Sensing a common theme: “can’t we get along?”

05.08.13

0

Rodney King’s quote might continue to live on. I am sensing a common new theme this spring centered around education and other efforts to encourage bicycles and cars to “get along.” This theme certainly comports with my developing theory of the importance of autos and cars being able to better “co-mingle” in downtown (and other environments). See: (1) the New York bike sharing folks are holding classes to help educate cyclists about riding with cars around and (2) the creative Bikes Belong video of the month, encouraging the modes to “roll together.”

Be first to comment

Infographics and gamification

03.28.13

0

The following infographic from Active Living Research recently came across my email. It is nicely presented; it is a fair representation of some of the research. But……

…while it might satisfy some central purposes of an infographic, we have argued elsewhere, it is best to to consider the balance of the research and not rely on what one study here or there has to offer about a particular factoid.

Illustration of points for completing sustainable activities The larger issue is that based on an article in the recent issue of ensia, knowledge and information have little to do with behavior change. Moral suasion does not work either (my favorite quote from the article: “If educating people about an issue would solve the problem, we would have no obesity and no smokers in our country”).

Two reactions: First, competition (what they call “gamification”) and peer pressure are paramount. We are getting there with the both–in terms of cycling, at least–but these elements take time to engender in society. Second, talk is cheap. Most everyone says they want to save water and the planet; action is less so.

Be first to comment

Three-hundred and twenty-nine days in NYC

02.14.13

0

329 days is how much longer the Bloomberg administration will be in office in NYC, including Janette Sadik-Khan. So, this how long they have to finish all of their aggressive cycling projects for which they have received much acclaim and this is how long we have to wait to hear the degree to which the new incumbent might roll back some of the advancements.

Be first to comment

Why the need for more than one bike

10.31.12

1

People often question the seemingly ridiculous need for multiple bicycles. A good figure clarifies all of this.

1 comment

Cyclists might not be as cheap as we think

09.28.12

0

Here’s an interesting spin on a different dimension of cyclists (and walkers): the degree to which their per visit expenditures (to supermarkets, bars, restaurants) are more or less than their auto counterparts. My close colleague, Kelly Clifton, recently presented the report to (of course) the Portland bicycling scene.

Be first to comment

Uptick in cycling research

07.26.12

0

Over the past few years, I’ve mentioned how there seems to be more than a general uptick in cycling-related “activity” out there. More coverage in the NY Times; more cities paying attention to cycling; more sales for bikes that allow us to get around town; more politicians mentioning bicycling as a platform; and, more academics studying elements of cycling. The list can go on.

These activities–and the corresponding uptick in academia–are reflected in the recent article in Pacific Standard.

Be first to comment

Coming soon to a TV near you: a PBS special on healthy communities with academics from Boulder prattling about bike paths

02.12.12

0

Coming soon to a TV near you: a PBS special on healthy communities with academics from Boulder prattling about bike paths

Popular press pieces that promote a certain ideology or urban planning mission often come across as “duh.” Kool-aid consumers are already aware of the central arguments. Most academics get queasy with the oversimplifications. Opponents of the arguments find it to too easy to roll their eyes.

But, most of these popular press things still play a role. They at least get people talking.

A high-quality, high-gloss, and high-content PBS special is being rolled in most TV markets this month on Designing Healthy Communities. In the Denver area, it is airing this Sunday, February 12, on KDVR Channel 12 at 8:00pm. Check your station here.

I appear in Episode 1 times a few times prattling about bike paths and Boulder’s situation. Is there anything new here? It is fun to see Dr. Richard Jackson speaking so authoritatively, confidently, and conclusively about so many diverse matters. It is fun to see how the producers wove so many different threads together. And, it is fun to see my sun tea brewing in my own backyard.

Be first to comment