Saturday, September 17, 2016

Oregon Drive Less Challenge, Oct. 1 to 15

Two bicycles attached to a bike rack. Text in upper-right corner states, 'For each mile not driven: 0.98 fewer lbs of CO2s are released into our environment.' In lower-right corner, text states, 'Figures according to Washington State Department of Transportation'

Whenever people talk to me about traveling to downtown Ashland, the hassle of finding a parking space invariably comes up. With the “Oregon Drive Less Challenge,” I’d like to propose a less-stressful scenario.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Rail transit and pathway, Santa Rosa to San Rafael

Bright green SMART Train parked at outdoor station that is decorated by row of lampposts
Source of image: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit on Facebook
In northern California, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is testing its passenger trains and signal systems along an initial 43-mile route between Santa Rosa and San Rafael. When completed, this passenger-rail and pedestrian and bicycle pathway project will serve a 70-mile corridor from Larkspur to Cloverdale. My family and I closely followed this project's development when we lived in the north Bay, and with our ongoing support of viable alternatives to automobile use, the SMART Trains continue to hold our interest. The #TrackSMART tips being shared via social media seem particularly relevant too, whether passenger or freight trains make regular trips through our respective communities.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Bicycle commuting: Bag-and-rack essential

Trunk bag secured to rear bike rack. A portion of the bike's rear tire is visible beneath. A folded paper is tucked inside the trunk bag's mesh side pocket and a rolled up hat is tucked into a mesh pocket and bungee cords on the top of the bag. In the upper left, the image includes a portion of a bike rack and the frame of a second bike and helmet.

As a full-time bike commuter, I completely rely on a bag-and-rack system to give me transport capacity. The Topeak Super Tourist DX rear rack and MTX trunk bag provide essential components of my daily rides.