By Tom Jow — How many times have I been tightening a bolt and wondered, “how tight should I make this?” Plenty. In fact, every bolt for at least half my career as a bike mechanic. I don’t remember there being much information back then about how tight to make those bolts. There was plenty of information about how to tighten bolts on a car engine. That was when I learned how to use a torque wrench. What is a torque wrench? A torque wrench is a calibrated tool that measures the amount of torque (force) applied to a fastener. What is torque?
Torque (Noun): 1. a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion; 2. a twisting or turning force. (www.merriam-webster.com)
When I attended the Barnett Bicycle Institute in 1987, I don’t remember there being a torque wrench in sight. Now, I bet most every service department in the country has at least one. On my workbench there are four. Why is it so important to use a torque wrench?
There are many reasons a torque wrench should be used when tightening fasteners. One reason is to ensure the fastener and the component stay in place. Take a rear derailleur for example. Due to the action of shifting gears, a rear derailleur has a side load placed upon it often. Basically the mounting bolt is going to get wiggled a lot. Therefore, if the bolt is not tight enough it is at risk to loosen up over time. How does the bolt stay tight? Materials have physical properties of strength. One of those properties is elasticity. In the case of tightening bolts, elasticity refers to how much that bolt will stretch before it breaks. To hold that rear derailleur in place, the bolt needs to be stretched enough to grip it’s mating surfaces, but not so much that it breaks.
When excessive force is applied to a bolt during tightening two things can happen. The bolt may break. Smaller diameter bolts break easier than larger ones. The other thing that happens is the threads can be damaged or what we call stripped. On a bicycle, bolts are often steel while the threaded insert is many times aluminum. Aluminum is a soft material; much weaker than steel in this application. It is not uncommon, for example, to overtighten a stem bolt and instead of the bolt breaking, the aluminum threads are torn out of the stem.
A damaged handlebar from over tightnening. Note small cracks on the left side. Photo by Tom Jow
A stem bolt has a much different function than a rear derailleur bolt. The stem bolt applies a clamping force in order to keep a round component from rotating. Here, we add the risk of a different failure. This would be the risk of over clamping. This risk generally applies to, but is not limited to seatposts and handlebars made of carbon fiber. Metal components also suffer from over clamping, but at a much, much lower rate. Why is carbon fiber different? Simply, carbon is a woven fabric being held together with really strong glue. The weakness of carbon fiber bicycle components is that they do not handle point impact well. In a way, that is what occurs when we clamp it too tightly. The fibers get crushed and the glue bond is broken. If it does not crack right away, it may be weakened enough to fail at a later time.
A beam type torque wrench. Photo by Tom Jow
What is the best way to avoid these failures? Tighten fasteners to the appropriate torque with a torque wrench. When shopping for a torque wrench there are likely two types on the shelf. One is a simple beam type torque wrench. This wrench is made of spring steel with a pointer and a gauge. They are simple and inexpensive. In order to tighten a fastener to the proper level, apply force to the wrench and as more torque is applied the arm flexes and the pointer indicates the amount of torque being applied. The main drawbacks to this type of wrench are calibration of the pointer and needing to be able to see the gauge while applying force.
The author’s torque wrench collection. Each has a specific use. Photo by Tom Jow
A torque wrench that is easier to use is the spring loaded type. These can be built with preset torque or an adjustable spring. The spring controls a release in the ratchet head that clicks and gives way to indicate reaching the set level of torque. Adjustable torque wrenches are more expensive than the beam type, however they are usually more accurate.
A very light torque requirement. An easy to damage component. Photo by Tom Jow
Finally, how do we know how tight to make the bolt? We could do it the old way. An experienced mechanic has learned how to “feel” the tension on the bolt. There’s also the physical properties of metals to consider. A larger diameter bolt is stronger than a smaller one. Tighten a small bolt a little, a large one a lot. Then there’s the internet, of course. There are plenty of torque value charts for bicycle components as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations. Individually, these sources are not a foolproof method for tightening bolts. One reason for this is differing measurement standards. SAE (society of automotive engineers) values are measured in foot-lbs. and inch-lbs. Most bicycle components use the metric values of kilograms-force and newton-meters. Another, and more important reason is the differing recommended torque values of related components. This is especially important where handlebars and seatposts are concerned. For example, stem manufacturer “A” may specify 8 newton-meters torque for their handlebar clamp bolts. But handlebar manufacturer “B” may specify 4.5 newton-meters maximum for the stem clamping bolts. If we only look to the stem manufacturer’s recommendation, we will probably damage a set of handlebars.
A carbon handlebar with torque strength above 5nm is rare. Photo by Tom Jow
A bicycle is a simple machine and as we have learned over the years, using a torque has not been absolutely necessary. With improvements in materials and technology however, bicycle maintenance requires a little more attention to detail. If we are working on our own bike, this means learning what components we are equipped with and how to maintain them properly. This might mean purchasing a torque wrench. If you are a tool collector, that definitely means purchasing one.
Walking and cycling gained a higher profile than ever in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Governments around the world encouraged individuals to go on foot or take their bikes where possible instead of using crowded public transport, and invested in widescale cycling infrastructure to help them do so.
While manufacturers and retailers reported a rise in bicycle sales and cycling in general during the pandemic, there remain many people who may not feel fit enough to cycle very far (or at all), have a long commute, or live in hilly places.
E-Bikes in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by Dave Iltis
For these people, bicycles that provide electrical assistance for the rider when pedalling, known as electric bikes or e-bikes, have proved an attractive option because they make cycling easier. As a result, sales of e-bikes also boomed in 2020, with manufacturers struggling to keep up with the demand.
The advantages of e-bikes
Requiring less effort to ride, e-bikes allow the user to carry more luggage than conventional cycles, and are often used for utilitarian purposes such as shopping or commuting, as well as for recreation. E-bike owners have been found to cycle more frequently and for longer distances than conventional cyclists.
In Europe, e-bikes represent one of the fastest growing segments of the transport market, with sales in Germany in 2018 accounting for 23.5% of all bikes sold, while more than half of the adult bikes sold in the Netherlands in 2018 were electric.
That was before the pandemic sent numbers through the roof. Now, industry groups say sales of e-bikes in Europe could double in the next five years.
A replacement for cars
Car travel is an essential part of everyday life for many people, but has a major impact on the environment through air pollution, particularly from congested traffic. As half of all car journeys in the UK are between one and five miles in length, substituting many of them with e-cycling is an achievable aim.
To explore the influence of e-cycling on travel, we conducted a scoping review of previous research. In 42 studies examining the impact of e-bike use on other travel modes, the proportion of car journeys substituted after people bought e-bikes ranged from 20% to as high as 86%. Adoption of e-cycling can therefore contribute at some level to reducing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Who benefits from e-bikes?
We have also researched the health benefits of e-bikes in a 2018 systematic review of studies. In 17 studies involving a range of groups, we found that e-cycling provided physical activity of at least moderate intensity, which was lower than the intensity elicited during conventional cycling, but higher than that during walking. E-cycling can therefore contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness.
Most people who are not regularly active could benefit from e-cycling. However, for those with health conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, who may particularly benefit from physical activity but often find it difficult, e-cycling may be an important way to become more regularly active.
Our research shows that rates of active commuting in these groups is low – just 5.5% for those with type 2 diabetes. In response to this statistic, we conducted the first feasibility study to explore whether e-cycling was acceptable to, and could potentially improve the health of, people with this condition.
We recruited 20 people with type 2 diabetes to use an e-bike for 20 weeks. We found that participants enjoyed using the e-bikes, cycling on average 21km per week. Participants’ heart rate during e-bicycle journeys was 74.7% of maximum, compared with 64.3% of maximum when walking, a level sufficient to generate improvements in fitness. This is comparable to the changes seen when healthy inactive individuals take up conventional cycling.
The future of e-bikes
There is now increasing interest in the potential of e-bikes for other people who are recommended more physical activity but find this hard to achieve, such as those recovering from cancer. We can see a future where doctors could prescribe e-cycling to patients, with provision to buy bikes at reduced cost or spreading the payments.
Although it has been a difficult year, there may be a small silver lining to the pandemic. With fewer of us commuting, and less motorised travel overall, the pandemic has driven a change in physical activity behaviour and raised awareness of traffic congestion and air pollution.
With many of us exploring or re-discovering ways to be active outdoors and cut down on motorised transport, the future is bright for e-cycling. With the development of smaller and more efficient batteries, e-bikes will become lighter and have a longer range of travel, and will become a common sight on our streets.
E-Bikes cause smils at Pedego in Salt Lake City. Photo by Dave Iltis
Providers of e-bikes often refer to the e-bike smile – the look of joy on peoples face when they try one for the first time. Try to remember how it felt when a parent held the back of your bike saddle and whizzed you along – the feeling is very similar.
If you haven’t yet tried an e-bike, we would encourage you to do so. They are great fun, will make becoming healthy a lot easier, and you may have a reason look back on something positive from 2020.
Cycling West and Cycling Utah Magazine’s Winter 2020-21 Issue is now available as a free download (10 MB download). Pick up a copy at your favorite Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Northern California bike shop or other location.
Mark Kennedy started Saturday Cycles in 2005 in West Bountiful, Utah. When the shop first opened, Mark was working full time as an engineer at Northrop Grumman and could only keep the shop open on Saturdays, hence the name. His philosophy is a bit different than most other shops, and we wanted to share his story with you.
Mark Kennedy, owner of Salt Lake City’s Saturday Cycles. Photo by Dave Iltis
An Interview with owner Mark Kennedy
Cycling West: Mark, what led you to start Saturday Cycles?
Mark Kennedy: I had too many bikes and parts laying around in my garage and was looking at a storage unit to put all in. Instead I rented a low budget storefront in West Bountiful, and got a business license and decided to see if anyone on the Wasatch Front would be interested in buying any commuting or touring bikes.
CW: Tell us about the philosophy of Saturday Cycles as a bike shop.
MK: Saturday Cycles is a shop for “life-long” cyclists. We want the bike you get from us to be something you can enjoy for a long time, and something that serves you in your everyday life: commuting to work, running errands or shopping, or going on a bike tour.
I should just throw out that I latched onto Rivendell Cycles business as an inspiration. We want to sell you a bike that you should be able to ride till you croak. 😉 By Y2K most bikes on the market were directed at racers. All the quality bikes you could buy tended to be either carbon road race bikes or MTBs oriented towards racing or gravity. My personal bike philosophy is that when you lay down big bucks for a bike, that you should expect it to last for a long time, and the prevailing market trends were aimed at ‘disposable’ bikes, and by that I mean the planned obsolescence and yearly model ‘upgrades’ all aimed at the big bike companies selling you a new bike every year. I like bikes that are a bit more comfortable, but still capable of long distance. Can carry a load. Can work in all conditions.
Saturday Cycles sells bikes that are intended to last and to make the purchaser a live long cyclist. Photo by Dave Iltis
CW: What types of bikes and brands do you sell? How does this fit in with your philosophy?
MK: We started out only selling Rivendell bikes, but now we carry Salsa, Surly, Bianchi, Masi and Haro. We also do a pile of niche brands Brompton, All City, Advocate, Soma, Rawland, Pashley. Bike geeks might pick out the common thread of all these brands is that they all have a lot of steel bikes in their lines, and also that these companies are supporters of commuting or touring. Our shop today is interested in bikepacking, touring and commuting. We carry lots of these kind of bikes, as well as lots of racks and bags.
CW: You have been an advocate for cycling locally in your spare time. As a bike shop owner, why is this so important?
MK: I think that as communities build infrastructure for cycling it enables more people to get on their bikes and reduces anxieties that lots of people carry relative to the dangers of cycling on the road (whether valid or not). I personally believe that cycling builds communities and that traveling by bicycle is the best way to experience the outdoors.
CW: What is the role of the bicycle shop in the community?
MK: Hopefully it is a place that is supportive, inclusive, educational and fun.
CW: What do you like most about riding?
MK: When I am riding, most of my worries fade away. It’s a great way to clear your mind. When you are riding your bike you are part of the environment, and it awakens your senses. I feel good about not being part of pollution or traffic congestion. Being on your bike humbles you, you are vulnerable, it makes you more in tune with everything you are passing by.
CW: Is there anything else you would like to add?
MK: I would like to challenge everyone out there to make an effort to get out of your car, and use your bike to ride to work or wherever you may be going just a little bit more. Even once a month or once a week makes you feel better and takes one more vehicle off the road. Small steps. Happy Cycling!
Saturday Cycles 605 N. 300 W.
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
(801) 935-4605
DENVER, Colo. (December 21, 2020) — Denver’s Sharon Madison has won Colorado Classic’s Virtual Yellow Jersey presented by the Gates Corporation for her on- and off-the-bike contributions to the greater cycling community.
Denver’s Sharon Madison has won Colorado Classic’s Virtual Yellow Jersey for her on- and off-the-bike contributions to the greater cycling community. Photo courtesy Colorado Classic
Nominated by her peers no less than 14 times, Madison was once a professional cyclist, and has since dedicated her life’s work to building a community around the idea that a bike creates freedom and empowerment. She started the bike club at Wish 4 Wheels, providing bikes to second graders at Title 1 schools in Denver, and in the midst of the pandemic she created a new non-profit organization – We Ride 4 — which raises funds to support organizations that promote fitness, health and outdoor adventure for children.
Thousands of community votes came in during a weeklong voting period, which was a contest between three lead nominees: local judge Randi Polidori, team director Kathryn Curi and Madison. In the end, Madison will be crowned this year’s yellow jersey winner for which she will receive a signed 2019 Colorado Classic Leaders jersey as well as a Priority Bicycles Brilliant L Train Bicycle, equipped with a Gates Carbon Drive belt system.
The Gates Corporation has generously decided to ensure a happy end to the year for the runners up as well. Polidori and Curi will be also gifted a Gates Carbon Drive belt system equipped bike to see them off on new bike adventures in 2021. (See a congratulatory video here).
Denver’s Sharon Madison has won Colorado Classic’s Virtual Yellow Jersey for her on- and off-the-bike contributions to the greater cycling community. Photo courtesy Colorado Classic
“In this year of unprecedented challenges, it’s important to stay true to our values, especially those that make a big impact on individuals and communities,” said Tom Pitstick, Gates CMO and senior vice president. “Supporting the Yellow Jersey Competition demonstrates our commitment to the personal mobility movement, the cycling community and the phenomenal women who are a part of both. Having supported the Colorado Classic since its inception, we are delighted to reward the top three finalists each with a Priority Bike.”
The 2020 Virtual Yellow Jersey was the fifth and final competition of Colorado Classic’s four-month long #InspiredWeRide Jersey Campaign, which was the organization’s latest initiative in a series of ways to keep the cycling world engaged during this unusual and trying year.
When faced with the cancellation of their event, the organizers of the Colorado Classic doubled down on their mission to be more than a race, and act as a movement to inspire and empower women of all ages to break the mold, and fight for their goals. Throughout the year, the Colorado Classic created in engagement with their community by hosting a variety of activations:
Athlete webinars to educate and inform athletes of all disciplines about matters like branding, marketing, sponsorship and media training
An inspirational speaker series to foster corporate dialogue among partners and the community
A fundraising ride on Zwift to financially support the teams who would have attended the Colorado Classic
A four-month-long Virtual Jersey Campaign and various other social media campaigns to engage and entertain the cycling community as a whole
“2020 kept us on our toes and thinking creatively. We worked tirelessly to serve our community and partners, amplify women’s voices, further corporate dialogue and engagement, and bring world-wide exposure to women athletes even whilst having to cancel our event. No one could have predicted the year that we had, but looking back we are proud of how we navigated it,” said Lucy Diaz, CEO of RPM Events Group LLC.
“Of course we hope to return to racing in 2021, and will continue to relentlessly advocate for, celebrate and empower female athletes.”
[Editor’s Note: Every so often you come across stories that really want to be shared. Often they’re still under copyright, which means sharing can cost money … but sometimes you luck into stories that are old enough to have passed into the public domain. This is one of those stories.]
Image: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, [LC-DIG-ppmsca-43006 (digital file from original item)]. Library of Congress Control Number: 2015646266. Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
CHARACTERS:
ROBERT YARDSLEY, an expert. MR. JACK BARLOW, another. MR. THADDEUS PERKINS, a beginner. MR. EDWARD BRADLEY, a scoffer. MRS. THADDEUS PERKINS, a resistant. MRS. EDWARD BRADLEY, an enthusiast. JENNIE, a maid.
The scene is laid in the drawing-room of Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Perkins, at No. — Gramercy Square. It is late October; the action begins at 8.30 o’clock on a moonlight evening. The curtain rising discloses Mr. and Mrs. Perkinssitting together. At right is large window facing on square. At rear is entrance to drawing-room. Leaning against doorway is a safety bicycle. Perkins is clad in bicycle garb.
Perkins. Well, Bess, I’m in for it now, and no mistake. Bob and Jack are coming to-night to give me my first lesson in biking.
Mrs. Perkins. I’m very glad of it, Thaddeus. I think it will do you a world of good. You’ve been working too hard of late, and you need relaxation.
Perkins (doubtfully). I know that—but—from what I can gather, learning to ride a wheel isn’t the most restful thing in the world. There’s a good deal of lying down about it; but it comes with too great suddenness; that is, so Charlie Cheeseborough says. He learned up at the Academy, and he told me that he spent most of his time making dents in the floor with his head.
Mrs. Perkins. Well, I heard differently. Emma Bradley learned there at the same time he did, and she said he spent most of his time making dents in the floor with other people’s heads. Why, really, he drove all the ladies to wearing those odious Psyche knots. The time he ran into Emma, if she hadn’t worn her back hair that way she’d have fractured her skull.
Perkins. Ha, ha! They all tell the same story. Barlow said he always wore a beaver hat while Cheeseborough was on the floor, so that if Charlie ran into him and he took a header his brain wouldn’t suffer.
Mrs. Perkins. Nevertheless, Mr. Cheeseborough learned more quickly than any one else in the class.
Perkins. So Barlow said—because he wasn’t eternally in his own way, as he was in every one else’s. (A ring is heard at the front door.) Ah! I guess that’s Bob and Jack.
Enter Jennie.
Jennie. Mr. Bradley, ma’am.
Perkins. Bradley? Wonder what the deuce he’s come for? He’ll guy the life out of me. (Enter Bradley. He wears a dinner coat.) Ah, Brad, old chap, how are you? Glad to see you.
Bradley. Good-evening, Mrs. Perkins. This your eldest? [With a nod at Perkins.
Mrs. Perkins. My eldest?
Bradley. Yes—judged from his togs it was your boy. What! Can it be? You! Thaddeus?
Perkins. That’s who I am.
Bradley. When did you go into short trousers?
Perkins (with a feeble laugh, glancing at his clothes). Oh, these—ha, ha! I’m taking up the bicycle. Even if it weren’t for the exhilaration of riding, it’s a luxury to wear these clothes. Old flannel shirt, old coat, old pair of trousers shortened to the knee, and golf stockings. I’ve had these golf stockings two years, and never had a chance to wear ’em till now.
Bradley. You’ve got it bad, haven’t you? How many lessons have you had?
Perkins. None yet. Fact is, just got my wheel—that’s it over there by the door—pneumatic tires, tool-chest, cyclometer, lamp—all for a hun.
Bradley (with a laugh). How about life-insurance? Do they throw in a policy for that? They ought to.
Perkins. No—but they would if I’d insisted. Competition between makers is so great, they’ll give you most anything to induce a bargain. The only thing they really gave me extra is the ki-yi gun.
Mrs. Perkins. The what?
Perkins. Ki-yi gun—it shoots dogs. Dog comes out, catches sight of your leg—
Bradley. Mistakes it for a bone and grabs—eh?
Perkins. Well—I fancy that’s about the size of it. You can’t very well get off, so you get out your ki-yi gun and shoot ammonia into the beast’s face. It doesn’t hurt the dog, but it gives him something to think of. I’ll show you how the thing works. (Gets the gun from tool-box.) This is the deadly weapon, and I’m the rider—see? (Sits on a chair, with face to back, and works imaginary pedals.) You’re the dog. I’m passing the farm-yard. Bow-wow! out you spring—grab me by the bone—I—ah—I mean the leg. Pouf! I shoot you with ammonia. [Suits action to the word.
Bradley (starting back). Hi, hold on! Don’t squirt that infernal stuff at me! My dear boy, get a grip on yourself. I’m not really a ki-yi, and while I don’t like bicyclists, their bones are safe from me. I won’t bite you.
Mrs. Perkins. Really—I think that’s a very ingenious arrangement; don’t you, Mr. Bradley?
Bradley. I do, indeed. But, as long as we’re talking about it, I must say I think what Thaddeus really needs is a motormangun, to squirt ammonia, or even beer, into the faces of these cable-car fellows. They’re more likely to interfere with him than dogs—don’t you think?
Perkins. It’s a first-rate idea, Brad. I’ll suggest it to my agent.
Bradley. Your what?
Perkins (apologetically). Well, I call him my agent, although really I’ve only bought this one wheel from him. He represents the Czar Manufacturing Company.
Bradley. They make Czars, do they?
Perkins (with dignity). They make wheels. The man who owns the company is named Czar. I refer to him as my agent, because from the moment he learned I thought of buying a wheel he came and lived with me. I couldn’t get rid of him, and finally in self-defence I bought this wheel. It was the only way I could get rid of him.
Bradley. Aha! That’s the milk in the cocoanut. eh? Hadn’t force of mind to get rid of the agent. Couldn’t say no. Humph! I wondered why you, a man of sense, a man of dignity, a gentleman, should take up with this—
Perkins (angrily). See here, Brad, I like you very much, but I must say—
Mrs. Perkins (foreseeing a quarrel). Thaddeus! ’Sh! Ah, by-the-way, Mr. Bradley, where is Emma this evening? I never knew you to be separated before.
Bradley (sorrowfully). This is the first time, Mrs. Perkins. Fact is, we’d intended calling on you to-night, and I dressed as you see me. Emma was in proper garb too, but when she saw what a beautiful night it was, she told me to go ahead, and she—By Jove! it almost makes me weep!
Perkins. She wasn’t taken ill?
Bradley. No—worse. She said: “You go down on the ‘ L.’ I’ll bike. It’s such a splendid night.” Fine piece of business this! To have a bicycle come between man and wife is a pretty hard fate, I think—for the one who doesn’t ride.
Mrs. Perkins. Then Emma is coming here?
Bradley. That’s the idea, on her wheel—coming down the Boulevard, across Seventy-second Street, through the Park, down Madison, across Twenty-third, down Fourth to Twenty-first, then here.
Perkins. Bully ride that.
Mrs. Perkins. Alone?
Bradley (sadly). I hope so—but these bicyclists have a way of flocking together. For all I know, my beloved Emma may now be coasting down Murray Hill escorted by some bicycle club from Jersey City.
Mrs. Perkins. Oh dear—Mr. Bradley!
Bradley. Oh, it’s all right, I assure you, Mrs. Perkins. Perfectly right and proper. It’s merely part of the exercise, don’t you know. There’s a hail-fellow-well-metness about enthusiastic bicyclists, and Emma is intensely enthusiastic. It gives her a chance, you know, and Emma has always wanted a chance. Independence is a thing she’s been after ever since she got her freedom, and now, thanks to the wheel, she’s got it again, and even I must admit it’s harmless. Funny she doesn’t get here though (looking at his watch); she’s had time to come down twice.
[Bicycle bells are heard ringing without.
Mrs. Perkins. Maybe that is she now. Go and see, will you, Thaddeus? [Exit Perkins.
Perkins (without), That you, Mrs. Bradley?
[Mrs. Perkins and Bradley listen intently.
Two Male Voices. No; it’s us, Perk. Got your wheel?
Bradley and Mrs. Perkins. Where can she be?
Enter Perkins with Barlow and Yardsley.
They both greet Mrs. Perkins.
Yardsley. Hullo, Brad! You going to have a lesson too?
Barlow. Dressed for it, aren’t you, by Jove! Nothing like a dinner coat for a bicycle ride. Your coat-tails don’t catch in the gear.
Bradley (severely). I haven’t taken it up—fact is, I don’t care for fads. Have you seen my wife?
Yardsley. Yes—saw her the other night at the academy. Rides mighty well, too, Brad. Don’t wonder you don’t take it up. Contrast, you know—eh, Perk? Fearful thing for a man to have the world see how much smarter his wife is than he is.
Perkins (turning to his wheel). Bradley’s a little worried about the non-arrival of Mrs. Bradley. She was coming here on her wheel, and started about the same time he did.
Barlow. Oh, that’s all right, Ned. She knows her wheel as well as you know your business. Can’t come down quite as fast as the “L,” particularly these nights just before election. She may have fallen in with some political parade, and is waiting to get across the street.
Bradley (aside). Well, I like that!
Mrs. Perkins (aside). Why—it’s awful!
Yardsley. Or she may possibly have punctured her tire—that would delay her fifteen or twenty minutes. Don’t worry, my dear boy. I showed her how to fix a punctured tire all right. It’s simple enough—you take the rubber thing they give you and fasten it in that metal thingumbob, glue it up, poke it in, pull it out, pump her up, and there you are.
Bradley (scornfully). You told her that, did you?
Yardsley. I did.
Bradley (with a mock sigh of relief). You don’t know what a load you’ve taken off my mind.
Barlow (looking at his watch). H’m! Thaddeus, it’s nine o’clock. I move we go out and have the lesson. Eh? The moon is just right.
Yardsley. Yes—we can’t begin too soon. Wheel all right?
Perkins. Guess so—I’m ready.
Bradley. I’ll go out to the corner and see if there’s any sign of Mrs. Bradley. [Exit.
Mrs. Perkins (who has been gazing out of window for some moments). I do wish Emma would come. I can’t understand how women can do these things. Riding down here all alone at night! It is perfectly ridiculous!
Yardsley (rolling Perkins’s wheel into middle of room). Czar wheel, eh?
Perkins (meekly). Yes—best going—they tell me.
Barlow. Can’t compare with the Alberta. Has a way of going to pieces like the “one-hoss shay”—eh, Bob?
Yardsley. Exactly—when you least expect it, too—though the Alberta isn’t much better. You get coasting on either of ’em, and half-way down, bang! the front wheel collapses, hind wheel flies up and hits you in the neck, handle-bar turns just in time to stab you in the chest; and there you are, miles from home, a physical, moral, bicycle wreck. But the Arena wheel is different. In fact, I may say that the only safe wheel is the Arena. That’s the one I ride. However, at fifty dollars this one isn’t extravagant.
Perkins. I paid a hundred.
Yardsley. A wha—a—at?
Perkins. Hundred.
Barlow. Well you are a—a—good fellow. It’s a pretty wheel, anyhow. Eh, Bob?
Yardsley. Simple beauty. Is she pumped up?
Perkins. Beg your pardon?
Yardsley. Pumped up, tires full and tight—ready for action—support an elephant?
Perkins. Guess so—my—I mean, the agent said it was perfect.
Yardsley. Extra nuts?
Perkins. What?
Yardsley. Extra nuts—nuts extra. Suppose you lose a nut, and your pedal comes off; what you going to do—get a tow?
Barlow. Guess Perkins thinks this is like going to sleep.
Perkins. I don’t know anything about it. What I’m after is information; only, I give you warning, I will not ride so as to get round shoulders.
Yardsley. Then where’s your wrench? Screw up your bar, hoist your handles, elevate your saddle, and you’re O.K. What saddle have you?
Perkins (tapping it). This.
Barlow. Humph! Not very good—but we’ll try it. Come on. It’s getting late.
[They go out. Perkins reluctantly. In a moment he returns alone, and, rushing to Mrs. Perkins, kisses her affectionately.
Mrs. Perkins (leaving window and looking at clock on mantel). Ten minutes past nine and Emma not here yet. It does seem too bad that she should worry Ed so much just for independence’ sake. I am quite sure I should never want to ride a wheel anyhow, and even if I did—
Enter Yardsley hurriedly, with a piece of flannel in his hand.
Yardsley. I beg pardon, Mrs. Perkins, but have you a shawl-strap in the house?
Mrs. Perkins (tragically). What is that you have in your hand, Mr. Yardsley?
Yardsley (with a glance at the piece of flannel). That? Oh—ha-ha—that—that’s a—ah—a piece of flannel.
Mrs. Perkins (snatching the flannel from Yardsley’s hand). But Teddy—isn’t that a piece of Teddy’s—Teddy’s shirt?
Yardsley. More than that, Mrs. Perkins. It’s the greater part of Teddy’s shirt. That’s why we want the shawl-strap. When we started him off, you know, he took his coat off. Jack held on to the wheel, and I took Teddy in the fulness of his shirt. One—two—three! Teddy put on steam—Barlow let go—Teddy went off—I held on—this is what remained. It ruined the shirt, but Teddy is safe. (Aside.) Barring about sixty or seventy bruises.
Mrs. Perkins (with a faint smile). And the shawl-strap?
Yardsley. I want to fasten it around Teddy’s waist, grab hold of the handle, and so hold him up. He’s all right, so don’t you worry. (Exit Mrs. Perkins in search of shawl-strap.) Guess I’d better not say anything about the Pond’s Extract he told me to bring—doesn’t need it, anyhow. Man’s got to get used to leaving pieces of his ankle-bone on the curb-stone if he wants to learn to ride a wheel. Only worry her if I asked her for it—won’t hurt him to suffer a week.
Enter Bradley.
Bradley. Has she come yet?
Yardsley. No—just gone up-stairs for a shawl-strap.
Bradley. Shawl-strap? Who?
Perkins (outside). Hurry up with that Pond’s Extract, will you?
Yardsley. All right—coming. Who? Who what?
Bradley. Who has gone up-stairs after shawl-strap—my wife?
Yardsley. No, no, no. Hasn’t she got here yet? It’s Mrs. Perkins. Perk fell off just now and broke in two. We want to fasten him together.
Barlow (outside). Bring out that pump. His wheel’s flabby.
Enter Mrs. Perkins with shawl-strap.
Mrs. Perkins. Here it is. What did I hear about Pond’s Extract? Didn’t somebody call for it?
Yardsley. No—oh no—not a bit of it! What you heard was shawl-strap—sounds like extract—very much like it. In fact—
Bradley. But you did say you wanted—
Yardsley (aside to Bradley). Shut up! Thaddeus banged his ankle, but he’ll get over it in a minute. She’d only worry. The best bicyclers in the world are all the time falling off, taking headers, and banging their ankles.
Bradley. Poor Emma!
Enter Barlow.
Barlow. Where the deuce is that Ex—
Yardsley (grasping him by the arm and pushing him out). Here it is; this is the ex-strap, just what we wanted. (Aside to Bradley.) Go down to the drug-store and get a bottle of Pond’s, will you? [Exit.
Mrs. Perkins (walking to window). She can’t be long in coming now.
Bradley. I guess I’ll go out to the corner again. (Aside.) Best bicyclers always smashing ankles, falling off, taking headers! If I ever get hold of Emma again, I’ll see whether she’ll ride that—[Rushes out.
Mrs. Perkins. It seems to have made these men crazy. I never saw such strange behavior in all my life. (The telephone-bell rings.) What can that be? (Goes to ’phone, which stands just outside parlor door.) Hello! What? Yes, this is 1181—yes. Who are you? What? Emma? Oh dear, I’m so glad! Are you alive? Where are you? What? Where? The police-station! (Turning from telephone.) Thaddeus, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Yardsley. (Into telephone.) Hello! What for? What? Riding without a lamp! Arrested at Forty-second Street! Want to be bailed out? (Drops receiver. Rushes into parlor and throws herself on sofa.) To think of it—Emma Bradley! (Telephone-bell rings violently again; Mrs. Perkins goes to it.) Hello! Yes. Tell Ed what? To ask for Mrs. Willoughby Hawkins. Who’s she? What, you! (Drops the receiver; runs to window.) Thaddeus! Mr. Yardsley! Mr. Barlow!—all of you come here, quick.
[They rush in. Perkins with shawl-strap about his waist—limping. Barlow has large air-pump in his hand. Mrs. Perkins grows faint.
Perkins. Great heavens! What’s the matter?
Barlow. Get some water—quick!
[Yardsley runs for water.
Mrs. Perkins. Air! Give me air!
Perkins (grabbing pump from Barlow’s hand). Don’t stand there like an idiot! Act! She wants air!
[Places pump on floor and begins to pump air at her.
Barlow. Who’s the idiot now? Wheel her over to the window. She’s not a bicycle.
They do so. Mrs. Perkins revives.
Perkins. What is the matter?
Mrs. Perkins. Mrs. Willoughby Hawkins—arrested—Forty-second Street—no lamp—bailed out. Oh, dear me, dear me! It’ll all be in the papers!
Perkins. What’s that got to do with us? Who’s Mrs. Willoughby Hawkins?
Mrs. Perkins. Emma! Assumed name.
Barlow. Good Lord! Mrs. Bradley in jail?
Perkins. This is a nice piece of—ow—my ankle, my ankle!
[Enter Bradley and Yardsley at same time, Bradley with bottle of Pond’s Extract, Yardsley with glass of water.
Bradley. Where the deuce did you fellows go to? I’ve been wandering all over the square looking for you.
Perkins. Your wife—
Bradley (dropping bottle). What? What about her—hurt?
Mrs. Perkins. Worse! [Sobs.
Bradley. Killed?
Mrs. Perkins. Worse—l-lol-locked up—in jail—no bail—wants to be lamped out.
Bradley. Great heavens! Where?—when? What next? Where’s my hat?—what’ll the baby say? I must go to her at once.
Yardsley. Hold on, old man. Let me go up. You’re too excited. I know the police captain. You stay here, and I’ll run up and fix it with him. If you go, he’ll find out who Mrs. Hawkins is; you’ll get mad, and things will be worse than ever.
Bradley. But—
Barlow. No buts, my dear boy. You just stay where you are. Yardsley’s right. It would be an awful grind on you if this ever became known. Bob can fix it up in two minutes with the captain, and Mrs. Bradley can come right back with him. Besides, he can get there in five minutes on his wheel. It will take you twenty on the cars.
Yardsley. Precisely. Meanwhile, Brad, you’d better learn to ride the wheel, so that Mrs. B. won’t have to ride alone. This ought to be a lesson to you.
Perkins. Bully idea (rubbing his ankle). You can use my wheel to-night—I—I think I’ve had enough for the present. (Aside.) The pavements aren’t soft enough for me; and, O Lord! what a stony curb that was!
Bradley. I never thought I’d get so low.
Yardsley. Well, it seems to me that a man with a wife in jail needn’t be too stuck up to ride a bicycle. But—by-by—I’m off. [Exit.
Mrs. Perkins. Poor Emma—out for freedom, and lands in jail. What horrid things policemen are, to arrest a woman!
Bradley (indignantly). Served her right! If women won’t obey the law they ought to be arrested, the same as men. If she wasn’t my wife, I’d like to see her sent up for ten years or even twenty years. Women have got no business—
Barlow. Don’t get mad, Brad. If you knew the fascination of the wheel you wouldn’t blame her a bit.
Bradley (calming down). Well—I suppose it has some fascination.
Perkins (anxious to escape further lessons). Oh, indeed, it’s a most exhilarating sensation: you seem to be flying like a bird over the high-ways. Try it, Ned. Go on, right away. You don’t know how that little ride I had braced me up.
Barlow (wish a laugh). There! Hear that! There’s a man who’s ridden only eight inches in all his life—and he says he felt like a bird!
Perkins (aside). Yes—like a spring chicken split open for broiling. Next time I ride a wheel it’ll be four wheels, with a horse fastened in front. Oh my! oh my! I believe I’ve broken my back too. [Lies down.
Bradley. You seem to be exhilarated, Thaddeus.
Perkins (bracing up). Oh, I am, I am. Never felt worse—that is, better.
Barlow. Come on, Brad. I’ll show you the trick in two jiffies—it’ll relieve your worry about madam, too.
Bradley. Very well—I suppose there’s no way out of it. Only let me know as soon as Emma arrives, will you?
Mrs. Perkins. Yes—we will.
[They go out. As they disappear through the door Thaddeus groans aloud.
Mrs. Perkins. Why—what is the matter, dear? Are you hurt?
Perkins. Oh no—not at all, my love. I was only thinking of Mr. Jarley’s indignation to-morrow when he sees the hole I made in his curb-stone with my ankle—oh!—ow!—and as for my back, while I don’t think the whole spine is gone, I shouldn’t be surprised if it had come through in sections.
Mrs. Perkins. Why, you poor thing—why didn’t you say—
Perkins (savagely). Why didn’t I say? My heavens, Bess, what did you think I wanted the Pond’s Extract for—to drink, or to water the street with? O Lord! (holding up his arm). There aren’t any ribs sticking out, are there?
Barlow (outside). The other way—there—that’s it—you’ve got it.
Bradley (outside). Why, it is easy, isn’t it?
Perkins (scornfully). Easy! That fellow’d find comfort in—
Barlow (outside). Now you’re off—not too fast.
Mrs. Perkins (walking to window). Why, Thaddeus, he’s going like the wind down the street!
Perkins. Heaven help him when he comes to the river!
Barlow (rushing in). Here we are in trouble again. Brad’s gone off on my wheel. Bob’s taken his, and your tire’s punctured. He doesn’t know the first thing about turning or stopping, and I can’t run fast enough to catch him. One member of the family is in jail—the other on a runaway wheel!
[Yardsley appears at door. Assumes attitude of butler announcing guest.
Yardsley. Missus Willerby ’Awkins!
Enter Mrs. Bradley, hysterical.
Mrs. Bradley. Oh, Edward!
[Throws herself into Barlow’s arms.
Barlow (quietly). Excuse me—ah—Mrs. Hawkins—ah—Bradley—but I’m not—I’m not your husband.
Mrs. Perkins. Sit down, dear—you must be completely worn out.
Mrs. Bradley (in alarm). Where is he?
Perkins (rising and standing on one leg). Fact is, Mrs. Bradley—we don’t know. He disappeared ten minutes ago.
Yardsley. What do you mean?
Mrs. Bradley. Disappeared?
Barlow. Yes. He went east—at the rate of about a mile a minute.
Mrs. Bradley. My husband—went east? Mile a minute?
Perkins. Yes, on a bike. Yardsley, take me by the shawl-strap, will you, and help me over to that chair; my back hurts so I can’t lie down.
Mrs. Bradley. Ned—on a wheel? Why, he can’t ride!
Barlow. Oh yes, he can. What I’m afraid of is that he can’t stop riding.
Bradley (outside). Hi—Barlow—help!
Mrs. Bradley. That’s his voice—he called for help.
Yardsley (rushing to window). Hi—Brad—stop! Your wife’s here.
Bradley (in distance). Can’t stop—don’t know how—
Barlow (leaning out of window). By Jove! he’s turned the corner all right. If he keeps on around, we can catch him next time he passes.
Mrs. Bradley. Oh, do, do stop him. I’m so afraid he’ll be hurt.
Mrs. Perkins (looking out). I can just see him on the other side of the square—and, oh dear me!—his lamp is out.
Mrs. Bradley. Oh, Mr. Yardsley—Mr. Barlow—Mr. Perkins—do stop him!
[By this time all are gazing out of window, except Perkins, who is nursing his ankle.
Perkins. I guess not. I’m not going to lie down in the road, or sit in the road, or stand in the road to stop him or anybody else. I don’t believe I’ve got a sound bone left; but if I have, I’m going to save it, if Bradley kills himself. If his lamp’s out the police will stop him. Why not be satisfied with that?
Bradley (passing the window). For Heaven’s sake! one of you fellows stop me.
Yardsley. Put on the brake.
Barlow. Fall off. It hasn’t got a brake.
Bradley (despairingly, in distance). Can’t.
Mrs. Perkins. This is frightful.
Perkins (with a grimace at his ankle). Yes; but there are other fearful things in this world.
Mrs. Bradley. I shall go crazy if he isn’t stopped. He’ll kill himself.
Yardsley (leaving window hurriedly). I have it. Got a length of clothes-line, Mrs. Perkins?
Barlow. What the dickens—
Mrs. Perkins. Yes.
[She rushes from the room.
Mrs. Bradley. What for?
Yardsley. I’ll lasso him, next time he comes around.
Perkins (with a grin). There’ll be two of us! We can start a hospital on the top floor.
Mrs. Perkins (returning). Here—here’s the line.
[Yardsley takes it hurriedly, and, tying it into a noose, hastens out.
Perkins (rising). If I never walk again, I must see this. [Limps to window.
Mrs. Bradley. He’s coming, Mr. Yardsley; don’t miss him.
Barlow. Steady, Bob; get in the light.
Mrs. Perkins. Suppose it catches his neck?
Perkins. This beats the Wild West Show.
[A crash.
All. He’s got him.
[All rush out, except Perkins.
Perkins. Oh yes; he learned in a minute, he did. Easy! Ha, ha! Gad! it almost makes me forget my pain.
Enter all, asking. “Is he hurt? How do you feel?” etc. Yardsley has rope-end in right hand; noose is tied aboutBradley’s body, his coat and clothing are much the worse for wear.
Mrs. Bradley. Poor, dear Edward!
Bradley (weakly kissing her). Don’t m-mind me. I—I’m all right—only a little exhilarated—and somewhat—er—somewhat breathless. Feel like a bird—on toast. Yardsley, you’re a brick. But that pavement—that was a pile of ’em, and the hardest I ever encountered. I always thought asphalt was soft—who said asphalt was soft?
Perkins. Easy to learn, though, eh?
Bradley. Too easy. I’d have gone on—er—forever—er—if it hadn’t been for Bob.
Mrs. Bradley. I’ll give it up, Ned dear, if you say so.
Mrs. Perkins (affectionately). That’s sweet of you, Emma.
Bradley. No, indeed, you won’t, for—er—I—I rather like it while it’s going on, and when I learn to get off—
Yardsley. Which you will very shortly.
Barlow. You bet! he’s a dandy. I taught him.
Bradley. I think I’ll adore it.
Perkins. Buy a Czar wheel, Brad. Best in the market; weighs only twenty pounds. I’ve got one with a ki-yi pump and a pneumatic gun you can have for ten dollars.
Jennie (at the door). Supper is served ma’am. [Exit.
Mrs. Perkins. Let us go out and restore our nerves. Come, Emma.
[She and Mrs. Bradley walk out.
Yardsley (aside). I say, Brad, you owe me five.
Bradley. What for?
Yardsley. Bail.
Barlow. Cheap too.
Yardsley. Very. I think he ought to open a bottle besides.
Perkins. I’ll attend to the bottles. We’ll have three.
Barlow. Two will be enough.
Perkins. Three—two of fizz for you and Bob and the ladies, and if Bradley will agree, I’ll split a quart of Pond’s Extract with him.
Bradley. I’ll go you. I think I could take care of the whole quart myself.
Perkins. Then we’ll make it four bottles.
Mrs. Perkins (appearing at door with her arm about Mrs. Bradley). Aren’t you coming?
Perkins (rising with difficulty). As fast as we can, my dear. We’ve been taking lessons, you know, and can’t move as rapidly as the rest of you. We’re a trifle—ah—a trifle tired. Yardsley, you tow Bradley into the dining room; and, Barlow, kindly pretend I’m a shawl, will you, and carry me in.
Bradley. I’ll buy a wheel to-morrow.
Perkins. Don’t, Brad. I—I’ll give you mine. Fact is, old man, I don’t exactly like feeling like a bird.
[They go out, and as the last, Perkins and Bradley, disappear stiffly through the portières, the curtain falls.
EMPORIA, Kans., (Dec. 18, 2020) — Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand which owns and produces the Garmin UNBOUND Gravel event, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Major Taylor Association as part of Life Time’s ongoing commitment to growing diversity at gravel cycling events. This partnership provides race entries, expo space, a platform to grow awareness and ongoing support and mentorship for Major Taylor riders.
Major Taylor Association is named in honor of Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor (November 26, 1878 – June 21, 1932), the first African-American professional cyclist. Taylor turned professional at the age of 18 and went on to win multiple national sprint and track world championships, becoming the first African American to achieve this level of cycling.
“We recognize that more diverse representation is needed at events such as UNBOUND Gravel and are very proud to partner with the Major Taylor Association,” said Kristi Mohn, UNBOUND Gravel Marketing Manager at Life Time . “Their mission of giving, sharing and educating within the cycling community aligns with our commitment to amplifying inclusion at our events and within the broader endurance industry. Life Time events are a place for everyone, and we are excited to put those words into action. We can’t wait for the Major Taylor riders to come to Emporia and see the beauty of the Flint Hills.”
The two-year partnership will provide 65 entries each year for Major Taylor riders from the Kansas City chapter and surrounding areas, across all four distances (25-mile, 50-mile, 100-mile and 200-mile) of UNBOUND Gravel, including crew support for the riders. Life Time will also provide funding for travel costs for the participants. Additionally, Major Taylor will be given complimentary expo space to grow awareness about the work they’re doing with the gravel community, as well as lead a group ride during the event weekend.
As athletes are training and preparing for the June 5 event, the UNBOUND Gravel team will host group rides for the Major Taylor Kansas City Cycling Club in Emporia. This on-course experience will introduce the riders to the Flint Hills and the actual roads they will be riding on during the event.
“We, the members of the Major Taylor Kansas City Cycling Club, are excited about this partnership with Life Time and UNBOUND Gravel!” said Mitchell Williams, President of Major Taylor Cycling Club of Kansas City. “Major Taylor Cycling Clubs across the United States work diligently to promote the sport of cycling while honoring the life and legacy of Major Taylor. The opportunity to bring awareness to the sport is both exciting and impactful. Participating in UNBOUND Gravel gives us the opportunity to train for the event while promoting health, diversity and inclusion in this sport which we are so passionate about.”
This is just one step Life Time is taking as they continue their commitment to providing access and education to all individuals, while initiating industry shifts around inclusiveness at events. The organization has pledged to impact change across the industry, using their 30+ events as a platform. The team is continuing to take deliberate steps to enact change for riders and runners across BIPOC, LGBTQ+, gender-focused, economically disenfranchised and para groups, including lowering the barrier of entry to the sport and providing access to start lines.
The 2021 All Things Gravel Expo will kick off on June 3; Life Time will be supporting small and BIPOC businesses with complimentary booth spaces. To further amplify Life Time’s DEI efforts, 15% of proceeds from UNBOUND Gravel merchandise will be contributed toward DEI initiatives, including funding to Major Taylor to help cover travel costs.
For more information, visit unboundgravel.com or follow @unboundgravel on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
EVERGREEN, COLO, Dec. 18th 2020 — Two legendary Colorado-based cycling events (The Triple Bypass Ride and the Bob Cook Memorial / Mt. Evans Hill Climb) will have “partner status” with the Colnago Gran Fondo National Series for the 2021 season. Both events are offering the opportunity to earn Gran Fondo National Series Points and qualify for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event in 2022.
The Triple Bypass and the Mt. Evans Hill Climb are both produced by Team Evergreen — the largest, longest-running cycling club in Colorado. In addition to these events, Team Evergreen added the Beti Bike Bash, and Co2uT Desert Gravel in 2020 with plans to add even more events to its roster for 2021. Invested deeply in the cycling/trail community — the proceeds of Team Evergreen events are donated to a variety of charitable organizations (with over 3 million dollars to date).
Triple Gran Fondo
In true “Fondo fashion”, The Triple Gran Fondo will not be a start-to-finish race. A participant’s overall time from start to finish does not matter for this competition. Only the timed segments count, which means riders can stop to take in the views, refuel at aid stations, and regroup with friends without suffering a time penalty. Rankings are determined by your KOM/QOM standings for each pass as well as the combined time for all timed segments. The Triple Gran Fondo is what climbing dreams are made of. Leaving from Avon Colorado, timed segments are on the uphill portions of the passes of the Triple – Vail, Loveland and Squaw.
Riders on the annual Triple Bypass Ride, one of Team Evergreen’s major fundraising events. Photo courtesy Team Evergreen
“The Triple Bypass has been a bucket-list event for 32 years. We were proud to collaborate with the Colnago Gran Fondo National Series in 2020 to bring things up a notch and offer something new. We all know how 2020 went. We are excited to bring this partnership to fruition in 2021,” said Jen Barbour, Executive Director of Team Evergreen. “On August 21st, 2021 we are going back to our roots and finishing in the town where it all started. Leaving from Evergreen, CO, Triple Riders will travel 110 miles and climb 10,750’ over 3 gorgeous mountain passes – arriving in Vail, Colorado. Timing riders up some of the most challenging mountain passes in Colorado is sure to create one of the most challenging and rewarding events in the country.”
Bob Cook Memorial / Mt. Evans Hill Climb Gran Fondo
Just riding from Idaho Springs to the summit of Mt. Evans has always been an epic feat, and having the “Fondo-option” allows participants to race and record an official time on this iconic climb. In 2020, Mt. Evans was closed to traffic all summer due to COVID. Cyclists from near and far (including those at the highest levels) came to take advantage of the road closures,” said Race Director, Kim Nordquist. “Since then, we’ve seen a surge of interest in our 2021 event. Folks want to ride it timed to see how they stack up against some of the fastest cyclists in the world.” The Mt. Evans Gran Fondo (July 24th, 2021) starts in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs and finishes just below the summit of Mt. Evans. The race is a mass start and is 28 miles in length and climbs more than 6,600 feet.
Photo courtesy Team Evergreen
“We’re excited to work with Team Evergreen cycling to include the 2021 Bob Cook Memorial/Mt. Evans Hill Climb and the Triple Gran Fondo as Series events, and as qualifiers for the 2022 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship,” said Reuben Kline, series director. “This partnership allows us to offer more series points events in the region; while the Golden Gran Fondo has been part of the Series for the last seven years, Golden has been the only accessible Series event for those who live in the Colorado / Rocky Mountain region. This new relationship will allow riders to take part in three events within geographic proximity and score points in the Series standings. Both [Mt. Evans and the Triple Fondo] are very well organized and fit beautifully in the Series. They promote the same positive energy to grow cycling, share the primary goals of giving cyclists an opportunity to participate and compete at their personal level and have a great time doing so!“
Pre-registration for the Triple Gran Fondo is now open through Jan. 5th for all Team Evergreen Members.
General registration for the Triple opens Jan. 6th, 2021.
Hazard: The front fender can detach and cause the front wheel to abruptly stop, posing a fall hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: December 16, 2020
Units: About 1,270
Consumer Contact: Local authorized Cannondale dealer, or Cycling Sports Group at 800-245-3872 (800-BIKE USA) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, by email at [email protected] or online at www.cannondale.com and click on “Recalls and Notices” for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves all Cycling Sports Group Cannondale Canvas NEO bicycles. These are “e-bicycles” that have an electric assist motor, and they were sold in a variety of different colors and sizes. Affected bicycles are marked “Canvas” on the top tube and have an electric assist motor. Only models of “Canvas” bicycles with an electric assist motor are included in this recall.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding the bicycle until the front fender is removed, and contact their local authorized Cannondale dealer or Cycling Sports Group to arrange for a free repair.
Incidents/Injuries: Cycling Sports Group has received eight reports of the fender detaching and contacting the bicycle wheel, two of which resulted in injuries involving bruising and abrasions.
Sold At: Authorized Cannondale dealers nationwide from June 2019 through October 2020 for between $3,200 and $4,200.
Importer(s): Cycling Sports Group Inc., of Wilton, Conn.
December 16, 2020 – Salt Lake City has released the preliminary plans for the 600 S to 900 S section of State Street. The city intends to revitalize the area by expanding sidewalks, creating better pedestrian infrastructure at intersections with bulbouts, landscaping, and more. Mid-block crossings are planned, as are some reductions in parking. The project would narrow the lane widths on State Street in order to slow traffic speeds. There are no bike lanes or bike accommodations planned for State Street.
A cyclists on State Street. Many ‘invisible cyclists’ use the road to commute. Active transportation on State Street in Salt Lake City. Photo by Dave Iltis
Concurrently, a bike lane study is being conducted for 200 E and Main Streets to create better cycling conditions on those streets.
The project is an outcome of the Life on State study that ran from 2016-2018.
Scooters are a new form of Active transportation on State Street in Salt Lake City. Photo by Dave Iltis
Editorial:
The Life on State Preliminary Design Fails because it Doesn’t Include Bike Lanes
We applaud the efforts of Salt Lake City to make State Street more of a people friendly street, but they fall far short of making the street safe for cycling.
As the Life on State project moves on, Salt Lake City and UDOT continue to ignore one of the most needed and most suggested improvements for the street – bike lanes.
No bike lanes are planned for State Street, this despite the need, despite the fact that the majority of stakeholders wanted bike lanes when the Life on State was conducted.
In fact the first listed goal from the study is as follows:
GOALS + PRIORITIES
These goals were written by the stakeholders and community, and priorities were established with public input. These goals directly address the concerns and aspirations described in the State Street Today chapter.
“Improve Safety and Security: Create a State Street that is welcoming, safe, and healthy by improving traffic safety for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders, and use urban design to prevent crime and improve security.”
Clearly, the community wants bike lanes. In fact, 67% of people of people from the open houses supported this goal and wanted the street to be safer for bikes and pedestrians. The road needs to become a people friendly street, and to get there, bike lanes are needed. People on bikes heavily use the street already, yet it is one of the more dangerous streets in the state. Why is that? It’s a car priority street that doesn’t take into account people, whether on foot or bike or scooter or skateboard. Crashes impacting pedestrians and cyclists abound (see the executive summary). Stated in the plan: “Walking and biking on State Street is dangerous. Unfriendly conditions are an obstacle to economic development.”
A goal of the study is to create a ‘Signature Street’. We’d love to see that. But this is not the right way. The Life on State Study identified option 4, which is still inadequate, as the one having the most potential for economic development. This option includes at least some accommodations for people on bikes.
But even that scenario is far short of what the community wants.
This present design is an huge step backwards. Without bike lanes, the road is just that, a road, and not a vibrant city street that puts people first.
Salt Lake City’s design misses the mark for many reasons:
As above, in the various community meetings that were held a few years ago regarding Life on State, the community overwhelmingly wanted bike lanes.
By reducing lane widths to 10.5 feet, there is room for bike lanes.
The planned bulbouts mean that cyclists will not even be able to ride in the area where parked cars are since they will get pinched at each intersection in a dangerous back and forth. It precludes safe places for cyclists now and in the distant future.
UDOT is the reason for the lack of bike lanes, and Salt Lake City needs to ask for a better street from UDOT.
While we applaud the idea of making 200 E and Main Street good options for cycling, this does not in anyway help those who are riding to destinations on State Street. In fact, it makes it that much more inconvenient by forcing cyclists to deviate 2-3 blocks to reach a destination on State Street, and to then be forced to ride on the sidewalk.
Cyclists currently use State Street, particularly those with lower incomes. Even Strava data shows substantial usage.
The bulbouts will preclude safe cycling for many years by forcing cyclists who do need to ride on State to weave in and out of the outer traffic lane to safely cross intersections.
The street design does nothing to help the people on bikes, especially those with lower incomes, who use State Street currently.
The proposed plan from Salt Lake City and UDOT ignores most of what is in the Life on State study. And as such is a failure.
Lack of bike lanes forces cyclists on to the sidewalk on State Street in Salt Lake City. Photo by Dave Iltis
Vision:
State Street should be the premier street in Utah. It should have a clear mission of being a people first corridor, with safety, economic vitality, equity, and environmental sustainability as goals. State Street should not be a highway, nor a high speed roadway. It’s filled with small businesses from Draper to the Utah State Capitol. Yet it is one of the most uninviting, unsafe streets in the state.
The Life on State Study gets it: “Above and beyond this, State Street should regain its stature as a signature street. It should inspire us and reflect our highest aspirations. It should be a premier address for businesses as well as public institutions. It should be an example of the future of transportation, as it was with first the oxen teams, ushering in the automobile age, and soon, the first automated vehicles and shared transportation systems. It should be a “can’t miss” place for visitors to the capital city and leave them wanting to visit again.”
But the implementation does not.
A State Street with bike lanes, better sidewalks, landscaping, lower speed limits, and an emphasis on people not cars, from Draper to Salt Lake, could be the premier street in the state.
Two lanes of traffic in each direction, not three, protected bike lanes, and better sidewalks is a much better vision for the roadway. It’s safer, healthier, and better for the people of Utah. We need to make this happen.
Nine cities across the United States have been selected to play host to America’s national criterium series, USA CRITS. The pandemic pushed several events back including the pre-season Birmingham Hammerfest Fueled by BOLT24 which will join for 2021 as a regular season points race. Other events, including Sun City Crit in El Paso and Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium in Athens, have also departed from traditional dates in what will provide a recovery window from the pandemic. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium is prepared with a date the Friday before Athens should there be a need to move that event on the calendar as well.
Harriet Owen (Hagens Berman/Supermint) wins the D1/Pro division of the Salt Lake Criterium, USA CRITS series held at the Gateway Mall (Photo by Dave Richards, daverphoto.com)
There will be expanded races surrounding the Series in a number of venues including a second day added to the Salt Lake Criterium in Utah. The ASWD Twilight Criterium in Boise will simultaneously be hosting Para-cycling Road National Championships and the Chrono Kristen Armstrong TT alongside their downtown criterium shadowing the Capitol.
Discussions are in progress about adding a second day of local racing to the Audi Denver Littleton Twilight Criterium, America’s largest criterium event. Saint Francis Tulsa Tough will once again be in the Series comprising three days of crits and fondos with #D1 Teams racing for Series points on the Blue Dome course Friday.
2021 will see 19 days of live streaming free to viewers. “We want the world to see our #D1 teams race and expand promotion of the venues and partners helping grow the sport. This represents a $250k investment made possible by our partners and comprises nearly 80% of all road events streamed in America. We have been in discussions with a couple of international media partners. This year is the bridge to pulling those agreements together,” said Scott Morris, Managing Director.
The Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, previously announcing a move to the fall, will have an exciting new format with three days of criterium racing. Friday will play host to the USA CRITS Finals with the season jerseys and #D1 HelloFresh Team Competitions on the line. Winston-Salem continues their investment in the sport by also hosting the International Crit Challenge on Saturday. Select international teams from around the world will be invited to join in racing against America’s best.
2021 USA CRITS Calendar
Race
Date
Location
1
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium
04/23/2021
Spartanburg, SC
2
Saint Francis Tulsa Tough
06/11/2021
Tulsa, OK
3
ASWD Twilight Criterium
07/10/2021
Boise, ID
4
Salt Lake Criterium – Gateway
07/17/2021
Salt Lake City, UT
5
Salt Lake Criterium – Holladay
07/18/2021
Holladay, UT
6
Audi Denver Littleton Twilight Criterium
07/31/2021
Littleton, CO
7
Birmingham Hammerfest Fueled by BOLT24
08/14/2021
Birmingham, AL
8
AOC Twilight Criterium
08/21/2021
Athens, GA
9
Sun City Crit
09/11/2021
El Paso, TX
10
Winston-Salem Cycling Classic – USA CRITS Finals
09/24/2021
Winston Salem, NC
Winston-Salem Cycling Classic International Crit Challenge
09/25/2021
Winston Salem, NC
“We can’t say enough about how our venues expanding their events, teams staying together despite not racing, and sponsors sticking with us during these challenging times has helped motivate our efforts. It hasn’t been easy at any level, but we know the teams are ready to race and the venues are looking forward to #theshow returning,” added Morris.
USA CRITS will continue to monitor the impacts of the pandemic and make changes that are in the health and safety interest of the athletes and communities.
Twenty-two #D1 teams have so far committed to compete in the Series and will be announced later in January 2021. Confirmed to be returning are both of last year’s team winners, ButcherBox Cycling (men) and Colavita HelloFresh Pro Women’s Cycling Team (women).
MOAB, Utah (November 12, 2020) —Outerbike, the premier three-day experiential consumer event dedicated to helping mountain bikers find their perfect bike, today launches an exciting new website feature that will help riders determine which bikes best meet their needs, during a time when it’s difficult to do so in person. This bike finder quiz called “Your Friend in the Bike Business” serves as an interactive guide leading consumers to the bike category that’s best for them.
Photo courtesy Outerbike
“About 10 years ago we started Outerbike to help every cyclist find their perfect bike. Outerbike brings bike manufacturers and their demo fleets to amazing trail locations where riders can test bikes on real trails,” said Ashley Korenblat, co-founder of Outerbike. “With the huge influx of new cyclists to our community, we want to make them feel welcome. We want to demystify choosing a bike and be their friend in the bike business. The bike finder is designed to help both new and experienced cyclists find the right category and begin their purchasing journey.”
In order to support the increase in new cyclists (according to NPD Group via Bicycle Retailer, bike sales saw a 63% growth year-over-year in June), the Outerbike bike finder aims to welcome newcomers into the sport in a neutral, helpful and purely educational way. This tool will help people hone in on their bike match by asking a series of targeted questions regarding their needs, hopes and riding plans. From there, the quiz will lead them to a group of bikes from Outerbike exhibitors that are the best match based on the rider’s answers and send them directly to the manufacturer’s website to learn more, ask additional questions and make a purchase.
“Amidst the pandemic, we’ve seen an influx of new riders entering the bike community and we’re so excited for the opportunity to help them along their journey to purchasing a bike, which we know is a huge deal and investment,” said Mark Sevenoff, co-founder of Outerbike. “‘Your Friend in the Bike Business’ was designed to do just that — be an approachable and unbiased resource for new and seasoned riders alike. We are working to educate riders in a quick and easy way through the quiz, so they can get out there, on the bike that’s right for them. After all, each bike model is designed with a certain rider in mind and this online tool works to bridge that gap and make those connections.”
“This is a great tool for people looking to buy a new bike. There are so many excellent choices available — it’s hard to find a bad bike at this point — but we, the bike industry, tend to make it harder than it needs to be,” said Joe Parkin of Boneshaker Cycles in Buena Vista, CO. “I see it in the shop all the time; people come in and they are the victims of information overload. When we ask them who they are as a rider, where they ride, and what their riding goals are, we are able to point them in a general category direction. I like to tell them that, once they find that category, they’re free to pick the bike they like the looks of — maybe from a company whose ethos they like. I see them relax and smile, and the bike-buying process becomes fun again. This tool from Outerbike does exactly that.”
“Bike shopping can be overwhelming, but ‘Your Friend in the Bike Business’ is a great starting place to find your first or your next bike,” said Brian Curran of Outspokin’ Cycles in Columbia, SC.
The Outerbike team is also excited to officially announce its 2021 in-person event dates starting in the third quarter of next year. Below are the 2021 Outerbike event dates and locations:
Killington, July 23 – 25
Crested Butte, August 13 – 15
Duluth, August 27 – 29
South Lake Tahoe, September 17 – 19
Moab, October 1 – 3
Bentonville, October 22 – 24
Mark your calendars, keep wearing your masks, and we look forward to riding with you next year! For more information and to try out the Your Friend in the Bike Business bike finder, please visit https://www.outerbike.com/your-friend-in-the-bike-business.
TAMPA, Fla. / TULSA, Okla. / ST. GEORGE, Utah (December 8, 2020) – The IRONMAN Group today announced that the Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN Tulsa and Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3® St. George have been selected to host the respective IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championships for 2021. Both events will enter an elite group of cities to hold the prestigious regional championship events and host some of the best athletes in the world. The 2021 Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN North American Championship Tulsa triathlon is scheduled for Sunday, May 23, 2021. The 2021 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George triathlon is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021.
“We are proud to designate these two outstanding race communities as North American Championship event hosts for 2021,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, Managing Director of North America for The IRONMAN Group. “We believe that both St. George, Utah and Tulsa, Oklahoma offer the pedigree necessary to host such pinnacle events. We look forward to working with both cities to create unparalleled race experiences worthy of our amazing athletes during an exciting 2021 race season.”
Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George
The striking Southwestern community of St. George, Utah has been a staple on the IRONMAN circuit since 2010. St. George’s breathtaking scenery and views of the surrounding red rock canyons have made the community an ideal destination for athletes for years. The city’s walkable downtown area features great local fare and boutique shopping. It is also only a two-hour drive from the nightlife of Las Vegas, with its never-ending entertainment options.
St. George, Utah, home of the Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George scheduled for May 1, 2021 (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
“IRONMAN is part of the fabric of our community,” said Kevin Lewis, Director of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. “The IRONMAN spirit embodies the grit and determination in our heritage, the energy and enthusiasm of our people and the rugged, enduring beauty in our landscapes. We’re thrilled to welcome the world to the land of endurance.”
Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George has become one of the most popular IRONMAN 70.3 events in the world and will also host the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on Sept. 17-18, 2021, marking the return to North America for the first time since 2013. IRONMAN 70.3 St. George features a scenic course against the iconic Red Rock backdrop. Athletes will begin their journey with a 1.2-mile swim at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, a rolling 56-mile bike through scenic Washington County before tackling the signature climb through Snow Canyon State Park, and finishing with a 13.1-mile out and back run course up that heads out on Diagonal and Bluff Street before climbing up Red Hills Parkway through the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve featuring amazing views of the city while running along the bluff before returning to the finish line located on Main Street right in the heart of downtown St. George.
The 2021 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George will offer 100 qualifying slots and 50 Women For Tri slots to the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in St. George. For more information, please visit www.ironman.com/im703-st-george. Athlete inquiries may be directed to [email protected].
Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN North American Championship Tulsa
Situated on the Arkansas River between the Osage Hills and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeast Oklahoma, Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state. It boasts a wide variety of attractions, including Gathering Place (the largest privately funded public park in the country), Philbrook and Gilcrease museums, the Tulsa Zoo, and the Oklahoma Aquarium. The city prides itself on offering big-city experiences in a completely different way: no huge crowds, no big attitudes, just plenty to do for you and your whole group.
ulsa, Okla., home of the Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN North American Championship Tulsa scheduled to take place May 23, 2021
“Tulsa is honored to have been named the host location of the IRONMAN North American Championship for 2021,” said Ray Hoyt, President of Tulsa Regional Tourism, which houses Tulsa Sports Commission, The Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture. “Hosting an IRONMAN race is an extremely prestigious privilege. Having the opportunity to build on that, by convening the greatest triathletes in the world to compete at the championship level, really affirms Tulsa as a sports destination for the world. We look forward to bringing this great race and its vast network of athletes and supporters to Tulsa in 2021.”
The Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN North American Championship Tulsa triathlon will begin with a rolling start format. The 2.4-mile swim will take place in Keystone Lake where the water temperatures are generally in the low to mid-70 degrees. Once out of the water, athletes will embark on a 112-mile scenic bike tour of the surrounding Tulsa area, including portions of Osage, Creek and Tulsa County. Athletes will have the opportunity to ride portions of the Osage Hills and experience the lush green terrain that make up the “Green Country” of northeastern Okla. Athletes will be challenged with plenty of rolling hills before transitioning to the run portion in downtown Tulsa at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa campus. Once off the bike, athletes will start the 26.2-mile run leg of the event. The run course makes its way through historic vibrant downtown Tulsa to the River Parks Trail System. Runners will have flat and fast views of the Arkansas River as they make their way down past Tulsa’s Gathering Place and back to downtown to finish at the beautiful Guthrie Green.
The 2021 Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN North American Championship Tulsa will offer 75 qualifying slots to the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. For more information, please visit www.ironman.com/im-tulsa. Athlete inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Media inquiries may be directed to [email protected].
2020 Progress on Cross-Country Great American Rail-Trail Includes $4 million in New Funding and 2,000 Miles Completed
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy points to enduring commitment and progress for the Great American as reinforcement of the health and economic value that trails deliver nationwide
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As the 2020 trail construction season comes to a close in much of the country, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), alongside Great American Rail-Trail partners on the 3,700-mile route, celebrate a year that saw significant new investments and miles completed for the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail.
Since the Great American Rail-Trail was introduced in 2019, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) reports that 50 miles have been completed along the developing route and new trail projects are underway or completed in 10 out of 12 Great American states. A total of $18.4 million in public and private funds have been secured to advance local Great American projects. RTC leads the national organizing work on behalf of the trail, which spans 3,700 miles from Washington, D.C., to Washington State.
More than $4 million in public and private funds were secured in 2020 for projects along the route. In addition, more than 20 miles of trail along the Great American corridor were completed, bringing the total on-the-ground mileage of the developing trail system to over 2,000.
“This year has proven how vital projects like the Great American Rail-Trail are to the country. Millions of people have found their way outside on trails as a way to cope with the pandemic,” said Ryan Chao, president of RTC.
“As the Great American Rail-Trail connects more towns, cities, states and regions, this infrastructure serves as the backbone of resilient communities, while uniting us around a bold, ambitious and impactful vision. Looking ahead, we’ll be working hard alongside our partners to advance trail development; there are 80 miles of new trail in the pipeline now and hundreds of miles to build overall. Closing critical gaps in the trail has the potential to deliver significant economic value to the people and places along the route, which will be so important as we move beyond the pandemic,” said Chao.
As local, state and federal officials turn their attention to economic recovery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Great American is a powerful, national demonstration of the role that trails and active transportation play in spurring regional economies while contributing to healthy, safe and equitable communities.
According to a recent national study by RTC, the country’s trail economy generates more than $34.1 billion annually, and could grow to more than $138.5 billion each year as the connectivity of trails and active transportation routes improves. The total local spending impact of the nation’s rail-trails is $10.6 billion annually, which could grow to as much as $21 billion annually—illustrating the potential for the Great American to deliver jobs and revenue to the many rural towns and small cities along its route.
“We need to continue working on getting [trails] started in communities, and we need funding for the state of Indiana to get … trails started, maintain ones that we have and connect the others,” said Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn), co-chair of the Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus, in a recorded video statement acknowledging the economic impact of trails on the state.
RTC shared the progress made on the Great American Rail-Trail during a virtual event that showcased noteworthy trail developments in nine states along the route, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Washington. Since the project was introduced in 2019, 50 miles have been completed along the developing route and new trail projects have begun or are complete in 10 out of 12 Great American states. In addition, a total of $18.4 million in public and private funds have been secured to advance local Great American projects.
“When we talk about [trails] from a national frame, and we talk about how Ohio is connected to [the Great American Rail-Trail], that’s important. That’s a big deal for us to be a part of that,” said Rep. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), co-chair of the Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus, in a recorded video statement.
Introduced in May 2019, the Great American spans 3,700+ miles across 12 states between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. The trail is the most ambitious in RTC’s portfolio of TrailNation™ projects—the organization’s initiative to encourage the rapid replication of regional trail networks across the country. The Great American will serve 50 million people living within 50 miles of the trail, as well as millions of additional visitors from around the world. Explore the Great American at greatamericanrailtrail.org, and connect with the #GRTAmerican via social media @greatamericanrailtrail.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities by building a nation connected by trails. As trails continue to serve as vital resources for health and wellness for Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, RTC is urging everyone to practice safe and responsible trail use and self-care at all times. RTC continues to provide up-to-date resources and information at railstotrails.org/COVID19. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Explore the nation’s trails at TrailLink.com, RTC’s trail-finder website and app.
200 S in Salt Lake City is slated to be reconstructed in 2022 from 400 W to 900 E. Salt Lake City’s Funding Our Future bond has provided funds for the reconstruction of this street, improved transit, and housing, including the reconstruction of 200 S.
There are three project concept options: 1. Buffered bike lanes and no bus lane. 2. A curb separated bike lane with dedicated side running bus lanes. 3. Protected bike lanes with a center running bus only lane. The project website has full details.
Cyclists are encouraged to take the survey by December 6, 2020 to help determine which option is best.
200 S in Salt Lake City will be reconstructed in 2022. Options include protected bike lanes. Photo by Dave Iltis
Overall, Salt Lake City has put a great deal of thought into the project, and the options have the potential to completely remake the street as a people priority street.
In our opinion, concepts 2 and 3 are the best for bicyclists. Each provides a protected bike lane on this important east-west cycling connnection. 200 South is the only downtown street that connects the east and west sides of Salt Lake City. Other than 200 South, cyclists must travel to 800 south or N. Temple to cross I-15 safely.
Concept 3, which would have a center running bus only lane seems as though it would result in the least number of conflicts for bike and buses, cars, and delivery trucks. Option 2 (a side running bus only lane) would likely see delivery trucks park in the bike lane. Concept 1, buffered bike lanes and no dedicated bus lane, is pretty much the status quo, and, while not terrible, is not progressive either.
A key to the success of this project is how the block between State and Main is reconstructed. This is not part of the survey, but this block is a bottleneck on the street due to access to an underground parking garage. Cycling Utah has previously and successfully lobbied to redo the green lane on 200 S. While not ideal in the long run, this has made conditions safer for riders as of fall 2020.
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