Cycling with Kiddos

While we are nowhere near that yet, I'm starting to put some thought into what will be required to continue cycling once little people enter our lives.

One of my most cherished memories is skiing at Tahoe when I was about 5 years old. My dad made a piece of pie with his skis, and held me as I made a piece of pie with mine. We went so fast, the wind rushed through my hair, and I was still warm. The thrill of an adventure, protected by the strong bulk of my father's body, was a highlight of my early childhood.

So you'll understand why I just adore this dad and daughter, out on their adventure. He'd just pointed something out to her, I'd love to have had that kind of time each morning with my dad.


The law in MA prohibits babies under the age of one on single person bikes. So what to do for that first year?

The bike trailer is an ever-popular option. However this photo, taken at the same place on the same morning as the dad above, illustrates my concerns about a trailer:


The child is just so far behind, so hard to see/hear, and those trucks out there so big! I think this may work better in suburban environments than in the big city.

A girlfriend who is pregnant has told me she's going to get a cargo bike. This makes a lot of sense, if you have somewhere to park it. How do Europeans park these things? On the street? What about theft and rain? Bakfiets and Madsen Cargo Bikes seem to be the most popular. I think that Bakfiets might be better for infants, and the Madsen better for children, but I'd welcome additional data. Where is the second-hand market for these bikes? I've never seen them for sale.

Once they are big enough, there are infinite options with an extracycle, tandem, or Trail-a-bike. There's even a jumpseat for my husband's Brompton! (which would be good for the storage issue)

But what to do for that first year?

Designated Bike Lanes are not enough

You also have to be able to actually use them!

Bike Parking

There is no doubt but that parking your bike outside in a Boston winter means that your bike will be ruined. If the snow doesn't get it the snow plows will. It is sad to go about town right now. I see so many bikes I want to rescue like little lost puppies.


I don't think even covering the entire bike in shopping bags will protect it enough. I can't imagine dashing to the store on this bike, you'd spend more time removing plastic bags! Though I suppose then you'd then have them to carry your shopping...


I was surprised to see that Back Bay Station is filled to overflowing with bikes taking shelter from the elements. I photographed the orderly section, there are sections that look like tent cities, it's a real refuge camp for bikes.



I got to thinking (entrepreneurs, listen up!) that there must be a market for paid bike parking in Boston. And indeed there is, sort of. This fellow on Craigslist will store your bike for $25/month. That's better than letting it decay, but leaves your bike in someone's basement in Cambridge all winter. Not much use beyond preservation.

OK, it seems to me that parking garages and train stations can make some good money, and get some seriously good "green" PR by offering bike parking in their space. Most garages have dead space available along a wall or behind the pay station, but even if they had to dedicate a single parking space to the endeavor it would pay for itself and more. The bike shed provided by my employer hangs the bikes to a locking hook (pictured below) and by staggering the heights we get one bike per linear foot and a half, or something like that. If anyone is interested I can talk to Facilities and get details.

I imagine that a garage could charge something like $30+/month and easily fit more than 10 bicycles into a space currently renting for $300/month, making the garage money relative to a single car. In addition the garages could then hype their green credibility and the people of Boston could arrange to have useful, dry, accessible, safe bicycles to ride. Seems like a win for everyone.

Bicycle Benefits Calculator

Found a nifty gadget on the web: 1 World 2 Wheels

I entered my most basic cycling profile and they tell me that my minimum cycling is:

• 199 miles a month
• 9,353 calories burned
• $43.78 gas money saved

Try it, it's a fun widget:

There's no legacy in a throwaway society...

Thanks to my friend D for alerting us to a great NPR article on Worksman Cycles. It's really worth reading but perhaps the comments are even better. (that's where I got the title for this post)

DCR Meeting Update: Status Quo

I attended the DCR meeting about the Craigie drawbridge and dam bridge last night. At first I was very excited; they welcomed our input and spoke about their commitment to pedestrians and bicyclists. The lead engineer on the project is an older gentleman in a dashing sport coat who reminds me of my great-grandpa, and the rough outlines of his proposal made a lot of sense.

However, over the course of the evening's discussion I grew increasingly agitated over the double-speak. DCR claims they want to accommodate cyclists so they're creating a consultant position and a profound number of new and resurected committees, all of which are slated to commence in the New Year. The plans for the project, however, are 90% done now and the input we can make is cursory and not actually welcomed. I left the meeting early, in anger, after the cute old engineer said, almost spitting in anger, that the plan doesn't include bicycles because the existing structure doesn't include bicycles. Viva le status quo!

Boston, I've always loved your respect for history and I wish you'd respect the future a bit more.

I hear that Marty Walz said it best, something to the effect of "The fact that you waited 'till the plans were 90% done to get input is unfortunate, and not the community's problem..." An important revelation in the meeting was the news that there will be dedicated bike lanes entering and exiting the project zone, so a failure to plan for this "vehicular" bicycle traffic will be glaringly obvious.

It is true that the project is a difficult one, there are a lot of humans to get across a very small space. The proposed design is excellent for preserving the space and minimizing the disturbance created by this necessary work. That said, I think there is still wiggle room to meet the needs of the community at large.

I'm very happy to have a blog, because I get to share Charlotte-the-Amateur-Engineer's Two Solutions for this problem.

Solution One: The Practical Solution
We move forward exactly as planned, however instead of widening the car lanes from 9'7" to 11", as proposed, we use that extra space for a dedicated bike lane. This will be status quo for the cars, the bike lane will do dual-duty as the buffer zone to the curb desired by the engineer, and will simply be wider and painted blue to indicate that it is for vehicular cyclists. The multi-use path will hold pedestrians, runners, strollers, wheelchairs, and casual cyclists, as well as vehicular cyclists looking to get from the Esplanade to the trail on the Memorial Drive side of the river without dealing with all the car traffic, which we know will happen.

Solution Two: The World-Class Dream Solution
We may still do the above, but we work on building a cantilevered path which runs along the back of the Museum of Science and connects both sides of the river. I'm envisioning it feeling a bit like the river side of European Parliament in Strasbourg. There would have to be a drawbridge or elevated bridge, but it need not be as robust as the Craigie drawbridge which must accept 18-wheelers. The Museum of Science could use this opportunity to create a real-world exhibit about the science of motion with displays about the bio-mechanics of walking, running, and cycling, linking science more directly to life through those plate-glass windows than in a diorama. These two parks in the Charles River Basin would be more directly connected and the training programs of all Boston athletes significantly improved, Boston's reputation as a walking city enhanced, and DCR would more directly fulfill its mission:

To protect, promote and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources.

Wouldn't it be wonderful?

Cyclists who cross the Charles River - please read this!

I could almost have the most glorious route home - stopping along the dedicated bike lane on Cambridge Street to go to the fishmonger's, the green grocer's, and the Italian bakery - supporting these local businesses and providing my family fresh food. Then I'd head down to pick up the Esplanade to ride along the river and then across town to my home... It's almost idyllic, world-class even, except for the section by the Museum of Science which is the scariest cycling I've ever done in my life.

I'm not alone in regretting this section - the glorious paths along both sides of the river dead-end into this disaster.


For me, this is the only place in all of Boston where I always ride on the sidewalk, due to the absolute visceral terror of being in the six lane road with freeway-speed cars. In the summer I don't even try this route - the sidewalks are filled with distracted tourists enjoying our fair city, as is their right, and even getting off and walking with a bike is a hassle to them (and me) as there's just no room.



But it doesn't have to be this way, and the DCR could fix all that! They're even having a public meeting about it on Monday. I was very saddened to learn from MassBike that:

It is vital that bicyclists be well-represented at this meeting, as it appears that the DCR plans to shunt bicycles onto a narrow shared-use path rather than including bike lanes on the road.

We already have a narrow shared-use path and it doesn't work at all! Please come out and help support the development of a viable bicycle infrastructure in Boston. Please?


Arrow points to the drawbridge in question. What we need is a path for pedestrians and a bike lane wide enough to allow bike traffic going both directions. It can wind around the Museum of Science, that's fine. If we need to find more space we can take it from the sidewalk across the road which connects one freeway to the other.

Photo Credits: Google Street View

An Update

Last night I volunteered again for Bikes Not Bombs. Let me tell you, that's the cure for anything that ails you. The people are all so cheerful and welcoming, the work so rewarding and fun at the same time, and the recycling of bikes for the betterment of the local and international community is a cause anyone can get behind. I left so much happier, and very excited about bikes again. Yeah bikes!

While I was there I was honored to meet one of the original chic cyclists. Having spoken with Harriet Fell herself I can say that she is gracious and generous, indeed it was her generosity that helped inspire this blog. When I thanked her for that she warmly and quickly pulled a pen and paper from her purse to take down this web address. I could not have been more honored. From her family I have learned that sharing a passion with the world, giving of oneself, is a gift that goes both ways. Teaching is the traditional way to give like that, but I'm learning there are other ways too. I know of three women who have contacted me through this blog and now have their first adult bicycles. I hope there will be more.

Guest Photos: Colorado SuperMum

How does she do it?

Looking great with kids in tow, N bikes for transportation and for recreation. Yesterday they biked to get ice-cream, followed by a stop at a park where this photo was taken.

But beyond that they actually took their kids (and pictured bike) on a two week trip through the Colorado mountains, which included a trip over Trail Ridge Road. Amazing.

I'm sure she looked chic throughout the whole family adventure. My hat's off to you N!

For more inspiration on their adventures, please visit her blog.

What she said!

Alex in Chicago has created the best "letter to the newbies" that I've seen. I want to blatantly copy it here with attribution, but instead I'll just comment here. Please read the original text!

1. time for a check-up
Nothing like having a bike you can count on. Here in Boston I know the shops are slammed, every time I've been in I've heard people dismayed to learn that their quick fix will take over a week. The Craigslist mechanics are a great idea. I know one such outfit, two guys who are doing bike repairs in their living room in Cambridge. Email windsorbikes@gmail.com to talk to them, and be sure to ask lots and lots of questions. As for the reflectors, Boston law says we can have a rear reflector or rear light.

2. get loaded
I love the beautiful totes and bungees end up making me frustrated. Girl, you want a basket on your bike. Every girl does at some level (depending on her bike). Give in to temptation and get a basket (I haven't yet and I really really want one!). It's a pain to carry the weight on your back. Get the weight on your bike, and if you have to bungee, so be it. You'll eventually see why I don't think that's the first choice...

3. stop being ms. nice gal
Oh, man, Alex you called it here! How hard is it, as a woman, to say "this is my place in this world and I'm entitled to it"? It can be very hard. But I know it is good for me, psychologically, every single day.

4. ignore the horns
What she said!

5. check it or wreck it
Absolutely talk to other cyclists. Road rage issues is a bond we, every one of us, share.

6. the most direct route is not always the safest
Don't think like a driver and you'll find your best way. Don't forget including all those places you keep meaning to visit.

7. slow the $%^& down
Note: cute boys will slow down if you smile, and you have the easiest opening line ever - "nice bike"...

8. it can be your fault
Set a good example for other cyclists and show cars how happy and considerate cyclists are. They'll be wishing they could lose two wheels and about 2,000 pounds.

9. they did not put ramps in the sidewalks for you
The ADA has created a problem between pedestrians and cyclists that has never before existed. Pretty please don't add to it! Just have both feet on the sidewalk, no problem at all with walking with your bike.

10. put away the ipod
What she said. I know I personally relish the "quiet" time and focus.

11. be kind to your fellow bikers
You're joining a close knit group of kind and humble people. Be kind in kind.

Alex's post is brilliant, just what I would have said. Thank you.

Bicycles and gardens go well together

Well, you can see I need my wine box pronto! Today was the first day of distribution for my organic farm share. It seems there is something about bicycles, public libraries, and community gardening that all go together. I'm not the only cyclist enjoying a share in an organic farm and I'm not alone in maintaining and enjoying a Community Garden plot. I wonder why these things just seem to fit together so nicely, like a contentment jigsaw puzzle?

It's going to all work even better when I put that produce in a wooden box and use a bungee cord net to keep it all safe. My filets/string bags did not work well as pictured. However I hope the veggies will be as good as pictured:


Though it's clearly off-topic, I'm so excited about our local food I want to share what we got:

• two heads of lettuce (chosen from many varieties)
• .33 lb salad greens
• .66 lb spinach
• 1 bunch radishes
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 3 Hakurei turnips
• 1 bunch chive flowers

We'll be eating well tonight!

My community garden plot isn't doing as well yet. It's off to a slow start but I'm starting to get some flowers and I think the dill and basil will be taking off soon. I'm hoping!

Smart Bikes - Washington, DC

Our nation's capital has led the charge into public bike rentals. I don't say it very often so I'll be sure to say it now - Hurray Washington!

Smart Bike DC offers Velib-style bike rentals throughout the central business district. The geek in me really likes that the docking stations are all networked and submitting status information to the system monitors. Someday perhaps we'll be able to tap into that status information by mobile phone.

An annual subscription will cost $40. There are currently ten locations.

The service is provided by Clear Channel, which created the very first bicycle sharing service in Rennes in 1998. Hopefully these 10 years of experience will help guide this project to success. The site in Rennes does not report statistics across the last 10 years, but they do say that use during the month of January is up 40% this year over last year. America, let's see if we can top that!

Photo at the top from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association featuring Pepco President Thomas Graham with a DC Smart Bike. The land Pepco donated to the city for the Met Branch Trail was valued at $3.3 million!

Yesterday I volunteered with Bikes Not Bombs

A nicer and more generous group of people I have never met. After a warm welcome they gave me concrete projects I could do and enjoy. The volunteer evening is loosely organized chaos, which makes it that much more fun.

For 23 years Bikes Not Bombs has been recycling thousands of bicycles in a community supported program to send bicycles to places that need them. The shipment we were preparing will be going to Ghana. I worked with people 20 years older than me, and 20 years younger. I wrenched with folks I'd probably never cross paths with in "real" life. The local community aspect felt as good as our global purpose.

During the day program children are trained in bike repair and earn their very own bike. The children train the staff very well for dealing with us volunteers. Some volunteers had never worked on a bicycle before. The staff was great at showing them what to do. They were happy to educate me too - I got to bend their ears about all my bike's ailments (well, actually my husband's, he doesn't know it yet but he may have a cracked crank arm). I learned the difference between a cassette and a free wheel while holding used examples of each. Most exciting to me was learning how the cassette's races work to facilitate shifting. When I go back I'll see if they can show me how a three-speed shifts. I've seen a diagram but it isn't enough.

As if the community (local and global), and the educational aspects weren't already enough, my volunteer time counts for credits towards used gear in the bike shop. I don't know what my six credits from this evening would get me but I'm saving up my credits for a front rack. I want one large enough to carry a pie.

All told this is a rewarding way to spend a Wednesday evening. I look forward to going back.

CNN Breaking News!

CNN reports today that more people are turning to cycling to offset our elevated fuel prices. I personally know of many women looking to change aspects of their lifestyles to integrate bikes; yet as reflected in the comments following that article, many don't know how to get started, what's most important, etc.

I'm happy to be a sounding board and help in any way I can, just email chiccyclist (at) yahoo (dot) com to chat. Or you are welcome to post a comment here and we'll all help if we can through the comments feature.

Of course I'm a feminist!

CNN has just published an article on how women's liberation arrived on bicycles.

Much of the content I'd already learned - that "proper" women finally got to leave the house, that Bloomers were created for bicycle riding. I didn't know that Victorians wore more than seven pounds of underwear! The residual terms in our language were also new to me:

"This attire was not only intended to restrict women physically, but morally, too. In a society where the accidental exposure of an ankle took on the pornographic stature of a lap dance, such dress was required to protect a lady's virtue. In fact, the term "loose" originated to describe a woman who went uncorseted, while "straight-laced" women obeyed societal dictates."

I was also amused by "The Cyclist's Chaperon Association". It is a good article and worth a read, ladies. Then go enjoy your bike! You've come a long way baby.

"As the bicycle continues to lend itself to causes of all kinds, it is important to remember its first battle. Liberating is a word easily associated with cycling. Flying down a tree-lined road with the wind in your face is certainly a liberating experience, but for early female cyclists, a simple bike ride was liberating in a much more significant way."

Some Bicycle Thoughts for Bike Week

The Plain Dealer reported this week:

When you have to stuff three $20 bills into your gas tank to fill it, riding your bike becomes good for your wallet. You don't have to shell out for a car payment, a license, insurance, gasoline, oil changes, or roadside assistance. And a new set of tires doesn't cost $500.

It's good for your body. Cycling makes you healthier and younger. Cycling as little as 20 miles a week can cut your risk of heart disease by more than half. On average, a regular cyclist has a fitness level equal to that of a person 10 years younger.

It's good for the environment. Bicycles produce no exhaust, damage no roads and can last decades, instead of just years. In addition, about 100 bicycles can be built with the same energy and resources it takes to build one medium-size car.

1. Twelve bicycles can be parked in a typical automobile parking spot.
2. 15% of Japanese workers commute by bicycle, 1.67% of Americans commute by bicycle
3. $29,299: The average cost, including finance charges, of a new vehicle (car or SUV) in the USA, $385 average cost of a new bicycle.
4. 2 to 1: The ratio of bicycles to cars on Earth.
5. 100 calories: The amount a person uses to bicycle 3 miles.
6. 833 -- Bicyclist deaths in the United States in 1995, 773 - Bicyclist deaths in the United States in 2006.

Study in Fuschia and Red

She was riding across the MIT campus, I was taken with her colors.

She doesn't look it from my camera angle but she is TINY so it could be hard for her to find a high quality bike small enough. This bike was custom made for her by a friend in Washington DC out of recycled parts, like they do here in Boston at Bikes Not Bombs.

She acknowledged that there was no better gift - she knows she is a lucky girl.

Signalling your turn

How do you signal a turn?

There are two schools of thought on this. One is the canonical form with a right turn signaled by the left arm extended and the forearm pointing up. The more modern method of signaling has the cyclist pointing in the direction she intends to go.

The benefit of the second system is immediately apparent - it is unambiguous to both cars around and the cyclist who has to remember what signal to make when.

I just came to realize that the signals were developed for old fashioned cars (Model Ts and the like) which weren't as reliable as our cars. If your lights broke in an old car you'd have to use the old-fashioned right turn signal, as the modern one could not be seen.

Now that I understand the reason for the system it all makes more sense, I'm more comfortable in the world, and I'll continue to use the modern hand signals.

Graphic from the Frankenmuth Police Department.

Riding the T with your bike

Let's clear up a misconception - Bikes ARE allowed on the Boston subway. There is no additional fare charge for bikes, just enter through the extra-wide gate.

There are rules though:

• Folded bikes can be transported any time. Regular bikes are allowed during non-peak hours (before 7AM, between 10AM and 4PM, after 7PM, and all day all weekend)
• Regular bikes are only allowed on Blue, Red, and Orange lines. I wouldn't want to take my bike on the Green line anyway, those train cars are so tight as it is.
• Don't hit anyone with your bicycle, and don't let it damage the train. Basic stuff. Also, they don't want you to ride inside the subway stations or taking your bike on an escalator.
• Due to safety considerations and congestion, cyclists with bikes may not enter or exit the following stations: Park Street, Downtown Crossing, and Government Center

There is a flyer available for download here.

Photo by smchevrette

Bicycle-based deliveries in our fair city

Right here in Cambridge, MA we have a new, formalized delivery service called New Amsterdam Project which is profiled today in the Christian Science Monitor. New Amsterdam Project is part of a growing group of bicycle-based delivery services around the country. They are different from our pedi-cab group in that they want to replace the deliveries currently being done by light trucks - deliveries of restaurant supplies and manufactured goods.

It seems that now even UPS is considering bike-based delivery of packages. I know women who swoon over the UPS man in shorts. Just imagine his legs if he were on a bike!