“This land is your land” – a 2012 eco-version

Source: mallmemories.com

Saturday, July 14th will be the 100th anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s birth. To honor him and express this eco-bicyclist”s concern beyond those expressed his original lyrics, here is a modified version of Woody Guthrie’s classic folk song This Land is Your Land. The original lyrics written by Mr. Guthrie may be seen through this weblink.

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This land is your land, this land is my land

From Car-lifornia to Wall Street canyons

From clear-cut forests to oil-stained waters

This wasteland was allowed by you and me

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As I was pedaling – a crowded highway

I saw above me – a concrete skyway

I saw below me – more golden arches

This wasteland was made by you and me

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Chorus

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I’ve roamed on cell towers  – and taken exits

To sprawling cities - paved over deserts

And all around me – neon signs were shouting

This wasteland was made by you and me

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Chorus

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The sun dawns hazy - as I was rolling

Weeds were waving  – and dust was falling

As the smog now settles - voices start shouting

This wasteland was made by you and me

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Chorus

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As I tried walking – no sidewalks for me

As I tried biking – drivers scowl right at me

Few remaining places - of peace and safety

Those are the ones for you and me

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Chorus

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Throughout  our cities – empty seas of asphalt

Are clearly saying – whose really’s at fault

And some are grumblin’ – and some are wonderin’

Why this wasteland was allowed by you and me?

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Chorus x 2

(Lyrics based on original song by Woody Guthrie)

Happy 100th Birthday, Woody!

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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A night of triumph and tragedy

Greater Lansing experienced two very opposite emotions in the world of bicycling last night. On the triumphant side, the Lansing City Council voted 7-1 to adopt the city’s new bike parking ordinance.  This approval is another big victory in making all of Greater Lansing more bicycle friendly. Congratulations to everyone involved in getting this ordinance passed and thank you to the Council members who voted for it.

However, the local celebrations were tempered as it was learned that a 24-year-old bicyclist from suburban Perry, Michigan was killed later last evening along Bath Road.  Details about the accident are sketchy at this point. How very sad and tragic –  condolences to the victim, as well as their family and friends. Please pause and take a moment today to remember the victim.

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A tale of two stores

For the most part, I will let the following two photographs do the talking. The first picture is from a local Meijer’s store. The second is from the local Kroger store. Both have recently completed major remodeling and renovation projects. From the photos, it is rather obvious that one store cares more about exercise, fitness, good public health, and alternative transportation options. The other…well, I will leave that determination to you. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Bicycle parking at Meijer

Bicycle parking at Kroger

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Make gas hogs pay thru the snout

I am still amazed at the number of people who continue buying gas hogging SUV’s like Navigators and Tahoes. There are very few, if any, justifiable instances where these vehicles are practical, especially for family use.

To me, those who continue to purchase new ones are more than selfish, they are unpatriotic. Therefore, I think these gas hogs should pay through the snout for buying such vehicles and the money be used to help build a more eco-friendly infrastructure for passenger rail, mass transit and non-motorized transportation such as bicycles.

My proposal would be to levy a $100 surcharge on the purchase of any new fuel-inefficient SUV or car and $50 on the purchase of used ones. The money generated would remain in each state to use in conjunction with other funding sources for non-highway infrastructure projects that enhance passenger rail, mass transit, and non-motorized transportation options.

So, what do you think of this idea? Please don’t give me any libertarian BS propaganda. The moronic actions of selfish persons certainly do adversely impact the lives of selfless persons.

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Ten banes of a recreational bicyclist

This blog post is a follow-up to my previously one on the ten banes of a bicycle commuter post, but from the viewpoint of a recreational bicyclist. It was so popular, that I thought I would prepare a sequel – if Hollywood can do it, so can I. Just wait for the prequel – Ten Banes of a Tricycle Rider. : )

Since I am not a BMX or mountain biker, this list is from the point of view of a street or hybrid bike rider.

Here we go:

1. Lack of adequate bathroom facilities (particularly for #2 and for women) – this is more important the older you get.
2. Road shoulders that are missing, in disrepair, gravelly, or crumbled.
3. Dogs
4. Loose and uncompacted surfaces
5. Stupid and/or nasty drivers
6. Lack of directional signage
7. Flat tires
8. Vehicles that kick up stones
9. Unmaintained/rutted trails
10. Other trail users, including cyclists that wander aimlessly from side to side on the trail.

Please feel free to submit your banes as well and we will compare notes.

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Ten banes of a bicycle commuter

These are presented in my order of annoyance. Please feel free to pass yours along. It might be fun to compare notes.

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1. Headwinds – Why does it always seem that I am riding into the stupid wind? Aeolus must not like urban planners who bike commute.

2. Stupid drivers – No, the crossing signal does not mean turn right and cross in front of me, you moron!

3. Ice – No explanation is necessary.

4. Cold, especially combined with a headwind

5. Uncleared trails/roads

6. Walkers/joggers wearing headphones – don’t act surprised I am passing you if you are wearing these.

7. Thunderstorms

8. Bugs in the face or helmet - got stung by a yellow jacket on top of my head once when it got stuck in my helmet.

9. High humidity

10. Unannounced construction projects

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So far (fingers crossed), in nearly five years of bike commuting I have not had an issue with dogs, but that would be high on the list if it did take place.

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May 16, 2012 – A rolling tribute to cyclists’ we’ve lost

Source: Greater Lansing Ride of Silence

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2012 Ride of Silence – taking place on May 16, 2012

In 2012, the tenth anniversary of a solemn event will take place worldwide on Wednesday, May 16th at 7:00 pm local time. The Ride of Silence began in Dallas, Texas and honors those who have lost their lives or been injured by motor vehicles while riding their bicycles. Aside from honoring the fallen, the ride is meant to be a peaceful way of protesting the disdain much too often shown towards bicyclists by drivers. The mission of the Ride of Silence is:

“The mission of the world-wide Ride of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.”

Here in Greater Lansing, the Ride of Silence begins on the Michigan State University Campus and concludes at the State Capital. Similar rides will occur throughout the United States and in countries across the globe on May 16th.

Here’s just a brief summary of the scope of the event in 2011 from the RoS website:

• “322 locations around the planet
• All states and the District of Columbia: 2nd straight year, 3rd year for all 50 states
• 24 countries: down from a high of 26 in 2010 but 4 new countries listed
• 28 Canadian locations: twice as many as 2011!
• All seven continents: 2nd straight year, 3rd year total. (how…. in Antarctica?? Thanks to the Palmer Station for having a Ride (Spin) for Silence, taking turns on an indoor stationary bike)
• 47%: number of locations that posted a follow-up ride report (down from 2009 & 2010)
• Zero words are spoken, but a million powerful memories.”

Many of us have friends and/or family members who have been killed or injured by motor vehicles while riding their bikes, but that is not a prerequisite for participation. Please consider participating in this important and sobering event on Wednesday, May 16th. In our unified silence, let the impact of our combined resolve be a deafening statement to all. Below are links to the Greater Lansing Ride of Silence and a page that lists all the Ride of Silence events around the world. Please consider participating.

• Here’s a link to the event details for the Greater Lansing Ride of Silence: http://www.bikes.msu.edu/index.cfm/news-and-events/ros/
• Also, check out this page to locate events around the USA and world: http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-domestic.php

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Charge it…

Below are a couple of photographs I took last Thursday of the new electric vehicle charging station at the headquarters of Lansing Board of Water and Light. Needless to say, there appears to be enough “volts” for charging . : )

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On Transit: A comparison by Miles of Track

On Transit: A comparison by Miles of Track. Interesting data and comparison by Ink & Compass.

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