Category Archives: Urban Design

E500 – EPISODE FIVE HUNDRED

February 1, 2020Bicycling, Car Ownership, Simpler Living, Technology, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

At long last, we reach the 500th episode of our show, and bring it to you for your enjoyment. For this momentous occasion, we invited long-time conspirator and friend of the show, Tim Mooney (whose voice is briefly heard on our program nearly weekly), to join. We love the fact that we can have long conversations about things other than bikes, and in this episode discuss the long arc of history as it pertains to simplifying the good life, with a little mention to bikes towards the end. Stay tuned for a fitting end-of-Monty-Python-and-the-Search-For-The-Holy-Grail-esque ending, perfectly in tune with the history of the show. Also featured: executive producer Brock Dittus, a call-in from founding cohost Brandon Rhodes, and perennial hosts Aaron Flores & Guthrie Straw.

Thank you for listening!

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar:
May 9th – Mohawk Valley Metric Century, Armitage Park, Eugene
June 13 – Hop Head Hundred in Independence, OR
August 15th – Swift Summit 200/100 V.4 in Lebanon, OR
August 16th – Swift Summit NW Hill Climb (location unknown) TT p/b Chamois Butt’r

2nd Thursday of every month Joyful Rider’s Club in Minneapolis
1st Friday of every month SF Bike Party
2nd Friday of Every Month Boston Bike Party
Also, 2nd friday of Every Month Indianapolis Bike Party
Also, Also, 2nd Friday of Every Month East Bay Bike Party
3rd Friday of every month is the San Jose Bike Party
Last friday of every month: Baltimore Bike Party
The 1st Saturday of every month Civil Unrest Ride in PDX
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride
The last Sunday of every month is the Vintage & Classic ride in Huntsville, AL

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Boise, ID – January 17th
L.A., CA – February 9th
Seattle, WA – Feb 28th
Idaho Falls, ID – March 5th
Pittsburg, PA – March 22nd

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Shadowfoot, Wayne Norman, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien,Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Eric Weisz, Todd Parker, Dan Gebhart (who’s a time traveler), Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew in Colorado, Drew the Welder, Anna, Andre Johnson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Nathan Poulton, Rory in Michigan, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen, David Belais, Tim Coleman, Harry Hugel, E.J. Finneran, Brad Hipwell, Thomas Skadow, Keith Hutchison, Ranger Tom, Joyce Wilson, Ryan Tam, Jason Aufdenberg, Microcosm Publishing, David Moore, Todd Groesbeck, Chris Barron, Sean Baird, Simon, Gregory Braithwaite, Ryan Mauro, dudeluna, Matthew Rooks, Marshall, Lillian Karabaic, Paula Funatake, Spartan Dale, Bike Initiative Keweenaw, Sarah G, Adam D, Go Dig A Hole, Beth Hamon, Greg Murphy, Mayra M, Oso, Isaac M

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E499 – Patrick on E-Bikes

January 25, 2020Bicycling, Car Ownership, Commuting, E-Bikes, Infrastructure, Mechanics, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Our friend Patrick Mok returns to talk about E-Bikes and why he’s into them!

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Boise, ID – January 17th
L.A., CA – February 9th
Seattle, WA – Feb 28th
Idaho Falls, ID – March 5th
Pittsburg, PA – March 22nd

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E496 – Ed In Japan!

January 2, 2020Bicycling, Car Sharing, Commuting, Infrastructure, Transit, Travel, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Guthrie’s friend Ed Piper goes to Japan and gets a bike! He lives in the city of Kawagoe.

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar:
2nd Thursday of every month Joyful Rider’s Club in Minneapolis
1st Friday of every month SF Bike Party
2nd Friday of Every Month Boston Bike Party
Also, 2nd friday of Every Month Indianapolis Bike Party
Also, Also, 2nd Friday of Every Month East Bay Bike Party
3rd Friday of every month is the San Jose Bike Party
Last friday of every month: Baltimore Bike Party
The 1st Saturday of every month Civil Unrest Ride in PDX
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride
The last Sunday of every month is the Vintage & Classic ride in Huntsville, AL

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Ashland, OR – January 9th
Boise, ID – January 17th
L.A., CA – February 9th
Seattle, WA – Feb 28th
Idaho Falls, ID – March 5th
Pittsburg, PA – March 22nd

HEADLINES:
Portland Lime restricts it’s service to “winter zone”

Share Now Stops Sharing: “…volatile state of the global mobility landscape”

MAIL:
From Paula re: Studs/Chains/Salt

From Jon re: Broken collarbones

From Richard W. re: Texas bike laws

From Arne in Germany on laws and lighting

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Shadowfoot, Wayne Norman, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien,Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Eric Weisz, Todd Parker, Dan Gebhart (who’s a time traveler), Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew in Colorado, Drew the Welder, Anna, Andre Johnson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory in Michigan, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen, David Belais, Tim Coleman, Harry Hugel, E.J. Finneran, Brad Hipwell, Thomas Skadow, Keith Hutchison, Ranger Tom, Joyce Wilson, Ryan Tam, Jason Aufdenberg, Microcosm Publishing, David Moore, Todd Groesbeck, Chris Barron, Sean Baird, Simon, Gregory Braithwaite, Ryan Mauro, dudeluna, Matthew Rooks, Marshall, Lillian Karabaic, Paula Funatake, Spartan Dale, Bike Initiative Keweenaw, Sarah G, Adam D, Go Dig A Hole, Beth Hamon, Greg Murphy, Mayra M

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E100 REBROADCAST – Brock & Brandon’s Transit Adventure

December 17, 2019Adventure, Bicycling, Infrastructure, Transit, Urban Design, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Brock & Brandon celebrate 100 episodes of the Sprocket Podcast by traversing the city for hours using every mode of transport they can get into, including TriMet, the Portland Streetcar, the Portland Aerial Tram, and of course Car2Go. Here’s a “lite” version of the 5 hours of audio we taped during the adventure.

Fine Print
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
phone in or SMS: 503-847-9774
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E216a REBROADCAST – Scatalogical Emergency

December 6, 2019Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Downsizing, Emergengy Preparedness, Health, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Last week was the Thanksgiving holiday and the guys took a week out of the studio. Until the next new show, we’re sharing this piece about gastrointestinal troubles and bicycle commutes featuring Aaron & producer Brock from 2014. Some of you may have heard about Aaron’s recent injury (he’s OK!) – don’t worry, we’ll fill you in with the next show. Thank you for listening!

Brock gets into a predicament and can’t make it into the studio. This is an explanation of the predicament. What happens when you can’t find a bathroom? And are there any lessons to be learned from such an experience?

note: those sensitive to conversation about bodily functions may wish to bypass this episode, as it contains many references to such.

If you care about public access to restrooms, you may wish to visit phlush.org

music from Waxxelerated (Willbe) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E492 – How Oregon Got The Idaho Stop Law with Ray & Bjorn

November 19, 2019Advocacy, Bicycling, Communication, The Law, Urban Design, Writingsprocketpodcast

Bjorn Warloe & Ray Thomas both worked on some very important legislation here in Oregon, and they return to the studio (graciously, after attempting a recording a few weeks ago that got dumped by a bad machine) to discuss pitching legislative concepts, persistence, and timing. The “Idaho Stop Law” allowing bicycle riders to proceed without stopping through a signed intersection was passed in Oregon this year, and will take effect soon!

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar:
2nd Thursday of every month Joyful Rider’s Club in Minneapolis
1st Friday of every month SF Bike Party
2nd Friday of Every Month Boston Bike Party
Also, 2nd friday of Every Month Indianapolis Bike Party
Also, Also, 2nd Friday of Every Month East Bay Bike Party
Last friday of every month: Baltimore Bike Party
The 1st Saturday of every month Civil Unrest Ride
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Pittsburg, PA – November 20
Ashland, OR – Dec 4
Bendigo, Aus – Dec 4
Seattle, WA – Feb 28th
Pittsburg, PA – March 22nd

MAIL:
Mac Nurse David calls in after awhile

From Nathon Poulton – “Where has the front mech gone?” https://twitter.com/mrcycology/status/1194980264566546433/photo/1

From ChillyWeatherChillyHeather: Listening to you all talking about figs when I just went on a fig scavenging group ride yesterday! Super fun.

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien,Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Eric Weisz, Todd Parker, Dan Gebhart (who’s a time traveler), Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew in Colorado, Drew the Welder, Anna, Andre Johnson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory in Michigan, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen, David Belais, Tim Coleman, Harry Hugel, E.J. Finneran, Brad Hipwell, Thomas Skadow, Keith Hutchison, Ranger Tom, Joyce Wilson, Ryan Tam, Jason Aufdenberg, Microcosm Publishing, David Moore, Todd Groesbeck, Chris Barron, Sean Baird, Simon, Gregory Braithwaite, Ryan Mauro, dudeluna, Matthew Rooks, Marshall, Lillian Karabaic, Paula Funatake, Spartan Dale, Bike Initiative Keweenaw, Sarah G, Adam D, Go Dig A Hole, Beth Hamon, Greg Murphy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E491 – Thursday Night Ride & Tracklocross! with Mariana & Jeremy

November 11, 2019Advocacy, Bicycling, Communication, Cyclocross, Fun, Infrastructure, Racing, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Mariana & Jeremy join this episode to talk about Portland’s Thursday Night Ride (TNR), inspired in part by Mariana’s desire for something like Guadalajara’s “Cyclista Nocturna” and a lack of regular, noncompetitive events in town. They also explain Tracklocross, an event which is competitive, in which one rides a track bike on rough terrain and has a great time doing it!

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going! If you enjoy what we do on the show, your donations are always appreciated.

Calendar:
November 13 – Bike Parking Code update weigh-in at Portland city council

2nd Thursday of every month Joyful Rider’s Club in Minneapolis
1st Friday of every month SF Bike Party
2nd Friday of Every Month Boston Bike Party
Also, 2nd friday of Every Month Indianapolis Bike Party
Also, Also, 2nd Friday of Every Month East Bay Bike Party
Last friday of every month: Baltimore Bike Party
The 1st Saturday of every month Civil Unrest Ride
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Akron, OH – November 3
Pittsburg, PA – November 20
Ashland, OR – Dec 4
Bendigo, Aus – Dec 4
Seattle, WA – Feb 28th
Pittsburg, PA – March 22nd

HEADLINES:
From Bikeportland.org: 15th annual BikeCraft fair is back with a new venue and more BikeCraft 2019 is set for November 30th and December 1st (a bit earlier this year to be closer to peak shopping season) at the DoubleTree Hilton in the Lloyd.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E489 – Emily & RJ Bike Loudly

October 30, 2019Advocacy, Bicycling, Communication, Infrastructure, Transit, Urban Design, Volunteering, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Emily & RJ are with Portland advocacy group BikeLoudPDX and join to discuss their experience and passion for the work and action of making their city safer and more effective for all citizens, including what to do when you realize you’re telling starry-eyed upstarts to “take their enthusiasm elsewhere” and how to stay grounded over time.

Links
BikeLoud Subscribe Link: subscribe.bikeloudpdx.org
BikeLoud Twitter: twitter.com/bikeloudpdx
BikeLoud Instagram: instagram.com/bikeloudpdx
BikeLoud FB: facebook.com/bikeloud

Testimony of the brave Harriet Tubman students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImhIi5SlEQM

For folks who are interested in stopping ODOT’s efforts to expand freeways, follow No More Freeways: nomorefreewayspdx.com

And check out Portland’s Sunrise Movement chapter: https://www.sunrisepdx.org/

BikeLoud Clinton Diverters: https://bikeportland.org/2016/12/20/diverter-at-clinton-and-32nd-is-complete-210139

BikeLoud’s Division Street Intervention: https://bikeportland.org/2016/12/11/deadly-division-street-temporarily-tamed-with-hay-bales-and-homemade-signs-197107

BikeLoud’s Jazz Funeral: https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2019/06/06/26601201/transportation-activists-hold-jazz-funeral-for-2019s-twenty-victims-of-traffic-fatalities

The candidate in our mayoral race who has committed to a “Green New Deal,” which includes e-bike subsidies, is Sarah Iannarone. You can learn more and support her campaign at: sarah2020.com

The Street Trust: https://www.thestreettrust.org

Community Cycling Center: https://communitycyclingcenter.org

Oregon Walks: https://oregonwalks.org

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
The Bike Parking Code update we discussed back in episode 448 is going to City Council at 2pm on November 13th.
Online info at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/70439
Online testimony at https://www.portlandmaps.com/bps/mapapp/proposals/#/bpc

2nd Thursday of every month Joyful Rider’s Club in Minneapolis
1st Friday of every month SF Bike Party
2nd Friday of Every Month Boston Bike Party
Also, 2nd friday of Every Month Indianapolis Bike Party
Also, Also, 2nd Friday of Every Month East Bay Bike Party
Last friday of every month: Baltimore Bike Party
The 1st Saturday of every month Civil Unrest Ride
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Coos Bay, OR November 2
Akron, OH – November 3
Pittsburg, PA – November 20
Ashland, OR – Dec 4
Seattle, WA – Feb 28th

Headlines
There’s nothing controversial about bike lanes
https://www.outsideonline.com/2402977/controversial-lanes-bike-snob

NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) releases v2 of shared micromobility guidelines
https://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/NACTO_Shared_Micromobility_Guidelines_Web.pdf

From Citylab – ‘Walled Gardens’ vs. Open Mobility: The Battle Begins

From WDRB (Louisville) –Metro Council passes ordinance designed to make streets safer for all

From WSJ – Buses Cruise Through Manhattan Corridor as Traffic Change Takes Effect

Mail
From Chris in CO:
https://denverite.com/2019/10/13/denver-bicycle-cafe-will-close-soon/

From J. Leko Furniture Maker: Guthrie folds a tire

We got a text! PDX bike maps in toilets

From Tim Coleman: “I like everything about bike packing except the camping out part.”

From Harm in NZ: tips for visitors
Here’s the link: http://www.touraotearoa.nz
Also check out: https://nzcycletrail.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E480 – Guthrie & Aaron Try To Stay Positive

August 30, 2019Advocacy, Bicycling, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

It’s tough out there sometimes. Our hosts take some time to talk and work it out together.

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar:
2nd Thursday of every month Joyful Rider’s Club in Minneapolis
2nd Friday of Every Month Boston Bike Party
Also, 2nd friday of Every Month Indianapolis Bike Party
Also, Also, 2nd Friday of Every Month East Bay Bike Party
Last friday of every month: Baltimore Bike Party
The 1st Saturday of every month Civil Unrest Ride
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride

Sept. 14 and 21: Ride the Rim at Crater Lake
Sept. 21: Intergalactic Surly Day:
In PDX it’s at Modern Times Belmont Fermentorium

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Missoula, MT – Sept 19 – 20
Bendigo, Australia – October 4
Coos Bay, OR November 2
Akron, OH – November 3

Headlines
Tulsa World: Meet the Tulsa artist and activist getting young adults excited about local infrastructure

Sightline: Did Racism Cause Your Traffic Jam?

Mail
Brock sends in a terrible joke. The buildup is way better than the joke itself.

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien,Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Eric Weisz, Todd Parker, Dan Gebhart (who’s a time traveler), Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew in Colorado, Drew the Welder, Anna, Andre Johnson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory in Michigan, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen, David Belais, Tim Coleman, Harry Hugel, E.J. Finneran, Brad Hipwell, Thomas Skadow, Keith Hutchison, Ranger Tom, Joyce Wilson, Ryan Tam, Derek Waggoner, Jason Aufdenberg, Microcosm Publishing, David Moore, Todd Groesbeck, Chris Barron, Sean Baird, Simon, Gregory Braithwaite, Ryan Mauro, Jimmy Diesel, dudeluna, Matthew Rooks, Marshall, Lillian Karabaic, Paula Funatake, Spartan Dale, Bike Initiative Keweenaw, Sarah G, Adam D, Go Dig A Hole, Beth Hamon, Greg Murphy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E478 – REBROADCAST Sara & Aaron’s Mom

August 11, 2019Beer, Bicycling, Fun, Hair, Simpler Living, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Hosts are in summer mode (it’s not over yet) and so we’re bringing you an oldie. Aaron’s visiting his mom, so we thought it would be a good time to bring back an episode in which she visited the studio, and stopped counting swears. See you next week!

Today in the studio: Sara Dittmer, from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Portland. We talk comparative city life quality, regional disasters, and also talk shop about what one might do with their hair after a bicycle commute (Adele joins us by phone to clear up some thoughts that two dudes don’t have the experience to comment on).

Also: Aaron’s Mom also joins us! Aaron took Anna and his mom to the Oregon Aquarium.

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Mail
Marcus in CHI: danger! recall on disc brakes!

comments: E258
JohnnyK shares the Lindy Effect: the longer something’s been around, the more likely it will persist!

PBJMatt: “I’m not ready to go back to a landline, but I do try to make it a point to be present and leave my phone in my pocket when I am among my friends”

Reuben: forest bathing: i.e. being in the woods without your phone.

@GeraldFitt: “I met a girl who said she and her friends stack their phones vertically when hanging out. They all get fidgety wanting to check their phones, but it works.”

tweets
@dudeluna shares another pooping-your-pants story.

@GeraldFitt warns of the #horseuprising at PSU.

Fine Print
Produced at STREAM PDX thanks to Open Signal
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)
graphic design: Marcus Norman
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
phone/SMS: 503-847-9774
Twitter & instagram: @SprocketPodcast
Donate: Patreon (ongoing), Venmo (one time) or Square Cash (one-time)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien,Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Eric Weisz, Todd Parker, Dan Gebhart (who’s a time traveler), Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew in Colorado, Drew the Welder, Anna, Andre Johnson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory in Michigan, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen, David Belais, Tim Coleman, Harry Hugel, E.J. Finneran, Brad Hipwell, Thomas Skadow, Keith Hutchison, Ranger Tom, Joyce Wilson, Ryan Tam, Derek Waggoner, Jason Aufdenberg, Microcosm Publishing, David Moore, Todd Groesbeck, Chris Barron, Sean Baird, Simon, Gregory Braithwaite, Ryan Mauro, Jimmy Diesel, dudeluna, Matthew Rooks, Marshall, Lillian Karabaic, Paula Funatake, Spartan Dale, Bike Initiative Keweenaw, Sarah G, Adam D, Go Dig A Hole, Beth Hamon, Greg Murphy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More