tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40520996488403159862012-02-04T20:46:03.799-05:00Why drive when you could bike?Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-3939966510579836772011-12-14T20:27:00.002-05:002011-12-21T21:54:13.753-05:00

The roadwork on Commonwealth Avenue between Grant Ave. and the Boston line has finished. In spite of repeated pledges by city officials to paint bike lanes on that length of Comm. Ave., the absence of bike lanes is loud. -----update 12/21/12------ Apparently, it's the fault of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A recent email from Newton's Commissioner of Public Works to a Bike Newton Steering

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-59009773574490175442011-12-14T12:21:00.000-05:002011-12-14T12:21:38.130-05:00

Bike Newton recently received an email about an event that should interest anyone who wants to keep fit later this winter when the white starts blowing: My name is Allison Carter, and I am part of Team Velox Rota, the largest friends-and-family cycling team that raises funds and rides for the MS Foundation of New England. We are a Boston-area group that trains and educates cyclists for safe,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-30240759686677412522011-08-28T11:48:00.004-04:002011-08-28T12:07:51.023-04:00

On Tuesday last week, one of our own, Jo-Anne Wyndham, was badly injured when a car struck her on her bicycle. Here is her story, from an email (reproduced with permission): I was right hooked by a car turning right into a gas station... . The driver passed me with my 2 rear blinkys on, much reflective clothing and bike shoes and a very bright front blinky all visible and turned right into the

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-32618034304562298372011-05-14T16:11:00.001-04:002011-05-14T16:41:14.825-04:00

What's becoming more and more clear to this novice activist is that any local changes to roadways and road use pretty much require changes in the procedures of governance. Bike Newton (along with Newton BikePed) has been diligently working on convincing various elected and appointed officials that we need changes on our roads to make them safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. At a recent

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-11067681024494104892010-09-27T21:59:00.000-04:002010-09-27T21:59:44.936-04:00

Not only do we need more bikes for the environment, we need more bikes to balance local budgets! Taxes borne by drivers (fuel, registration, etc.) support highways. The cost of driving on local streets is mostly borne by non-driving-related taxes: sales taxes, property taxes. We're all sharing the cost, even those of us who drive less or not at all. Roads cost about 28 cents per mile of car

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-20033952809390020382010-09-27T10:55:00.003-04:002010-09-27T11:05:08.223-04:00

Newton has less than 0.2% of its roads marked with bike lanes. Boston has almost 4% marked with bike lanes. What about your town? Let's create an annual metro Boston town ranking, see who is doing best, and which towns need to get their acts together. Kind of like college rankings. Contact your town transportation department or bike group to find out how many miles of bike lane you have, and

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-24252561537824549902010-09-14T21:02:00.000-04:002010-09-14T21:02:00.881-04:00

Get a finger-snapping, foot-tapping earful of the mellow sounds of the Nate Aronow Nextet with their brand new number, "Bikin' the Bike"! 

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-23254381060096508522010-08-02T16:20:00.003-04:002010-08-02T18:13:40.811-04:00

Tired of the tuesday afternoon gridlock on Beacon Street? Bike Newton will be providing free valet parking for bicyclist shoppers at Newton Farmer's Market at Cold Spring Park tomorrow from 1:30 to 6:00 pm. Don't forget a backpack to hold your veggies, and of course your helmet.If successful, bike valet parking will be extended to the friday market in Nonantum. We may even arrange for delivery

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-18772936982270344992010-08-01T07:40:00.000-04:002010-08-01T07:40:17.548-04:00

I've been offline lately while I learn to be a reference librarian. One of my assignments was to create an annotated bibliography - a list of sources with descriptions. Perfect opportunity for a bike-friendly bibliography! And here it is: 31 sources (web pages, federal, state, and local documents, and studies in peer-reviewed journals) to help Newton become more bike-friendly. Most of the

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-32984311432779847142010-07-29T10:15:00.002-04:002010-07-29T10:21:59.740-04:00

Colleges are great places to site car shares. Salem State has just added a zipcar hybrid and cargo truck on campus and offered students a discount on membership.Meanwhile, Newton's Transporation Advisory Committee will be making a transporation map that includes zipcar location in town.Building on the Salem State story, it seems Lasell College and Mt. Ida could be great places to site zipcars,

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-42936063547475026042010-07-21T17:47:00.003-04:002010-07-22T19:19:22.777-04:00

Newton has roughly 310 miles of paved roadway, occupying roughly 10% of Newton's land. The city is talking about 8-laning Route 9 in Chestnut Hill, 4-laning Winchester/Needham Street, and letting the MBTA help itself to a massive parking garage at Riverside. Meanwhile, other forward-thinking communities (like Charlotte, NC) are embracing Complete Streets. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-47691442719127483792010-07-21T10:46:00.002-04:002010-07-21T11:03:59.126-04:00

A young woman biker (with helmet) was being stablized with a neck brace this morning around 10AM. She was sitting up, conscious, in tears. It looks like she had been heading eastbound on Beacon St. just east of Cold Spring Park, and collided with a car at/near the driveway to a new office building there.

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-73111065451579190462010-07-07T19:54:00.000-04:002010-07-07T19:54:56.581-04:00

My wife and son are in New Jersey. We all went down together in our one car on Friday, and caught the fireworks in my mother-in-law's home town. On Sunday, fetching bagels for a brunch, wishing I had a bike stored there so I could bike to and from the bagelry, I reflected on all the driving around we do that's so unnecessary and happens only because there's no good alternative. The next day, we

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-40516464266453818582010-07-02T01:18:00.003-04:002010-07-02T01:38:01.386-04:00

Dear BH Normandy Riverside LLC, Please draw up plans - just for kicks - that retain the existing number of parking spaces at Riverside (960), but no new ones. Then please estimate how much this design would shift commuting to the site by the T rather than the estimated 8,230 additional vehicle trips per day estimated to come via I-95. Feel free to comment on whether you are skeptical that a

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-79047300486902616932010-07-02T00:55:00.004-04:002010-07-02T01:03:29.898-04:00

Total area of Proposed Riverside Development: 1,091,162 square feet.Retail: 14,800 square feetResidential: 260,000 square feetOffice Space: 595,000 square feetPARKING*: 748,000 SQUARE FEET*2,720 parking spaces at ca. 275 square feet per parking space**area estimates from http://www.riversidestation.info

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-76067000614910673622010-06-30T19:14:00.002-04:002010-06-30T19:24:31.404-04:00

I contacted zipcar to ask how people could lobby for a zipcar in their neighborhood. Go to www.zipcar.com/notify-me and put in your home address (or an address near where you want a car). Zipcar uses this information in guiding their placement of cars. Maybe Bike Newton can spearhead a get-out-the-vote campaign for a village center - any village nominations?(Full disclosure: I have no

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-40386048734653311272010-06-28T16:50:00.002-04:002010-06-28T16:56:10.814-04:00

JUNE 28 (Mon) 7 pm Film: “Beyond the Motor City”, Newton Main Library, co-sponsor: green decade newton Here's a preview.

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-35157650961387672862010-06-24T16:34:00.004-04:002010-06-24T16:40:08.077-04:00

An alternative to zipcar is a non-profit model that partners with municipalities and transit agencies, like citycarshare. This bay area organization appears to beat zipcar on a $ per hour basis. Zipcar seems to have Boston covered pretty well, but could a non-profit model work in 'burbs like Newton?

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-70650187854239051682010-06-22T23:20:00.002-04:002010-06-22T23:49:43.927-04:00

Things worked out somewhat differently than I was expecting on my first zipcar use, but I give the experience a thumbs up. For starters, neither of the 2 Riverside T zipcars were available when I needed them monday. But the zipcar search turned up an available car at Babson College in Wellesley, 3.8 miles away - more than what I was expecting, but it turned out to be a nice bike ride there on

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-37591109095950627552010-06-20T08:25:00.008-04:002010-06-20T10:10:48.364-04:00

59% of households in Newton are multi-vehicle. Can families go single car in Newton? This often seems impractical, if not impossible. In my household we are trying to make it work, but not without challenges. Last week, embroiled in a logistical dilemma involving my need to travel to central Massachusetts while my daughter was scheduled for a dental appointment in Needham, I looked into zipcar.

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-62797509629156144152010-06-18T15:16:00.004-04:002010-06-18T18:14:56.432-04:00

Today I biked to our little community garden plot at Nahanton Park. That's not, by itself, unusual. I get there by bike most of the time. But today, I was putting in tomatoes. The plants were a donation from our upstairs neighbor, some nice heirloom cherries, and they'd sat in the yard in their little containers for, um... let's just call it a few weeks. They'd gotten a little leggy. In fact,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-62438513288740749712010-06-18T14:06:00.000-04:002010-06-18T14:06:58.615-04:00

... it was patriotic to conserve.  Americans were united against a common enemy. These days, it seems as if what unites Americans is a right to go anywhere at any time, using any and all resources, at any expense. It's time to put a flag on my bike.

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-67987495416307322882010-06-17T05:09:00.008-04:002010-06-17T05:37:52.786-04:00

Boston." Those words were Mayor Menino's in introducing the Boston Bike Safety Summit last month. It drew a sustained ovation. I was taken aback by the lack of political calibration. It was a political masterstroke, but refreshing to hear nonetheless. In Newton we need our own bike safety summit. But unlike Boston, Mayor Warren cannot truthfully say what Menino said. Indeed, the Car IS King in

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-12957039674543692432010-06-14T22:29:00.000-04:002010-06-14T22:29:58.523-04:00

Here's the email the that the Bike Newton board received this evening from Molly Schaeffer, who commutes across Newton by bike daily: Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you all know that the Newton Police did a super job tonight.  Those of you who know me know I ride with very bright lights front and rear, day and night + safety yellow clothing (and always helmet).  That still didn't prevent me

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-22692855787850622052010-06-13T15:36:00.004-04:002010-06-14T07:14:52.214-04:00

I saw the chipmunk's coat Had slid off the meat On the gray pavement, As I coasted to a stop. The napped fur matched A liver-spot on my hand, Which I rubbed, noting How my skin slid Over the fine bones. This place will be marked By a leathery array For a week or more Then a light stain. If gods populate The vacuum around us, May they note the loss As they pass over At great speed, Propelled

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-40859941854894526262010-06-12T02:14:00.012-04:002010-06-12T04:04:49.992-04:00

Thoroughfares often intersect cross streets without stop signs or signals. Cars, not stoplights, check traffic. They stop and signal to turn, backing traffic up behind them, sometimes abruptly. Rear-end collisions happen. Should bikes act like cars here?Same Roads, Same Rules suggests so. This is dangerous advice. Advocates of Same Rules: what say you?(Case in point: intersection of Chestnut St.

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-65641170093351257202010-06-10T12:00:00.001-04:002010-06-10T12:02:55.418-04:00

For the curious, here is Massachusetts Law regarding bikes, much of which was changed in April, 2009: Highlight from Chapter 90, Section 14: It shall not be a defense for a motorist causing an accident with a bicycle that the bicycle was to the right of vehicular traffic. Chapter 85: Section 11A. Bicycles; registration [ Text of section effective until April 15, 2009. Repealed by 2008, 525,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-39492268227987547292010-06-10T09:53:00.005-04:002010-06-12T09:08:02.694-04:00

My wife is a dependable reality check about biking. (She doesn't bike, owing to a host of athletic injuries from her youth.) She listened last night to what I had to say about the discord between bikers and drivers, and offered her perspective as a driver contending with unpredictable and frequently reckless bikers: They drive me crazy!More specifically, she said she really, really doesn't want

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-86694506707480616482010-06-09T11:13:00.002-04:002010-06-09T11:21:08.074-04:00

You can be part of this: donate your empty soda cans or plastic bottles (email nathan@bu.edu). We'll pick them up by bike, redeem them, and donate the coupons to the Newton Food Pantry, at the same time we make our weekly bike trips there to deliver surplus food. On the way home from the Food Pantry, we take compostable items and recyclable cardboard back to the Rumford Ave recycling center.

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-16782706200347140122010-06-07T21:29:00.000-04:002010-06-07T21:29:03.432-04:00

Bike Newton is assembling bike crash data for Newton from Mass Highway reports and loading it up to Google Maps. View Bike Accidents, Newton '03-'07 in a larger map So far, we've loaded 2003-2007. 2008 and 2009 will be loaded as soon as we get the reports for those years. Bike Newton and BPTF will use this data in upcoming discussions with representatives of Newton Police, the Mayor's office,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-47375990062217827752010-06-05T10:01:00.008-04:002010-06-05T10:24:33.392-04:00

"if the bicyclist would have just waited in traffic like everybody else, we would all be talking about something else right now...traffic was stopped or just about stopped, so not really moving in the travel lane. Sounds like a good old fashioned rush hour traffic jam to me." - JD71, Newton Tab comments, referencing the May 27 run-over cyclist on Comm Ave.It is amazing and disconcerting what

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-91346179314806676772010-05-30T09:52:00.018-04:002010-05-30T10:58:39.021-04:00

Filled your Nth bag with cans and dreading the recycling center? No worries. Do good for the environment and your neighbors. Let Bike Newton pick them up - by bike, of course! Redeemable aluminum cans and plastic bottles are welcomed. Proceeds will go to the Newton Food Pantry, where Bike Newton already delivers surplus food (yes, by bike).Send email to nathan@bu.edu with the subject "bike for

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-88343381483930152932010-05-24T13:01:00.003-04:002010-05-24T16:01:16.707-04:00

You've gotten your bike ready, picked a destination and route, and gone for a ride. Now it's time to talk about how to make this initial foray into a habit. 1: Make the decision easy: Too often, step 1 to getting something done is to pick up the car keys. We keep our various sets of keys in dish. Even after I started trying to bike some of my errands, it took me a few weeks to realize I'd have

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-11530059840144085742010-05-23T08:29:00.002-04:002010-05-24T11:18:36.377-04:00

Now that you've prepped your bike and the route, you're ready for the first big step: replacing a car trip with a bike trip. The biggest change from  biking-as-pasttime to biking-as-transportation is that you add getting something done to the fun. As you begin, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Checklist: Lock, key (if it's a key-type lock), backpack or saddlebag for carrying stuff,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-10001801968697157112010-05-22T15:18:00.002-04:002010-05-22T15:37:07.595-04:00

If you want to experience a little bit of Netherlands-style non-motorized movement, visit the Arnold Arboretum on a nice weekend. Today there were a mix of bikes, walkers, joggers, strollers, scooters, trikes, and rollerbladers, and a few quadrapeds. The scene is a bit different than the Esplenade; the wider lane allows more relaxed, less directed, movement. Bikers, pedestrians, push scooters

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-90975917533513552632010-05-20T09:33:00.003-04:002010-05-20T10:15:36.587-04:00

Hey Andy, After two days of drizzle, the skies cleared today and the ride in was glorious. I am sorry not to have known you after reading what a truly great guy you were. But in a way I do feel like we know each other, as I can sense that biking gave you the same sense of joy, freedom, and that curious existential solitude smack dab amidst the rushing traffic. Anyway, I wanted to make a

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-3169803042783486012010-05-19T21:04:00.002-04:002010-05-19T21:09:49.428-04:00

Places I've biked in Newton: Whole Foods (at Beacon and Walnut), Newton Highlands T, Lincoln Street Cafe, Green Planet Kids, Newton Highlands Post Office, Lincoln St. Park (Highlands), Green Tea Cafe, Echo Bridge, Cold Spring Park, Newton Centre Post Office, Newton Centre T station, CVS, Tango Mango, Johnny D's, Staples (Newton Centre), Newton Free Library, J.P. Licks, Rosenfeld Bagels...  you

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-23213993107405323742010-05-18T11:48:00.009-04:002010-05-25T10:20:12.081-04:00

Though deadly bike accidents are tragic and create dramatic headlines, they are relatively rare. More than 50 million people ride a bike each year. (Source) From 1994-2006, annual fatalities on bikes averaged just over 800, and fatalities are steadily falling. (Source) Read on to find out 6 tips to radically reduce chances of injury and fatality. 1. Don't drink and bike: In 26% of bike

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-70115952049386914512010-05-17T21:05:00.008-04:002010-05-24T12:37:59.503-04:00

According to Wicked Local, a bicyclist died as a result of a collision on Commonwealth Avenue at Lowell/Homer late this afternoon. There are few details yet available. According to the article, the cyclist hit the rear half of a car crossing Commonwealth Ave., and was not wearing a helmet. Everyone at Bike Newton is grieved by this loss, and feels terrible for the cyclist's family and friends,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-27088842004481909012010-05-17T06:55:00.010-04:002010-05-19T20:37:53.817-04:00

It's time to get ready to add biking to your weekly routine. The "Get Ready to Bike" series is for the occasional biker who has a bike tucked in the back of the garage or basement, and would really like to use it more, but finds it a hassle to get it ready for each trip. By the end of this 5-part series, you should be ready to grab the bike lock and helmet instead of the car keys at least once a

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-46400774789150745022010-05-17T06:31:00.005-04:002010-05-17T10:00:43.783-04:00

A few hundred people turned out yesterday to hear some good news about changes happening in Newton:  - Lois Levin, Bike Newton's indomitable President, led off comments by thanking everyone for attending, including Mayor Warren, Senator Creem, and Aldermen John Rice and Deb Crossley. The participation of so many politicians means biking is on the radar! - Alderman John Rice announced the Sunday

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-18140461336166000822010-05-13T14:54:00.000-04:002010-05-13T16:28:52.757-04:00

Why join us this Sunday the 16th, 12:00 - 3:00 at the War Memorial?10. Revel in Sunday's weather. 9. Hear the latest cool news from MassBike.8. Groove to the smooth sounds of the Nate Aronow Nextet.7. Bananas (Courtesy of Whole Foods)6. Win a year of bagels, courtesy of Panera.5. Be inspired by the words of Steve Miller, founder of Hub on Wheels.4. Win a Gary Fisher Gritty City, courtesy of

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-56370353044973934412010-05-12T10:57:00.000-04:002010-05-12T13:26:14.855-04:00

I want to interrupt the habit of grabbing car keys whenever I leave the house, and here are my top five reasons:5. Park. You can park right next to the door, anywhere, for free. The only way you get this service in a car is if you're disabled or you've got a chauffeur.4. Heal. Lack of exercise increases chances of heart disease, cancer, and depression. (Just thinking about it is depressing!) Our

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-54202668719956979312010-05-11T20:26:00.000-04:002010-05-11T20:31:09.002-04:00

The regional version of Boston.com has started up a new biking column. Check it out! I like the first entry, because it's big on fun.

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-32079581373912457482010-05-10T19:36:00.000-04:002010-05-10T19:46:12.136-04:00

FUN!Sunday, May 16, 2010, 12 - 3 PMNewton City Hall, War Memorial StepsGo here and click on "Minors-2010" or "Adults-2010" for downloadable sign up forms for the ride.

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-71973596771710249692010-05-10T18:25:00.000-04:002010-05-11T21:07:52.212-04:00

Hey, in addition to biking the Bike Newton Rally and Ride this coming Sunday (12 -3, War Memorial) and Historic Newton on the 23rd, why not bike to Newton Open Studios locations this weekend? Whatever you do, do it on your bike!For an interactive web-based map click here.For a printable .pdf (with more artist info) click here.

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-12819851106731128162010-05-06T23:50:00.000-04:002010-05-06T22:26:36.243-04:00

This year, you can visit historic homes of Newton (and at least one modern LEED certified home) on Historic Newton's 28th annual house tour, and leave no carbon footprint! Each biker reduces the carbon footprint of the tour by at least 20 pounds, and gets to see Newton at a slower pace.The tour is Sunday, May 23, 12 - 5pm.Historic Newton will have bike-route maps and directions on hand at the

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-88770448253433077562010-05-06T07:15:00.000-04:002010-05-06T07:35:18.230-04:00

Here are a few of the markings I see on my commute in the "bike lane" on Beacon Street between BC and Chestnut Street. With the recent approval of a bike lane from the Boston-Newton city line to the top of the hill, it seems like the chances to get proper bike markings in the rest of Beacon Street can't be too far off!

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-12086720514121605542010-05-05T07:23:00.000-04:002010-05-05T07:28:57.689-04:00

Seen on Beacon Street at St. Mary's recently...

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-47640094855773771882010-05-03T11:05:00.000-04:002010-05-03T11:13:28.636-04:00

Find out how easily you could walk or bike to do errands in Newton at walk score. Just enter your address, and watch how many businesses, parks, and services pop up within a mile.I'm just barely above the Newton average walkscore of 64%, and I find it pretty easy to walk to two village centers, which means the average person in Newton can do this!A mile is an easy 20 minute walk or an easy 7

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-68243307136329816572010-05-02T22:19:00.000-04:002010-05-02T22:43:55.834-04:00

My son and I were standing with our bike/trailabike combo at Beacon and Herrick Road on a beautiful Sunday morning, waiting to cross, when a green SUV turning right from Centre cut off a white SUV coming down Beacon. The white SUV honked, loudly, for a full 15 seconds, while both the driver and passenger waved their arms in anger and consternation. The green SUV turned onto Herrick Road and

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-35879292192198851462010-04-30T23:19:00.001-04:002010-04-30T23:24:51.375-04:00

When there is no conflict with parking, bike lanes need not be approved by Traffic Council. There is no parking along Beacon at least from Hammond St. to Hammond Pond Parkway. All one needs to do is request them:May we please have bike lanes on Beacon St. from Hammond St. to Hammond Pond Parkway? Pretty please?

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-88690290509869659512010-04-28T22:03:00.000-04:002010-04-28T22:08:37.597-04:00

It wasn't merely approved, but approved unanimously in the Traffic Council. And get this: nobody argued to preserve the few lost parking spaces. In fact, at least one Alderman and one policeman argued against preserving the lost spaces. Sean Roche was there, and has written it up in more detail.

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-35285211157658060262010-04-28T08:10:00.000-04:002010-04-28T08:38:36.007-04:00

The Newton Serves bike count (thanks, Steve Heinrichs!) project has already put data on a google map.Surprise! Lots of bikes on Chestnut St.Interesting: Beacon and Comm. Ave. are confirmed as the major east-west routes, though the lower counts on Beacon west of Newton Center suggest that people use Beacon to get to Newton Center and Highlands, but not to go further west. Also, the numbers using

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-78252108970760344072010-04-27T06:43:00.000-04:002010-04-27T06:51:40.494-04:00

I don't know whether Derrick Jackson was on a bike, but he wrote about seeing lots of them in Europe in today's Globe.Great ending:The real headline is when grandma feels safe to pedal down the street to see her grandkids.If you're of a like mind, come join Bike Newton for our annual Rally and Ride at the War Memorial on Sunday, May 16, 12:00 - 3:00pm. Let's make sure our elected representatives

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-15223293058419661692010-04-26T21:13:00.000-04:002010-04-26T21:25:58.615-04:00

Earth Day rolled right into the weekend for me. On the day itself, I biked down to our little garden plot at Nahanton Park with a roll of chicken wire and a spade strapped ingeniously to the back rack with a bungee and some velcro, and a pannier full of tools. I dug out weeds and grass and chatted with garden neighbors, and dug some more. A bluebird dropped in for a visit and sang to me from a

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-53327643051794548402010-04-13T07:07:00.000-04:002010-04-13T07:26:20.797-04:00

Take a minute to read this inspiring entry at Daily Kos about really radical ways to re-imagine our streets. Here's the general idea:Some say, "things are never going to change, people will never walk or bike if they can drive." However, that's only because we've come to automatically assume that the streets have always been -- and will always be -- filled with traffic and exhaust.If the streets

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-68549084953171400592010-04-11T18:42:00.000-04:002010-04-11T21:14:57.791-04:00

May 17-21, 2010 is Bay State Bike Week (and National Bike Week), and Newtonites will have lots of opportunities to participate right here in the Garden City. Kicking off the week will be the 3rd Annual Bike Newton Rally and Ride on Sunday, May 16, from noon-3pm at Newton City Hall. See here for details. On Monday May 17, at 6pm, the Bike Newton "No Rider Left Behind" bike ride will depart from

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-50709425852634451992010-04-09T13:51:00.001-04:002010-04-13T21:43:23.865-04:00

After two terrible accidents in Boston (one two), I'm thinking about safety.I'm both a driver and a biker.Everyone, bikers and drivers, can help make roads safer.Drivers: Drive like GrandmaI did a little test last night. I drove to and from the grocery store in two different modes: Grandma and Young Turk. The drive is 2 1/2 miles, involves 6 turns, 4 stop signs, and 3 traffic signals.On the way

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-85800655878705363632010-03-24T22:47:00.000-04:002010-03-24T23:05:23.224-04:00

Our friends over at Newton Streets and Sidewalks share some exciting news: Newton is taking its first baby steps to follow Boston's lead on installing a bike lane on Beacon Street, from the Boston city line up to the stoplight at the top of the hill. This is only approx. 1/4 mile, but it is some of the busiest 1/4 mile on the entire street; more importantly, this sets a precedent and raises our

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-57452628366995360012010-03-24T22:45:00.000-04:002010-03-24T22:47:04.802-04:00

MARCH 28 11 am-2 pm BIKE NEWTON’s “NEWTON UNPLUGGED & CONNECTED” EVENT (all ages)WAR MEMORIAL CIRCLE. We’ll help you get your bike ready for spring - lube, air, we might even help you degrease your chain. See bikenewton.org for more info.

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-44293847027661752902010-03-22T21:48:00.000-04:002010-03-23T20:35:38.247-04:00

The Bike Newton General Meeting and Smart Cycling Clinic on March 21 was a huge success! 50+ attendees discussed how to make Bike Newton a more Bicycle Friendly Community. There were Aldermen, City officials, the Bike & Pedestrian Task Force, the Bike Newton Steering Committee, Newton Police, members of Bike Newton, and interested citizens. Many arrived by bike and took advantage of the

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-11480158088131020012010-03-13T09:36:00.000-05:002010-03-13T09:45:14.967-05:00

Steve Miller of Livable Streets has gathered some remarkable data, all of which says: Biking makes economic sense.Some highlights:According to one study (based on 2006 gas prices and a 10 mile round trip commute), a person who bikes to work for a year will save $1,825 in auto-related costs, reduce carbon emissions by 128 pounds, conserve 145 gallons of gasoline, avoid 5 hours of gridlock traffic,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-30499220871062536662010-03-10T15:37:00.000-05:002010-03-11T21:26:39.958-05:00

Google Maps has finally rolled out the long-asked-for bike route function, with details about useful bike routes in 150 cities nationwide. You can take a look at your area by going to google maps and checking "bicycle" in the "more" menu. Here's what Newton looks like:Hmmm... a lot of those green lines pretty much end at the Newton border. Why? Because the map's "only as good as the data it's

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-78911092830095361022010-03-09T21:55:00.000-05:002010-03-09T22:42:18.514-05:00

Bike Newton, working hard all through the winter, has applied to the League of American Bicyclists to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community. A Bicycle Friendly Community succeeds in fostering bicycling in five areas: Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement, Evaluation & Planning.On Sunday, March 21 from 2:00 - 5:00pm, you have a chance to help shape how Newton moves forward in all

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-19293822996352637442010-03-05T09:54:00.000-05:002010-03-05T10:20:28.923-05:00

I have quite a stable of vehicles in addition to the 10 year old Honda, so we can get everything done that a suburban family needs to get done.During most of the winter, my other car is:And yet another, for errands, and for commuting when the weather's above freezing:And finally the "wagon" for trips with the offspring:The best part is the cost for all these vehicles. The charliecard runs me just

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-85627955576853355602010-03-01T14:26:00.001-05:002010-03-02T12:16:56.649-05:00

Nicole Freedman of Bike Boston is starting to update the Boston Bike Map (.pdf) and would like input about Newton.Take a look at the map, and go to this survey to add your input!

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-10892873814101074662010-03-01T13:40:00.001-05:002010-03-01T13:54:50.710-05:00

The Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP) has come out with an excellent report on parking policies across the US. Parking minimums have created nightmarish car-centric landscapes out of many of our suburban areas. Newton has been spared the worst of excesses, but could improve. A lot. Let's try to redesign Newton with the idea that parking should be part of a transportation

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-85308304743193722012010-02-24T10:52:00.000-05:002010-02-24T11:07:26.867-05:00

Observed eastbound on Beacon St. approaching Washington Square, circa Shaws, a man pedaling up the hill in the cold driving rain, one hand on the handlebars, one hand grasping a shopping cart behind him full with bags of cans and bottles to recycle, navigating between parked cars on one side and heavy traffic on the other.I blew past him thinking he is even crazier than I to ride in this weather,

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-41848298939685872412010-02-17T20:37:00.000-05:002010-02-17T20:41:40.591-05:00

As I was driving today, I had a moment that reminded me of a defining feature of being on a bike in traffic: ambiguity.I was approaching an intersection where I knew I'd take a right. Lane markings seemed to indicate I was in the right lane, though there was rather a lot of room to my right. Sure enough, someone pulled up to my right, in spite of my turn signal. Perhaps the lane markings have

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-11220915735393528002010-02-11T22:11:00.000-05:002010-02-11T22:23:08.684-05:00

I just responded to a very brief questionnaire by some design students at Olin College. According to Boston Biker, "In this class they have to try to shed their assumptions and immerse themselves in the new culture, by observing, asking, and trying. When they actually start the ideation processes, they do so collaboratively, with the people they are designing for." This group has chosen bike

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-50360611485569461322010-01-27T20:53:00.000-05:002010-01-27T21:03:42.597-05:00

I was standing at the hall closet this morning, indecisively looking from winter hat to helmet. To bike, or not to bike? On the biking side: sunny, not so cold, not so windy. On the not-biking (taking the T) side: the hill on Beacon up to B.C. It just wears me out, even thinking about it. And I haven't biked much in the last few months, victim of a self-reinforcing dynamic: the longer I go

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-84217028865340492002010-01-20T09:14:00.001-05:002010-01-20T11:02:07.830-05:00

Have an idea how to make biking to school safer? Are you a student (or do you have a student) at Newton South or Brown Middle School?The Newton Bike and Pedestrian Task Force is hosting a forum on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 PM in the Newton South auditorium. Bike Newton will be on hand as well.The Boston Globe covered the story Sunday.What is it like, biking to Newton South and Brown and Oak

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-24378157456303786682010-01-17T20:33:00.000-05:002010-01-17T20:39:52.736-05:00

Winter biking for me pretty much involves eyeing my bike at the back of the garage and thinking to myself, "Who am I trying to kid? Why haven't I put my bike in the basement for the season?" But the other day there was a car snafu in which I ended up car-less with plans that involved a car. Ordinarily, I'd just shrug and change plans, but these plans involved a promise to a six-year-old to

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-50412791203956912392010-01-15T09:24:00.001-05:002010-01-15T09:27:18.085-05:00

I have let my bike go far too long without a wash this winter. But it is kind of hard to wash a bike in freezing conditions. It is a hassle to turn the hose on since it is shut off in the basement. And while I have thought of organizing a group ride to the local you-do-it car wash and use the high pressure sprayer, the Allston one is the only one I can think of close to Newton and that is out

Nathan Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06346604066618943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052099648840315986.post-18638631949451159862010-01-12T11:43:00.000-05:002010-01-12T11:59:33.221-05:00

What better way to start a blog than with good news?Of the top ten topics for AASHTO (State Highway Transportation Officials) for 2010, here's #10:10) Creating more livable communitiesThe Administration has made livable communities a key aspect of their agenda. In June of 2009, EPA, HUD and USDOT entered into a Sustainable Communities Partnership to help improve access to affordable housing,

Steve Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734897261007112736noreply@blogger.com0