A Day in the Week.

Let us all pay tribute to my patience, and celebrate the upgrade of my phone this week! Amidst my peers I was one of the last people standing using the first generation iPhone. I was stubborn, and didn't want to pay for a newer one until I qualified with my mobile provider.

The day finally came - new phone. It's so much faster. And I am most excited about the better camera. PRAISE!

I am now better able to show you the sorts of things I get up to on the bike when I am sans big camera.

Like how I ride winter Kona over to the Belgravia Playschool where I am teaching music classes.

And how I ride the bike over the train afterwards to go downtown for lunch.

The view of brown Edmonton in this pre-spring era.

Enhanced new ability to take self portraits.

And after lunch, it's riding back to the house and picking up Dougal for a bike ride along the river valley.

Can't imagine my winter world without a beater of a winter bike. Very handy these days with the gravel-y pavement and proliferation of bumps due to semi-thaw.

How have you guys been dealing with the "dark" time of the year? It's supposed to be over soon!

Road Rash - "Normal" Cyclists and the "Maverick"

This is part of a series of posts featuring parts of my paper, Road Rash.

“Normal” Cyclists and the “Maverick”

Where Europe seems to have a cycling demographic that includes normal citizens conducting everyday business, North American cycle writing seems to focus on a few specific demographics, such as bike messengers, who are depicted as thrill-seekers and risk-takers. The thought of such cyclists usually brings to mind images of an athletic male on a road bike with cycling shoes and a bike bag strapped across his chest. “Part of the image propagated by messengers is that of the ‘maverick’, an individualistic, unorthodox, independently minded person working in a hostile environment and adapting to situations as they arise” (Fincham 190). Because these sorts of cyclists make such an impression, whether positive of negative, the overall view of cycling as dangerous is thusly reinforced. These references also play into the stereotype that cycling is for a demographic of people who cannot find conventional, gainful employment, and that they live a marginalized, bohemian life. Unfortunately, this stereotype seems to be continually perpetuated in the culture of bike messengers. “Talk of maverick status in bicycle messenger circles transmits the narrative to be adopted by the rookie, the novice and the uninitiated” (Ibid 191). Where this image of cyclists exists, the prospect of a potential “normal” cyclist withers. Those who ride bikes without the visible identity of a bike messenger may go unnoticed or still maintain the image of the maverick, regardless. Rebranding an image associated with a marginalized activity such as cycling is no small feat. “There are, of course, the ever-present bike messengers, fuelled by pure adrenaline and their own private code of survival” (Maples 7). Due to the stereotypes of cyclists in North America, it is difficult for the general public to change its perception of cyclists as athletic and bold. In fact, this strong reputation has a way of perpetuating itself because its roots are so pervasive. “Finally, it is interesting to note that the attractions of cycling to messengers are the very things identified as disincentives to cycling in conventional accounts of the reasons for declining cycle use – danger, alienation, difficulty and effort” (Ibid 193). The bike messenger has become a crystallized image in the North American cycling world. As a result, the link between cycling, speed, and safety gains greater credence when referring to bikes, since the messengers have garnered such a reputation for perceived lawlessness.

___________________________________________________
Works Cited

Basset, David Rowland., John Pucher, Ralph Buehler, Dixie L. Thompson, and Scott E. Crouter. "Walking, Cycling, and Obesity Rates in Europe, North America, and Australia." Journal of Physical Activity and Health 5 (2008): 795-814. Print.

Brackett, Dorothy. "Bicycling and Self Esteem." Weblog post. Let's Go Ride A Bike. 18 May 2010. Web. 18 May 2010. .

Burgueño, Meli. Bikes and The City. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Byrne, David. Bicycle Diaries. New York: Viking, 2009. Print.

Chan, Sarah. Web log post. Girls and Bicycles. Web. 15 May 2010.
.

Colville-Andersen, Mikael. "Bike Helmet Protest in Melbourne." Web log post. Copenhagenize. 3 Aug. 2010. Web. 28 Aug. 2010. .

Colville-Andersen, Mikael. "Cycle Chic Origins." Cycle Chic™ - The Original from Copenhagen. Web. 16 Aug. 2010. .

"Cycling in the Netherlands." Ministerie Van Verkeer En Waterstaat. Web. 24 May 2010.
.

Davies, Julian. "Family Biking Ages & Stages." Web log post. Totcycle. 26 June 2009. Web. 21 May 2010. .

Dennis, J., B. Potter, T. Ramsay, and R. Zarychanski. "The Effects of Provincial Bicycle Helmet Legislation on Helmet Use and Bicycle Ridership in Canada." Injury Prevention. 2010. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. .

Feucht, Dave. "Portland Bicycle Plan 2010." Web log post. Portlandize. 4 Feb. 2010.
Web. 27 May 2010. .

Fincham, Ben. "Bicycle Messengers: Image, Identity and Community." Cycling and Society. Ed. Paul Rosen, Peter Cox, and David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Gill, M., and M. Goldacre. "Seasonal Variation in Hospital Admission for Road Traffic Injuries in England: Analysis of Hospital Statistics." Injury Preventon. 2009. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. .

Gotschi, Thomas, and Kevin Mills. "Active Transportation for America." Rails to Trails
Conservatory. Web. 24 May 2010. .

North Carolina School of Public Health. "Active Living by Design and Public Health." 8-80 Cities. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Halbur, Tim. "Women, Transit, and the Perception of Safety | Planetizen." Planetizen |
Urban Planning, Design and Development Network. 11 Feb. 2010. Web. 27 May
2010. .

Horton, Dave. "Fear of Cycling." Cycling and Society. Ed. Paul Rosen, Peter Cox, and David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

"I Love Riding in the City." Urban Velo May 2010: 14-34. Print.

Kay, Jane Holtz. Asphalt Nation. New York: Crown, 1997. Print.

Looft, Sandra. Simply Bike. Web. 04 Mar. 2011. .

Mackintosh, Philip G., and Glen Norcliffe. "Men, Women and the Bicycle: Gender and
Social Geography of Cycling in the Late Nineteenth Century." Cycling and
Society. Ed. Paul Rosen, Peter Cox, and David Horton. Aldershot, England:
Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Maples, Jeff. Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State UP, 2009. Print.

Martinelli, Deandria. Los Angeles Cycle Chic. Web. 04 Mar. 2011. .

Masoner, Richard. "Q&A with Eben Oliver Weiss Aka Bike Snob
NYC." Momentum May 2010: 26-27. Print.

O'Brien, Catherine. "A Footprint of Delight, Exploring Sustainable Happiness." NCBW
Forum Article (2006). Web. 25 May 2010.
.

Parkin, John, Tim Ryley, and Tim Jones. "Barriers to Cycling: An Exploration of Quantitative Analyses." Ed. Paul Rosen and Peter Cox. Cycling and Society. Ed. Dave Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Pucher, John, and Ralph Buehler. "Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany." Transport Reviews 28.4 (2008): 495-528. Web.

Scott, Todd. "Detroit." Momentum May 2010. Print.
Skinner, David, and Paul Rosen. "Hell Is Other Cyclists: Rethinking Transport and Identity." Cycling and Society. By Peter Cox and David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Spinner, Justin. "Cycling the City: Non-Place and the Sensory Construction of Meaning
in a Mobile Practice." Ed. Dave Horton. Cycling and Society. Ed. Peter Cox and
David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Vanderbilt, Tom. Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says about Us). New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008. Print.

Wesson, D., D. Stephens, K. Lam, D. Parsons, L. Spence, and P. Parkin. "Trends in Pediatric and Adult Bicycling Deaths Before and After Passage of a Bicycle Helmet Law -- Wesson Et Al. 122 (3): 605 -- Pediatrics." Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation. 2008. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Williams, Martha. Bike Fancy. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Wilson, David Gordon, Jim Papadopoulos, and Frank Rowland. Whitt. Bicycling
Science. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT, 2004. Print.

Wilson, Mighk. "Bicycling Is Better » Which Cycling Politics: Doom or Possibility?"
Bicycling Is Better. 1 Oct. 2009. Web. 26 May 2010. .

Wood, Daniel B. "On the Rise in American Cities: the Car-free Zone / The Christian
Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com." The Christian Science Monitor –
CSMonitor.com. 2 May 2007. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Cycling While Pregnant: Q&A with Anna

Name: Anna

Age: 31

Location: Chicago

Cycling for how many years: I learned how to ride a bike when I was 6, so 25 years.

Favorite part about cycling: I love cycling because there is something so fun about being able to move yourself faster than you can walk or run. We deliberately chose to live close to Chicago’s lakeshore path, which means that my commute is approximately 90% on the path and 10% on streets. Riding home along the lake in the summer is a wonderful way to decompress. On days when I don’t commute by bicycle, I take the train or bus, which takes just about as long as riding my bike round trip. Doubling up my commute and exercise leaves me lots of evening free time.

Bike(s) you ride: I ride a purple Cannondale. I have a rack on the back where I can put a bag with my work gear on one side and I have cargo space on the other side for summer stops to the farmers market or other errands. I’m looking forward to adding a co-pilot or chariot in the summer months to take the baby out with me.

What three words sum up your cycling experience while being pregnant: Comfort, exercise, and fun



How did being pregnant affect your approach to cycling or your daily commute: I had “morning” sickness at the beginning of my pregnancy, and it corresponded with Chicago’s snowy 2011 winter months, so I didn’t ride for the first couple months of pregnancy. When the morning sickness was easing up, but still in effect, it actually motivated me to get on my bike the days the weather wasn’t terrible. Cold weather biking in the fresh air was better for my stomach than the normal smells of the bus and trains, and kept me from judging my fellow commuters for having garlicky lunches. Once spring hit, I biked to work almost every day until my 31st week of pregnancy. At that point the 13 mile (21km) round trip got to be too much for me, but prior to that I had logged 614 commuting miles (987km) while pregnant. From 31 to 40 weeks when I had my beautiful baby, I continued to bike to the beach, grocery store, and farmers market since those are shorter trips.

What (if anything) surprised you about cycling while pregnant? I kept on expecting to feel wobbly or off balance at some point and it never happened. I also expected that at some point I just wouldn’t want to bike anymore, but as my belly grew it became much more comfortable to bike than walk. I was also surprised by the reaction of strangers to seeing me bike with a belly. Chicago’s lakeshore path gets pretty crowded in the summer, and most people walking or running were just putting it together that I was riding pregnant before I was past them, but I did get the occasional big smile, and one “Go Momma!”

How did your family and friends react to you cycling while pregnant? My husband was supportive of my choice to continue biking, as were most of my friends and family. A few expressed concern, but after I explained I had the support of my midwife, and that I don’t consider biking any more dangerous than my other choices for transportation, they were respectful of my decision. When my mother asked about it, I reminded her that we were Dutch and that the Dutch bike everywhere. That reminder and the fact that the vast majority of my rides are on the lakeshore path were enough to convince her.

What (if any) special accommodations did you require to continue cycling throughout your pregnancy? When I was pregnant, I switched out the handlebars on my Cannondale for cruiser style handlebars, and got a wider seat. This allowed me to sit up straight, which is great for my back and made room for my growing belly.



What would you say to another woman interested in cycling while pregnant? What have you taken away from the experience? I would tell another pregnant woman to keep riding as long as she felt comfortable. I am so glad I kept riding throughout my pregnancy because at the end when it was uncomfortable to walk, I still felt good on the bike. It allowed me mobility that I may otherwise not have had.

In addition to cycling, what other activities helped you stay fit and active during your pregnancy? When I was pregnant I mainly biked and walked for exercise, with the occasional pre-natal yoga session.



Thanks Anna, for sharing your cycling-with-bump story with us!

Road Rash - Europe Versus North America

This is part of a series of posts featuring parts of my paper, Road Rash.

Europe Versus North America

The Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany have already made great strides in building their cycling cultures. These countries now act as models for other budding cycling cultures looking to emulate increases in citizen health, efficiency of transportation, and reduction of dependence on motor vehicles. The chief motivator for these model European cities adopting alternate forms of transportation was traffic congestion and the inefficient movement of people through the city. As Kay says in Asphalt Nation, you are “not stuck in a traffic jam, you are the jam” (13). Changes were made in these countries to encourage bicycling as a viable transportation alternative because traffic congestion was at a limit. The realistic solution was to reduce the number of motor vehicles on the roads so that people could move more efficiently from point A to B to lessen ongoing stress on the city’s infrastructure. The need to find a solution to traffic congestion is commonly the origin of these thriving cycling cultures. If the critical mass of motor vehicles motivated earlier investigations into transportation alternatives in the form of cycling for these European countries, then it seems logical that some North American municipalities are now following suit. Many North American cities, after all, have their share of cycling challenges. Seasoned cyclist David Byrne has had many experiences cycling in numerous North America cities and around the world. This is his impression of North American cycling.

I try to explore some of these towns—Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Atlanta—by bike, and it’s frustrating. The various parts of town are often “connected”—if one can call it that—mainly by freeways, massive awe-inspiring concrete ribbons that usually kill the neighbourhoods they pass through, and often the ones they are supposed to connect as well. The areas bordering expressways inevitably become dead zones. There may be, near the edges of town, an exit ramp leading to a KFC or a Red Lobster, but that’s not a neighborhood. What remains of these severed communities is eventually replaced by shopping malls and big-box stores isolated in vast deserts of parking. These are strung along the highways that have killed the towns that the highways were meant to connect. The roads, housing developments with no focus, and shopping centers eventually sprawl as far as the eye can see as the highways inch farther and farther out. Monotonous, tedious, exhausting… and soon to be gone, I suspect. (8)

Because of the space and sprawl in North America, the impetus to develop cycling may be less because the solution instead seems to be continuing to build more roads in order to ease traffic congestion. As a result, bicycle commuting in North American trails behind the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

When discussing new bicycle commuting cultures, two other countries that often get grouped in with North America (Canada and the US) are the United Kingdom and Australia. These listed countries are all limited in their cycling infrastructure and share the challenges of urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and poor population health due to a lack of investment in active transportation.

Walking and bicycling are much more common in European nations than in the United States, Canada, and Australia […] there is an inverse association between active transportation and obesity rates in these countries. These results do not necessarily indicate a causal relationship. However, given the fact that physically active individuals gain less weight over time, it is possible that active transportation is one of the factors responsible for international differences in obesity rates. (Bassett et al 811)

One of the greatest differences between cycling in North America versus cycling in some European countries is the active participation of government in Europe in promoting cycling to their citizens, and the additional extension of this active participation with making the prospect of driving unpalatable. Over time, choosing the bicycle over the car in these European countries seems normal and preferred because of the intervention from the top down.
The genesis of much cycle design guidance that is now adopted in the UK and elsewhere is the Dutch cycling design guidance, which identifies the following fundamental infrastructure requirements for cycling:
 Coherent/comprehensive: a comprehensive network linked to where cyclists begin and end their journeys;  Direct: a system of connections which is as direct as possible and avoids detours;  Attractive: design and integration with surroundings should make it pleasant to cycle;  Safe: facilities that guarantee safety from other road users and take account of personal security as well as road safety;  Comfortable: facilities that allow for rapid and comfortable flow of bicycle traffic. (Parkin et al 70)

These design guidelines encourage the vibrant masses of cyclists in European cycling countries. As a result of high ridership numbers, a cultural shift where bicycle commuting is normal has been successfully implemented.

Cycling in North America has not reached a level of normality for the majority of people because guidelines, such as the examples given, have not had the full support of government to be put into play. Instead, the dialogue around cycling in North America seems to orbit tediously around, and often ends with, the issue of safety. This frames the discussion around bicycles as dangerous and risky, which often deters those who would consider making a change in their transportation habits. On the other hand, European cycling seems to focus more directly on efficient and easy transportation, and less on the need for specialized gear and clothing as measurements of safety and protection from the elements. The pragmatic approach to promoting bicycle culture in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany is an example of how a city or country can become successful in these cycling endeavours. Much of the discussion in current cycling literature in North America has to do with what initiatives have proven successful in the promotion of bicycle commuting elsewhere and how a given city or cycling culture compares and contrasts with current working model cities.

In Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, we see how successful cycling cultures were shaped with a strategic plan and concerted effort to re-imagine a city’s streets.
Not only do these countries implement far more of the pro-bike measures, but they greatly reinforce their overall impact with highly restrictive policies that make car use less convenient as well as more expensive. It is precisely that double-barrelled combination of ‘carrot’ and ‘stick’ policies that make cycling so irresistible. (Pucher 525)

The findings of Pucher’s paper on European cycling are enlightening. When comparing the North American to European cities we see greater overall numbers in Europe and a greater percentage of women riders. Trips made by bicycle are reported to be ten times higher in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark than in North America with a diverse selection of riders ranging from men, women, children, and the elderly (Ibid 496). Here we see how cycling is distributed evenly over gender and age. One of the main reasons this may be the case is because:
Cycling in those countries is not viewed as requiring expensive equipment, advanced training, or a high degree of physical fitness. Nor are the cyclists forced to muster the courage and willingness to battle motorists on streets without separate bike lanes or paths. On the contrary, Dutch, German and Danish cyclists ride on simple, inexpensive bikes, almost never wear special cycling outfits, and rarely use safety helmets. (Ibid 496)
I suggest that cycling in the United States and Canada is still viewed as a largely recreational activity as opposed to a viable mode of transportation. Biking in North America continues to be perceived as an activity for a minority of thrill seeking sportsmen or a pleasant recreational activity. Pucher indicates that “transport policies, land-use policies, urban development policies, housing policies, environmental policies, taxation policies and parking policies” are the seeds for a successful cycling culture (Ibid 496). These are likely the same measures North American cities will have to implement in order for bicycle commuting to become attractive to the masses.

______________________________________________________
Works Cited

Basset, David Rowland., John Pucher, Ralph Buehler, Dixie L. Thompson, and Scott E. Crouter. "Walking, Cycling, and Obesity Rates in Europe, North America, and Australia." Journal of Physical Activity and Health 5 (2008): 795-814. Print.

Brackett, Dorothy. "Bicycling and Self Esteem." Weblog post. Let's Go Ride A Bike. 18 May 2010. Web. 18 May 2010. .

Burgueño, Meli. Bikes and The City. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Byrne, David. Bicycle Diaries. New York: Viking, 2009. Print.

Chan, Sarah. Web log post. Girls and Bicycles. Web. 15 May 2010.
.

Colville-Andersen, Mikael. "Bike Helmet Protest in Melbourne." Web log post. Copenhagenize. 3 Aug. 2010. Web. 28 Aug. 2010. .

Colville-Andersen, Mikael. "Cycle Chic Origins." Cycle Chic™ - The Original from Copenhagen. Web. 16 Aug. 2010. .

"Cycling in the Netherlands." Ministerie Van Verkeer En Waterstaat. Web. 24 May 2010.
.

Davies, Julian. "Family Biking Ages & Stages." Web log post. Totcycle. 26 June 2009. Web. 21 May 2010. .

Dennis, J., B. Potter, T. Ramsay, and R. Zarychanski. "The Effects of Provincial Bicycle Helmet Legislation on Helmet Use and Bicycle Ridership in Canada." Injury Prevention. 2010. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. .

Feucht, Dave. "Portland Bicycle Plan 2010." Web log post. Portlandize. 4 Feb. 2010.
Web. 27 May 2010. .

Fincham, Ben. "Bicycle Messengers: Image, Identity and Community." Cycling and Society. Ed. Paul Rosen, Peter Cox, and David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Gill, M., and M. Goldacre. "Seasonal Variation in Hospital Admission for Road Traffic Injuries in England: Analysis of Hospital Statistics." Injury Preventon. 2009. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. .

Gotschi, Thomas, and Kevin Mills. "Active Transportation for America." Rails to Trails
Conservatory. Web. 24 May 2010. .

North Carolina School of Public Health. "Active Living by Design and Public Health." 8-80 Cities. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Halbur, Tim. "Women, Transit, and the Perception of Safety | Planetizen." Planetizen |
Urban Planning, Design and Development Network. 11 Feb. 2010. Web. 27 May
2010. .

Horton, Dave. "Fear of Cycling." Cycling and Society. Ed. Paul Rosen, Peter Cox, and David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

"I Love Riding in the City." Urban Velo May 2010: 14-34. Print.

Kay, Jane Holtz. Asphalt Nation. New York: Crown, 1997. Print.

Looft, Sandra. Simply Bike. Web. 04 Mar. 2011. .

Mackintosh, Philip G., and Glen Norcliffe. "Men, Women and the Bicycle: Gender and
Social Geography of Cycling in the Late Nineteenth Century." Cycling and
Society. Ed. Paul Rosen, Peter Cox, and David Horton. Aldershot, England:
Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Maples, Jeff. Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State UP, 2009. Print.

Martinelli, Deandria. Los Angeles Cycle Chic. Web. 04 Mar. 2011. .

Masoner, Richard. "Q&A with Eben Oliver Weiss Aka Bike Snob
NYC." Momentum May 2010: 26-27. Print.

O'Brien, Catherine. "A Footprint of Delight, Exploring Sustainable Happiness." NCBW
Forum Article (2006). Web. 25 May 2010.
.

Parkin, John, Tim Ryley, and Tim Jones. "Barriers to Cycling: An Exploration of Quantitative Analyses." Ed. Paul Rosen and Peter Cox. Cycling and Society. Ed. Dave Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Pucher, John, and Ralph Buehler. "Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany." Transport Reviews 28.4 (2008): 495-528. Web.

Scott, Todd. "Detroit." Momentum May 2010. Print.
Skinner, David, and Paul Rosen. "Hell Is Other Cyclists: Rethinking Transport and Identity." Cycling and Society. By Peter Cox and David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Spinner, Justin. "Cycling the City: Non-Place and the Sensory Construction of Meaning
in a Mobile Practice." Ed. Dave Horton. Cycling and Society. Ed. Peter Cox and
David Horton. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.

Vanderbilt, Tom. Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says about Us). New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008. Print.

Wesson, D., D. Stephens, K. Lam, D. Parsons, L. Spence, and P. Parkin. "Trends in Pediatric and Adult Bicycling Deaths Before and After Passage of a Bicycle Helmet Law -- Wesson Et Al. 122 (3): 605 -- Pediatrics." Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation. 2008. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Williams, Martha. Bike Fancy. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Wilson, David Gordon, Jim Papadopoulos, and Frank Rowland. Whitt. Bicycling
Science. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT, 2004. Print.

Wilson, Mighk. "Bicycling Is Better » Which Cycling Politics: Doom or Possibility?"
Bicycling Is Better. 1 Oct. 2009. Web. 26 May 2010. .

Wood, Daniel B. "On the Rise in American Cities: the Car-free Zone / The Christian
Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com." The Christian Science Monitor –
CSMonitor.com. 2 May 2007. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Dexter & His Trains.

This week I managed to get Dexter down to the library in his stroller, but he was pretty keen on going home on foot. Very cute and all... though SO SLOW. He really knows how to stop and smell the roses.

He refused to sit down on the train and was a show off about standing and holding onto the poles like a grown up. He also insisted on holding his Thomas & Friends DVD the entire time.



I ended up being the mommy that pushed her handbag home in a stroller.



I love how Dexter never seems to require my "help" anymore, unless it is in the evening when he wants to snuggle and there is nobody around to see. Bah!

Cycling While Pregnant: Q&A with Melissa

As part of my collaboration with S from Simply Bike, we have been gathering some Q&A's from other cycling ladies out there. Ladies, thanks for sharing!



Name: Melissa

Age: 28

Location: St. Louis, MO

Cycling for how many years: Going on seven years



Favorite part about cycling: Being part of the streets I ride through – really experiencing my surroundings. Getting around without a car. Knowing I’m doing something good for my health and for the environment

Bike(s) you ride: Kona Jake and Schwinn Voyager

What three words sum up your cycling experience while being pregnant: Normal, fun, empowering

How did being pregnant affect your approach to cycling or your daily commute: Due to a job change prior to becoming pregnant, a daily [bicycle] commute was no longer part of the picture. To make up for this, I tried to use my bike as much as possible on the weekends to make sure that I could gradually adjust to my changing body.

For awhile, I mostly rode the Schwinn, which is a hybrid, because it seemed more stable, plus I thought the more upright posture would be more comfortable for my growing belly. Toward the end, I ended up on the Kona again – enjoying the advantages of a lighter and faster bike (to make up for my slower pace).

Weather also played a role. In the winter months, I was extra cautious about biking when the roads were icy, and once the heat of the summer hit (the last weeks of my pregnancy), I limited my rides to the cooler part of the day.

What (if anything) surprised you about cycling while pregnant: Although I went into it with the goal of cycling up until the end, the fact that I did so was a bit of a surprise (a pleasant one) since I’d never been pregnant before and didn’t really know what to expect or how I would feel at various points.

At 34 weeks, I completed a rather intense 2-day cycling instructor training, involving hours of on-bike time in hot summer weather. Going into the weekend, I was pretty nervous, but we rode at an easy pace, and I not only completed the training, I felt great at the end!

How did your family and friends react to you cycling while pregnant: My husband, who also bikes, was very supportive. Since cycling for transportation was so much a part of my lifestyle already, I made my intentions to cycle throughout the pregnancy pretty clear from the beginning. Perhaps because of this (?), I did not hear anything negative from family or friends. I always wondered what strangers were thinking, especially toward the end, and I kept expecting to have to defend my decisions, but those situations never materialized.

What (if any) special accommodations did you require to continue cycling throughout your pregnancy: The main “accommodation” was relaxing the pace and intensity of my riding. Both of my bikes have straight top tubes (AKA “male” bicycle frames), and I considered getting a step-through frame to make getting on and off the bicycle easier. Toward the end, it was a little tricky, but both bikes I already had worked fine.

I did stop using my clip-less shoes/pedals to eliminate the risk of a silly fall.

What would you say to another woman interested in cycling while pregnant? What have you taken away from the experience: Go for it! If you were already cycling before you were pregnant, you’re in a great position to continue throughout your pregnancy (of course, you should consult your midwife or doctor, but if they’re not supportive, consider getting a second opinion).

If you continue a regular cycling routine, you adjust to your new, changing body gradually, which eliminates or minimizes balance and discomfort issues.

Cycling throughout the pregnancy was very empowering. Toward the end, each ride felt like a fun accomplishment. I was proud of my body and its abilities, even while in such a different state!

In addition to cycling, what other activities helped you stay fit and active during your pregnancy: I lifted weights 2-3 times/week, modifying as necessary throughout the pregnancy. Early on, I would jog to the gym for lifting; later, I switched to walking. In general, I walked and moved as much as possible.

Biking with Baby.

In anticipation for biking with an infant - I wanted to share a few thoughts.

There has been a lot of talk on G&B about biking while pregnant lately, and so far everybody has been playing nice. There are occasional comments from others, about us pregnant ladies being careful and not overexerting ourselves when we're not feeling up to the task, but otherwise, biking while pregnant seems like business as usual to those of us who do it.

I would like to add that it would appear that naysayers should be mindful that most of us pregnant ladies don't seem to seek strenuous physical activity when we're not feeling well. It doesn't seem logical to need to be reminded not to... you know... do something that makes you hurt or feel ill.

This brings me to my gripe with biking with infants. We cycling moms seem to put on a smiley face and sort of avoid the topic because it brings forth all these opinions and possible judgment. But, the fact remains that most of the moms I know, even the ones who cycle, just sort of accept that you can't easily bike with an infant. We go on walks (oftentimes just to walk, not as transportation) or we wait until there is somebody else around so we can run away for a quick ride before we have to be back and nurse the infant. Doesn't sound easy and liberating, huh? Well, if you're used to biking almost everywhere - it isn't!



I'm not talking about cycling with a 1 yr old (which seems to be the general recommendation from trailer manufacturers and helmet companies). I'm talking about infants. I've seen it done in other countries before, where putting a baby in a front mounted basket is no big thing, but riding around with an infant isn't really a socially accepted activity here in North America.

Alright, so I understand that an infant is certainly not strong enough to sit upright and their necks are really wobbly. I'm not advocating for anybody to go out there and shake their baby through the power of pot holes and off-road racing. However, securing your baby's car seat in some sort of towing device, on a familiar residential route with little traffic, shouldn't be the end of the world. Obviously there are many variables to consider, such as the condition of the pavement, how fast you're riding, the experience of the rider, etc. I just think it feels rather limiting as a cyclist to be restricted from one of the ways I get around. The only reason I survive is because I live so very close to the train, and will have twice had the luxury of giving birth in time for summer. This all makes being a transit-oriented pedestrian much friendlier.

I've seen some cycling mamas and papas out there who are back on the bike with their infants as soon as possible, but it's still the sort of thing that appears to be for "alternative" people. My point is simply this: It doesn't seem very fair that a new parent's mobility is limited to such an extent when you use cycling as transportation. If we follow the logic laid out to us by helmet companies and child-cargo manufacturers, then, if you cycle and you happen to have a baby... you're not allowed to bike again for about a year.

This line of reasoning doesn't just strike me as odd. It makes me angry!

It seems to support the notion that having a baby is somehow an illness of sorts, or a burden. I am happy to make accommodations for a little one in the family. I don't think that has to mean we can't even go see mama's friend for lunch or get some groceries sans car. Having a baby shouldn't have to mean having a sedentary lifestyle, even if it's temporary.

So I don't have some sort of ultimate solution here. I'm not saying helmets have to be made for babies that are 4 weeks old. I'm not saying that all new moms should get back in the saddle and pedal around 100% of the time. I'm just saying I wish there were more options and more tolerance for those of us who don't like to think of having a baby as automatically having a ball and chain to one's car.

Meaet!

Forgive the weird biking-in-snow photos, the shutter speed on auto was being ridiculously slow and frankly, it was too cold to fiddle around with. So here we are!

Don and I biked to the train and went downtown to check out MEAET. It's a micro-fundraiser put on by Nextgen, as a part of the city's METROPOLIS winter festival. There are a bunch of wicked pavilions in the middle of the big square downtown, where Edmontonians can get-together and hang out semi-outdoors.

We were in the community pavilion, designed by Gene Dub, the architect behind our city hall.



I like how the light is constantly changing.





Though the pavilions are heated to a degree, it was still a coat-on sort of environment.



I liked going up on the gangplank.



We all gathered about and waited for the pitches.



How it works is people who are looking for some funding for their start-up project can make a 5 minute pitch. At the end of the evening, everybody in attendance votes on the idea they liked best, and the winner takes all the proceeds from the ticket sales that evening. Winners come back at the next MEAET to update the audience on how the project is proceeding.

Last time's winners were two teen moms from the terra centre. They used their start-up funds to begin filming an awareness video for teen parents!



We were fed a delicious comfort-food meal by Nomad. Very yummy - thanks!





After the meal, we heard the pitches!

They were all really good, featuring pitches to share local music on the Edmonton Queen, funding for a co-op of fashion designers-run boutique here in Edmonton, Edmonton's best kept secrets, local organic farming, and people-powered (read: bike powered) parties.



The winner took home over $800 for a concrete sculpture project that will be featured in a downtown park on the weekend of February 25th.

On our way home, it began to snow.





Just dust off that saddle and hop on.



When the roads are gross, I usually ride in a car's tire track.



Wee!



Have I mentioned? Love my winter bike.

Road Rash - Introduction

This is part of a series of posts featuring parts of my paper, Road Rash.

Road Rash: A Literature Review of Cycling on a Car-Continent

The first understanding I had when doing a literature review of North American bicycle transportation is that such texts, scholarly or otherwise, are sparse. This is in contrast to literature on sport or recreational cycling, of which there is plenty, but which is not our subject. Only in the last three to four years have texts related to cycling lifestyle become more pronounced. Academic writing on bicycling culture is sparse, and this is all the more apparent when looking for a specifically North American perspective on bicycling. However, the writing that is available on life with bicycles reveals an interesting divide between the success of cycling in some European countries and the struggle for some North American cities to likewise transform their car-oriented habits. In short, it proved difficult to do a literature review on North American writing on cycling culture without continually being brought back to texts that referred to European bike culture. Much of the North American writing on cycling is either on the topic of European models of cycling (such as some choice cities in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany) or commentary on how North American bike culture compares to or is different from European models. Of course there are exceptions to the rule. There are flourishing biking cities in North America such as Vancouver and Portland, and there are also some cities in the aforementioned European countries that have challenges with their cycling goals. This literature review will refer to the general rule as opposed to the exceptions in an effort to highlight the current overall status of bicycle transportation in North America.

Help With Motivation.

Sometimes on my day off, and especially when Dexter is off having fun at grandma & grandpa Chan's (their house is so fun we refer to it as Chateau Chan), I don't feel like doing anything. I just want to laze about and watch some shows and not get dressed.

But life is too busy and there are things that must be done! I was having trouble mustering up the motivation to go out and complete a few mundane tasks, so I texted Don to see if he would have a gap in his afternoon to go on a bike date with me. Sometimes it's just more fun to bike with company.

Don did indeed have a little gap in his schedule! He passed through the bungalow in between meetings and we both got the winter bikes out of the garage. After taking Dougal for some exercise via bike, we continued to ride to the high level bridge area.



Don came along with me to satisfy my craving for poutine at La Poutine. I get the "Canadian" one, which is basically poutine with bacon.



Then it was off to see the printers and pick up a consignment cheque from Red Pony. Did some browsing while I was there and spotted a really fantastic Calvin Klein LBD (size 4) for a steal. There was also a "grandpa" cardigan by Maison Scotch for a fraction of the retail price. If you live in Edmonton, you should go and get your hands on those before somebody else does.



On my way home, I also stopped by Flirt cupcakes to get a little something for afternoon tea.



Rush hour was just beginning when I was heading back, and even with the gross road conditions and patchy dirty/sand mixed with ice chunks, it was easy to ride in traffic. Things are a little tighter than usual in the winter, but generally speaking, our roads are very wide in comparison to the kind you would see in Europe. There really is plenty of room for everybody, even without marked bike lanes. I just took it slow to ensure that I didn't run into any doors, and went in a nice straight line so the traffic beside me didn't feel the need to freak out.

All in all, it was a producive, active, and calorie-ridden day!

All made possible with ease and convenience, by the bicycle.