Fall Newsletter 2019
Summer has been full of activity and we aren't slowing down as we enter the fall season. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s on the horizon!
Elements of Bike Riding 15
By Peter Burns
Repetition and Difference
Most mornings I ride into Burlington, either to go to the YMCA or to work. With slight variations, my daily route is the same but each time I ride, there are differences. The weather shifts from day to day, my mood is different and as the seasons flow one into the other, the flora and fauna change as does my outerwear.
How about Trading Car for Cargo Bike — A Lending Library Story
Local Motion’s Traveling E-Bike Lending Library is in currently in full swing!
It just finished up a stay at Onion River Outdoors in Montpelier and is now at the Norwich Public Library until September 10th. After that, it’s on to Hartford, and beyond! We recently reached out to a Montpelier couple who loaned a bike from the library to learn about their experience.
Elements of Bike Riding 14
By Peter Burns
Mental Maps
I can trace most of the main roads in Chittenden County in my mind. Sometimes in the winter, I like to remember the rides I took in the summer, retracing them in my mind. As I leave Chittenden County the mental map starts to fade out. When I am planning a local recreational ride, my mind automatically explores a few different routes, along with the possible road conditions. Traffic and wind direction also important. I want to avoid busy roads, especially during rush hour. If the wind is blowing at more than ten miles per hour, I ride into the wind on the way out, and with the wind on my way home. Sometimes I change my route during the ride. In the evening of June 17th, I was riding back toward Winooski on Middle Road in Colchester. My original plan was to take a right on Route 2A and head home by way of Mallets Bay Avenue. But I was low as on water and wanted to use the facilities so instead, I took a left on 2A and went to the Burnham Library for a break. Because I have a clear mental map of the area, it was easy enough to figure out the way home from the library.
Elements of Bike Riding 13 - A Bicycle Autobiography
By Peter Burns
It is possible to write an autobiography focused on any number of subjects. While it would not be appropriate for this blog, I could write my storytelling autobiography, my reading autobiography or my work autobiography. We all live multiple lives. Here is my bicycle autobiography.
To e-bike or not to bike
By Ross Saxton
I met with Spence Putnam at his beautiful home in Weybridge, Vermont on a warm sunny day in May. Wanting to learn more about Vermonters who are commuting on an e-bike, Spence was kind enough to give me an overview of his history with bikes, his commutes, and how he uses an e-bike for trips in rural Vermont.
Handy graphic: Tips to Share the Road
Our roads can get pretty busy sometimes, especially in downtowns and major travel corridors. But there are many things we can all do--no matter how we're using the road--to stay safe and keep others safe. Check out the graphic below made by Audi South Burlington for some tips, whether you're driving a car or riding a bike!
Elements of Bike Riding 12 - Getting Personal
By Peter Burns
Number 1
Finding a place to urinate can be a challenge. I don't like to stop within sight of a house, and it is nice to have a place to lean my bike. On most rural Vermont roads it is possible to get out of sight fairly quickly, behind trees and bushes. It is easier when there are leaves on the trees and bushes.
Is it legal to pass cars on the right in Vermont?
The other day we were asked about what options a person riding a bike has when cars are backed up. Can a rider pass on the right or left? Do they get in line with the vehicles?
Elements of Bike Riding 11 - Life Lessons
By Peter Burns
A couple of months ago I was in the locker room at the YMCA when a friend asked me about bike injuries. I said, "Sometimes my wrists hurt and once in a while I get a sore knee or back, but I don't have any chronic problems because of bike riding. Even on a steep hill it is possible to go slowly and stay relaxed if you find the right gear and use the correct cadence." My friend said, "That is a good life lesson." Here are two more life lessons drawn from my bike riding experiences.