CM & Film Night

Just a quick apology to those of you who didn't receive the message that the time for Critical Mass had been changed yesterday from 5:30 to 5pm. Because we were juggling 2 events in one evening, we had to push the time back. I unfortunately, did not cover all bases in alerting everyone to the time change and we had people who missed the ride. I take full responsibility for this and hope that you will be able to make it out to the next ride.
Again...my apologies. I hope everyone who came out to the film screening enjoyed it!

News

Hi all,
Jen here. The person who updates every so often.
I am entering my last few weeks here in fair Regina, Queen City...then I will be shipping off to cyclists heaven (Vancouver!).
I'm not sure what will become of this blog, or of the Derailleurs for that matter. But keep your eyes peeled for a spin-off group that I have heard talk of... next summer.

Just a few reminders for the last remaining events (p.s. anyone have a bike I can borrow? Mine is being shipped off very soon!):

1. August 29th is a BIG day for events - CRITICAL MASS, 5:30PM, VIC PARK AT THE CENOTAPH. Let's advocate for cyclists right to the road, celebrate cycling and do it while following the rules of the road..and have fun!
2. afterwards... grab a bite to eat (O'Hans?) then head to the BIKE-IN FILM SCREENING, Central Park, films are set to begin at 8pm. Show up with your bike at 7:30pm for a free tune-up from WESTERN CYCLE.

See you there...

p.s. We still ride on Sunday's, 3pm, Vic Park

Trek Bike Commercial

click here (you tube)

To prevent bicycle theft - tips from readers on CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourbeststuff/2008/07/your_top_5_bicycle_theft_tips.html

Here are some good tips:

Go to the police station and purchase a bike license.

"NEVER use any cable lock, especially the kind with metal segment sheathing. Never leave it outside at night, even in a backyard or on the porch. Longer U-locks can be spread with a carjack.
'Post and ring' poles(like in Toronto) can be broken with a 2x4 and a swift kick. Signposts and parking meters are generally more sturdy as the city protects its income sources."

Take the front wheel with you when you lock your bike to something solid in a visible location.

Use multiple different types of locks. I use cable and U-lock. Theives can break most locks very fast, and will probably not want to spend time breaking through differnt locks with different tools.

I always try to find a place to lock up my bike that's either on a busy street, in plain view, in front of a store and in a well lit area; even if i have to walk an extra block or two.

and the funniest tip...

the best tip I ever heard was from a guy I worked with who biked downtown every day and locked up his bike with rope.

He would wind the rope through every hole, around the pole numerous times and overlap it willy-nilly -- it took about 5 minutes to wrap up his bike and he claimed it would take a would-be thief about as long to unwrap it.

You don't have to make your bike unstealable, you have to make it unappealing to steal and the most unappealing part of theft is taking so long that you get caught. Case in point, his bike was never stolen.

the last month of the summer...

Events to look forward to!

1. Better bicycling brainstorming meeting, 14 August, 7-8:30pm, Knox-Met Church on Vic Ave.
2. Critical Mass, 29 August, 5:30pm, meet in Vic Park at the cenotaph
3. Bike-In Film Screening, 29 August, 7:30pm, Central Park

And rides every Sunday at 3pm!

CRITICAL MASS: A huge success

Critical Mass today was a success! 50+ riders came out to the event, and we given the opportunity to speak on live radio (CBC) about the event before it happened!
All the riders were able to listen, as there was someone there with a speaker and another riders with a portable radio! It was a great chance for everyone to congratulate themselves on their advocacy efforts and their contribution to a community - the cycling community!

We hope the August Critical Mass (29th, 5:30pm, same time and place) will garner such rave reviews as well.

Most riders commented the route needed to be longer, so we are taking suggestions and we will create a new route. It is easier to have a route that has more right turns, since crossing the intersection when turning left really blocks cars and there is more of a chance that they group will get split a part as well.

things are coming together for the Bike-In Film Screening!

Just a little update...from a place of excitement!

I am really looking forward to the bike-in film screening. The SaskFilm Pool Program Coordinator has been passing drafts of the posters & promo packages my way and they look awesome. We are slated to start releasing them...today!

Postering will begin the week of August 18th (or sooner, but they usually just get ripped down anyways). If you are able to help out with our postering duties, leave a message. We will probably just do some of it during a Sunday ride. The Film Pool can lend us staplers and tape. We'll be ready to go!

AND>>>> Western Cycle is going to be on hand to offer free, basic tune-ups and maintenance tips for cyclists! Be there at 7:30pm. The show starts at 8pm, Aug. 29th, in Central Park.

I think this event is going to be a smash hit and hopefully will be held every summer!


Don't forget about Critical Mass tomorrow, 5:30pm, Vic Park. First 10 people get a free "ONE LESS CAR!" sticker (you have to have a bike with you of course!)

Voice your woes...

There isn't a lot to update on.

But I have decided to submit a letter to the editor of the Leader Post, in the hope that some driver's will pay more respect to law-abiding cyclists on the roads just trying to get from point A to point B without dying in this city!
My friends and I were yelled at on the weekend, and I hate to admit to yelling back, but I did. I decided that from now on I wouldn't respond, but that in response to this incident I would write a letter instead. I have found this summer to be extremely bad for driver's yelling at cyclists, and it makes me wonder if it is because there are more on the road or if there is some other underlying reason?

Here is my letter...
I'm not even sure it will get published, since there were apparently 82 others waiting in the hopper. They did say that the short ones get published before longer ones, so that is a plus for me!


Dear drivers of Regina,

Why must responsible, law-abiding cyclists who have chosen to cycle for reasons of health, environmental responsibility or enjoyment have to contend with dangerous drivers who honk and yell at us?I cycle on a frequent basis. I signal. I follow the rules of the road and even wear a helmet. Why am I told that I should "get off the road!" when there is a city bylaw that states that we aren't allowed on the sidewalks? The anger towards cyclists seems to stem, in my opinion, from the entrenched car culture of this city. If gas prices continue to rise, soon you will joining me on the roads. Will we be comrades then?