Bike News and Collinwood Bicyclist of the Month
Barb Clint, enthusiastic bicyclist and Collinwood resident.
Bike Euclid is a local advocacy group working to promote a comprehensive stress free bicycling network for transportation and pleasure, and to encourage and connect bicyclists to resources which support their safe and legal use of their bicycle. Bike Euclid is a chapter of Bike Cleveland. This close working relationship benefits residents of both communities as well as bicyclists throughout the region.
Bike Euclid’s first meeting of the new year took place Thursday March 2, 2017, 6-8pm at Euclid Brewing Company 21950 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123. We discussed our work in 2016, events planned for 2017, and how to get involved. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a new initiative to map, track, and celebrate installation of new bike racks throughout the city of Euclid. To learn more go to the Bike Euclid page at www.facebook.com/euclidBIKES, and message us if you would like to get involved.
Bike Euclid’s first meeting of the new year took place Thursday March 2, 2017, 6-8pm at Euclid Brewing Company 21950 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123. We discussed the work of 2016, events planned for 2017. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a new initiative to map, track, and celebrate installation of new bike racks throughout the city of Euclid. To learn more and to get involved, go to the Bike Euclid page at www.facebook.com/euclidBIKES, and message us, or email to bikeEuclid@gmail.com.
Coming up soon
BIKEBIKE - A Commuting & Touring Forum, Sunday, April 23, 2017, 10am-3pm at the Beachland Ballroom: This is an exciting new event designed to enrich novice and expert alike. With an emphasis on active transportation and transportation equity, BIKEBIKE will showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give it a try. Learn best routes, gear, and methods to make your journey a success! The forum will include panel discussions on Bicycling and the Law, Commuting, and Touring, as well as hands-on working sessions and opportunity to meet and connect with others. Sponsors include Bike Cleveland, NOACA (Northern Ohio Area Coordinating Agency), the Cleveland YMCA, Cuyahoga County Planning, and Ohio’s Bike Lawyer, Steve Magas (who grew up in Euclid). A local woman will share her exciting experience touring the country by bike, and a local man will describe the workings of his handcycle. Workshops will be led by local bike shops and bike co-ops, including The Broadway Cyclery, Joy Machine, Blue Sky Bicycles, Village Cycle, Ohio City Bike Co-op, and St. Clair Bikeworks. Panel discussions on Touring, Commuting, and Law will be moderated by Radio Host and Author Diane (Lees) Jenks, The Outspoken Cyclist.
BIKEBIKE lays the groundwork for May, National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities across the country since 1956. Check our facebook page for the variety of ways you can celebrate National Bike Month in Euclid. Perhaps you have an idea we can help you promote. Look for more detail in the April and May Observers.
March Bicyclist of the month Barb Clint, Collinwood resident.
Where do you enjoy riding?
I LOVE my commute to work, which varies somewhat by the season. When I'm energetic and the winds are not too crazy, I take advantage of the best bike lanes in town on Lakeshore, then always enjoy the ride through Bratenahl. While the village doesn't have bike lanes they do a good job enforcing their speed limit, which makes for comfortable riding. But my FAVORITE part of my ride is the stretch along the lakeside bike trail from just above Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to East 55th. The combination of the beautiful lake off to the side and the downtown skyline in the distance is spectacular. On my "cheater commutes," I put my bike on my husband's car and hop a ride to University Circle, then ride downtown from there, generally along Euclid Avenue. I must say that I'm less than impressed by the failed road conditions along Euclid--still relatively new roadway--OR by the way in which the city's road sweepers sweep all of the road debris INTO the bike lane. That's just maddening! But even with those considerations, it is a pretty comfortable ride.
Do you ride year round? How do you dress for the cold?
I am slowly evolving into a year-round rider, although I don't ride on days where there's a lot of slush as I don't want to subject my bike to that. In terms of how I dress, I do a lot of layering. Usually I'll have a pair of leggings under my cords or whatever other slacks I'm wearing; an under armor base layer on the top, followed by my favorite smart wool long-sleeved top which I bought at Geigers downtown (shout out!), and often a windbreak UNDER my polar fleece, which I know is backwards, but it works. I bought a very lightweight but warm Columbia wind resistant shirt which nicely handles any cold air sneaking through my button up fleece. I also wear an under armor skull cap below my helmet which covers my ears. If it's really cold, I wear this cool "turtle fur" neck warmer which can stretch up over my head and even cover my mouth, also from Geigers. Wool socks are a must!
You ride your bike to work. Describe the experience.
I am mostly a commuter cyclists although I aspire to get out there on the weekends with friends and ride for fun!. I always enjoy the Critical Mass rides when I do them and have done a few social rides which were really fun, but generally I just ride my bike to get from point a to b, as transportation. For the most part, my commuter experience has been positive, but I have the advantage of being able to start my work day answering emails from home and letting the rush hour traffic die down before I head into work. I am sure it would be more stressful if I was riding at the same time that folks were dropping kids at school, etc.. I like the fact that, on a bike, I feel like I'm part of the community and enjoy saying hi to folks I encounter along the way. I also always make a point of nodding thank you to motorists who are being good drivers (i.e., stopping at a stop sign, rather than creeping into the bike lane, yielding to me before making their turn across my path, etc.) My biggest concern is riding at dusk when visibility is bad as I have had a couple of close calls. We have a lot of elderly motorists in our area and on a couple of occasions they did not see me despite my bright front and rear bike lights, helmet lights, or flashing vest! I really do think the bike lanes have helped tremendously along Lakeshore through Cleveland.
If you could change or improve one thing about the experience, what would it be?
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been working with a number of others to improve the riding experience all over town by developing the Midway Protected Bike Boulevard network, a plan to install center lane, two directional, landscape-buffered bike lanes, complete with their own signal system, all over town. Think of it as a system of linear parks connecting neighborhoods to each other and to key regional assets. Cleveland has lost 60% of its population since the 50's and has massively wide streets, many of which were former streetcar corridors, with low traffic volume. We have nothing but space to deal with! I look forward to the day when I'm a grandma and can go for a ride with my grandkids along a safe and stress-free facility like the Midway. Lakeshore Boulevard would be a PERFECT Midway corridor, by the way, all the way from Bratenahl out to Vine Street...and maybe even out to the Captains stadium!
Why do you ride?
I bought my wonderful bike when I was 20, a Batavus Dutch 10-speed "boy's bike" which I just adore! I like how it looks; I like how it feels; I like how it just makes me happy. For most of my day, I have a desk job and don't get any physical activity. At least with bike commuting, I can get an easy 20 mile commute in...or on my "cheater commutes" in the winter, 10 miles to and from University Circle. On days when I have meetings around town, though, it is not uncommon to hit 30 or more miles/day which really feels good. My longest ride in one day was my “birthday ride” last summer: 62 miles in honor of 62 years! I took a very meandering ride, mostly along the lake shore, out to my brother's bar--Dublin Down--in Ashtabula. I guess all this biking stuff is working out as I have begun to see a new doctor within the last year who, after getting the results of my blood work, etc., said "whatever you're doing, keep it up."
If you would like to be considered for Bicyclist of the Month, submit a photograph of yourself on your bike and your responses to bikeEuclid@gmail.com.
Kath Sonnhalter
Submitted by - Kath Sonnhalter Bike Euclid founder/director. Bike Euclid is a local advocacy group working to promote a comprehensive stress free bicycling network for transportation and pleasure, and to encourage and connect bicyclists to resources which support their safe and legal use of their bicycle. Bike Euclid is a chapter of Bike Cleveland. All four of my grandparents graduated from Collinwood High and raised their families in this area. I am a Euclid resident and have maintained strong connections to Collinwood, particularly the Waterloo Arts district and E 185th business district. I am on the board at Coit Road Farmers Market and founded Bike Euclid and am an active member of Bike Cleveland.
COLLINWOOD OBSERVER
Bike Euclid is a local advocacy group working to promote a comprehensive stress free bicycling network for transportation and pleasure, and to encourage and connect bicyclists to resources which support their safe and legal use of their bicycle. Bike Euclid is a chapter of Bike Cleveland. This close working relationship benefits residents of both communities as well as bicyclists throughout the region.
Bike Euclid’s first meeting of the new year took place Thursday March 2, 2017, 6-8pm at Euclid Brewing Company 21950 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123. We discussed our work in 2016, events planned for 2017, and how to get involved. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a new initiative to map, track, and celebrate installation of new bike racks throughout the city of Euclid. To learn more go to the Bike Euclid page at www.facebook.com/euclidBIKES, and message us if you would like to get involved.
Bike Euclid’s first meeting of the new year took place Thursday March 2, 2017, 6-8pm at Euclid Brewing Company 21950 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123. We discussed the work of 2016, events planned for 2017. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a new initiative to map, track, and celebrate installation of new bike racks throughout the city of Euclid. To learn more and to get involved, go to the Bike Euclid page at www.facebook.com/euclidBIKES, and message us, or email to bikeEuclid@gmail.com.
Coming up soon
BIKEBIKE - A Commuting & Touring Forum, Sunday, April 23, 2017, 10am-3pm at the Beachland Ballroom: This is an exciting new event designed to enrich novice and expert alike. With an emphasis on active transportation and transportation equity, BIKEBIKE will showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give it a try. Learn best routes, gear, and methods to make your journey a success! The forum will include panel discussions on Bicycling and the Law, Commuting, and Touring, as well as hands-on working sessions and opportunity to meet and connect with others. Sponsors include Bike Cleveland, NOACA (Northern Ohio Area Coordinating Agency), the Cleveland YMCA, Cuyahoga County Planning, and Ohio’s Bike Lawyer, Steve Magas (who grew up in Euclid). A local woman will share her exciting experience touring the country by bike, and a local man will describe the workings of his handcycle. Workshops will be led by local bike shops and bike co-ops, including The Broadway Cyclery, Joy Machine, Blue Sky Bicycles, Village Cycle, Ohio City Bike Co-op, and St. Clair Bikeworks. Panel discussions on Touring, Commuting, and Law will be moderated by Radio Host and Author Diane (Lees) Jenks, The Outspoken Cyclist.
BIKEBIKE lays the groundwork for May, National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities across the country since 1956. Check our facebook page for the variety of ways you can celebrate National Bike Month in Euclid. Perhaps you have an idea we can help you promote. Look for more detail in the April and May Observers.
March Bicyclist of the month Barb Clint, Collinwood resident.
Where do you enjoy riding?
I LOVE my commute to work, which varies somewhat by the season. When I'm energetic and the winds are not too crazy, I take advantage of the best bike lanes in town on Lakeshore, then always enjoy the ride through Bratenahl. While the village doesn't have bike lanes they do a good job enforcing their speed limit, which makes for comfortable riding. But my FAVORITE part of my ride is the stretch along the lakeside bike trail from just above Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to East 55th. The combination of the beautiful lake off to the side and the downtown skyline in the distance is spectacular. On my "cheater commutes," I put my bike on my husband's car and hop a ride to University Circle, then ride downtown from there, generally along Euclid Avenue. I must say that I'm less than impressed by the failed road conditions along Euclid--still relatively new roadway--OR by the way in which the city's road sweepers sweep all of the road debris INTO the bike lane. That's just maddening! But even with those considerations, it is a pretty comfortable ride.
Do you ride year round? How do you dress for the cold?
I am slowly evolving into a year-round rider, although I don't ride on days where there's a lot of slush as I don't want to subject my bike to that. In terms of how I dress, I do a lot of layering. Usually I'll have a pair of leggings under my cords or whatever other slacks I'm wearing; an under armor base layer on the top, followed by my favorite smart wool long-sleeved top which I bought at Geigers downtown (shout out!), and often a windbreak UNDER my polar fleece, which I know is backwards, but it works. I bought a very lightweight but warm Columbia wind resistant shirt which nicely handles any cold air sneaking through my button up fleece. I also wear an under armor skull cap below my helmet which covers my ears. If it's really cold, I wear this cool "turtle fur" neck warmer which can stretch up over my head and even cover my mouth, also from Geigers. Wool socks are a must!
You ride your bike to work. Describe the experience.
I am mostly a commuter cyclists although I aspire to get out there on the weekends with friends and ride for fun!. I always enjoy the Critical Mass rides when I do them and have done a few social rides which were really fun, but generally I just ride my bike to get from point a to b, as transportation. For the most part, my commuter experience has been positive, but I have the advantage of being able to start my work day answering emails from home and letting the rush hour traffic die down before I head into work. I am sure it would be more stressful if I was riding at the same time that folks were dropping kids at school, etc.. I like the fact that, on a bike, I feel like I'm part of the community and enjoy saying hi to folks I encounter along the way. I also always make a point of nodding thank you to motorists who are being good drivers (i.e., stopping at a stop sign, rather than creeping into the bike lane, yielding to me before making their turn across my path, etc.) My biggest concern is riding at dusk when visibility is bad as I have had a couple of close calls. We have a lot of elderly motorists in our area and on a couple of occasions they did not see me despite my bright front and rear bike lights, helmet lights, or flashing vest! I really do think the bike lanes have helped tremendously along Lakeshore through Cleveland.
If you could change or improve one thing about the experience, what would it be?
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been working with a number of others to improve the riding experience all over town by developing the Midway Protected Bike Boulevard network, a plan to install center lane, two directional, landscape-buffered bike lanes, complete with their own signal system, all over town. Think of it as a system of linear parks connecting neighborhoods to each other and to key regional assets. Cleveland has lost 60% of its population since the 50's and has massively wide streets, many of which were former streetcar corridors, with low traffic volume. We have nothing but space to deal with! I look forward to the day when I'm a grandma and can go for a ride with my grandkids along a safe and stress-free facility like the Midway. Lakeshore Boulevard would be a PERFECT Midway corridor, by the way, all the way from Bratenahl out to Vine Street...and maybe even out to the Captains stadium!
Why do you ride?
I bought my wonderful bike when I was 20, a Batavus Dutch 10-speed "boy's bike" which I just adore! I like how it looks; I like how it feels; I like how it just makes me happy. For most of my day, I have a desk job and don't get any physical activity. At least with bike commuting, I can get an easy 20 mile commute in...or on my "cheater commutes" in the winter, 10 miles to and from University Circle. On days when I have meetings around town, though, it is not uncommon to hit 30 or more miles/day which really feels good. My longest ride in one day was my “birthday ride” last summer: 62 miles in honor of 62 years! I took a very meandering ride, mostly along the lake shore, out to my brother's bar--Dublin Down--in Ashtabula. I guess all this biking stuff is working out as I have begun to see a new doctor within the last year who, after getting the results of my blood work, etc., said "whatever you're doing, keep it up."
If you would like to be considered for Bicyclist of the Month, submit a photograph of yourself on your bike and your responses to bikeEuclid@gmail.com.