Sunday May 13, 2012
Back in February I reported on an effort by an Illinois lawmaker to ban texting by people riding bikes. My comments were something to the effect that while typing with your thumbs while on the bike is not really not a good idea, I didn't really see it as a huge problem, and that you'd think our elected officials would have bigger issues to confront.
However it seems to be more widespread than I first thought and an issue that goes beyond Illinois as evidenced by recent activity in California.
Last week California Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), the same guy who who authored the 2008 California law mandating the use of hands-free technology while driving, has brought the issue up again, this time in a proposed (Senate Bill 1475) that would mean cyclists too would be banned from texting or talking without a headset while on the bike. Bicyclists would be fined $20 for their first offense and $50 thereafter with no additional fees.
What's most interesting to me is that the California Bicycle Coalition has come out in favor of this bill. I spoke with communications director Jim Brown to get more information on why the group is backing the measure.
"The gist of this bill is to raise the penalty for distracted driving generally," said Brown. "It's also an opportunity to include bicyclists as vehicle operators in the legislation as Sen. Simitian previously intended."
Brown continued with an explanation of the specific rationale behind the group's support.
"Any number of studies have shown that "distracted driving" from use of a phone causes cognitive impairment much like being drunk. Bicyclists aren't exempt from distracted driving but differences between them need to be recognized, especially as it pertains to the extent of the potential harm they cause," Brown said. "Penalties should be applied but proportional to the threat Bicyclists aren't typically killing large crowds of people by plowing into them. That's why fines for cell phone use and texting are smaller for cyclists than for operators of motor vehicles, which can cause exponentially more damage."
Question: Have you texted while riding a bike? Do you see this as being a problem? Comment below.
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Wednesday May 9, 2012
Two weeks ago we announced a contest where readers could nominate the active moms in their life for a fabulous giveaway by the CLIF people -- a box of healthy indulgence with the likes of CLIF Bar Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Almond Fudge, MOJO Chocolate Almond Coconut and CRUNCH Chocolate Peanut Butter.
We received some terrific responses, such as the following from Scott in Boise, ID:
My wife deserves the CLIF chocolate because of the emotional strength, physical power, and perseverance she possesses and teaches our children. When our young child died, the simple bicycle saved not only our marriage, but our family as well. This year my wife has worked her way up to a 70.3 Ironman and continues to teach our children nothing is impossible.
There are more fun and inspiring stories about moms getting it done, so follow this link to read this and the other winning entries in the contest.
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Monday May 7, 2012
Today you have a chance to join three-time Tour of California champion and Olympic bronze medalist Levi Leipheimer on a 30 minute webcast on Monday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. EST / 1:30 p.m. PST.
Levi will answer your questions on everything from the Amgen Tour of California to his recent car-bike accident to his Olympic dreams. Tweet your questions through the Twitter hash tag #AskTeamCLIFBar, chat them directly into the webcast or post them directly to CLIF Bar's Facebook page prior to or during the webcast.
To tune into this event go to CLIF Bar's Ustream Page. There is no sign-up process and the webcast is completely open to anybody who wants to watch.
To chat: You can create an Ustream profile or log in via your Twitter account. Twitter hashtag: #AskTeamCLIFBar Bonus: If Levi likes your question, you'll score a signed limited edition Levi poster from CLIF bar.
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Sunday May 6, 2012
Everybody knows Cannondale makes high-end bikes. But now they are moving into a slightly different but yet still-related area, having announced a new foray into the world of high-end bike tours.
The Cannondale tours (done in conjunction with DuVine Adventures) are planned around major bike races in the U.S. and Europe and promise to offer participants "insider's access" to these events. The first event is June 6-11, 2012 with a trip to the French Alps and the Criterium du Dauphine. Beyond that are other races where Cannondale athletes are competing, including the Italian Dolomites (July 1-6), USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado (August 22-27), La Vuelta Espana (week-long event, exact September dates TBD), World Championships in Kona (October 10-15), and the Tuscany Challenge (October 14-20).
After a day of riding pro courses (using provided Cannondale SuperSix bikes) participants get even more pro treatment with a post ride massage and all the comforts of luxury travel, gourmet cuisine and world class wines.
"Cannondale Tours is for cyclists that want to challenge themselves by riding world-famous routes, led by professional, experienced guides, while being truly immersed in a region's culture. Guests will bike hard, eat and drink well, and sleep in style," said Bob Burbank, Global General Manager, Cannondale.
For more information on Cannondale Tours, visit cannondale.com/tours Tours may be considered pricey ($5,495 for the June tour in France, double occupancy) but hey, if you've got money and love cycling, why not do it right?
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Cannondale Tours will begin June 6-11, 2012 with a trip to the French Alps and the Criterium du Dauphine. All tours give guests insider's access to major races and events where Cannondale athletes will be competing, including the Italian Dolomites (July 1-6), USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado (August 22-27), La Vuelta Espana (8 days/7 nights), World Championships in Kona (October 10-15), and the Tuscany Challenge (October 14-20).
For more information on Cannondale Tours, visit
http://www.cannondale.com/tours 
