Safe And Stylish Cycling Tips For Bikers And Drivers
November 23, 2008 by Darren Alff · 1 Comment
Safety is a hot topic amongst cyclists. But with a trend toward muted clothing colors and an explosion of new cyclists on our roadways, how can cyclists stay safe while out on the streets? And what role do drivers play in regards to the safety of bikers?
To find out the answers to these questions I talked to Lee Gilbert, the CEO of CycleAware Inc.
Just click the play button below to hear my interview with Lee.
Interview Length: 23 minutes
Click here to download the interview
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Momentum Propels Bicycle Fashions Forward
November 23, 2008 by Darren Alff · 2 Comments
The bicycle industry is changing and new riders are being introduced every day. But how do the clothes you wear affect your ride, your safety, and the way others view you? To find out what kind of trends are emerging in regards to bicycle fashion, I talked with Amy Walker from Momentum Magazine and asked her about the future of bicycle clothing.
To hear my interview with Amy, just click the play button below.
Interview Length: 14 minutes
Click here to download this interview
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Adventure Cycling Association Helps Head U.S. National Bike Route System
November 22, 2008 by Darren Alff · Leave a Comment
Most of us know that cycling in America is not as popular as it is in many other parts of the world. In my mind at least, much of that has to do with our lack of established cycling routes which would allow riders of all ages, levels, and types to get from one place to the next. While established signed routes do exist in small segments, the United States is years behind other countries who have long ago established dedicated routes for traveling cyclists.
According to the Adventure Cycling Association, a plan to create a national system of bicycle routes covering more than 50,000 miles of roads and trails is gathering steam. The idea behind this national network is to create a system of signed bicycle routes that cross state borders and connects urban, rural and suburban regions. Ultimately, this network of cycling routes would allow a cyclist to ride from his or her house to just about anywhere in the country!
With the onset of such exciting news, I had the pleasure of talking to the Adventure Cycling Association’s New Route Coordinator, Ginny Sullivan, and asked her about how the idea for this National Network came about and what it means for cyclists throughout North America. To hear my interview and learn how you can get involved in your local area, just click the plan button below: Read more
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The Benefits Of Cycling In A Down Economy
November 22, 2008 by Darren Alff · Leave a Comment
The following is by Gene Bisbee of BikingBis.com
People on a budget already know that one of their biggest expenses is their car. They can save money by leaving the car in the garage and still have rich experiences by riding a bicycle.
A scenic attraction always seems more picturesque when you arrive under your own power. A bike commute to work feels like a victory lap when you pass a line of cars stuck at a particularly bad intersection. Even an errand to the store is less of a chore when it doubles as exercise.
And leaving the car in the garage and shifting over to a bicycle for vacations, commuting and errands can save a lot of money.
On average, the nationwide monthly operating cost for a car ranges from $186 to $260 per month. That includes maintenance, repairs, insurance, fuel, registrations, licenses, inspections, parking and toll; it doesn’t include car payments, leases, or depreciation. Think of what you can save by leaving that car in the garage or doing without. Read more
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YAKKAY: Stylish Bicycle Helmets For Smart People
November 22, 2008 by Darren Alff · 3 Comments

The main reason for wearing a helmet is to protect your head. But that doesn’t mean you have to comprimise the way you look in order to wear a helmet. If you are one of those people who don’t want to give up your personal safety but want to look good at the same time, a YAKKAY bicycle helmet might be right for you!
YAKKAY is a Danish company that develops, produces and markets high quality products to people who appreciate safety and style.
YAKKAY’s unique concept for bicycle helmets is the first where safety requirements and style are united and equally valued. Read more
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Tips For Commutting To Work On Your Bicycle
November 22, 2008 by Darren Alff · 4 Comments
With gas prices rising and traffic congestion getting worse every day, bicycle commuting is slowly gaining ground in the U.S. as a viable transportation alternative. Many cities are stepping up their efforts in providing bicycle-friendly infrastructure, such as signage, painted bike lanes and multi-user paths and places to lock bikes up. These infrastructural improvements can help convince people to try bicycle commuting for the first time; once they see how easy and fun it can be, they may never go back to driving their cars to work!
Benefits Of The Commute
In addition to all the gas you’ll save if you commute by bike, there are many other benefits. Bike commuters enjoy improved health, a better connection to the communities in which they live and work and substantial money savings (no parking fees, no gas money, less wear and tear on motor vehicles). Of course, there are fantastic environmental benefits as well — each mile you ride a bike instead of driving prevents approximately one pound of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. Less motor vehicles on the roads means lower sound pollution levels and less vehicle-related emissions (oil leaks, tire rubber dust, unburned gasoline vapors) contaminating local water sources. Plus, bicycle commuting is a great way to start the day – getting your blood pumping with gentle exercise is more effective than a cup of coffee. On the way home, pedaling a bicycle is a spectacular stress-reliever. After just a couple of miles, it’s easy to forget about the rough day you’ve had at the office, and you’ll arrive home in a better mood! Read more
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Schedule Of Events For This Weekend’s Bicycle Lifestyle Web Event
November 19, 2008 by Darren Alff · 8 Comments
This weekend’s “Bicycle Lifestyle” web event is here!
The event started on Saturday, November 22nd and ends on Sunday November 23rd at 10:00 Pm Eastern Time.
Here is the schedule of events for both Saturday and Sunday:
Saturday, November 22nd

Sunday, November 23rd

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BOB Ibex Bicycle Trailer: An In Depth Review
November 8, 2008 by Darren Alff · 4 Comments
“Do you prefer panniers or a trailer when traveling by bike?”
That’s a question I’ve been asked time and time again over the past few years. Unfortunately, because my previous experiences with long distance bicycle touring have all involved the use of panniers, I’ve been more than a bit bias when answering this question in the past.
But then, not too long ago, I got my hands on a BOB Ibex bicycle trailer and put it to the test. For the past month-and-a-half I’ve been cycling every single day, pulling this incredible piece of equipment behind me on my bike. I’ve ridden with trailers for a single day or two in the past, but this has been my first experience pulling a trailer for such an extended period of time.
The following are my thoughts and impressions of the BOB Ibex bicycle trailer:

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Mark Your Calendar: The “Bicycle Lifestyle” Web Event Is Fast Approaching
November 5, 2008 by Darren Alff · 15 Comments
With more and more people riding bicycles and using them to get to work, school, and everywhere in between, the world seems to be changing. The way we live, work and travel is forever being altered.
That’s why I’ve put together the first ever, Bicycle Touring Pro Lifestyle Web Event!
The event, titled, “Bicycle Travel As A Modern Lifestyle Choice,” will take place on the weekend of November 22nd and 23rd and will feature a jam-packed schedule of articles, interviews, videos, and live Q&A sessions having to do with bicycle travel, commuting, and lifestyle design. The event is aimed at anyone interested in learning how to use a bicycle to change the way they live, work and travel. Read more
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Commuting Goes Mainstream At The 2008 Interbike International Bicycle Expo
October 5, 2008 by Darren Alff · Leave a Comment
It’s been one week since I returned from the 2008 Interbike International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since that time I’ve shared the Lance Armstrong cyclo-cross race and the Urban Legend Fashion Show with you. But today I want to talk about something a little different.
What I want to talk about today was a big topic of conversation at the Expo this year… and something I think is only going to become more popular in the years to come.
What exactly am I talking about? Read more
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