Munich SolarParade

Ladies and Gentlemen, and everyone else, the folks from Munich Germany have raised the bar to new hieghts!

Very Nice!

They even had some electric / human powered hybrids from Switzerland, The TWikes.

Electric Car Racing

This video appears to be of electric cars racing in the French Alps. The report is in French.

What is the reporter saying?

One of the cars is, I believe the "OSCAR", also known as the "Open Source Car".

Rocket Skate Board

WARNING: Kids, do not try this at home. It is very dangerous and can cause serious injury and even death!

I suppose you could say this is a kind of power assist skateboard.

"Ride Or Die" Letters..

(image from critical mass ride in Santa Monica 2005)

The "Ride Or Die" article in the Santa Monica Daily Press has generated a few letters to the editor(see letters below, SMDP, Feb. 22, 2007)

In both cases, they appear to be supportive of the mass bicycle ride.

However, one thing missing from the original article and the letters is that critical mass is most often referred to "organized co-incidence", meaning that everyone who attends is essentially a mass of one, that happens to be co-incidently gathering at a similar location. And that when each individual rides their bicycle, skates, wheelchair, their feet, or whatever they use for mobility, they are responsible for the direction they choose to go in.

The snaggy part of the critical mass rides are the corking of intersections, and the legality of doing so. It seems that some arguments have been presented that provide for legally corking intersections. It is often done, without permit (to my knowledge), by funeral processions.

And from what I understand, essentially anyone can join those funeral processions. And that the persons corking the intersections are not active law enforcement. They often are retired law enforcement, and sometimes not even retired law enforcement.

The corking allows for the smooth flow of the procession of vehicles to continue.

So it is possible to say that funeral processions are essentially a kind of critical mass of sorts.

I welcome feedback on this

Mass pedalers lack discipline
Editor:
I am following the Critical Mass bike-a-thons story with interest, but your article on Feb. 20 (“Ride or die,” page 1) did little except rehash previously quoted CM participants and community members. I wonder what the opinions of the SMPD and city officials are. It has been my observation that Santa Monica requires permits whenever large groups of people plan to assemble in our parks and streets, as they frequently do. The assortment of parades, 10Ks, demonstrations and other local events which bring together hundreds of participants are usually well regulated and take a variety of measures to be responsible for the many traffic and safety issues that may come into play.
I have no objection to bicyclists, pedestrians, wheelchair users, skaters or any other alternative “mobilizers” using our streets and paths. But whenever a group wants to immobilize others’ use of our public thoroughfares by assembling large numbers of participants, they should make appropriate arrangements in advance to safeguard community interests and safety.
Critical Mass is, essentially, a rather bawdy and jubilant street demonstration in favor of non-motorized transportation. Cool! I absolutely support their right to demonstrate for their interests, but they should, in turn, acknowledge some accountability for their members’ actions — like using monitors, as any good demonstration does — and obeying basic rules of civil conduct. If they choose to ignore those responsibilities while making their bikers’ rights points, then I would think this may be an excellent opportunity for the SMPD to improve the city’s revenue once a month by issuing mass citations.
Alan Toy
Santa Monica

Article failed bike riders everywhere
Editor:
(Re: “Ride or die,” Feb. 20, page 1)
I am very sorry about the poor quality of the Critical Mass piece in (the Daily Press’) recent issue. I feel you have become the mouthpiece of a poorly articulated anger against cyclists.
Rather than analyzing this diffuse anger, you have presented it in the manner of a prejudice on the first page.
To begin with, the illustration is exceedingly inappropriate and insulting, it catches nothing of the spirit of adventure and environmentally friendly transport combined with healthy exercise which characterizes these occasions. Just go there and have a look for yourself. The photograph is a sad reflection of your inability to understand what is going on at these occasions, or of your willful distortion of the truth. The title, “Ride or Die,” is just as poorly chosen.
You really have not understood what bicycles are about, and you have not even begun to put a question mark to the car culture which is bringing this planet to the ruin. Every cyclist is a Kyoto Saint. Instead, you have given voice to a few aggrieved drivers, whose polluting exhaust fumes we all have to breath in, and whose aggressive style of driving kills and hurts many pedestrians and cyclists. It is pathetic and entirely out of touch how you allow the car driver and gas burner to speak here as if they were entirely justified, entirely natural, entirely taken for granted.
This is 2007, not 1950 ! The position is pathetic, because out on the streets of Santa Monica, drivers everywhere feel they need to justify themselves — they buy dual fuel cars, they pay more for their gas, and they have to ask themselves if bloody wars are being fought around the world to satisfy their desire for more and more cheap gas.
I am commuting to UCLA on my bike and many of the participants of the Critical Mass rides will use their bike every day for the benefit of all: But you turn on them and give us a bad press as if we are monstrous growth which threatens the planet.
If we come together once a month to celebrate our responsibility and our understanding of the environment and all the gas we are not burning, then you might have the good grace and allow us a bit presence on the streets. We do it with joy, music, good will and some dressing up. It is, after all, in these occasions that we are able to encourage many more car drivers to join us on the cycle lane. And in the few interactions with drivers I have witnessed, I have seen understanding, humor and support, and nothing of the stale and stereotypical aggression you describe in your piece.
I am sorry, you have failed your assignment. Grade F.
Dr. Michael Cahn
Visiting Lecturer, Department of History, UCLA

Team Hybrid 3

The folks at Team Hybrid, allies to the electric bicycling community, based in the UK, have put out another superb video showing test ride of one of their e-bike creations.

This video includes an electric dash on the scree that show data, such as speed, volts, and some other things that is gathered by their on board computer.

I would like to know how they collected the data and how the information added to their video as a digital dashboard.

Also, it would be great to see a couple pictures of the bicycle and it's components, such as who makes them, their weight, and size. Thanks!

Bike Car confusion...

Our friends up at Bikescape posted an interesting video which illustrates how there can be confusion on roads that leads to cyclist injuries.



A quote from the article:

A woman gets hit (and nearly killed) by a truck making an illegal right turn onto a freeway ramp and San Francisco's cycling community mobilizes. Seventy people gathered last Friday for a rush hour protest demanding that the city re-engineer the intersection to make it safe for cyclists and pedestrians. Bikescape attends the demo at Market and Octavia and reports back with interviews and commentary.

E-Bike Rally 2006

This is a video from the touted world's first electric bike, (AKA Pedalecs) race, grand prix, rally.



Video Description:
Presteigne Electric Bike Rally 2006
Footage of the first Presteigne Electric Bike Rally held on 7th May 2006. The next event will be held on 13th May 2007.

E-Bike Commuting Tips

This video has some great tips on how to bicycle commute using an electric bicycle. She includes low cost tips on riding at night, in un predictable raining environment. That includes reflective tape from the hardware store, seat covers using plastic shower cap, bicycle trailers (Bikes To Work) for shoping at the food co-op, etc.

Other related videos is the Video News report on the "Hybrid Bike" and "Electric Bikes in China"(video), "Electric Bikes in Vancouver"(video)

They also discuss recumbents and fully enclosed velomobiles.

She is riding a Giant Suede electric bicycle (e-bike), using a nickel metal hydride battery pack. Highly recommeded video for those interested in using an electric bicycle for their transportation/commuting needs.(28 minutes)



Video Description:
Peak Moment 40: Catch Sally Lovell's enthusiasm for her electric-assist bicycle. Her comprehensive primer covers bicycle types, battery recharging, practices and products for security, inclement weather, and road safety. Gotta love that trailer for hauling stuff! http://www.peakmoment.tv

Mr. Pedalsworth

Mr. Pedalsworth riding some of his bicycles.

Animal Bike Race

Monkeys, Bears, and other animals riding their bicycle in a race.

Cyclowns In Beijing

Video Description:

In the fall of 2006, a group of odd-looking travelers cycled into Beijing on some very strange bicycles.

They were the Cyclowns, a travelling street circus and band that plays a very European-sounding mix of jazz and music tunes that they pick up on route from Turkey, through Georgia, Russia and Mongolia to Beijing.

in this episode of Danwei TV's Hard Hat Show, we talk to some of the people in this rag tag group of Bohemian street artists about their travels and their way of life.

You can find out more about the Cyclowns, including some very vague schedules of their next destinations, at www.cyclown.org

www.danwei.tv

Tour De Fat

I want a "Tour De Fat" in Santa Monica!

It is also known as the "Tour De Fat Tire festival, sponsored by the Fat Tire Bicycle Brewery.



Description Discription:

Funky bikes at their best! The Tour de Fat is one of the craziest bike parades in the country. Sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, this event is all about self expression, custom bikes and fun. Nearly 2000 people dressed in costume, paraded through the streets of downdown Ft. Collins.

Ride Or Die?

In this recent article in the Santa Monica Daily Press("Ride Or Die", by Melody Hanatani, February 20, 2007) there is discussion about critical mass riders following the rules of the road. What do you guy think, do critical mass riders follow the rules of the road? If so, explain. If not, explain what rules not obeyed? Any other comments about this article?

Ride Or Die
BY MELODY HANATANI
February 20, 2007
Santa Monica Daily Press

DOWNTOWN SM Once a month, they take to the streets more than a hundred strong in a show of solidarity. Their goal is to celebrate cycling and promote their rights to the road along with motorists.

To a growing number of peeved bystanders, the group of enthused cyclists known as the Critical Mass might be promoting bike riding as an alternative means of transportation, but it’s doing anything but promoting safe cycling practices.

On the first Friday evening of the month, the group gathers near the Santa Monica Pier for a ride through the city’s streets, meandering through Santa Monica for up to two hours. Their route is not predetermined, the effort is norganized and there is no real pack leader.

To some, the rolling parade is nothing short of anarchy.

“The rules of the road state we are to ‘share the road,’ not impede innocent people with the inconveniences of their behavior,” wrote Steven Weller, of Venice, in a letter to the Daily Press.

Santa Monica resident Ellen Drury concurs, arguing that Critical Mass poses a threat to public safety. She calls the mobile mob “a bratty pack of bullies” and criticizes the Santa Monica Police Department for failing to enforce traffic laws on cyclists.

Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rules and regulations as motorists.More than one hundred bicyclists are killed in traffic-related collisions every year.

“They ignore traffic and public safety laws,” Drury said. “They menace drivers and pedestrians alike, and do so with a dangerously contagious sociopathy.”

Not so, according to Jon Michaels, the owner of Triathlete Zombie on Santa Monica Boulevard.Michaels has ridden with the group for the past two months and has not observed any illegal behavior by the cyclists.

“Riding is important to the city and it’s important to be visible,” Michaels said. “We need to get more attention on bicycle as a viable means of transportation.”

Critical condition

Critical Mass groups exist in cities around the globe and have crossed law enforcement authorities in the past. Their activities have been called a protest and members have been accused of intentionally disrupting traffic flow and impeding motorists.

In 2004, the New York Police Department arrested 33 Critical Mass cyclists for running red lights and other traffic violations.

Two Critical Mass cyclists in Seattle were arrested last summer for allegedly blocking an intersection in the city. The arrest incited claims of police brutality, as several of the plainclothes police officers were accused by Critical Mass of failing to identify themselves as police officers during the arrest, which resulted in a tussle between the cyclists and law enforcement.

In 1997, in the city where Critical Mass was founded five years prior, San Francisco Police arrested 250 cyclists for allegedly overflowing city streets and aggravating traffic.

“Critical Mass has reached critical mass,” then-Mayor Willie Brown was quoted as saying.

An occasional rider with Santa Monica Critical Mass, Andrew Smith believes the group needs to conduct its activities in a manner that promotes safe cycling. Smith, who owns Bike Attack on Main Street, believes the cyclists should abide by laws, ride in single file, use lights and wear helmets.

“It’s more of an issue of not disrupting the traffic flow,” Smith said. “Cars (also) need to be aware of cyclists and if you research California motor vehicle code, we are allowed to have a whole lane to ourselves.”

There are those cyclists who are “blatantly lawless,” but since Critical Mass is not an organized effort, there is really nothing that Beatty could do to control the crowd, Smith said.

“It organically grows into what it is,” said Smith.

But sometimes, doing everything right doesn’t necessarily mean an accident can be avoided. Four months ago, Bill Greenslade was riding his bike at night in Venice when he was struck by a car that ran through a stop sign. Greenslade, the manager of Sea Mist Skate and Bike Rental on Ocean Front Walk, injured his collarbone and was unable to get back on a bike until last week. Fortunately, that was the extent of his injury.

“I had an angel with me,” Greenslade said.

Today, Greenslade refuses to ride on the street and rides on the bike path from his home near the Venice Pier to work.

“I was thinking a couple of days after the accident that there was nothing I could’ve done to change (what happened),” Greenslade said. “Except not be there.”

Recommeded Links:
- Santa-Monica/West-L.A./Venice critical mass community forum
- Cycle Santa Monica! community forum

Related Posts:
- Santa Monica Critical Mass (video)
- SM Critical Mass (video)
- CarLESS Santa Monica (video news report)
- Velorution (Video Paris Critical Mass)
- Critical Mass Origin (video)
- Bicycle Workshop (Santa Monica, CA - Audio)

Skateboards 4 Music

This video show a bunch of guys demonstrating how skateboards can be used for transportation. And sometimes how they can be used as a musical instrument, a'la "Stomp".

Skatesong
Uploaded by seidrik

Drivers Ed

In line with the series of posts on Ralp Nader, here is a Driver's Eduction film shown to new drivers in the days before Ralph Nader got auto makers to install seat belts and other things to make them safer. It is called "Signal 30, Part 1" (produced in 1959)



Video Description:

Legendary driver ed film showing gruesome aftermath of horrific crashes. Films like this were part of teenage folklore from the fifties through the seventies, back before kids got to see dead bodies on the internet all the time. This was the grandaddy of them all.

A facsinating and arcance piece of cultural history, from those pre-Ralph Nader days, when airbags didn't exist and seatbelt were considered optional. Still pretty shocking.

I got this off of archive.org, so it's presumably public domain.

Car Balls..

This video show you how you can unlock a car door with a tennis ball.

It reminds me of the video and story on how you can unlock a Kryptonite U-Lock with a bic pen.

Reports on this technique indicate it only works with some types of car doors. I presume the technique may only work with car doors that have electric door locks of later model cars.

SoapBox Racing

The creative folks at the San Fernando Valley Soapbox Federation(SFVISBF) have put out a new film for thie December Soapbox race (12/10/2006)

Unreasonable Man...

There is a new documentary on Ralph Nader(wiki) called "An Unreasonable Man"(wiki). And it is currently playing at NuArt Theatre 11272 Santa Monica Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA (MAP)

It is quoted in the movie that Bernard Shaw said:

The reasonable man adapts himself to the conditions that surround him... The unreasonable man adapts surrounding conditions to himself... All progress depends on the unreasonable man.

Film Description:

The film traces the life and career of Ralph Nader.With the help of exciting graphics, rare archival footage and over forty on-camera interviews conducted over the past two years, one of the most unique, important, and controversial political figures of our time is examined.

GNN on Nader

GNN talks Nader, as in Ralph Nader.



GNN=Guerilla News Network www.GuerillaNews.com
(note: sometimes mispelled nadar.)

Priceless

This is the beginning of a series of video, links, and other information about Ralph Nader, The Green Party, and related subjects.

I found this Nader for United States of America President video commerical(promotion/advertisement) very moving and a good opening for this series.(see video below)

If you have links to other good resources and other video please let me know what they are so that I may be able to include them in the series. Thanks.

"Grilled tenderloin for fundraiser: $1,000 a plate
Campaign ads filled with half truths $10 million
Promises to special interest groups $10 billion
Finding out the truth: priceless
..
There are some things money can't buy.
Without Ralph Nader in the Presidential debates
the truth will come in last. Find out how you can help.
Go to Nader2000.com
Vote Ralph Nader for president."