Sweden Pays Cyclists, California Allows Skateboards in Bike Paths, Citibike Pleases Capitalists, and Australians Become Irrationally Exercised Over Passing Laws

allposters.com (Christian Kolber)

There is proof that cycling is working its way into the culture of transit.  California, where the car is king, now regulates paths.  Of course they allow skateboards and e-bikes access, but as they say in California, skateboarding isn't a crime.  If you plan on riding a beer bike, peddle powered by up to five revelers/inebriates, new regulations apply to you as well, none of which have to do with an IQ test. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2015/12/22/new-laws-open-new-paths-to-electric-bikes-and-skateboards/

Arlington, Virginia aims to be more bike friendly and it is developing a plan to accomplish that.  If you want to weigh in, the time is now, not after the lanes end randomly and your block gets the nickname "Corridor of Doom."

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/29196/arlington-wants-to-be-more-bike-friendly-heres-a-plan-for-making-that-happen/

Do you ever think that drivers should pay you for not adding to their misery by putting yet another car on the road?  In Stockholm that is what they are doing.  Please let me know which elected official of either party would: (1) sponsor such a bill, and; (2) have the strength to get is passed.  And post the telephone number of that fine elected official.  Also, I will tell you where you can mail my first check.  I'll be waiting.

http://www.citylab.com/cityfixer/2015/12/stockholm-reverse-congestion-charge-cyclists-driving

www.theguardian.com

Laser lights are now illuminating the bike share paths of London.  Sounds glorious.  I can hear Benjamin Britten playing loudly in my head as I think of it.

http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/in-london-england-blaze-laserlights-bring-light-to-the-dark-side/

i.dailymail.co.uk

In Australia, they have proposed a law requiring cars to stay one meter from bicycles.  Nice.  We have had that law here in Washington, D.C. for at least a year.  Just sayin'.  Yup we mistreated our indigenous people too, but we were settled by tax protestors and religious zealots, not convicted felons, and we have had the bike distance rule for several months before you.  Ha ha.  Feelin' superior for a moment.  Okay, that's over.  Have a good day.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/22/of-course-sensible-legislation-to-save-cyclists-lives-will-be-met-with-bile

Oft complained-about Citibike uses no government subsidies.  Disbursed systems like capital bike share only make 79% back and need subsidies.  Would some genius step forward to help correct this.  Nothing appeals to an American population more than a successful capitalist model.  A successful share business model could help in the global promotion of cycling.

http://citylimits.org/2015/12/21/will-expanding-citi-bike-require-taxpayer-funding/

The town of Hamilton's online newsletter, "Raise the Hammer," has an interesting piece about how cycling infrastructure is the most important investment a city can make.  No the piece does not reference a perfect predictive algorithm, but it could arguable start a conversation that we all need to have with government leaders.  "Raise the Hammer" styles itself as a non-partisan publication by citizens.  This might even be true.

https://www.raisethehammer.org/article/2815/cycling_infrastructure_one_of_the_smartest_investments_a_city_can_make

I know this has been an El Nino-influenced winter, and I can almost hear the polar icecaps melting from here, but you may still need a winter cycling survival guide, so here is one.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/winter-cycling-survival-guide-10-tips-to-keep-you-riding

So if I see you in the bike lane, whether we are sweating in the new normal winter heat, or you are a capitalist or even an Australian, and you are not befouling the lanes with skateboard antics, let's be smug.
Elisa P.