choose your battles.

• Groceries. In Chicago, you're rarely more than a mile away from a supermarket or local grocery. Tow a kid trailer on smaller streets, and stuff a couple of bags of food next to your precious cargo.
• Socializing. When you set play dates, allow a little extra time and take quiet streets to the park or friend's house where you are meeting. Anything under five miles is totally doable. Really.
• Activities. Chances are that if your kids take any classes, they are being held in your neighborhood. Bike there. We've biked around our neighborhoods dressed in Tae Kwon Do suits and ballet tutus, carrying a guitar on our back.
• School. If your kid goes to a local school, ride your bike there. When our son was in school, we started a trend of parents towing their kids there on trail-a-bikes.
• Library.
• Ice cream.
• Going out to eat.
• Recreation. Enjoy those off-street paths. That's what they are there for. If the Lakefront path is too crowded for your taste, try the new section of bike path along the North Branch of the Chicago River. There are playgrounds to stop at along the way, and if you go north of Peterson, you can take a little break at Borders. Or try the Sculpture Channel Trail in Skokie. Or the Lakefront, south of Downtown.

Biking can be really fun for kids. It turns ordinary errands into interesting adventures, and may eventually teach  children that there are more than one way of getting places.

What is a tune-up?

Is a bicycle tune-up worth the money? Absolutely, when you consider what goes into a properly tuned bike, and how well it will work after the service is completed.

Tune-ups and fees associated with them very from shop to shop, so it's a good idea to compare not only the price, but what is included. The quality of service and the workmanship are also important.

When we perform a Deluxe Tune-Up at Rapid Transit, a bicycle gets the mechanic's undivided attention for 2-3 hours. After going over the bike with you, recommending replacement parts, and writing up the cost of the repair, the mechanic will take your bike through the following procedure:

Cleaning and degreasing (aka. The Bike Spa). Your bike will be soaped and scrubbed from top to bottom. The chain, chainrings, freewheel, derailleurs, brakes and rims will be thoroughly degreased and dried. The chain and other key parts of the drivetrain will be treated with a high-quality lubricant.

The Bike Spa

Drivetrain. People who use their bikes heavily find that parts of the drivetrain need to be replaced periodically. If the chain is worn, no amount of lubrication will restore it to it's original functionality. Sometimes a worn chain contributes to excessive wear on the rear cassette, and, in extreme cases, front chainrings. The labor for servicing and replacing these parts is included in the Deluxe Tune-Up. (More on drivetrain maintenance here).

Wheels. After your bike has been cleaned, we will move on to the wheels. We'll adjust the external tension on the bearings of both wheels, and dish the wheels, which involves centering the rims perfectly on the axle. Finally, we true the wheel by precisely tensioning the spokes to make sure the rims are straight and will stay that way.

Headset and bottom bracket. Next, we adjust the external tension on the bearings inside the headset (between the handlebar and the fork of your bike) and the bottom bracket (inside the shell between the crank arms). These bearings, along with the wheels, take a real beating even during normal riding, and the correct tension on these bearings will maximize their lifespan. Even newer sealed bearing systems require servicing, including making sure that they are properly and securely retained, and some have a degree of adjustability.

Gears and Brakes. This is the most "touchy-feely" part of the tune-up. The mechanic will spend an untold amount of time coaxing these parts into submission (often muttering invectives). If necessary, cables and brake pads will be replaced. The brakes will be aligned with the rims, and "toed" to prevent squeaking. The mechanic will adjust the cable tension and the position of the brake arms to make your rear brake quicker and stiffer, and your front brake a little softer, so you don't go flying over the handlebars when you brake.

Some repairs call for extreme measures...

The mechanic will also replace and/or lubricate the derailleur cables, set the cable tension and adjust positioning and the limit  screws on the derailleus, to make sure the gears are shifting quickly and accurately, and the chain doesn't skip off the cogs.

Safety Check. The mechanic will fill up the tires, and check the safety and secure attachment of all the parts and accessories on you bike, making sure that nothing is worn or loose, or could contribute to an accident or fall.

Test Ride. Finally, the mechanic will test ride your bike to check if all that work paid off. Any problems will be corrected, and then a bike will be double-checked by a second technician.

The tune-up described above is suitable for heavily-used bikes. Lighter versions of the services are available for lighter riders (click).

Spring? Maybe.

It's like clockwork. That first warm day of the season, everyone drags out that dusty, cobweb-covered bicycle from the basement, and runs to the nearest bike shop to get the tires pumped up. Cabin fever: especially in evidence this year during this temperamental spring season! It makes folks want to get out and experience the joy and freedom, and often the best way to experience it is on that old trusty bicycle.

Bikes Belong has launched the new "Remember Me?" campaign. I've seen it on a bus stop or two. Have you?

Whether it's a rickety three-speed, or a sleek urban bike, it will get you from point A to point B quickly, easily, and often pleasurably. You don't need any special equipment - with a comfortable pair of shoes, easy-fitting pants, sweatshirt and a backpack, you can ride to the coffee shop, bookstore or post office, and pick up a few groceries on the way back. It's so convenient that next thing you know, you'll be using it for all your errands.

In fact, if you are like many regular patrons of Rapid Transit Cycleshop, you may forgo the car or bus, and rely on the bicycle for getting around Chicago. Over the past couple of seasons, we have experienced a boom in the number of bike commuters we serve. Day in and day out cyclists come into our store with accounts of their urban travels. And hardly a day goes by without someone coming in eager to start using a bicycle for transportation.

If you are a bicycle commuter, or you'd like to join their ranks, take a long, hard look at your bicycle. Is the type of bike suitable for the type of commute you're planning? Consider the distance you'll be traveling. If you're only going one of two miles, almost any bike will do. For distances over five miles, you may want a lighter, faster bike; however, we've seen people take one speed cruisers to and from 118th street.

Although some drivers have a disdainful attitude toward cyclists on the road, most are cautious and respectful. The safety of your commute will depend largely on you. When you cycle on city streets, you bicycle becomes a vehicle which is governed by the same laws as a car. That means obeying traffic signals and moving in the direction of traffic. Common sense and courtesy also go a long way in making your commute safe and pleasant.

We strongly encourage all cyclists to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Besides that, you don't need to rush out and spend a bundle on expensive bicycle accessories, but a few well-chosen items will make you commute more efficient and comfortable. If you need to leave you bicycle unattended, invest in a high-quality lock and learn to use it correctly (click for more on avoiding bike theft). Good street tires will help you go faster and reduce the incidence of flats. A rack and panniers will take a load of your bag and ensure a more stable ride. Bliking lights and reflectors will make you visible if you're coming home after dark. And we all know the benefits of a comfortable seat.

Whatever type of bike you choose to ride, make sure it is in good repair. Check the condition of the tires, rims and brake pads. See if anything feels worn or loose. Click here for more checkover tips, or bring the bike in for a thorough evaluation, and recommended repairs. We're looking forward to making your ride better this season, and we hope spring finds you in the saddle.

Running errands with your bike

OK, so maybe you don't want to ride your bike to work. Maybe it's too far, too early, too dressy, too fussy, whatever. That doesn't mean you can't still use your bike for getting around the city when you are not going to work. One of my favorite ways to use my bike it for grocery shopping. If I ride my bike, I don't have to vie for a parking spot, and I can carry a lot more than when I'm walking.

With some well-chosen equipment, you bicycle is capable of carrying significant loads.

The number one, most useful item is a rear carrying rack -- an aluminum platform which sits over the rear wheel of you bike. It provides a good place to carry your u-lock, and, with a couple of bunji cords, it will allow you to carry an unanticipated load in an emergency. Best of all, racks are designed to fit a variety of standard bicycle bags (or panniers) which make carrying stuff on your bike a breeze.

The most versatile bike bag I can think of it the grocery pannier, a collapsible carrier shaped like a paper grocery sack. It attaches to the bike rack with a combination of metal hooks and an elastic strap. Unlike heavier metal baskets, these bags can be taken off in seconds or folded flat when not in use. You can use them to carry your "regular" bag of briefcase (no need to move stuff back and forth between bags when you are cycling). These panniers can be carried singly or in pairs, and are great for carrying take-out, six-packs, library books, small packages to be mailed, groceries (of course!), and many other things you can think of.

If you are serious about carrying loads with your bike, you may be a candidate for a cargo trailer. The BOB trailer is a great single-wheeled device with a light cromoly construction. It attaches to the rear axle of most bikes, and will carry up to 70 lbs of load, so it's equally useful for touring, and weekly supermarket trips for the family. The single-wheel design makes it narrow and maneuverable in traffic. If you prefer a two-wheeled design, Burley makes a very nice and versatile open Flatbed trailer that we use for Costco expeditions, and a covered Nomad that is a long-standing industry standard for cargo trailers.

A relatively new option that is gaining popularity among load-carrying cyclists is a bike with an extended rear triangle, such as the Kona Ute (as in "utility"). These bikes come with an extra-long carrying rack that is integrated into the frame of the bike. The top of the rack will accommodate large and heavy loads (charcoal bags, potting soil and kitty litter come immediately to mind), while the sides of the rack can be used to mount not one but two pairs of panniers.

And, don't forget, that you may be able to use what you already have. If you don't have a rack and panniers, use your backpack. Use a milk crate on top of your existing bike rack. If you have a child trailer that your kids are not using or have outgrown, use that for shopping expeditions. Urban commuting doesn't have to be about spending money on more bike stuff. It's about using your resources creatively. Have fun, and stop by Rapid Transit Cycleshop for gear, or for free advice.

Related posts:
Transporting stuff on your bike
Can't carry it on your bike? Think again.
5 Best Urban Cycling Bags
Using a milk crate to carry stuff on your bike

What bike is best for me?

Choices.

Occasionally people ask us to recommend a bike over the phone. A customer may describe the type of riding she would be doing, and mention a couple of brands that her friends suggested.

I can't imagine recommending a specific bike to anyone over the phone, without seeing the rider, and most importantly, fitting the rider on the bicycle. I would ask the customer more questions about her riding style and preferences, and point out several features she might look for in bicycles, suggesting alternatives based on price, and fit considerations. Without trying the bike, I'd explain, she wouldn't really be able to tell which one was right for her.

When deciding which bike to buy, there are several guidelines you can use.

Don't be too concerned about the brand. Within a given price range, most manufacturers offer comparable packages, as far as the quality of the frame and parts goes. (I am referring to mainstream, lower to mid-priced bikes. This may not apply to specialty manufacturers of higher level, and custom bikes.)

Determine how you plan to use your bike. Are you a fair-weather rider, or will you be commuting to work daily, regardless of weather? Do you ride for recreation and fitness? Does the bike have to serve multiple functions -- maybe you'd like to ride off-road, or train for a racing event -- in addition to commuting? Do you anticipate traveling with your bike, or carrying it on public transportation? Do you plan to go bike touring? Getting a bicycle that is appropriate for the type of riding you envision will give you the best value for your money.

Try different bike so you know what feels comfortable. Many people fall between standard frame sizes. Each person has different fit and comfort considerations.

• Try different types of bikes. Hybrid or urban? You won't know the difference until you ride it! If you've never been on a road bike, make sure you try it first before you decide it's right for you. Some people still feel most comfortable on a mountain bike.
• Try different brands. Frame geometry varies from one manufacturer to another, and if you can't find good fit with brand X, try brand Y.
• Test the brake and shift levers to make sure you will be comfortable operating them.
• Don't buy a bike unless you've been given an opportunity to test-ride it.

Be open to customization. This sounds expensive, but doesn't have to be. Discuss fit and equipment options with your salesperson. Some key alterations can greatly affect the comfort, enjoyment and efficiency of your ride. Don't be shy about discussing a better saddle, altering the hand position, swapping the tires, or any other changes that you feel will enhance your riding experience.

Finally, don't make price your final determination. And make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Twenty bucks saved at a volume dealer may translate into higher costs incurred down the line. (BTW, Rapid Transit Cyccleshop has a price matching policy.) You should purchase your bike from a shop that offers solid services to back up your new purchase, and is staffed by people who are skilled at listening to your needs, and patient about finding appropriate solutions. Even after you find a bike that delights you, chances are you will be coming back for accessories, modifications and services. It's nice to keep coming back to a place where you feel welcome and comfortable.

Are we there yet?

A while ago, I came across the following quote:

In order to protect society from bad ideas, a new idea goes through several phases before it is accepted by society. When a new idea is first presented, it is often just ignored. Later, as it begins to get noticed, it is ridiculed. And next, when it is perceived as a legitimate and possible change, it is attacked. Finally, the new idea is assimilated."

This is one of those statements that makes a light bulb go on over your head. Think about the curious smirks that appear on the faces of people when you tell them you cycle to wok. Or about the various comments, ranging from derisive to abusive, hurled at cyclists by drivers passing by them at high rates of speed. Consider the extreme anti-cyclist reactions voiced by some after a cyclist fatality in traffic. Or the Critical Mass rides, and the anger they sometimes provoke.

These reactions may actually be good news.

Surely, bicycling for transportation is no longer ignored. No longer is it associated with a fringe segment of older guys sporting colander-shaped helmets, pedaling their 10-speeds with pant legs tucked into their tube socks. Those guys were not perceived as a threat to anybody. But they sure paved the way.

We are now past that stage. We are still sometimes ridiculed. But the ridicule now usually comes from individuals so far removed from the mainstream of life, they are just beginning to notice us. Mostly, we are also past ridicule.

We often seem to make people angry. Is this a good thing? Generally, I don't think that anger is a helpful step in creating mutual understanding. But it may be inevitable. If we accept the logic of the passage quoted above, anger may be a natural phase we must pass through before our views are accepted. And the good news is that it is the last stage before assimilation. Which means we're almost there.

It is probably best to avoid deliberately making people mad. But sometimes anger will inevitably result as a consequence of our actions. And if we believe those actions to be right and just, then we should not avoid them, though they may incite anger in some. Possibly the best way to defend against and respond to that type of anger is to ignore it, and to make sure that our actions are in every respect legal and beyond reproach, so as not to be accused of outright provocation.

Although uninformed drivers may sometimes instruct me to get on the sidewalk with my bike, I now I am a strictly law-abiding cyclist. I want other road users to accept me as a legitimate vehicle operator, and therefore, I follow their rules whenever I can do so without jeopardizing my safety. Even if their comments rile me, I know I am well within my rights.

At the same time, I am not insensitive to the fact that current laws do little to truly protect cyclists, nor are they uniformly enforced. For example, intersections are designed for cars, not pedestrians or smaller vehicles. The only place in Chicago I know of where pedestrians truly have the right of way, is Downtown, where their number alone ensures they won't be run over by turning vehicles (talk about critical mass!). For cyclists, no intersection is safe.

If street planners are truly concerned for cyclists' safety, then crossings should be modified to recognize cyclists and give them the right of way. If they believe that cyclists should exist alongside cars, then lowered speed limits, designated bike lanes and other traffic-calming measures could go a long way toward making cyclist feel safer. But none of these improvements will do any good without rigorous driver and cyclist education. And beyond education, there needs to be enforcement. After all, if you can get away with using the bike lane as a passing lane, then why not?

In the last ten years, we've seen an explosion of cycling facilities in Chicago. But education and enforcement are still lacking. As cyclists become an increasingly common sight on city streets, and rules regarding them are widely known and understood, I believe tolerance will evolve, and anger give way to mutual acceptance and respect.

Fingers crossed.

A little April foolin'

Is General Motors diversifying into human powered vehicles?!

(Helmet tip to Gatlinburg Spoke Junkie).