Bike Hack: Cork Barends

Sometimes bartape doesn’t want to stay on securely the way you want it to. Luckily that cork from your previous bottle of wine can come in handy to provide an easy fix!

  • Wrap the bartape as you normally would, stuffing the end of it into your handlebar
  • Use the cork as a plug to keep the tape in place
Got a bike hack you are proud of? We’d love to share it with the world (and will of course give you credit for your idea!).

Walking School Buses!

The Walking School Bus is a great way for kids to all get to school together, on foot! It’s the concept of a school bus, but without the bus. Giving kids the chance to know their community and neighborhoods while on their way to school, supervised by adults of course.

September 17th FREE Bike Ed Workshop

You have a legal right to be on the road and we’ll give you the tools to make it easy. Our workshops teach traffic psychology and techniques that will empower you while you ride. August’s workshop is held in the afternoon, giving you more time to sleep in before you join us as we share our bike joy and knowledge with you!

When: Saturday, September 17th, 8:30am – 1:00pm

Where: Coalition Headquarters, 860 Pacific St, SLO (map)

Why: With confidence, bicycling is a safe and enjoyable way to travel. Join the movement!

How: More details and registration can be found online here.

Kidical Mass Photos

Last Thursday was the last Kidical Mass of 2011, we were so happy to have all of you there celebrating school spirit with us. Thanks again for making the 2011 season the best yet, we’ll see you in May!

See the rest of the photos on our flickr photostream.

Bike Hack: Tube Tie Downs

Being able to carry stuff on your bicycle is a great way to make riding a bicycle the best way to get around. Rear racks are really easy to find (try the Bike Kitchen!), inexpensive, and simple to install on your bicycle.

Most of rear racks give you the ability to use a bungee across them in order to strap things onto it, the same can be done to front racks as well.

  • Find a used intertube (they’re generally free and easy to find)
  • Hook it around the rack mount tab on the lower portion of the rack
  • Stretch it across to the other side of the rack
  • That’s it, we told you it was easy!
NOTE: Before you take off to ride, make sure nothing is going to get in the way of your wheels, this could cause you to crash! Check that the intertube is solid and is properly holding down whatever is on the rack.
You can find discarded intertubes at the Bike Kitchen or at most bike shops.

Video: Eye Contact

One of the best ways to communicate with motorists while you’re on a bike is to make eye contact. This way you can be sure they see you, and you can let them know what you are doing.

From New York’s Transportation Alternatives “Biking Rules” campaign.

2011’s Last Kidical Mass on Thursday!

Join this Thursday for the LAST Kidical Mass of 2011, with a “School Spirit” theme! The ride is open to kids of all ages and is a great chance for parents to teach their kids to ride smart. Bring your friends, represent your school, the more the merrier!

Check out photos from this year’s Kidical Mass rides on our flickr photostream.

Video: Legos and Bike Safety

Just a friendly reminder to stop at red lights, with this clever lego animation.