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commute
Guide To Bike Safety and Visibility
11/01/2018
Luckily, there’s much we can do to increase safety and make ourselves more visible on the road. To get you confident to train or commute in the dark, we’ve listed some safety tips and late fall cycling essentials, which brings together the trinity of safe nighttime riding—illumination, reflectivity, and hi-vis coloring—without sacrificing comfort, waterproofing, and warmth.
Inspect Your Bike
Anyone who’s had to change their tire in poorly lit conditions knows it’s not fun. Not to mention dangerous, if you don’t have plenty of space away from the road, or if you get a flat in a rough area.
Minimize the chances of breaking down by taking extra care of your bike. Don’t forget to inspect your tires, chain, and brakes by doing a pre-ride inspection the night before. Also, make sure to always keep your cell phone on you when riding alone in the dark.
Know Your Route
Try to choose routes you’re very familiar with when biking at night. Roads with potholes and gravel become much more dangerous when traveling for the first time at night.
If you have to take a new route, do some research first. Is there a bike lane? Is it well lit? It’s helpful to hop on Google street view when planning your trip, so you can be away from tricky intersections, blind corners, and large potholes.
Inspect Your Bike
Anyone who’s had to change their tire in poorly lit conditions knows it’s not fun. Not to mention dangerous, if you don’t have plenty of space away from the road, or if you get a flat in a rough area.
Minimize the chances of breaking down by taking extra care of your bike. Don’t forget to inspect your tires, chain, and brakes by doing a pre-ride inspection the night before. Also, make sure to always keep your cell phone on you when riding alone in the dark.
Know Your Route
Try to choose routes you’re very familiar with when biking at night. Roads with potholes and gravel become much more dangerous when traveling for the first time at night.
If you have to take a new route, do some research first. Is there a bike lane? Is it well lit? It’s helpful to hop on Google street view when planning your trip, so you can be away from tricky intersections, blind corners, and large potholes.
Lighten Up
Having lights on your bike is vitally important to night riding – to see where you’re going, of course, but more importantly, to be seen by others.
At a minimum, you should have flashing front and back lights on your bike – flashing lights are significantly more visible to drivers than static lights. But even better than that: ankle lights. Studies have found that lights that trace the movement of your feet as you peddle are the most eye-catching of all, may be great to add a high vis strap to your ankle or shoe covers with reflective details.
Having lights on your bike is vitally important to night riding – to see where you’re going, of course, but more importantly, to be seen by others.
At a minimum, you should have flashing front and back lights on your bike – flashing lights are significantly more visible to drivers than static lights. But even better than that: ankle lights. Studies have found that lights that trace the movement of your feet as you peddle are the most eye-catching of all, may be great to add a high vis strap to your ankle or shoe covers with reflective details.
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| Machines For Freedom: The Twilight jacket |
Be Seen
According to the Denver Post, the number of cycling fatalities is increasing each year. The most dangerous mistake casual cyclists make is overestimating their visibility when riding. Fluorescent colors are great during the day but don’t cut it at night. Make sure that you have plenty of retroreflective surfaces on your bike and clothing when cycling at night.
Most bikes will come with some reflective areas, but if you’re serious about staying safe at night, you’ll want to beef these up. Get some reflective tape, and use it liberally: helmet, clothing, bags, bike frame, rims, and pedals. Or you can kit up on reflective clothing and gear.
Obey Traffic Laws
It’s tempting to ignore the rules of the road, especially if there’s traffic and you’re in a hurry, but this is the cause of a large percentage of bike accidents. Weaving through traffic or around parked cars is especially dangerous at night. Ride like you’re invisible – because to inattentive drivers, you often are.
It’s tempting to ignore the rules of the road, especially if there’s traffic and you’re in a hurry, but this is the cause of a large percentage of bike accidents. Weaving through traffic or around parked cars is especially dangerous at night. Ride like you’re invisible – because to inattentive drivers, you often are.
If there isn’t a comfortable bike lane, it’s safer to ride in the middle of the lane than squeezing along the side, where getting clipped by passing cars is a real possibility. The vast majority of drivers will understand, and even if they don’t, it’s much better to annoy a couple of cars stuck behind you than compromise your safety.
Bike Safety
The vast majority of bike thefts happen at night. Simply chaining your bike up isn’t enough – anything but the most heavy-duty chains can be cut through with bolt cutters relatively easily. The best possible place to store a bike, outside of your own home, would be a durable and secure bike locker. You’ll find these on many campuses, city squares, or subway/bus stations.
Luckily companies are coming out with better bike locks that are lighter and harder to break through like LiteLok's Silver. A light, flexible, secure, and easily packable bike lock; LiteLok is a great combo when used with a cable to secure tires and saddles. Good locks may cost more than $50, but it’s worth it! With a cable, it is best to wrap through the lock and around your front wheel, which can be removed in seconds if not protected.
Biking at night can be intimidating if you’re not used to it, but there’s something very special about a peaceful night-time bike ride that everyone should experience occasionally. If you stay alert and follow the safety tips above, you’ll be able to safely enjoy the beauty of night time riding.
Image Courtesy: Machines For Freedom
GUIDE TO COMMUTING: RULES OF THE ROAD
5/17/2018
Safety tends to be the number one reason women don't cycle to work. It's rough out there, still it helps to know the rules of the road, to stay safe and sane. Knowing your role as a cyclist in the grand scheme of it all can help prevent an accident for all around you when you are able to be as predictable as possible. If you're wondering how to make your commute more safe, knowing the rules of road can help you get from A to B without an anxious sweat. Here are just a few things to bear in mind and make a habit of when you're heading out on two wheels.
Obey The Rules
Cyclists are required to follow the same rules as vehicles. When riding on the road, cyclists are required to travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. For those of us living in the United States, this means always riding on the right side as well as utilizing the right side of the lane as much as possible unless it is unsafe to do so. Rolling through stop signs, proceeding through a red light or entering a crosswalk when pedestrians are present are all traffic violations whether you’re in a car or on a bike. To be safe and follow the rules of the road, you should always obey all traffic signals and other signs on the roadway just as you would when operating any other vehicle. There are times when you will need to move to the left side of the lane to avoid an obstacle or to make a left-handed turn. When doing so, it’s important to always yield to approaching vehicles moving at a higher rate of travel to avoid a collision.
Hold your lane
As a cyclist, you have the same rights to the lane as someone driving a car but you also have to follow the same rules as a motor vehicle. If there’s a bike lane, get in it. If not, you have the exact same right to a full traffic lane as a car (although most people ride to the side). Hold a straight line and proceed to claim your space on the road once it is safe. I take advantage of this on narrow one-way streets where it’s hard to stay far enough away from parked cars or narrow curbs. In fact, most cities even allow you to ride side-by-side with another biker in one lane, but most people avoid this.
Where you can’t ride
As for sidewalks, if your bike is on one, your feet should be planted firmly on the ground, walking alongside it. And you also can’t ride on highways, so scratch those dreams of weaving in and out of traffic.
Is your bike up to code?
You’re required to have brakes, reflectors, lights, and a bell. If you ride between dusk and dawn, you also need a white headlight and a red taillight. Only children under 14 are required to wear helmets, but do it anyway. Here are some cute ones.
Texting while riding
You want to be as present as possible in the streets, not only as a matter of safety but as a matter of just enjoying the ride. Chatting on your cell or texting is really not a good idea, since it makes you unstable, distracted, and therefore vulnerable. Similarly, when it comes to headphones, one headphone is permitted, but most say better to let the city be your soundtrack.
Learn to communicate
There are basic principles to cycle safety made up of predictable signals. Whether you're turning, stopping, or pointing out a hazard, everyone has their own take on how to execute them. Once you get to know the basics, it makes riding with a group a lot easier once you know how to communicate verbally or with gestures affectively. Always assume someone is behind you and never rely on others to communicate for you. Check out these cycling hand signals that are pretty universal for most clubs, commuters, and group rides. If you're not comfortable taking your hands off the handle bars, calling "right turn" 'slowing" "stopping" "hole left" "on your wheel" "passing left" "car back" is helpful too. Being able to loudly communicate and control your movement will help everyone.
Overall, it’s important to follow the laws first and use common sense and etiquette to making commuting less dangerous and more pleasant for everyone. If you ever feel uncomfortable or see something that’s uncomfortable, get off the bike. You don’t have to gut it out. Get up on the sidewalk, walk the bike, get past the obstacle, and then get back on when you feel comfortable. Sounds simple, but it’s something that never actually occurred to me when fretting about construction zones or navigating through tunnel traffic. There are always going to be distractions and challenges while commuting but keeping vigilant and safe is your first priority when setting out on two wheels.
Images: The Wheel House
Cyclists are required to follow the same rules as vehicles. When riding on the road, cyclists are required to travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. For those of us living in the United States, this means always riding on the right side as well as utilizing the right side of the lane as much as possible unless it is unsafe to do so. Rolling through stop signs, proceeding through a red light or entering a crosswalk when pedestrians are present are all traffic violations whether you’re in a car or on a bike. To be safe and follow the rules of the road, you should always obey all traffic signals and other signs on the roadway just as you would when operating any other vehicle. There are times when you will need to move to the left side of the lane to avoid an obstacle or to make a left-handed turn. When doing so, it’s important to always yield to approaching vehicles moving at a higher rate of travel to avoid a collision.
Hold your lane
As a cyclist, you have the same rights to the lane as someone driving a car but you also have to follow the same rules as a motor vehicle. If there’s a bike lane, get in it. If not, you have the exact same right to a full traffic lane as a car (although most people ride to the side). Hold a straight line and proceed to claim your space on the road once it is safe. I take advantage of this on narrow one-way streets where it’s hard to stay far enough away from parked cars or narrow curbs. In fact, most cities even allow you to ride side-by-side with another biker in one lane, but most people avoid this.
Where you can’t ride
As for sidewalks, if your bike is on one, your feet should be planted firmly on the ground, walking alongside it. And you also can’t ride on highways, so scratch those dreams of weaving in and out of traffic.
Is your bike up to code?
You’re required to have brakes, reflectors, lights, and a bell. If you ride between dusk and dawn, you also need a white headlight and a red taillight. Only children under 14 are required to wear helmets, but do it anyway. Here are some cute ones.
Texting while riding
You want to be as present as possible in the streets, not only as a matter of safety but as a matter of just enjoying the ride. Chatting on your cell or texting is really not a good idea, since it makes you unstable, distracted, and therefore vulnerable. Similarly, when it comes to headphones, one headphone is permitted, but most say better to let the city be your soundtrack.
Learn to communicate
There are basic principles to cycle safety made up of predictable signals. Whether you're turning, stopping, or pointing out a hazard, everyone has their own take on how to execute them. Once you get to know the basics, it makes riding with a group a lot easier once you know how to communicate verbally or with gestures affectively. Always assume someone is behind you and never rely on others to communicate for you. Check out these cycling hand signals that are pretty universal for most clubs, commuters, and group rides. If you're not comfortable taking your hands off the handle bars, calling "right turn" 'slowing" "stopping" "hole left" "on your wheel" "passing left" "car back" is helpful too. Being able to loudly communicate and control your movement will help everyone.
Overall, it’s important to follow the laws first and use common sense and etiquette to making commuting less dangerous and more pleasant for everyone. If you ever feel uncomfortable or see something that’s uncomfortable, get off the bike. You don’t have to gut it out. Get up on the sidewalk, walk the bike, get past the obstacle, and then get back on when you feel comfortable. Sounds simple, but it’s something that never actually occurred to me when fretting about construction zones or navigating through tunnel traffic. There are always going to be distractions and challenges while commuting but keeping vigilant and safe is your first priority when setting out on two wheels.
Images: The Wheel House
I've got a serious crush on Mother Nature, but whenever April 22 comes, I am always stumped as to the best ways to get my Earth Day on. While cycling is one great way to reduce our carbon footprint, I'm always looking for more ways to do some good at home for the planet. With the thought of living an eco-friendly lifestyle, I've incorporated some practices into my lifestyle that I've practiced over the years. So, to help us craft an eco warrior game plan off our bikes, I've turned to some do-gooder secrets that I've implemented over the years that will have you thinking of living a more green lifestyle. Here are 5 ways to get your Earth Day on.
1. Reusables:
Plastic bags and bottles account for a drastic amount of oceanic and public waterway pollution across the globe. Help keep the ocean and your city clean by curbing your single bottle and bag use all in one swoop. Some grocery stores even reward you for shopping with a reusable bag. Yay rewards! But you’re probably already someone like me who has a long-life water bottle in their bag and takes canvas totes to the supermarket. However, you're probably thinking about ways to do more. I myself am no eco-warrior or green saint but I am keen to reduce my plastic consumption if I can, and I know food shopping and packaging is where the most one-use plastic gets wasted. Here are the guidelines I set for myself: Carry a reusable coffee tumbler for that daily cup of coffee. Carry a reusable water bottle around with you everywhere. Stuff reusable produce bags and reusable tote bags into panniers, kit pockets, backpacks, desk drawers and the car, so there’ll always be one handy for shopping. Carry snacks and other food in reusable steel containers. Bye-bye, plastic zipper bags! Keep a set of metal cutlery — fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks — at work. Reuse plastic takeout containers at eateries. I like to reuse plastic containers for food storage for meal preps or leftovers. The next time you’re out shopping, grab a few reusable bags to place your items in.
2. Shop Local and Organic
Whenever possible, try to eat local, in-season organic produce. Sticking to foods that are grown locally, in your own city or surrounding area, helps to reduce the carbon footprint created by shipping foods from elsewhere. A general rule for where something is grown? The closer to you, the better. It’s equally important to eat organic produce, which hasn’t been sprayed with toxic pesticides and other environmentally detrimental chemicals. Don’t forget to avoid processed foods: processed and packaged foods are often bad for your health, not just the environment. Processing plants are major polluters, and their products contribute to health epidemics like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Choose whole foods that are better for the planet, and better for your own longevity.
3. Alternative transit
Choose to bike, walk, or take the bus or train– leave the car at home, and you’ll be making an easy decision with immediate results. Many people are opting to bike to work, especially when the weather warms up and with initiatives National Bike Month and Bike To Work Day. With bike lanes becoming more prevalent, cities are investing in the necessary infrastructure to make it easier not to own a car. There are over 65 million cyclists in the United States, a number that has risen dramatically over the past five years. Increasing populations have made effective public transportation more necessary than ever, and options like subways, trains, buses, and rapid transit continue to grow. Many new bus routes are even turning to hybrids, solar power, and other eco-friendly alternatives. In the U.S., public transportation saves 37 million tons of carbon emissions every year. Cities are also increasing walkability, with architects incorporating more outdoor and green spaces, and new buildings focused on green infrastructure and community engagement.
4. Switch To Natural Beauty Products
Switch to natural beauty products that you likely use every day from deodorants, shampoo's + conditioners, body cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers and fragrances. Here's how you can Build Your Natural Beauty Routine. Don't forget to wash and recycle your empty containers when you are done. Just remember the bleached coral reefs and all the damage our beauty products are causing in these eco systems.
5. Clean With Eco Friendly Products
We might all know that cleaning with chemicals isn't the best for us, yet we still do it. But, it's not too hard to go over to the light side. Say goodbye to your commercial cleaners, and you’ll be saying goodbye to alkylphenol ethoxylates, ammonia, chlorine, lye, formaldehyde, petroleum solvents, and synthetic fragrances, as well. Fortunately, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap, is great for all cleaning bike related things from your kit to your bike. If you're not using this already, you should be! For cleaning products, I like to use MRS. MEYER'S house hold and laundry cleaners. Everything we wash down the drain comes back to bite us in the butt, especially at my house where we have a septic tank and water well.
Anyone can make these simple changes: they’re easy to implement, and are immediately effective in reducing your carbon footprint. Our actions and choices ultimately make a difference, and we all share the responsibility to do whatever we can to address climate change, big or small.
Bike Maintenance 101:
1. Tune-ups and regular bike shop visits are a good way to ensure that all the tricky parts of your bike are checked, serviced, and adjusted by an experienced mechanic, but there is also plenty you can do at home.
2. There are certain steps you should be taking every time you ride, including a visual inspection of your bike’s main components. This will only take about a minute and will ensure a safer ride. Make it a habit!
Tires: Check that your tires are properly inflated and look for cracked or worn spots and embedded debris that could cause a flat. Most bicycle tires have a pressure rating stamped on the wall along the lines of “Inflate to 65 PSI Max” (PSI is pounds per square inch). Use a floor pump at home and keep a mini-pump with you on long rides.
Wheels: Confirm that your wheels are securely fastened and that the nuts or release mechanisms that hold your wheels in place are secure. Spin your wheels. If your wheel wobbles you should have your wheel trued at a bike shop.
Positioning: Check that your seat post and handle bars are set at a comfortable height and fastened tightly.
Brakes: Squeeze your brake levers to make sure that they apply enough pressure to stop your wheel from turning. Brake pads should hit only the rims and not the tires.
Cables and Bolts: Confirm none of your cables are frayed and that the screws, nuts, and bolts that hold your bike together have not worn down or loosened.
Chain: Make sure you chain turns completely through your front and rear sprockets and doesn't rub against the derailleurs. Is your chain dry? Does it squeak? If so, you should add lube. The more frequently you spot-lube your chain, the less likely you’ll need to take your chain off to clean or replace it. Does your chain need cleaning? It's a good idea to clean your chain after every 4-5 rides.
Drivetrain: Check that your drive train is free from excessive grime and doesn’t need lubrication.
Helmet: Put it on your head. No excuses.
Gears: Once you're on your bike but before you hit the road, run your bike through its range of gears to make sure there are no problems shifting and that there is no chain slippage. It's better to be stranded in your driveway than six miles down the road.
Tires: Check that your tires are properly inflated and look for cracked or worn spots and embedded debris that could cause a flat. Most bicycle tires have a pressure rating stamped on the wall along the lines of “Inflate to 65 PSI Max” (PSI is pounds per square inch). Use a floor pump at home and keep a mini-pump with you on long rides.
Wheels: Confirm that your wheels are securely fastened and that the nuts or release mechanisms that hold your wheels in place are secure. Spin your wheels. If your wheel wobbles you should have your wheel trued at a bike shop.
Positioning: Check that your seat post and handle bars are set at a comfortable height and fastened tightly.
Brakes: Squeeze your brake levers to make sure that they apply enough pressure to stop your wheel from turning. Brake pads should hit only the rims and not the tires.
Cables and Bolts: Confirm none of your cables are frayed and that the screws, nuts, and bolts that hold your bike together have not worn down or loosened.
Drivetrain: Check that your drive train is free from excessive grime and doesn’t need lubrication.
Helmet: Put it on your head. No excuses.
Gears: Once you're on your bike but before you hit the road, run your bike through its range of gears to make sure there are no problems shifting and that there is no chain slippage. It's better to be stranded in your driveway than six miles down the road.
3. New cyclists have lots of options for educational information online. REI can teach you how to fix a flat, Jim Langley can explain how to clean your chain and drivetrain, eHow shows you how to properly inflate your tires, and Sheldon Brown has an indispensible glossary of bike terms and projects.
4. A clean bike will keep you from wiping grime all over your favorite pair of pants and extend the life of your bike. With a toothbrush and a rag, clean the pedals, brakes, tires, rims, frame, chain, cassette, derailleurs. Use as little water as possible and a bike specific cleaner such as Muc Off's bike cleaning kit. Use cleaning time as an inspection time—look for cracks and signs of wear. London Cyclist offers a good overview of how to clean your bike.
5. One last tip, when you buy your bike write down your manufactures serial number! If your bike is stolen this number offers the best chance at recovery because police can use these numbers to track bicycles across America. The majority of serial numbers are located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet, just turn your bike upside down and record the number.
I hope this empowers you to know your bike more. The more you practice caring for your bike, it become easier to maintain and instead of spending more time in the repair shope, the more time you have to be riding.
Image Courtesy @ Liv Cycling
I hope this empowers you to know your bike more. The more you practice caring for your bike, it become easier to maintain and instead of spending more time in the repair shope, the more time you have to be riding.
Image Courtesy @ Liv Cycling
Spring Into Cycling
4/10/2018
Spring is in the air! Well, at least in some parts of the world. While it's becoming brighter and warmer in NY this week, I'm ready to take my sunny winter cycling travels outside to celebrate Springs arrival. I'm also excited for this time of year for group rides, new kit, and cute gear. To welcome April showers for May's Spring flowers and Bike Month, I thought I'd do a series of posts to help build up your Spring dreams of riding with some tips for cycling from commuting to roading this season. While you're dusting off your bicycles and boxing up your winter layers, get ready to head out with a little spring in your pedal with these sunny cycling tips.
Get Your Bike Ready
Clean and tune up your bike. If you're not familiar with how to do so, got to your nearest bike shop to ensure that the jobs will be done right. It's important to make sure your tires, brakes, gear, and chains are cleaned and well lubed for your adventures ahead. For all seasons, adorn your ride with some of my favorite bike safety gear like an Knog Oi Bike Bell and Blinder MOB Bike Lights.
Get Fit
If you haven't been riding as much, you're going to need to work harder to get fit to cycle. Never force yourself to cycle when you don’t feel like. If you're just starting back, it's not a good idea to plan long uphill cycles, instead, build your stamina and muscles. If you find yourself at the gym, try doing a couple of these stationary bike workouts. Be careful though, Spring knee is real and the results from increasing too many miles too quickly is sharp pain across the top of the kneecap, painful.
Layer Up
Spring is full of unpredictable weather and the worst is getting caught in rain without proper wear. The most crucial items to own are arm warmers, leg warmers, and a packable waterproof jacket (highly recommend Co-op Cycles Packable Hooded Jacket). A good base layer is also good in keeping out moisture when you start warming up and sweating. Either way, best to play it safe when the weather is still cool but not warm enough.
Set Goals
If you have not cycled for a while start off by doing a few laps of your local park then graduate to routes that you know, to shops, the gym, a local café, to work, then maybe weekend warrior it up with some serious miles when you're feeling good about your abilities. You can set yourself a goal in kilometers (or miles) a week and work your way up using Strava while measuring your progress.
Map Your Ride
When you feel ready to cycle all the way to work or to a night out, check your route. Use Google Maps or Map My Ride, select the cycling option and type in your starting point and destination and it will recommend a route on quieter, more cycle friendly roads. You should also check the weather so you're not surprised by Spring showers, nothing's worse than arriving to your destination soaked.
National Bike Challenge May - Sept 2018
National Bike Challenge is a great way to get back on the saddle for motivation and join a team (of up to 8 riders) to have some fun
riding and encouraging friends and others to ride too. The National Bike Challenge is an online platform, free for everyone to use to log their miles and celebrate riding, while finding inspiration to ride more often. The Challenge brings together tens of thousands of people who bike across the country who share a love of bicycling. You can sign up for free at www.lovetoride.net to compete as an individual, or sign up your workplace, school, or team. For years I have joined friends in my local community and around the country to inspire and motivate myself and friends to ride. It's definitely helpful to have friends challenge and inspire you so if you would like to join, I built my own team to give you a place to start at Team Presta. You don't have to be an athlete or serious cyclist, you can be a beginner, a weekend warrior, or commuter. This is just a space to give you the motivation to get your spring in your pedal.
Photo Courtesy: @TokyBike_NYC
What You Need To Know To Cycle In Winter
12/03/2015
Gearing Up For Fall Cycling
10/21/2015
I’ve added some essentials to the mix of tips to ensure your fall closet and bike will still make the cool transitional move into the new season in style. Consider this a friendly reminder to cycle safely and warmer while you cool into fall.
Fall Commuter Cycling Tips
9/21/2015
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| The Satorialist |
Summer Commuting Cycling Tips
7/06/2015
It's summer time and the heat is on! Every summer I like to provide a little recap of how to say cool and fresh in the sun. For many of us ladies and gents who commute by bicycle in the city, we need to show up fresh on our bikes to our places of work or destinations. It's not always easy looking breezy but here are some tips to keep you looking commuter fab on two wheels.
Book: A Girl's Bicycle Handbook
2/06/2014
"The Girls' Bicycle Handbook is for women cyclists everywhere who need practical no-nonsense advice and information on cycling, and cycling in style.
Whether you're a committed bike commuter or a complete novice, cycling entrepreneur and blogger Caz Nicklin gives the low-down on making cycling part of your lifestyle. From choosing the right bike for your needs to looking stylish and comfortable whatever the weather, and from combatting 'helmet hair' to road safety and fast repairs, The Girls' Bicycle Handbook tells you everything you need to know about life on two wheels."
You can pre-order the book and Caz will be featuring snippets of advice from the book on her blog over at London Cycle Chic for the next two months. So keep checking in and follow along on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.
Chic Gear To Get The Biker Babe This Holiday
12/13/2013
As the holidays approach, I've been perusing around the webs for the hottest bicycle picks to gift the biker babe. To help me make this search fun, I asked some friends to share their favorite bike gear. This wish-list pick is from Heather of Brooklyn Cruiser, a bicycle company based in Brooklyn, NY. Visit their website and especially their beautiful bicycles at Brookly Bicycle Co.
When Christina asked that we share some of Brooklyn Bicycle Co.'s wishlist picks with City Girl Rides, the short answer was: "the Vintage Wicker Creel Bike Basket at Eleanor's, period." Never before have I coveted a bike accessory so hard. (I mean, SO hard. That's one darn fine piece of basket!)
Alas, call it a symptom of East Coast Winter-living (grey skies, white snowfall, too-early nightfall, and alllll those miles of sidewalk that frame our days…), but I'm feeling a harmony to all things neutral. And the best way to harness their full potential? Well, that would be a serious dose of technicolor.
When Christina asked that we share some of Brooklyn Bicycle Co.'s wishlist picks with City Girl Rides, the short answer was: "the Vintage Wicker Creel Bike Basket at Eleanor's, period." Never before have I coveted a bike accessory so hard. (I mean, SO hard. That's one darn fine piece of basket!)
Alas, call it a symptom of East Coast Winter-living (grey skies, white snowfall, too-early nightfall, and alllll those miles of sidewalk that frame our days…), but I'm feeling a harmony to all things neutral. And the best way to harness their full potential? Well, that would be a serious dose of technicolor.
1. When it comes to a finely curated wardrobe, the value of a versatile piece cannot be challenged. Enter Vespertine's SASH-AY SCARF. It's the stuff of endless interpretations and doubles duty as an accessory fit to transition with the seasons. Put that reflective button to use and get creative -- as a scarf, this one can take on countless drape configurations and, come Spring, it rocks well as a stylin' sash. We're talkin' high-functioning luxe -- soft merino wool, hand-woven Heritage Flash Tweed, and discreet reflective stripes that come alive in direct light.
2. It's no secret that we're full of adoration for all helmets Belle. And this here Paper Cranes (Light Grey) headpiece (with its muted, warm tones and bold graphic) really speaks to our minimalist tendencies. And don't mistake the hand-painted origami as precious -- a UV-protected varnish keeps its surface scratch and water-resistant. This is art at its utilitarian best.
3. Now, while we'd love to say that the one thing a proper Bike Babe cannot leave home without is, well, her bike… There IS something we tend to go-to before wheeling out our two-wheeled chariots. And that's our bag. Freitag's JOAN has the brands design-y, modern feel in spades, with functionality to match. It's expandable, can take on your yoga mat, and its mounting straps can be zipped away from sight once you've arrived, making for seamless handlebar-to-arm-candy.
4. Houndstooth is a bit of a mainstay in the chic department -- depending on what you pair it with, it's a pattern to cover all vibes, cute to classy. (Really, who feels the same way every single day…) Cleverhood’s Electric Houndstooth Rain Cape has also got some superhero features on the DL -- hidden reflective thread (at night -- poof! -- you're a lit grid!), Uretek zipper details, magnetic armhole closures, and a fitted hood that can be worn under your helmet. Did we mention you'll stay dry?
5. And now for that dash of flash. A good color pop goes a long way when your primary palette is a super-urbane collection of neutrals. Where better to see the flash than right before your very eyes -- Ray Ban's iconic Wayfarer Folding Flash Lenses do the trick, and then some. Copper, Yellow, Green and Orange colorways mean a hue for all, and every pair folds down into a compact, single-lense-sized stasher, handy flip-top case included.
Bicycle Wishlist
11/12/2013
In the interest of still sharing all lovely bicycle things, I think it would be fun to start a little post I'm calling Bicycle Wishlist. Naturally, throughout any given week I stumble across some beautiful or quirky or enticing bicycle products and Pin them and forget about them. I mean, you're all welcome to see what I post on Pinterest but obviously that in and of itself is no fun—so I'm just going to share them with you!
Without further ado, here's the first go-round for the season. Maybe this can serve as a guide of some kind? A holiday guide for yourself or for the bicycle lover in your life. However, this is more like a guide to my inner shopaholic, that is...
1. Gold Sparkle Helmet 2. Dalman Supply Rope Lock 3. House of Talents Bike Basket 4. Women On Wheels Book 5. Polka Dot Bike Belle 6. Alite Bike To Beach Bag
If you want to see more follow me on Pinterest!
Cute Bicycle Baskets
10/14/2013
It's time for a roundup of cute bicycle baskets and I found some unique and vintage styled baskets and crates to share with you. Although I have had a great number of them, I always remain true to Wald wire baskets for sturdiness around bumpy roads but I have always dreamed of one of these wicker baskets and a bike crate to carry a bundle of flowers and veggies in. A girl can dream right? Sigh...Ok, I'm dying to share with you what made the list.
1. Wald Woody Basket 2. Brooks Hoxton Basket 3. Wald Twin Rear Basket 4. Ashtunga Bicycle Basket 5. House Of Talents Bike Basket 6. Nantucket Bicycle Basket 7. TWO-O Bike Crate 8. Pedal Porter Bicycle Crate 9. Sunlight Classic Crate
Shop Bicycle Baskets
Shop Bicycle Baskets
Cute Commuter Bicycle Helmets
9/09/2013
As you know, protecting your head when cycling is like the number one safety rule of all cycling, trust me, we've had "the conversation" before. But why I personally don't like to wear one is a personal matter, and when coming to NYC I realize how important wearing one is, like with all the insufficient bicycle infrastructure, bad driving policies, and billions of crazy cab drivers.
Well, with so many bicycle helmet options out there, I bring to you some of my favorites from around the web. Whether they're are loved by brands, functionality, and style, I love seeing the evolution of cute bicycle helmets for ladies. I also have that really cute red and white polka dot helmet and it's my favorite. You can find great resources around the web from Eleanors NYC, Cycle Chic UK, Yakkay, Nutcase, Sawako, and Bern in scoping out some really cute options for your cute cycle safety wear.
(right to left)
1. Bern Lenox Helmet 2. Pryme 8 V2 Champagne Helmet 3. Yakkay Helmet Tokyo-Blue-Stripe 4. Yakkay Helmet Paris-Blue-Red 5. Nutcase Gold Stripe Helmet 6. Giro Surface Multi-Sport Helmet
7. Nutcase Simi Mini Dots Bike Helmet 8.Yakkay Tokyo-Rose Helmet 9. Sawakko Furuno Ribbon Green Helmet
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