Brilliant Batavus Commercial

Bicycle companies have historically been terrible at creating television advertisements that appeal to the average Joe/Jane- if creating them at all!  The only bicycle ads I have ever seen on TV usually coincide with the yearly doper circus we know as The Tour de France, and those ads, 99.99999% of the time show some superfit, emaciated, pro rider scaling some mountain or winning a bunch sprint on a $10,000 carbonfibre-whiz-bang-speed machine - hardly average Joe/Jane activities or products. 

Thankfully the Dutch have come to the rescue with their reknowed sensibility and dry humor.  The commercial is in Dutch, but is translated as follows -

The first guy says "Hey neighbour, ESP, ABS, fog lamps, 16 inch rims and 6 gears."
The second guy says "28 inch rims, 8 gears, high power lights and computer integrated in the steering. My wife and daughter have the same."

Great stuff!

3-1-1 and You

I am not sure how things work in other cities, but here in Calgary, when you notice a problem with city infrastructure - like a broken water main or brutal non-detour like we see here, you are encouraged to call 3-1-1 and report it.

This service is something that Calgary cyclists should be using as often as possible, for a few reasons:

- All reports are logged by the city for future (and sometimes) immediate consideration of where upgrades and repairs are needed.
- Transportation Solutions logs all of the bicycle and pedestrian focused reports and reviews them when looking at ped/bike upgrades.  In fact, I have been told by a staffer inside TS that this is the best way to log concerns and complaints with the city specifically regarding bike routes and paths.

- It works!  I have proof!  Check out the image at left with the asphalt ramp.  I took a photo of this area, complaining that there were no ramps here, making it difficult for people to get through here safely and efficiently.  I submitted it to to the city through Twitter (@cityofcalgary) as well as logging the complaint through the city's online 311 page and this ramp appeared very shortly thereafter.

We all know that cycling in this city can sometimes be an exercise in frustration as the Roads Department has demonstrated time and again that efficient cycling detours are not on their radar (witness the construction at Memorial/10 St, under the Crowchild, or Memorial near the Peace bridge).  3-1-1, at the very least gets these issues brought to the attention of the city, and more importantly, shows the city how many people are using cycling as a transportation mode.

Be a part of the solution - take the time to register your concerns as often as possible, and perhaps the city will one day soon begin to make real improvements to our cycling network.

Copenhagen Cargo Bike Culture

Great video showing all sorts of people who ride cargo bikes, why they ride them, and some of the styles that are available on the market.

(pssst - we can sell you one too!)


Copenhagen Cargo Bikes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

For Fun - Videos Featuring Bikes

Here are a few of our favorite videos that feature bikes - enjoy!

Queen - Bicycle Race
(warning - a wee bit of skin)


30 Seconds To Mars - Kings and Queens


Mark Ronson - The Bike Song

The Bike Song
Uploaded by rockohoward. - See the latest featured music videos.

BFF 2008 Tokyo BMX Jam

Bicycle Film Festival TOKYO '08 PART 1 from Eli Tokyo Jitensha-Jin on Vimeo.

Bike Commute to BikeBike Photo Essay by Andreas

My son Andreas wanted to take some photos on the way to work this morning - so, I present to you, Bike Commute in 13 Images by Andreas Carter.

Peace man!

He loves VW's.

Daddy!

Westbrook Mall parking lot.

West LRT consrtuction is going fast!

Scarboro at speed.

Scarboro United church.

17th Ave SW going over Crowchild Trail.

Parking the bakfiets.

The storefront - cool grafitti!  Thanks Jaryd!

Family Transportation Demo Day!

We are very excited to be a part of (what I think is) Calgary's very first Family Transportation Demo Day.  First, the details:

- When?  August 7th, 9am - 3pm
- Where?  Kingsland Farmers Market - 7711 MacLeod Trail S. - you will find us in the parking lot.
- What?  Test ride a selection of cargo bikes, kid hauling bikes, cargo trailers, bikes with child seats, classic European city bikes, and electric bikes from Green City Motors

Is it just us, or has cycling been in the media more than  ever?  Is it coincidence or is it finally cycling's time to shine?  Some recent media items here, here, and here.  Other related news items are here, here, and here too.

We believe cycling is on the cusp of a huge renaissance, with commuting, utility cycling, and cycling for daily transport leading the charge.  Gone are the days of only riding bikes in tight shorts and flashy jerseys, all hunched over, pretending you're Lance Armstrong.  These days people are choosing bikes that are more classic and upright - downright civilized even - bikes that are comfortable, easy to use and maintain, and built to last a lifetime.  Bikes for going to the grocery store.  Bikes for exploring your community with your family.  Bikes for riding to work all year 'round. 

Make some time on August 7th to come down to the new Kingsland Farmers Market to try out some of these amazing bikes - and of course, pick up some fresh food and goods from the market.

Hope to see you there.

The BuB Days of Summer Sale Event

There has been quite a bit of excitement surrounding Batavus' introduction of this cool new bicycle - including winning the IF Gold medal award for design.  Much has been also written by various cycling bloggers about the ride, function, and style of this cool bike - so i won't bore you with more of the same.

What I will say is this - if you are looking for a durable, comfortable, and stylish city bike, you definitely need to consider the BuB.

Our order of Batavus BuB's are here and we are thrilled to be able to offer a unique special on these equally unique bikes.  While quantites last, and with the purchase of a new Batavus BuB - you will receive $50 of free BuB accessories.  What a deal!

Accessories you say?  What kind of accessories?  Well, front and rear integrated racks, lighting, coloured grips, and coloured frame accessories are all available so you can personalize your new city bike.

Retail price on the BuB is $649 - for more information, give us a call at the shop - or better yet - come on down to the shop and take one of these unique and elegant machines for a test ride - you will love it!