Basso's Newly Decorated Cannondale

Bicycle Commuter Act of 2008

I'll let the League of American Bicycles speak about this one. They do a much better job.

BikeRadar.com: Anthem X1

The editors at Bikeradar.com have tested and reviewed the 2009 Giant Anthem X1, and they have so many nice things to say about the machine that I just can’t understand how Dennis Lane and the rest of the Giant product development team can stay so modest. Bestowing upon the Anthem X1 four-and-a-half stars out of a possible five, editors Guy Kesteven and Steve Worland say things like: "The best combo of low weight, high performance and value we’ve seen so far this year" and “This one makes sense for anyone looking for the maximum bang for their buck.”

But wait, there’s more. “With so much emphasis on carbon composites these days, it’s easy to overlook the fact that aluminum frame construction techniques are getting better too, and Giant is at the leading edge with its ALUXX SL technology.”

Holy cow, how about this next one!?!? “Every single section of the Anthem X frame is a mini-masterpiece of structural engineering.”

Wait. I gotta repeat that one, it’s so good: “Every single section of the Anthem X frame is a mini-masterpiece of structural engineering.”

Not finished yet. “The key feature of Giant's Maestro suspension platform is its floating rear triangle, which negates the effect of pedaling and braking on the shock. This leaves the bike with totally predictable compression, rebound and pedal power responses on any type of terrain, regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing.”

Okay. Just one more. “Power transfer feels tight and efficient all of the time.”

Commuter Act Becomes Law

After seven years of legislative proposals, the bicycle commuter tax benefit has finally become law. The bill passed both the U.S. House and Senate in early October, and President Bush added his signature on October 3. This legislation allows employers to give employees who commute by bike a monthly tax-free stipend of $20 or less. This benefit is modeled after the federal vanpool and transit commuter tax benefit.
We are grateful to Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR) and other members of Congress who have worked tirelessly to advance this legislation, as well as all the devoted bicycle advocates who helped promote it. Employers may begin reimbursing employees tax-free on January 1, 2009. Stay tuned for details.
(taken from Bikes Belong)

If you want some statistics to help negotiate biking to work look no further than here

A Call For Bike Rack Art

This call for art is for a free-form standing design art rack (nontraditional bicycle rack) on private or public property. Several designs will be selected for this project and considered for future production and placement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to support the City’s Leading Green initiative by utilizing an art rack design that incorporates at least 50 percent recycled materials. More information HERE.

City of Sioux Falls Press Release

Sioux Falls, South Dakota: The City of Sioux Falls has initiated a pilot project for on-street bicycle facilities this year. The City added three types of on-street bicycle facilities to city streets. This pilot project includes shared bicycle/parking lanes, sharrows, and dedicated bicycle lanes.

The public is encouraged to try the on-street bicycle facilities and provide comments about the facilities.

For more information on the bicycle facilities and their locations, please visit the City’s Website at: http://www.siouxfalls.org/shared_lanes .

Sharrows!!!

The Sharrows are here! The Sharrows downtown are located on Main and Dakota and are on the left side of the one way streets to avoid the “door zone” in many situations. Those sharrows were put in last week. Sharrows were also put in on West 22nd Street yesterday. Also, check out the completed dedicated bicycle lane on East 41st Street. Lastly, the shared bicycle/parking lane has been repainted on Bahnson. Please pass on the word and let me know what you think of them. Thanks.

We Helped and It's Working (or give them bikes and they will ride)

At the beginning of Augustana's school year they unveiled their Green program. Part of that program is having 10 bikes available for students to get around campus or even go off campus to run errands. Spoke-N-Sport is a proud sponsor of this program. As I move around town you will be noticing them from place to place. This is one that was parked out in front of Hy Vee. The kids are loving the bikes. Spoke-N-Sport was very excited to be involved in this program.