Hey motorists. Please be considerate and think of where you are swinging that thing. All I’m asking is look in your mirror before you place that wall of metal across the bicycle lane. Would you do that in a car lane? Probably not. I’m getting tired of skidding and swerving into traffic to avoid your bad habits. I think there is some type of law concerning looking in your mirrors to make sure the coast is clear before opening doors, turning into lots, parking spaces, etc. This morning was especially bad when I was cut off by a vehicle that just passed me. When you passed me going 25 and saw that I was going in the same direction at about 15mph on your right in the bike lane and then proceeded to turn (right) in front of me, what do you think was going to happen? I would magically disappear? I think you need to retake the driving test where more than an empty parking lot is involved. How about the City of Cambridge truck that opened its passenger side door while stopped in the car lane, opening the door into the bike lane? Where was I supposed to swerve to miss you? Somehow the driver saw me, yelled a quick “bike!” and yet you (the passenger) still didn’t do anything but stare at me with your door still wide open. Good thing there wasn’t a car parked in the parking spot at the curb or I might have been writing this from a hospital bed.

No wonder why people just think the car is the only way to go out there. Just get in a fender bender and write it off. Send it to the insurance agency that you pay 200 bucks a month for, trade it in if its really bad and just get a new one. I can’t just replace my head anytime someone opens their door too wide, so please just look where you are swinging that hunk of metal. I don’t have an front and side air bags and  I don’t think that helmet air bag thingy for the person too cool to wear a helmet is going to save my life either.

The weather is nice. Go play outside.

There was some time when I didn’t hear the constant chirping of the birds. Now that spring is right around the corner, I am hearing all sorts of new sounds coming from the trees and hedges. I’m also seeing a lot more pedestrian traffic. Looks like the nicer weather is bringing out people as well. I would like to see some street cleaners out as well as maybe some paint crews to get some order back to the streets. This is the time cyclists are having the most flat tire issues because the debris from the winter is just pushed to the sides into the bike lanes from car traffic. It also amazes me how many flat vehicle tires I see and the drivers are just clueless. I see them just rolling down the street, the rim cutting into their tires and they just keep on going. What is the vehicle doing to our natural senses? People are closing themselves outside of the natural world as much as possible and I don’t like it.When I have a flat on my bike, I know. I even know the difference between 70psi and 100psi. Do you?

Back to the debris and paint issues. Please don’t throw your trash into the streets, out your window, etc. Think about where it is going. Buy compostable/degradable materials and or recyclable/reusable, make sure to put them where you should and we won’t have this issue. Just take an extra second to think about it is all I’m asking. Its getting harder and harder to find places to put all of it.

Also, I know cars need more room than bicycles to get places. That’s why we have roads, highways, etc. When there is a bike lane, it means there is enough room for both car and bicycle (at the same time) don’t show us how wide your load is and take up both with your oversized vehicle. I understand if you’re moving into the turn lane (thats why there are dashes) and I understand when you drive over the bicycle symbol with the arrows (that means we are supposed to share.) When there is a solid white line, it means Do Not Cross/Obstruct. Bicycle lanes were made for bicycles and to show cars we can get the same places by our own two feet and own human power as fast a car and with less effort and cost.

I think that’s it. Remember to pack your rain gear and have those fenders handy. It is unpredictable spring weather out there.

Well,

Looks like I need to put out an apology. On my first route this morning after leaving the shop, I ran a RED in Union Square. The only reason why I’m saying this to all of you is that people notice and it affects MetroPed’s reputation. As I was cruising up towards the light, I saw the walk signal turn on and just assumed the green would happen right after. Not The Case. It stayed red, I almost skidded to a stop in the middle of the intersection but just decided to continue. well, My bad and totally my fault.

From the job I have applied the rules of the road to my regular off-hours riding and I think its a good route to follow. Just wait till the green. I always hate the Union Square intersection because not only does the bike lane abrubptly end, the road condition worsens, forcing us into the car lane on the uphill.There’s no lane markings whatsoever and everyone likes to race to the top of the hill.

The driver who called me on it said I screwed up traffic? I didn’t look behind me, but I think the lights were both still red with the pedestrian walk signals on and a NO RIGHT TURN ON RED. With that scenario, no traffic should have been moving, including me.

What are your thoughts on cyclists using the pedestrian walk signals as green?

Actually, let me specify. The roads are clear of snow. I’ve been seeing the same congestion as always. Looks like you can still afford the $3.60 a gallon. On average, I’m riding around 30 miles a day, so lets say I have a great fuel-efficient vehicle that’s getting me those 30 miles on just one gallon. Well, I’ve been riding that average for just over a year now and that comes to 365 x 3.60 which equals One Thousand, Three Hundred and Fourteen USD. Looks like I’m going to vegas, baby! Actually, I would never go to Vegas. I just get to spend more money on beer, food and entertainment. I’m not going to get into the costs of insurance, parking and maintenance.

But seriously. Its your own _______ fault if you get frustrated in traffic, because you ARE traffic. If you want cleaner air, happier people around you, cleaner streets, more lively communities, start acting like you care. When you’re in your car with tinted windows honking because the car stopped in front of you is waiting for a pedestrian, look at yourself. You are hiding in your box armed with a gas pedal and a horn. Get out and tell me your thoughts because I’m happy to talk. When I cruise by on my bike and make eye contact with pedestrians we smile, say hi, acknowledge each other. Ok, maybe I ring my bell. Its not a gesture of hate, its a good day, how are you fine lad?

Lets get outside and enjoy each others company. Or burn all the gas until we can’t breathe the air anymore, are broke, hungry and don’t have a friend in the world.

Remember to keep your middle finger in your pocket.

Hey Boston! So, It looks like more and more people are starting to jump on their bicycles to commute to work, play and everyday errands. I am liking what I am seeing. Every day I cross Beacon Street in Cambridge multiple times and I am happy to see a line of cyclists from Porter square to MIT. It gets longer and more consistent every day. As gas prices rise and it costs too much to use the automobile to do donuts, drive to Mickey D’s and keep changing which side of the street you’re parked on, the bicycle remains consistent. Cents on the dollar. All of us at MetroPed have free gym memberships too! (We haul stuff by bicycle – bad joke)

Today I had the chance to haul a bookshelf from Central Square to Jamaica Plain by bike trailer and I did it in just under 40 minutes. The couple who hired us had no idea it was even delivered by bike until I rolled up. We were the first ones to answer their call and within an hour and a half, they had their bookshelf moved 9 miles by bicycle and dropped off at their doorstep. Remember to think MetroPed and bicycle delivery when it comes to those hauling jobs that don’t require gas at $4 a gallon.

Ride safe out there and look out for mirrors, opening car doors, pedestrians, pot holes, and all those other possible obstructions. And… please obey traffic laws so people in cars can only get frustrated at themselves.

I just wanted to bring up a brilliant way of getting money back into the local economy. Lets place a tax on horn use on vehicles! If we can require units to be designed and placed in vehicles from now on that transmits the number of times a horn is used and sends the owner of the vehicle a bill in the mail, we can all enjoy more conversation, bird songs, quiet time, and whatnot.   I guess where does the tax money go? That should be up to a vote. How about the county where the the vehicle is registered? I think this is a great way to make a lot of money for people who don’t use horns as a pillow! Don’t you hate the people who just lay on their horns because its just there in front of them? I don’t think it would be much of an issue to drivers who actually used it in an emergency situation. Like, whoa, I saved that guy’s life and it cost me 50 cents! I think it would highly outweigh the negatives. It has to be something that couldn’t be tampered with, registered and such, but people are tracked all the time in ways they don’t even know, so who’s with me!? I think that’s it for now. Ride safe, watch out for doors, mirrors and always use hand signals.  Oh, and give that bike a nice tune, lube and tire fill. It makes it work like its supposed to so you might actually like riding a bike.

Yours Truly, Brett the triker.

So, my first route today took me to the Harvard Book Store where I picked up three books fresh off the shelves to deliver around Cambridge. First off, I was glad to be riding on this crisp holiday morning where the streets were clear and people all around just seemed happy. The bike was working well and I was covered in terms of the cold air.

When a bike works well, I feel comfortable and it makes riding that much more enjoyable. I think this is the case for everyone.

When I see people with their seat too low, their clothes awkwardly dangling in the chain, their posture way out of proportion all put together on a poorly made bicycle that is a piece of junk, it makes me cringe. They never seem happy or excited. I’m just saying if people put a little effort in finding a bicycle that they like, it would be used a lot more often because they would actually enjoy riding it.

Anyways… I was having a blast out there this afternoon and working while I was riding. Great, huh?  I averaged 12 miles per hour on my route  (around 5.5 miles) and beat the 5 mile per hour average of cars driving in urban centers by 7 miles per hour.

As I made my first delivery to a woman in the North Harvard area, I had a great experience and I keep smiling thinking about it. The weather for the ride was perfect, the light accumulation of snow on the long, wrap-around driveway was only disturbed by some footprints of a human and a dog  and it was quiet except for some nice birds chirping in the background. I took it all in because its not too often that the only thing I see and hear is natural things. Well, I walked up to the door, rang the doorbell and handed over the book to the woman who answered the door. She looked astonished, happy, and she immediately smiled and said thanks. I said my “have a great day,” turned around and before the door closed i heard a little shriek of bewilderment and happiness from her.

I couldn’t stop smiling and gave a little chuckle. I’m guessing this was the first time she ordered a book from Harvard Book Store and had the bike delivery option and I don’t think its going to be her last. I’m guessing she probably ordered it a couple hours earlier, our order came in from the book store and I picked it up and delivered it within a couple hours of her requesting it.

Its just that easy. remember to keep supporting your local businesses out there and enjoy the last surprises from the weather man. Ride safe!

Hey, guess what? The sun is out and I was walking around the shop in shorts and a T-shirt for some time today! Its quite amazing outside, so get on your bikes and enjoy it. I am starting to see bikes emerge all over the city from the snow plow drifts. You people are killing me. Dig those things out already and reclaim the roads! At least for me I can have a little extra space for safety between moving and parked cars. Somerville Ave. is just ridiculous because all the beautiful new bike lanes are still jam-packed with parked cars. Well, I hope you motorists can understand why we are taking up your lanes now. I also noticed it was really easy to go fast today. Either its because I lost weight shedding all the layers or there’s some physics and chemistry going on out there that I just don’t quite understand. I am proud of those of you who let your cars stay where they were the whole winter so hopefully you realise there’s really no need for them at all. Probably not going to happen, but one can only hope. So… I doubt the winter is anywhere near done being only the beginning of Februrary and all, but keep the sun out. That’s all I’m asking.

Remember to keep shopping local and enjoying all the great things right here in your community. We are proud to deliver fresh produce from farms throughout Massachusetts and items from dozens of local businesses around Boston. I’m about to get back out there to enjoy today’s fresh catch from Cape Ann (fish). Two lucky residents will receive today’s catch and one other will be receiving 20lbs of fresh, frozen Massachusetts beef and pork. I picked up my share this weekend and I’m thinking about some nice pork ribs, mashed potatoes and spinach. All grown and raised within 50 miles of here. Imagine that.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Just had a good conversation in the office concerning winter markets and why we need more of them around Boston. So, I am a resident of Somerville and the city has recently launched a winter market on Saturdays happening at the Armory. There you have it! A fork, some maple syrup, a bottle of wine, some fresh fish, some vegetables, fresh baked pies and breads, don’t know if you can actually buy a pitchfork there, but you get the point. They have all you need and its a great thing to do to get out of the house on that lazy Saturday. Don’t make it lazier by getting into your car. It is a great central location for all Somerville residents. I, like you might have already guessed, ride my bike. In fact, it is encouraged to bike or walk because it is so popular, its hard to find anywhere to park. Instead of sending your money to the machines that I previously ranted about, give it to someone you can get to know and care about. Support the people around you and they will hopefully start doing the same. I haven’t met a farmer I didn’t respect. You can find out all about it here. So… what is all this saying? [Read the rest of this entry...]

Erik just said Saturday. A wintery mix. So, there you have it. The next weather forecast straight from MetroPed. Your bicycle traffic update for today is wet, but clear. You might get a mix of snow flakes in an otherwise a blue sky, which makes for a beautiful commute. Watch out for the Washington/Cambridge Street intersection. It is clogged with cars and uneasy to pass on a bicycle. Wait time about 5 minutes. With all the snow we are being forced into the streets because cars are now using our bike lanes for parking spaces. My suggestion to you, just take the whole lane. When cars honk and pass around you, just wave and smile. It frustrates them even more. If you don’t have adequate hand protection, get a pair of these to keep everyone in a good mood.

I also suggest waterproof Gaiters for your feet and ankles, a pair of rain pants, some water resistant/waterproof shoes and to keep you warm remember to layer! I wear on average 3-4 layers every day. I am outside most of the time in all conditions, but having a base layer, mid layer, top layer and even a covering layer (wind/waterproof shell usually does it.) If I get warm, I take one off. I never get too cold. I just wear one pair of work gloves which are heavy duty leather and gore-tex fabric, but lobster gloves, mittens and even a base layer glove under seems to help those with bad circulation. If you are a bike commuter that doesn’t get on and off the bicycle a lot, I suggest looking into some waterproof shoe covers.

Well, Thats all for now folks. Keep to the streets. Bike till you get lost.