Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition

I'm off to Costa Rica for two months of studying Spanish and working on an organic coffee farm! Worry not, dear readers, as this is only a two-month absence. I will be back before you can say "automobile-centric transportation." In the meanwhile, my highly capable colleagues will be handling the website end of things.

A new housing development in Gaston, SC in slated to be car-free, with 4.5 miles of bike trails and walking paths. Sounds like fun! Can you imagine never having traffic driving past your front porch? I guess residents will have to get their packages sent via UPS bike delivery.

From Take Part:

Grab your white gloves and dog handler/lackey. Bike to Work month is for everybody, even the wealthy and bizarre!

Sign up today at http://www.youcanbikethere.com/tbc.

The poster for ViaVelo has been finalized! Isn't it enchanting?

If you're not yet familiar with ViaVelo, check out the webpage at http://bikesiliconvalley.org/mattson-viavelo2010. Show up to have fun, volunteer, or promote your green organization. It's urban free-wheelin' fun!

No, silly, I don't mean that you should spread infection! I'm referring to the new interweb phenomenon known as the Facebook. The Mattson Technology ViaVelo now has a Facebook event page to let people know all about the awesomeness that will soon overtake downtown San José. Check out the new page and then spread it to all your friends as you would cheer, happiness, or mononucleosis.

As many of you know, following Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's appearance at the National Bike Summit, he announced on his blog that "People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized." This announcement came alongside a policy revision that puts the interests of bicyclists and pedestrians on equal footing with the concerns of motorists.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a bicycle wheel that works as an energy storage system, electric motor, bluetooth interface, trip computer, and electric toothbrush. I may be mistaken about the electric toothbrush part, but hey, why not?

Yahoo! has announced the launch of its very own corporate cycling team. The team, to be led by former pro racer Kevin Klein, was created as a result of the high level of popularity enjoyed by cyclists in Silicon Valley. Cycling News cites an online survey that suggests 50% of Silicon Valley professionals are fans of the sport.

UPS has recently introduced bicycles to their Silicon Valley fleet of delivery vehicles. The move is an attempt to keep costs down - the company is notoriously efficient - but has also garnered some welcome publicity for the company. I, for one, am happy to oblige. Social movements usually gather extra steam when they are backed by corporate interests, so if UPS wants to share my bike lane, I say welcome to the club. The bicycle movement can use some high-profile help, and the UPS "riders" are nothing if not visible.