Views from the Bicycle Saddle Empowering Cyclists, Skaters, and Pedestrians -
In Santa Monica and the Westside
Using Environmentally Friendly Vehicles -
Using Earth Friendly Renewable Fuels
Megan Quinn is interviewed by Janaia Donaldson on "Peak Moment". This video is about 28 minutes long. Megan appears to be well spoken. INterestingly, Megan look very much like one of the lead actors, Ashley Johnson, in the movie "Fast Food Nation".
Video Description:
Peak Moment #27: Megan Quinn of The Community Solution discusses her visit to Cuba, and the movie "The Power of Community". This young woman sees Peak Oil as an opportunity to create the communities we want, but notes that we must reduce our consumption despite environmentalists' assurances that biofuels will save us.
Various states around the United States are now providing people witha license plate for thier motor vehicles that says "Share The Road". And in many cases it includes a graphic of a bicyclists or related symbolism.
However, Kentucky appears to be the trail blazer in terms of bicycle and pedestrian friendliiness with thier "Share The Road" license plates which have a couple bicyclist riding bicycles AND a guy appearing to be jogging.
Here is what the Louisville Ketucky Website says about the offering of this plate through the Kentucky Dept of Motor Vehicles:
"Finally, bikers, walkers and runners now have their own "Share the Road" specialty license plate! The process for requesting a new specialty plate requires a group to submit 900 applications for the plate before the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet can begin the process of designing a new plate. Late in 2005, they received double that amount from every area of the Commonwealth!
According to a press release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, those who purchase a Share the Road license plate will have the option of making a voluntary contribution to the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission (KBBC). This commission is charged with assisting the Transportation Cabinet in promoting the best interests of the bicycling public.
One day we may be using Ferro fluid for generating electricity and/or for electric motors.
There are three videos I would like to bring to your attention on this substance.
The first two show and describe the substance. The other is a kind of artpiece, showing the ability of magnetic energy being used to create fluidic sculpture that can be morphed into various shapes.
I think this "Ferro Fluid" (see videos below) may one day have an application in the generation of electricity, electro-magnetic motors, and other applications on e-bikes, and other vehicles. It may also be used for other human prosthetics, such as limb replacements.
It occurs to me how much this stuff reminds me of the shape shifting robot in Terminator 2, Judgment Day.. Eeek.
It is believed that the earth's core has a similar magnetic liquid substance in it which is what generates earth's magnetic fields as the earth perpetually spins in the vacuum of space.
It is also believed that the poles for the earth's magnetic fields have been getting weaker over the last 50-100 years. Some other's believe that this weakening of the earth's magnetic fields is a prelude to a magnetic pole shift which is underway. Others believe that the oil which we have been sucking out of the ground has some impact on the earth's magnetic fields, and other processes which are still unclear.
These are two vintage Moped safety films. They were originally filmed in 1979 on 16 mm film. This was in the days just after the Gas crisis of the 1970's in the USA. Note all the small, fuel efficient cars seen in this film. It appears that most of these films were shot in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles, Californa. Anyone know where, specifically? Please share the info. Thanks.
A moded is a bicycle with working pedals for human power and a motor. In this case it is a gasoline motor. But perhaps the same safety procedures can be adapted for use on an electric bycles as well.
It would be great to see some good electric bicycle safety films/videos get produced, which can illustrate the safe and legal way to ride electric bicycle in public spaces.
Part 1
Part 2
Video description:
A 1979 film about moped safety. 16mm original that showcases vintage mopeds. Part 1 of 2
Any other resourses for moped or electric bicycle safety, please send to me or post in the comments. Thanks.
There is much information of building trailers and how to mount them to a standard bicycle. There are also many numufacturers of bicycle trailers. The law appears to be clear that pulling a trailer behind a bicycle is ok. It appears that red reflectors are required, by law, in california. And it is unclear if any lights are required, although many folks use the blinking red lights on the back of their trailers at night. Also, it may be the law that a reflector must be attach to each side of the trailer. Also, it may be required that the trailer have a red flag that flies at about 5-6 feet from the ground from the rear of the trailer, probably from the "passenger side"(car lingo) of the rear of the trailer.
What is not clear to me is what the rules are on pulling a trailer behind a "motorized bicycle", mopeds, or even scooters, electric or gas.
I have read some reports that a bicycle trailer, using same protocol can be applied for the bicycle trailer. I have read that what ever is required on the rear of the moped or scooter, including and/or a reflector, night "red" light, brake light, or turning signals, must be viewable from behind the trailer. If not, what ever reflectors and/or lights must be attached to the raar of the trailer or to the moped in such a way as to be viewable by traffic behind the bike and trailer.
If any of you have more info on the specific laws regarding this please send me the info and/or post that info in the comments.
Here is an interesting report I found about a guy in Oregon who purchased an electric scooter and mounted a trailer to it, and what his experience was like (with a picuter above).:
March 8, 2004
electric scooter with trailer My First Electric Vehicle, the scooter: I was driving a 10-year-old Subaru wagon that got 22 mpg, and I was hearing the alarms about the coming crisis in world oil supplies. My teenage son got his driving liscense, no longer wanted to ride the bus, and I thought three cars for three people was the height of financial insanity. Then I saw this extremely cute Chinese electric scooter for only $1200, and I couldn't resist. The construction is very cheap, the speedometer doesn't work any more, I've blown two battery chargers, but otherwise I have been impressed with the reliability and low cost of operation over almost 3,500 miles in one year. Insurance is not required in Oregon, but for $75 I thought liability coverage was a good idea.
I asked the salesman if I could pull a dog trailer, he said it would slow me down, and yes it would be possible. What he didn't explain is that I had to be very easy on the throttle, so I burnt up my first set of batteries in 5 months. Now I push the scooter by running beside it to get going from a dead stop, and jump on, which is just a little embarassing, to say the least. I get weak acceleration from the permanent-magnet, 700 watt motor on the rear hub. It has four 22-Amphour glass-mat batteries which gets me and my dog to work (5 miles), where I recharge for the trip home. I could make it home without the recharge, but the last mile would get pretty slow. I have to keep my speed below 15 mph, stay in the bike lanes or the bike-route streets, and on the streets without bike lanes it gets a bit scary. I ride in all kinds of weather, so I've learned to allow extra time to suit up in the required rain or cold weather gear. The comfort level and visibility at night, in the rain, in the winter is terrible. Thus, the motivation for a semi-enclosed, more powerful vehicle.
If I were to calculate the cost-to-benefit ratio of this project, I would never do it. To save money on my commute to work, I would continue riding the scooter and endure a few more winters before I retire. No, I am trying to be a small part of the change I want to see. The "humm-E-bird" is intended to be a statement of a possibility, an encouragement to the imagination of others.
Here are several links for scooter/moped trailer manufacterers:
If you have more info on the subject of the law and pulling a trailer behind a scooter, moped, or "motorized bicycle" please send the info to me and/or post the info in the Comments. Thanks.
Here is a quote from this video "John, you'll get a new bike".
I am not sure why that was said after the 14 year old accidentally rammed the new, $50,000 Mustang through the garage wall, other than perhaps, the mustang also smashed the bicycle along the way.
This video leads me to understanding why "automatic" transmissions are considered safer to operate than manual transmissions. If that mustand was a manual transmission, it would have probably just idled.
However, perhaps if all manual transmission vehicles had a sensor, so they would not not allow the starter to engage while the car is anything by neutral, the car probably would not have moved.
Cris Angel, the famous magician can do some amazing tricks. And sometimes he makes bicycles disappear (see video below). And in Santa Monica, many a folk know the sting and not so amuzed feeling of having a bicycle disappear in our land of bikes.
What I was wondering, if perhaps, Cris Angel could make my bikes re-appear... sigh.(smile)
Found this demo tape from SpookyTooth Bikes in Tucson, Arizona. They specialize in Motorized bicycles. They mostly have gas motor assist kits and bikes. And it appears they are branching out into offering electric assist motor kits and bicycles and well.
This is one of the most interesting videos I have seen, demonstrating the beauty and power of magnets. Virtually everthing in life is influenced or effected by the dynamics of magnetic attraction/repulsion. Even the human body is made alive and can be influenced through magnetic properties.
This subject is has somewhat direct and indirect relevance to Cyclists. And it has even more relevance to electric bicycle (e-bike) use.
And in any case you might find this demonstration interesting.
Optibike Conguers Pikes Peak! (approximately 14,000 feet above sea leval). On September 30, 2005, Craig Weakley rode the Optibie 400 to the top of Pikes Peak (The highest road in the USA) The Optibike climbed 7,200 feet in 19 miles. The average grade of the Pikes Peak highway is 17%. The maximum grade is 55%. With the motorized bottom bracket, the efficiency of the Optibike is the same climbing a 30% as on a flat road Climbing at 12 miles per hour, the pace van was averaging 4 MPG. The Optibike was achieving the equivalent of 800 miles per gallon. The low center of gravity of the sleek aluminum monocoque fram gives the Optibike stable handling. After climbing 7000 feet over a 19 mile course in 1 hour and 30 minutes, the Optibike still had 1 hour and 40 minute of runtime left (using the auxiliary toury battery pack) The Optibike 400 www.optibike.com
First woman to bicycle around the world was Annie Londonberry, according to reports, and this documentary. She did it in 1896, during the hieght of the first bicycle boom. It was a time when women had far fewer rights than they do today, no right to vote, own property, etc.
Perhaps, there will always be a link between bicycles and democracy and equality for all people, no matter their gender.
Arnold, the Governor of California, is not a queen... well, he is not a queen in public... Well, I mean, it is not discussed in public that he is a queen... Well, I mean, he has not admitted, in public, to being a queen. Well... Uh, I mean... darn... He is the governor of California. And that is kind of like being the Queen of California, so to speak, isn't it?
No offence intended to the position of the Queen of England or the Governor of California.
Anyways, the reason I bring this subject up is because I saw a YouTube video that had a pretend queen of England in it (see video below) that gave me an idea.
In that YouTube video, there are children and a pretend reporter, play acting, as if they have spotted the Queen of England driving up in her electric car.
She stops and says hello to her subjects, the children and the reporter, and obliges to a short impromptu interview with the reporter. The kids are thrilled by the presence of the queen, and having a lot of fun with this make believe event.
The queen begs their forgiveness of having to run off quickly. She must go to the grocery store to do some shopping, waves, smiles and says good bye to the children and the reporter.
And I thought it might be fun to do California variation of that scenario.
The California variation would be set in Santa Monica, and someone would impersonate Governor Arnold. He would be wearing a white bicycle helmet with the California flag emblem on the sides, and his trademark Terminator glasses. He would have some of his staff with him, also wearing bicycle helmets and sunglasses.
They would be briskly walking towards their electric bicycles and electric scooters parked adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade, which are parked and plugged in, charging, at the ebike charging station (See: e-bike/e-scooter public charging station - Florence, Italy). The have just comleted some shopping for a for a special gift for President Bush whom is awaiting them for a meeting in Century City later that day.
The reporter and childreen would excitedly run up to the Governor to say hello, as the goveror and his staff are unplugging their bicycles and scooters. .
As the governor and his staff are unplugging thier bikes, the pretend reporter asks the governor what brings him to the promenade.
Arnold graciously speaks to the reporter, as the children are bubbling with excitement.
Arnold speaks of the wonders of electric bicycles and how e-bikes have helped him, and his staff, serve the people of California. He believes that e-bikes and public charging stations for them are, like the one in Santa Monica, help California become energy independent, stimulate the economy, ease traffic congestion, air and sound pollution.
He speaks about how e-bikes provide opportunities for all people to incorporate more physical fitness into their daily lives, and have a higher quality of life.
He encourages the children to take bicycle and e-bike safety ED. He reminds the reporter that he signed the bill that would require, and fund, California public schools to offer bicycle safety and traffic edution in the public schools
He thanks the reporter and the children for saying hello.
He could apologize for having to run so quickly, as he is on a tight schedule, and is on his way to a special meeting with president Bush in Century City. They will be discussing how Bush will provide funding to California, to provide capital for companies to develop, and distribute, sustainable, environmentally friendly souces of of energy. And that California is now 50 percent energy independent, and has a goal of between 80-90 percent energy independent by 2011.
If you have any ideas on a scenario, or other political figures, for a mock event, please send them to me or post them in the comments. Thanks!
The Sprockettes are the Pacific Northwest's Synchronized all gal mini bike precision dance troupe.They will amuse and amaze you like no others. The Sprockettes interests include mini bikes, hot pink and black sparks, hotties, danceable music, feminism, radicalism, DIY stuff, cable access.
PBS Now, David Brancaccio talks to Chris Paine, the director of "Who Killed The Electric Car?" and examines who did kill the electric car, why, and some details behind this story.
This story has a strong focus around California, and politics and spin, and economic motives.
Who Did kill the electric Car?
And has the movie "Who Killed The Electric Car?" brought this topic back into the spotlight of the community and politicians?
What's next?
Video Description: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 18:00:00 EST 22:17 royalty relief, oil and gas companies, record-high gas prices, public property no Politicsm Who Killed the Electric Car? NOW with David Brancaccio Did car companies sabotage one of their most fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly products? Did car companies sabotage one of their most fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly products because it stood in the way of big profits? A new documentary by filmmaker Chris Paine charts the promising life and untimely death of the electric car, and lays blame at the door of some powerful suspects. NOW sits down with Paine to look under the hood of America's automotive and oil industries and uncover who really pulled the plug on electric cars, and why.
This is one of the most creative videos I have seen, with a bicycle theme.
Here are the details on this video: Duration: 02:06 Taken: 28 October 2004 Location: United Kingdom A teenage boy strays into the woods and is sent on an animated adventure. The animated section is all stop-motion made with paper and magazine cutouts etc. This is an old video I made in 2004. Music by Chien Bizarr my website is www.leobridlefilms.co.uk
Empowering Cyclists, Skaters, and Pedestrians. In Santa Monica and the Westside. Using Environmentally Friendly Vehicles. Using Earth Friendly Renewable Fuels.
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