Bike-Sharing in the Capital

Change is coming to Washington, and it’s not just about the new Obama administration. Washington, DC is now working to incorporate bicycling into its transportation infrastructure. Much like cities across the world, DC is feeling the effects of years of dependence on cars: pollution, congestion, obesity. The documentary below takes a look at why D.C. sees bicycles as part of the solution and examines the challenges the city is facing with the increased popularity of biking.

More info about bike sharing programs at metrobike.net.

Non-Dorky Bicycle Helmets: Brainwear for Smart People

Tired of looking like a big dork every time you put on your bicycle helmet? We need to wear helmets for obvious reasons (unless you’re one of those folks who think they’re invincible), but they’ve never been particularly attractive.  Even Barack Obama was made fun of for how he looked riding a bicycle earlier this summer (though the light wash mom jeans may have had something to do with that, too).

Well, bicycle riders (and Obama), you now have a reason to feel much more hip when getting to and fro. A group of Danish designers has created bicycle helmets that look like hats, though they do still have the requisite chin strap. You can get your very own ‘shell helmet’ with a choice of hats to cover it from Copenhagen-based company Yakkay for about $120.  They aren’t available in the US quite yet but Yakkay has plans for an international launch shortly.

Link [Yakkay] via [Springwise]

Green Bicyclists and Filmmakers’ Gear Stolen During Stop in Eugene, OR

Andy Davis and Melissa Henige had planned to make Eugene, Oregon a key stop on their cross-country bicycle trip, having heard that it was a great bike town. Excited about the trip and the sustainable documentary they were making, the couple never thought that soon after stopping at The Beanery coffeehouse they’d be updating their blog with the words, “Dear thief who stole my gear…”

From The Register Guard:

Sometime between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, someone snipped the cable locking the engaged couple’s bicycles and Burley Design trailers and made off with Henige’s red, white and blue Trek 1000 touring bike and the trailer.

Inside the trailer was all their camping gear, including their tent, her sleeping bag, personal belongings, food, checkbook and all her clothes. And their business cards — thus the “Dear Thief” blog written by Henige on their Web site, www.changinggearsmovie.com. The cards list the Web site, so Henige thought there would be a good chance the thief might read it.

“Little did you know when you stole my bike and gear that you would disrupt an incredible journey across the country … As you read through our blog, you’ll see the amazing people who have helped us on this adventure, and maybe their wisdom, ingenuity, and warmth may inspire you to work for a better world as well.”

The couple was supposed to be continuing down the coast to San Francisco, where they plan to exchange pre-wedding vows in the Muir woods. They’re still heading down there, but it’ll be on a Greyhound – they shipped Davis’ bike back to their home in Indiana.

What a buzzkill. We hope they get their gear back!

See the couple talk about their experience on the video at The Register Guard.

Link [The Register Guard]