The Northfield Task Force on Nonmotorized Transportation invites bicyclists, walkers, telecommuters, transit riders and car/van-poolers to stop by Bridge Square Thursday morning between 6:15 and 8:00 for coffee, juice, tasty treats, camaraderie, and conversation celebrating alternatives to driving solo to work or school.
The event is scheduled in coordination with Thursday’s nationwide Bike to Work Day, the statewide Bike to Work Week (May 10-16) and the statewide Minnesota Commuter Challenge (April 20th through July 20th).
If you want to see how to do it style, check out this website. (Rabid helmet advocates might prefer not to click.)
The VPSI Dodge Sprinter Vanpool (Northfield -- Hampton -- St. Paul) will be there, complete with high speed internet!
We are also looking for additional riders, so if you are interesting in pooling from Northfield to St. Paul, please contact Charlie Stark at (651) 310-6488.
We have a 10 seat van that is VERY comfortable, and extremely affordable. There is plenty of room to sleep, or fire up the laptop and get some work done on our 38 mile commute each way.
Note: I frequently post to LoGroNo while in the van…
I hope to see everyone in Bridge Square on Thursday!
-J
I would encourage people to get out and ride, not just Thursday but any day. It’s great exercise. Northfield is an easy town to bike. small and relatively flat. I am giving away copies of Urban Velo to anyone interested. stop by the store. Urban Velo is a cycling magazine that focuses primarily on urban biking. urbanvelo.org
There was a great Transit Fair at our employer today, the event in Bridge Square tomorrow, and another in Rice Park (St. Paul) later in the morning.
It is great to be able to spread the word about alternative commuting options.
Griff, I look forward to seeing you outside your corner office tomorrow morning. Come on over!
I do wonder how many people took their bike to MSP today? Or Lakeville, Burnsville etc.
if I worked within a ten mile radius I probably would be doing it anyway, but alas….
[...] from left) and a group of guys were on Bridge Square with hot coffee, treats, and lots of info. See Tracy’s post from earlier this week for [...]
We met one gentleman this morning that works at Malt-o-Meal, and rides down from Apple Valley.
I take Cedar out of town to Lakeville every day. I occasionally meet a couple hardy souls on bicycles heading into Northfield. I know they come quite a ways, because I have met them up by Airlake Airport, so I know it is regularly done. I just prefer a couple tons of sheet metal and 4 wheels around me, especially when it is near or below freezing. Call me a wimp, but I am an alive wimp.
John,
aren’t these riders alive as well? You seem to be implying that cycling is unsafe and only those who drive will remain alive.
Jerry- I don’t mean to imply that at all. I’m just stating my preferences. These fellows are much more hardy than I am. I tip my hat to them. I feel I would be foolish to try to live up to their standards now, especially at my age and physical condition. Now, if I would have started that years ago, then that would be a different story.
John,
I am with you on this one. #7
Jerry,
At home in Germany and in Holland (where I lived for a while)I used to take the bike all the time.
Mostly because everything was closer and the availability of designated riding space is more prevelant.
Most drivers of cars in Europe are more aware of cyclists.
When I moved to the US first I was trying to continue the same habbit. I learned quickly that American drivers don’t nearly respect cyclists as they are in Europe.
I can’t recall how many times I got cut off or was denied the right of way by cars or trucks.
The other problem I had was to find a spot to secure my bike safely.
After a while I just gave up and restricted my bike riding to the weekends or days off.
I honstly believe that riding a bike in the US isn’t nearly as safe as in Europe.
Peter,
I agree many European cities are safer for cyclists than many U.S. cities especially the Netherlands. U.S. cities like Davis, Ca, Portland, OR that have higher rates of cyclists, safety is better. But cycling in the U.S. is not unsafe. the statistics just don’t back that up.
Sam Gett column in today’s Northfield News:
Green Transportation for Commuters
http://www.northfieldnews.com/news.php?viewStory=48460
that’s pretty cool John.
I notice gas prices are starting to climb again. I’ve got Kona Africabikes for sale again. this year we have a 3 speed version that flies on pavement.