I know it's not a new phenomenon, but it seems like lately there is a lot more mainstream news about Cyclocross racing; already hugely popular in Europe, it seems like Cyclocross is having its “moment” in North America. Cyclocross, combines elements of mountain biking and road racing, but with a twist: when the going gets tough, the tough sling their bikes across their shoulders and run with them.

Many participants cite the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that permeates Cyclocross events as one of the biggest draws. For a lot of people, it's a great way to get in a hardcore workout while having fun and maybe even a cool adult beverage*. Cyclocross races are not as fast as standard road races, and cyclists tend to enjoy more space during the race. There's also the added bonus of softer surfaces (grass and mud, for example) if a fall is in the cards. The season tends to run autumn through winter, with national championships in Canada and the US happening in November and January.

What do you think? Have you tried Cyclocross? Tell us about it by commenting below or sharing on Facebook!

*Alcohol and wheels don't mix. Please don't drink and ride.

Source(s):
Wikipedia
The Washington Post

Photo by Dave Haygarth

Attention cyclists! Bicycles with SR Suntour forks are being recalled due to the possibility that they will break, and that the wheel could come off the bicycle, posing a potential risk for injury.

Affected bicycles include Cannondale, Diamondback, Giant, GT, INA International, Schwinn, Scott, and Trek; they will be fitted with the SR Suntour bicycle fork models M3010, M3020, M3030, NEX, and XCT. The serial numbers will start with a K and end with a number between 141101 and 150127. For a complete list of affected forks and bicycles, visit the SR Suntour recall website here. You can also phone their customer service line from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm Central Time at 1-888-820-8458.

So far, there are fifteen documented incidents of the bolts on the forks breaking or separating from bikes; two of these incidents involved minor injuries like bruising, cuts, or scrapes.

Depending on your level of enthusiasm for competitive bicycling, you may never have heard of Nairo Quintana. Quintana has been described as the “cycling superhero of South America” in a recent article by the Wall Street Journal. The title doesn't seem that far off; in the last five years, 25-year-old Quintana has placed first overall in fourteen major racing events, most recently at the Tirreno – Adriatico in March 2015. He won that race definitively, in the midst of a raging snow storm.

Next week, Quintana will race in the Tour de France, arguably bicycling's most important race. Will you be watching? 

Join the conversation on Facebook!

There are so many bike and trail projects on the go this year, it's starting to seem like 2015 is turning into the Year of the Bike, at least in Detroit. Here are some of the bigger projects you need to know about.

• E. Jefferson Bike Lanes: Are you ready for this? The first separated (or protected) bike lanes are coming to Southeast Michigan! These lanes will be added to E. Jefferson between Alter Road and Lakewood. There is also a plan to extend these bike lanes to the E. Grand Boulevard entrance of Belle Isle.

• Riverwalk: The Chene Park East and Chene Park West sections of the Riverwalk should be completed this year.
  
  
• Link Detroit: Slated to be completed this summer, Link Detroit will extend the Dequindre Cut from Gratiot to Mack. It will add a trail into Eastern Market on the north side of Wilkins. Bike lanes have already been added along St. Aubin from the end of the cut to Hamtramck, and more will be added (along with a ‘Midtown Loop') from Eastern Market to Midtown. Additionally, three bridges over the Dequindre Cut are being replaced. Finally, three bike and pedestrian counters will be added to the new section of the Dequindre Cut in order to measure how much use these areas are getting.
  
  
• Cass Avenue Bike Lanes / Midtown Loop: Both MDOT and the FTA noted that streetcar rails being installed near the curbs where bicyclists ride is creating a hazardous situation for cyclists, and their response is to add bike lanes from W. Grand to Lafayette along Cass Avenue, some of which will be buffered. That's in addition to the mix of bike lanes, sharrows, and paths that connect Cass to the Riverwalk. In order to make Cass Avenue more appealing to cyclists, new bike repair stations and air pumps are being installed as well. Finally, automated bicycle counters will track usage in the area.

• Connor Creek Greenway: While this trail is relatively small, it is the product of a lot of cooperation between different organizations… and it's almost finished! Conor Creek Greenway will be extended, starting at Connor along E. Outer Drive to Van Dyke, then crossing Eight Mile and winding up at Stephens Road. It will be part of the Showcase Trail between Belle Isle and Wisconsin, and should provide many green bike lanes along those parts of the pathway in Warren.
  
  
• Inner Circle Greenway: This 26-mile pathway flows around the City of Detroit by connecting existing trails. The pathway will run through Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn as well. About half of the pathway is complete, as it is a connection of several existing trails. Detroit Greenways Coalition is working with partners to plan and secure funding to complete the pathway.

Hopefully, all of these projects will help make cycling safer in our city. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, we are here to help! Contact us as soon as possible. 

Image of the proposed Iron belle Trail by Michigan DNR

Michigan DNR's Parks and Recreation department, along with other partners, is currently seeking funds to help develop trail corridors. Iron Belle trail will ultimately create both a 1,259-mile hiking trail and 774-mile bike path by linking a number of already existing trails between Detroit and the western UP. Several communities will host celebrations and events to mark the opening of different segments of the trail will open throughout 2015.

To learn more about Michigan's latest trail, click here. What's your favorite Michigan bike trail? Share below! 

The State of Michigan is inviting cyclists and pedestrians to enter a contest to name its newest trail! 

The trail, which is really two paths running side by side (one for hiking, one for biking) stretches over 2,000 miles from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood, on the Upper Peninsula / Wisconsin border. The trail is free to use for all, and features spectacular views including parts of the Detroit River Walk and even Lake Superior. 

The naming contest is open now (as of September 22) and runs until October 13, with the winning name announced in December. Along with the name, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will develop a logo and trail markers. The contest winner and two runners-up will be awarded with a trip (one each) to: the Porcupine Mountains' Kaug Wudjoo Lodge; or Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel; or a stay in Metro Detroit. 

The contest will be judged by representatives from the Michigan DNR's partners on the project: DNR's Michigan Trails Advisory Council, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Recreation and Parks Association, and Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. 

There are three ways to enter: online, via Facebook, or by printing and mailing an entry form. 

What's your favorite trail? Tell us about it below or comment on our Facebook page. 

Cycling can be a grueling and, sometimes, dangerous sport. However, random acts of violence do not normally factor into the dangers associated with riding a bicycle; for most cyclists, dangers include sharing the road with motor vehicles, encounters with animals, or poor terrain.

Craig Premack has a different story to tell about the dangers of cycling. Premack, a 59-year-old native of Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada), was participating in a race along the Trans-Canada Highway late at night on June 1, when he was shot in the forearm. That's right: Craig Premack was shot during a cycling event... in Canada, of all places! Police are still looking for two suspects, believed to have fled in a pickup truck immediately after firing on Premack.

Fortunately, Premack was only injured in this senseless attack. He was found by fellow racers and brought to an area hospital. He will survive, but whether or not he will race again is up in the air, as the bullet shattered the bone in his arm.

To read more about this incident and the progress of the investigation, click here. 

For many of us, the Fourth of July is a day for celebration: food, fireworks, and fun. If you're into cycling and looking for something a little different this holiday, why not try a Fourth of July bike ride?

To help you find a ride in your area, Bicycling.com has created a list of their favorite Fourth of July rides and races. Check them out here.

If you signed up to ride, let us know! Leave a comment below and tell us which race you rode this Fourth of July!

Recently, Walk Score released its top 10 Most Bike-Friendly Cities in the United States. If you're a cyclist looking for a bike-friendly place to live, you might want to consider one of these cities:

#1 Portland (Bike Score 70)

#2 San Francisco (Bike Score 70)

#3 Denver (Bike Score 70)
#4 Philadelphia (Bike Score 68)

#5 Boston (Bike Score 68)

#6 Washinton D.C. (Bike Score 65)

#7 Seattle (Bike Score 64)

#8 Tucson (Bike Score 64)

#9 New York (Bike Score 62)

#10 Chicago (Bike Score 62)

Walk Score measures bike accessibility based on four criteria to determine the city's Bike Score: The number of bike lanes, the hilliness of the city, destinations and road connectivity, and commuting mode share, which basically looks at how many other cyclists use their bicycles to get around the area. They award each city with a score from 1 to 100 on each of these four criteria, and the average is the Bike Score.

On their website, Walk Score allows visitors to search their own city to see how walkable the city is and that city's Bike Score. Walk Score's goal is to promote walk-, bike-, and transit-friendly cities. Obviously, there are limitations to this rating system and how the data can be applied, but it's a neat way to see how bike-friendly your city already is, or to search for a more bike-friendly place to move.

What's your city's Bike Score? 

Hop on your bike and Bicycle to Comerica Park! The Tigers are pleased to offer a special ticket package to our cycling friends. Only 100 packages are available for each game, so be sure to buy early!

Available for the following games:  

Sunday, July 20^th Tigers vs. Indians @ 1:08pm

Sunday, August 17^th Tigers vs. Mariners @ 1:08pm

Sunday, September 7^th Tigers vs. Giants @ 1:08pm

Each ticket package* includes:

- Upper Box Infield Ticket

- Bicycle valet provided by Wheelhouse Detroit (with secure bicycle parking)

- 24 oz. Detroit Tigers "Bicycle to the Ballpark" water bottle

^{*while supplies last}

To purchase tickets, click here.

GO TIGERS!

^{Photo courtsey of High Point Fire Department}

Recently, a North Carolina fire department received a grant of about $18,800 from CalSurance Associates and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to supply the firefighters with bicycles for bike teams who respond to emergency calls on bikes.

The High Point Fire Department created a 10-member bike team a few months ago, but had been using borrowed equipment, said Deputy Chief Tim Wright. This grant will allow for another 11 firefighters to be trained and buy uniforms.

The grant will also fund the purchase of eight new mountain bikes equipped with sirens, Automated External Defibrillators, oxygen, masks for CPR, bandages, EpiPens and other necessary equipment.

Chief Tommy Reid made the bike teams a priority when he was appointed last year and implemented the first bike team in October.

The bike teams and responders will share the bikes with two team members responding to each call.  

The bikes will be used mostly for medical calls, but will also be used for public events like parades. It allows the firefighters more mobility and maneuverability within crowds.  Bicycles give firefighters the ability to investigate calls and relay information through radios.  

The bikes also help create a calmer environment in times of an emergency.

“Some people get scared with sirens, ever since 9/11,” Wright said.

Fire trucks will still respond to all the calls the bike team responds to, but bicyclists may complete the call if it is a medical problem or determine it is a false alarm before the fire truck arrives. This will allow the fire truck to remain free for other calls.

For more information visit: 

High Point Fire Department

Firefighters may respond to emergencies via bicycle

Nick Falbo, a Portland-based urban planner doesn't think so. 

“We know that protected bike lanes are the key to getting the average person to consider traveling by bike. Sharing busy traffic lanes with cars is absolutely unacceptable, and separation by a line of paint is often not enough. Protected Bike Lanes, also called cycle tracks, use curbs, planters, or parking to buffer bicyclists from moving cars,” Falbo said. “But there is still a problem; the protected bike lanes lose their benefits when they reach intersections. The buffer falls away, and you're faced with an ambiguous collection of green paint, dashed lines and bicycle symbols.”

During a transportation challenge organized by Georg Mason University's School of Public Policy, Falbo proposed the plan for a protected intersection.

Based on Dutch intersection designs, The Protected Intersection keeps a cyclist physically protected throughout the intersection. It makes left turns simple and safe; and right turns protected and fast, while eliminating possible conflict with cars.

“With this design, riders will never feel stranded, exposed, or unsure of where to go and how to get there,” Falbo said.

There are four main elements to a protected intersection

1.       Corner Refuge Island - This is the key element in the intersection. It is an actual island in the intersection that creates a physical, protective barrier that separates cars and bicycles.

2.       Forward Stop Bar for Bicyclists – This is a bicycle waiting area farther ahead in the intersection which allows bicyclists to be visible to cars at red lights, it creates a physical distance for cyclists in front of cars which gives the bicyclist a head start, and it also reduces the distance of road a cyclist has to cover.

3.       Setback Bike and Pedestrian Crossing – Rather than a conventional bike lane that runs next to moving cars, the bike and pedestrian lane are setback at least one car-length between the traffic lane and bicycle crossing, creating a buffer zone.

4.        Bicycle Friendly Signal Phasing – To reduce accidents, this type of signal would have specific signals for when cyclists should or should not proceed through the intersections.  

All of these elements work together to create a corner refuge island to protect cyclists by forcing traffic farther into the intersection, giving cyclists a lead time before cars to cross the street  and creating a setback for cyclists and pedestrians to allow cars a greater viewing path.

For more information visit:

Protected Intersections 

Fast Code Design

___________________________________

Attorneys Jason Waechter and Sean Murphy are Michigan attorneys specializing in the area of bicycle accident and personal injury litigation. Waechter's firm has collected millions of dollard in settlements, awards and verdicts for his clients over the past 20 years. As well as contributing significantly to safety education and accident prevention.

If you or your loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, call us for help! 1-800-708-5433

Recently, Matthew Cutrone, a 17-year-old from New York, contacted local lawmakers to request bike lanes to be added to roadways after his mother was injured while riding her bicycle.

Matthew's mother, Sandy Cutrone, was hit by a van on Montauk Highway in West Islip, September 19, 2013, breaking her shoulder and cracking her helmet. She said that she could have died.

On December 16^th, Matthew wrote a letter to Suffolk County Legislator Thomas Barraga asking for consideration of putting in bike lanes.

_{Photo courtsey of StreetsBlogSF}

“My mom made sure she was doing everything right, she was wearing her helmet, and she was following the proper bike laws of the road,” Matthew wrote. “On the day she was hit, she was biking on Montauk Highway, the traffic light was green, but because the driver must have been in a hurry he jumped the oncoming traffic to make a left turn and hit my mother claiming he never saw her.”

Matthew also wrote that some people have suggested his mother ride her bike on the sidewalk, but under New York State law, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is illegal. Matthew said drivers do not always know the laws for cyclists and that is why there should be a bike lane or signs to watch for cyclists.

Legislator Barraga responded to Matthew's letter on January 29, 2014. He wrote that bike lanes and signs would not solve the problem of bicycle accidents, and stated that, in fact, no one should be riding bicycles or motorcycles in Suffolk County.

“I have lived in West Islip most of my life and my personal feeling is that no one who lives in our hamlet or for that matter in Suffolk County should ever ride a bicycle or motorcycle,” Barraga wrote. “I cannot tell you how many constituents over the year have told me that they are taking up bicycling for pleasure and exercise. I have told them not to do so but they usually do not listen – 90 percent of those people eventually were hit by an automobile, many like your mother with serious physical injuries.”

He also wrote that cars were not used to looking for bicyclists or motorcyclists, only other cars and called Suffolk County “a suburban automobile community.”

Barrage concluded his letter with this statement: “Reality at a time can be difficult for some to come to grips with but giving false hope would be inappropriate.”

Sandy Cutrone was shocked by Barraga's response.  She feels as though she is being blamed for the crash by riding her bicycle.

“I read it again, just to make sure I was understanding what I was reading,” she said in an interview.

Barragga said that was not the letter's intent

“All I'm saying is that Suffolk County is a very, very tough place for bicyclists,” said Barraga.

For more information or to read the letters, click here. 

______________________________________________________

Attorneys Jason Waechter and Sean Murphy are Michigan attorneys specializing in the area of bicycle accident and personal injury litigation. Waechter's firm has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his clients over the past 20 years. As well as contributing significantly to safety education and accident prevention.

If you or your loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, call 1-800-708-LIFE for help!

Bicycle accidents happen when you least expect it.  Are you prepared?

Here are 9 essential items that every cyclist should carry:

1.   Water – Always, always pack water. If nothing else, pack water.

2.    First Aid Kit –

·         Sterile gauze

·         An assortment of adhesive bandages

·         Self-adhering elastic wrap

·         Alcohol or Iodine Prep Pads

·         Antibacterial ointment

·         Burn cream

3.    Spare Tube – The most likely problem you will have while riding is a flat tire. A spare tube is compact and easy to change. Make sure you bring a tube specific to your tire and you will be back on the trail in no time.

4.     Patch Kit – Carrying a patch kit is a back-up to your spare tube. Just in case you use your tube and you get another flat, you will be fine.  Plus, you may be able to help out a fellow cyclist. Patch kits are fairly small and work for any type of bicycle.

5.    Tire Levers – This tool will help you if and when you get a flat tire. They slide under your tire and help pull it off the rim so you can easily replace the tub or patch a hole.

6.    Pump – If your tire goes flat, you will need a way to put air back in. You can buy a pump that clamps to your frame for easy storage.  Some riders choose CO2 cartridges instead of pumps. They are battery-sized tubes that give a burst of gas to refill tubes. They are lighter than pumps, but can blow out your tube if you are not careful.

7.    Multi-Tool – This tool contains everything you need to take along with you for any type of ride. They come in various sizes and include Allen wrenches, hex bolt wrenches, screw drivers and more.

8.    Cell Phone – Cell phones can be used to call in case of emergency or to track your route.

9.    Identification and Insurance Card – In case you are ever in an accident, you or emergency responders will have the information they need. 

_{^{(Photo courtesy of http://blog.codyapp.com/bicycling-to-lose-weight/)}}

_______________________________________________________

Attorneys Jason Waechter and Sean Murphy are Michigan attorneys specializing in the area of bicycle accident and personal injury litigation. Waechter's firm has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his clients over the past 20 years. As well as contributing significantly to safety education and accident prevention.

If you or your loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, call 1-800-708-LIFE for help!

• Slow down on the approach of a roundabout or junction. Even if the road seems empty. Changing speed will allow you to see vehicles that would otherwise be invisible to you.
• A glance is never enough. You need to be as methodical and deliberate as a fighter pilot would be. Focus on at least 3 different spots along the road to the right and left. Search close, middle-distance and far. With practice, this can be accomplished quickly, and each pause is only for a fraction of a second. Fighter pilots call this a “lookout scan” and it is vital to their survival.
• Always look right and left at least twice. This doubles your chance of seeing a vehicle.
• Make a point of looking next to the windscreen pillars. Better still, lean forward slightly as you look right and left so that you are looking around the door pillars. Be aware that the pillar nearest to you blocks more of your vision. Fighter pilots say ‘Move your head – or you're dead'.
• Clear your flight path! When changing lanes, check your mirrors and as a last check, look directly at the spot which are going to maneuver.
• Drive with your lights on. Bright vehicles or clothing is always easier to spot than dark colors that don't contrast with a scene.
• It is especially difficult to spot bicycles, motorbikes and pedestrians during low sun conditions as contrast is reduced.
• Keep your windscreen clean – seeing other vehicles is enough of a challenge without a dirty windscreen. You never see a fighter jet with a dirty canopy.
• Finally, don't be a clown – if you are looking at your mobile telephone then you are incapable of seeing much else. Not only are you probably looking down into your lap, but your eyes are focused at less and every object at distance will be out of focus. Even when you look up and out, it takes a fraction of a second for your eyes to adjust – this is time you may not have.

• Recognize the risk of being in a saccade. High contrast clothing and lights help. In particular, flashing LED's (front and rear) are especially effective for cyclists as they create contrast and the on-off flashing attracts the peripheral vision in the same manner that movement does. There's nothing wrong with leaving these on during the day.
• The relatively slower speed of bicycles means that they will be closer to a point of collision if a vehicle begins to pull into their path. Turn this to advantage – when passing junctions, look at the head of the driver that is approaching or has stopped. The head of the driver will naturally stop and center upon you if you have been seen. If the driver's head sweeps through you without pausing, then the chances are that you are in a saccade – you must assume that you have not been seen and expect the driver to pull out!
• Recognize that with a low sun, a dirty windscreen or one with rain beating against it drivers are likely to have less of a chance of seeing you.
• Take a cycle training course – this will teach you where you need to be positioned on the road, how to use your eyesight to make sure drivers pay you attention and other useful techniques that can minimize dangers.

_________________________________________________________________________

If you have a fall, have been in an accident or have law or insurance questions, don't hesitate to call Bicycle Accident Lawyers USA! 1-800-708-5433

^{Photo from http://bicyclemusicfestival.com/about_bmf/}

On Saturday, June 22, 2013 the 7^th annual San Francisco Bicycle Music Festival (BMF) was brought to life.  BMF is the world's largest mobile music festival that features up to 15 bands and is powered solely by bicycle. It is a free, all-day and into-the-night event that takes place on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice.

After a five-hour music festival in Golden Gate Park, the entire festival – stage and musicians – packed up and paraded on their bicycles through the city. “Artists and bands perform while rolling down the city streets mounted on the backs of cargo bikes and bike trailers outfitted with microphones and amplifiers. The sound is wirelessly routed to “soulcycle” party bikes interspersed throughout the crowd, surrounding the crowd with sound,” writes the BMF website.

The bicycle parade ended in Mission park for a three-hour night-time music festival that offered bike-blended smoothies, pedal powered ice cream, art bikes and more.

BMF features a 14,000 pedal powered PA system to broadcast the music. It is set-up and taken down in-between stops. It is hauled by bicycle to each location. No motor vehicles are used in the festival.

According to the BMF website “The mission of the Bicycle Music Festival is to promote sustainable culture in general and bicycle culture in particular, by physically engaging and immersing our community in the magic of bike culture, and cultivating and nurturing a network of local sustainable musicians, through our staging of free, community participatory, bicycle-based music events.”

The event began in 2007 and has doubled in size each year. The festival is run by a team of over 40 volunteers and supported by donations from the public and partnerships with hip companies.

"The Bicycle Music Festival and its pedal-powered PA system are not only wonderful ways for the community to quite literally empower itself, but also a wonderful way to remind ourselves as we generate electricity with one another, shoulder to shoulder, where power is ultimately rooted,” states the BMF website.

For more information and videos visit: http://bicyclemusicfestival.com/about_bmf/

 - Riding in groups to alert other bicyclists of your movement.

- Using any vehicle that does not have turn signals, like a moped.

- Your vehicle may have damaged turn signals.

- Operating a vehicle with hard to see turn signals, like a motorcycle.

Here is a reminder of the US hand signals:

1. Drink before you ride – Make sure you are hydrated before you ride, or any physical activity. The general rule is to drink one fluid ounce of water equal to one half of your body weight. So if you weigh 160 lbs, you should be drinking 80 fluid ounces of water every day. If you are hydrated before you ride, it will be easier to stay hydrated.

2. Sip the entire time – Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water. By then you, you are already dehydrated.  Try to make a habit of taking a few big gulps every 15 minutes or less.

3. Refill often – Make sure you are carrying enough water for the entire ride, either through water bottles or a hydration pack. If one bottle empties, make sure to fill it up. You don't want to get caught somewhere without any water.

4. Keep drinking – After your ride is over, continue drinking to remain hydrated. One way to determine how much you need to drink after a ride is to weigh yourself both before and after. Drink 20 oz. of fluids for every pound you lose.

5. Pay attention to the time – Your body will lose more fluid the warmer it is and the more you are in the sun. If possible, ride in the morning or at night to keep dehydration at bay.  If you do ride midday, remember to drink a little extra and watch for signs of dehydration.

Be sure to always inspect your child's bicycle BEFORE riding to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.

            Be comfortable

            Must cover the forehead

            Chin straps must be tight and properly adjusted

            Should not rock back & forth on the head

• Get to Historic Fort Wayne before 6:15am to give yourself some time. Ride begins at 6:30am sharp.
• Everyone must wear helmets to ride with Beat the Train.
• Pack plenty of water and equipment to fix a flat.
• The best tires for the urban terrain are MTB, Touring, Cyclocross.
• First time with the group? Let everyone know and find a buddy to ride with.
• If you are having difficulty keeping up or need to leave for any reason, let someone know.
• Hope you like a hearty post-ride breakfast at Los Galanes in Mexican Town.