How Bikes Make Cities Cool - Portland

This 5 minute video - filmed entirely on bicycle - looks at the bicycle culture of Portland Oregon.

http://vimeo.com/38385810

NOTE: Video is in HD and may not run on your Internet feed. To see Video, when video starts:




Thanks to Fred Pakkala for passing on the link to the video

A few thoughts

Last month I spent a few days "down island" and the following are observations on this trip. In driving through downtown Langford, I came across the new "Green" bike lanes. They certainly catch one's attention and you do notice them.

Comox has a similar bike lane just recently completed on Comox Road heading towards Courtenay.











A very warm day was spent riding the Galloping Goose Trail west from Langford. What was appreciated was the lack of traffic as you head west as opposed to heading the opposite way into Victoria. Having to just cross Happy Valley Road about 3 - 4 times as you ride towards Sooke is about the only time you encounter vehicles for quite a few kms. The signage for the trail was well laid out and it was easy to follow the route. It would be great if we could have the same well-laid out signage in our area.

It will be great when the Trans Canada Trail is finished from the Victoria area to Shawnigan Lake. Apparently there are just a few kms. of trail left to complete between Goldstream Park and Shawnigan Lake. Then one could ride all the way from Victoria to the Cowichan Valley without having to ride on roads.

Here's a recent article on this project

It was amazing to see the Kinsol Trestle. I was there on a Sunday in August and the number of hikers and cyclists taking in the view was incredible. I felt that the adage - Build it and they will come - certainly holds true for the trestle. The riding surface for the trail to the Bridge is crushed gravel and very easy to ride and walk on.

Bike Lanes - 2 interesting takes

I came across these interesting takes on Bike Lanes.

1.In New York City people cyclists are fined for not riding in bike lanes

Click here for the video

2.Never park your car in the downtown part of the capital of Lithuania

Click here for the video

Kinsol Trestle - latest photos

Click on the link below to see very recent photos of an inspection done of the Kinsol Trestle. There is still not form date as to the grand opening date but the Trestle looks like its almost ready to go.

Click here to see the latest photos

Farm Cycle in Comox Valley

The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition, working with Comox Valley Farmers' Market Association, Comox Valley Farmers' Institute, and Discover Comox Valley have planned a non-profit farm cycle tour on Saturday, August 6th. There will be 3 routes and each route will visit farms in the Comox Valley. The cost is $10 for the day and this certainly sounds like a fun day. You could go in this event on the Saturday and then go in Bike For Your Life on the next day.

Click on the link for information on the Farm Cycle event

Free parking for Cyclists in Ottawa

I came across this on CBC News this evening. It's an interesting idea for a large city (Ottawa)to promote cycling.

CBC News
Posted: Jun 18, 2011 2:24 PM ET

Motorists who commute into downtown Ottawa will soon have another option thanks to a new program, which the National Capital Commission is peddling.
Cyclists will be able to park for free and cycle to work as part of a pilot project in Ottawa.Cyclists will be able to park for free and cycle to work as part of a pilot project in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press)

The NCC plans to allow free access to 10 parking lots, where drivers can leave their cars and cycle the remaining distance to work. The Park and Cycle pilot will run from June 20 to October 28, 2011.

Under the plan, the public will have access to 10 parking lot facilities (360 spaces), where unrestricted access will be provided weekly to cycling commuters. All of the parking lots all located between five kilometres and 15 kilometres from Parliament Hill.

Party For Parkinson's Fund Raising Event

The event is being held on Friday July 8th in Qualicum Beach, at the Community Hall. Doors open at 7:30.

The entrance fee is 15 dollars per person. For this, you receive free food, free drinks, and a great night out! Children thirteen years of age or younger go free. You can get tickets at the door or from the Mulberry Bush Book Store in Qualicum Beach.

Last year’s fundraiser was an enormous success, as was the ride across Canada. Let’s build on that success this year, with another great night at the Community Hall! Invite as many people as you like!

Also, there will be a wall of wine. So if you do come, it would be absolutely fantastic if you brought a bottle of wine!



Thanks,



William Cope