Bicycling jumps 16% in Santa Barbara

Since 1997, Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition has collected data on bicyclist presence and behavior at intersections mostly within the city of Santa Barbara. The 2009 survey was just completed on June 18, and it tells us that bicycling is increasing significantly:

• Compared with four prior years, bicycling has increased by 16%
• 3,861 people on bicycles were counted at 25 intersections this year
• 13,356 people were counted over four prior years at those same 25 intersections—an average of 3,339 per year
• 21 of 25 major intersections had an increase or no change.

All across the country, communities are reporting increases in the number of people bicycling. Several factors have been ascribed to the change in behavior—the higher cost of gasoline, the recession, an increasing awareness of emission-caused climate change, and a quest for fitness.

Add in increased government and business efforts to encourage sustainable transportation, plus community and advocacy groups and we'll have a revolutionary behavior shift.

Become the path

Buddah says, "You cannot travel on a path until you become the path itself."

And that's just what inventors of the concept LightLane have taken into their own hands.

LightLane was originally created for a "commuter bike for the masses" design competition. Even though the concept did not win, the response was overwhelming, encouraging the inventors (one is a mechanical engineer and the other an industrial designer) to continue development.

The LightLane uses high powered laser beams mounted to bicycle seat posts. Preliminary research shows the LightLane's performance in real world situations is best when lighting conditions are at their worst, improving safety in critical biking situations.

Preliminary Design Specs include:

• High Visibility DPSS Green Lasers
• Super-Bright Red LED’s
• 3-Hour Run time on rechargeable Li-Ion battery
• Robust universal attachment bracket
• Compatible with universal mobile-phone charger standard
• Patent Pending
  

Prototype Video

Swim, Bike, Run: Santa Barbara Tri

The countdown for the Santa Barbara Triathlon Aug 21-23 has begun. Registration is open and training is underway.

The annual Long Course includes a 1 mile swim, 34 mile bike ride and a 10 mile run.

Check out SB Bikes To-Go's favorite Triathlon Training blogs and free resources:

• Endurance Nation with Coach Rich Strauss
• First Endurance
• G-blog
• Training Bible with Joe Friel
• Training Peaks
• Tri-California

While you're in Santa Barbara be sure to check out SB Bikes To-Go favorite accommodations, libations and activities page, click here.