littlecircles » commuting

ecovelo

mb — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:40:00 +0000

Check out ecovelo, Alan’s new project:

EcoVelo is the public expression of my personal commitment to reduce my impact on the environment by employing bicycles as my primary mode of transport. By sharing what I learn from this endeavor, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing experience that celebrates the beauty of the bicycle and the joys of everyday bike riding, I hope to inspire others to make a similar commitment.

Drop on by. You’ll find our Bakfiets in the gallery, along with my IF, rigged for utility and rando riding.

Jet Pack

mb — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:31:00 +0000

The Brompton was fantastic for getting around PDX in lieu of a rental car. About 1 minute and it was folded up nice and tight, ready to roll as a shopping cart, onto the MAX, or to tuck under a table at a cafe. I did all three – and it worked like a charm. I was working at the Expo center for a home show – and the bike folded in the back of the booth was a great conversation starter. The integrated bag was wonderful for toting a load about – the low position of the bag meant that I could drag the 17″ laptop, a change of clothes, rain gear, and some literature for the expo – and still have room stop at a hardware store and fit in glass cleaner and paper towels – all with relative ease and no adverse affect on handling.

If I lived in a larger town with good mixed modes of public transportation I’d seriously consider a folding bike. I’d search out a Brompton with more options for tuning my riding position – or maybe get a BikeFriday. If I ever hit the road again for work, or perhaps even if we join the budding Green Mountain Car Share here in Burlington I’ll add a folder to my stable as it would be the perfect vehicle for mixing commutes, business travel, and utility cycling ’round town (and with the right bike – a great bike for traveling via plane and train).

Portland, OR Part 1

mb — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:55:00 +0000

I’m on the ground in Portland, OR for work. I am smitten with this bicycle friendly town – always have been actually, even before it became bicycle heaven USA – from my studying of its progressive planning and transit politics and policies. Todd over at CleverCycles arranged a Brompton for me to rent – which seems the perfect ride for a town with progressive urban transit options and some of the best bicycle infrastructure and advocacy in the country.

The Brompton is a very very cool machine. Here it is ready to ride, across the Willamette from the convention center. I’ve been out and about cruising along the waterfront a bit – and from Wednesday through Sunday I hope to commute to the Expo center for the work I’m doing here. I’m hoping to get a sense of the infrastructure, the mindset, and the general flow of the Portland cyclist – I’ll try for a few days to become one – rain and all.