Why Rabobank bikes didn't get stolen at the Tour of California

Something good..

If the news has been a little bit depressing for you lately, here's something good to read if you enjoy biking....and it's going to get better. Here's a story the Argus Leader published today.

Pedal and Save

Blackburn Flea....Again?

From Bikemag.com

The Flea front and rear commuter lights obviously get their name from their relatively small, flat appearance. But what isn't immediately apparent is how bright these little buggers are—a claimed 40* lumens apiece.

In terms of utility, Blackburn hits the nail right on the head. Even though the Flea lights manage to retain a little bit of molded styling about them, they do so without wasting much material. Both lights come with a simple Velcro strap embedded with a silicone stripe that grips either a handlebar or seatpost. This makes for easy-on/easy-off functionality, which is key for commuters concerned about protecting their $55 investment.

In a nice nod to versatility, the rear light incorporates a snappy little steel spring, giving the user the option of ditching the Velcro in lieu of snapping the Flea onto the back of a bag, and making for one less light to remove from your bike when you reach your destination. more more more

Valentines

Purchase any new bike at Spoke-N-Sport between Feb 2nd and Feb 15th and get 25% off a second bike of equal or lesser value. The best way to spend 2009 is with someone you love, doing something that is good for you, the planet, the economy, your pocket book, your knees, your family, your dog, your community.......

Huge savings on Tune Ups and Fitting. Car racks on sale.

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Call Your Senator

The following is an excerpt from Safe Routes To School.

Urgent: Call Your Senators IMMEDIATELY to Protect Bike/Ped Funding

The U.S. Senate is currently voting on a series of amendments to the economic stimulus bill. Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina has introduced an amendment that would prohibit ANY of the over $800 billion in funding be used for bicycling or walking trails or infrastructure-which would include any Safe Routes to School efforts. Senator DeMint said, "When people see bike trails and hiking trails and golf courses, they know this is not designed to stimulate the economy and create jobs."

We do not yet know when or if this amendment will be voted on-but it is critical that we demonstrate that bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure *IS* an important part of the economic recovery and building green infrastructure.

Please call your both Senators as soon as possible. They will be continuing to vote late tonight and possibly into the weekend. Use these talking points:

· I am calling to ask the Senator to vote against the DeMint amendment to prohibit bicycle and pedestrian projects from being funded in the economic recovery bill.
· I also ask you to support explicit funding for bike/ped projects in the final economic recovery bill.
· It takes construction workers and materials to create bicycle and pedestrian, creating jobs at the same or better rate than highway projects
· These smaller projects can move quickly to get local businesses working and help Main Street economies.
· Providing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access to workplaces, schools, and transit gives families cheaper transportation options.
· Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make downtown a destination, further helping local business and the economy.

To get contact information, please go to the League of American Bicyclists' action alert-all you have to do is type in your zip code to get your Senator's phone numbers, talking points, and a form to fill in the response from your Senator's office. If your Senator's office does not answer, please leave a message.

Things are moving quickly on the economic recovery bill, and we may be contacting you again soon with additional updates and requests for help. Thank you for taking action on behalf of increasing opportunities for healthy and green transportation options! For questions, please contact Margo Pedroso, Policy Manager, Safe Routes to School National Partnership at margo@saferoutespartnership.org.