Bicycle Commuter Mentor Program of Charlotte, North Carolina - General Topics

commute by folding bike

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:20:38 -0400

A rather European concept that has not really caught on yet in the U.S. is the idea of dual mode commuting with a folding bike. Most people can ride from home to the express bus stop or the train. From there, fold the bike up and carry it on the bus/train (that way you never have to worry about whether or not the bike racks are full!). When arrive at end of bus line, unfold bike and ride to work. The real cool part, take the bike inside your office and keep it behind your door - - never have to worry about theft. Its a breeze. My brother and I have both purchased folding bikes recently. His is a Dahon and mine is a Strida 5.0, which is a really cool A frame available at Charlotte Energy Solutions on Baldwin Street near downtown. Has a kevlar belt (greaseless) so no grease on pant leg. 19 pounds, with disc brakes. We are thinking of starting a charlotte folding society, so if there is any interest, reply to this post.

Near accident on morning commute

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 07:33:11 -0400

On my ride in today just past Central/Kings on 7th st, I was nearly sideswiped by a truck with the company name 'Service Express'. I don't think there was any space between my head and the mirror of the truck, and as it passed, there wasn't much room there either. I was able to keep my line, blurt out an expletive, but not catch up to the vehicle. I thought about calling the company (there's a local number), but what would I say? I didn't get a license or a truck number, and I couldn't catch up after it passed. I think I need a rear view mirror. What do you like out there - mirror on the glasses or mirror on the bike?

Help get the word out to Charlotte cyclists--Red light law

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:59:46 -0400

HB-1677 provides a means for cyclists to LEGALLY deal with red lights that fail to detect bicycles.

This bill was introduced Wednesday by Representative Mitchell Setzer.
It's currently in the Transportation Committee, which is chaired by Mecklenburg Representative Becky Carney <Beckyc at ncleg.net>.

Please contact your representative and Transportation Committee Chair Carney to ask for their support to pass this legislation.

It can become law, but they need to hear from US!

You can contact Mecklenburg Representative Becky Carney at Beckyc at ncleg.net or 919-733-5827 or send a card to P. O. Box 32873, Charlotte, NC 28232.

Bike Charlotte 2007

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:11:15 -0400

Check out this Bike Charlotte page.
One item of note is that you can bike to the bus and ride for free, May 6 through 12. (The text says May 7 through 13, so I'm not sure which is right.)

Here's a good opportunity to get to know the bus routes and bike routes. The price is right.

Best places to live for a 10 - 20 mile commute (each way)

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 12:16:03 -0500

Hi everyone,

I posted a similar question, what looks like over a year ago now, I'm on track to move down in the spring, I just want to make sure I have the location correct.

My office is located right on Tryon St. downtown. From my last post is sounded like I should be looking for housing south, south west, or west, to have the best access by bike. It sounded like along the Little Sugar Creek would be ideal, both commuter rail and bike path.

Any big disadvantages to these locations? I'm looking for a middle income neighborhood, hopefully someplace growing. I assume the real estate person will know the area, but you never know.

Did my first ride to work the other day

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 06:11:18 -0400

Rode from Baxter in Ft Mill to Southpark for the first time the other day. It only took about an extra 15 -20 minutes and I felt a whole lot better once I got there. The ride wasn't too bad...only one stretch that I really could do without. Unfortunately....I can't think of a better way that would eliminate that stretch without putting one as bad or worse in it's place.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to many more bike commutes.

Best place to live in Charlotte for bike commuting

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 20:44:15 -0400

I am moving to Charlotte and am deciding where I should live. I would like to know which are the good areas to live in (within a 3 mile radius of Uptown) where it is easy to bike commute to Uptown on a daily basis. If possible, please include the time it takes for a leisurely ride from the location to Uptown.

Thanks very much.

RayW

My first ride to work!

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 05:33:07 -0400

Well ... I did it. I rode from downtown Charlotte to Stallings, NC. Two months ago, I never could have imagined it. I've been biking to the bus stop and then taking the bus in to town for about a month. However, this past Friday, I decided to give the entire commute a try by bicycle.

It only took about twenty minutes longer than my normal commute by car. Great exercise, especially coming up the hills on Randolph and Sardis Roads. Saved money - no wear and tear on the car. Lots of benefits!

There were several extremely rude drivers that I apparently inconvenienced for three seconds, who showed me by honking the horn as they drove by.

Charlotte Civic Forum on Biking

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 05:51:50 -0400

Civic By Design Forum
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 | Forum 5:30pm – 6:00pm | Bike tour 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Levine Museum of the New South
200 East Seventh Street
Free and open to the public
Free parking at 7th street parking garage

How to design a “bicycle friendly” city

Bring your bike and helmet to the next Civic By Design Forum!

People ride bikes for many reasons. Some commute to work, some bike with their families, some cycle for exercise, and for some riding is their work. With increasing gas prices, drivers are considering alternative modes of transportation; consequently, there are more bikes on the road than ever. In any case, the cyclist cannot be overlooked when designing our streets, neighborhoods, commercial centers, and buildings. (Please read more!)

Contact US legislators to support bike commuting act

Thu, 25 May 2006 22:18:26 -0400

ACT NOW TO BOOST BICYCLE COMMUTING

According to the Bikes Belong Coalition, proposed federal legislation that would give employers the option of reimbursing employees who commute by bicycle could be considered by the full U.S. Senate during the next few weeks. The Coalition encourages all CenterLines readers to contact their state's senators and urging them to support this legislation.

To read the Bikes Belong Coalition Action Alert on this legislation, visit: http://bikesbelong.org/page.cfm?PageID=322

showers/storage uptown.

Thu, 04 May 2006 14:06:52 -0400

Does anybody have any suggestions on where to shower uptown as a bike commuter, also where I could keep my business clothes?

I thought about the YMCA uptown as its in the building I work in but it's expensive, I know black sheep offers showers and storage to commuters, but I hate to wake ethan up every morning at 7am.

Ballantyne to Uptown?

Thu, 04 May 2006 11:52:14 -0400

Anyone riding from Rea Rd/Hwy 485 to Uptown the week of 5/8-5/12? Would like to ride with 1 or more riders for visibility (safety). Thanks!

I'm thinking of making a sign ...

Wed, 03 May 2006 22:03:45 -0400

I'm thinking of making a sign for my back while I commute - along the lines of "Saving $6/day ask - me how!" or "Gas prices getting you down? ask me how to reduce your gas bill"

Waddya think?

Critical Mass

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 09:36:39 -0400

Someone suggested I start a discussion about critical mass at this site. I've only participated in one ride ever thus far, but have been reading about it for some time. While this is a complicated issue, for now I'll submit the following links for discussion. It has to do with a February 2006 ruling by a judge in NYC denying an injunction whereby the City would prevent Critical Mass from ever taking place:

http://www.villagevoice.com/blogs/powerplays/archives/002462.php

http://www.times-up.org/pdf/2006-02-14-decision.pdf

Riding Safely in Traffic

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 20:49:52 -0500

There are several good and entertaining books on safe riding techniques, but if you're in a hurry – or just looking for a chuckle – check out this Web site on the same subject: http://www.bicyclesafe.com/

With diagrams entitled "The Right Hook," "The Left Cross," "The Rear End," and "The Cross Walk Slam," what is there not to like and learn?