Category Archives: Car Sharing

E231 – The Benson Twins: #boatmonth

March 31, 2015Adventure, Bicycling, Boats, Business, Camping, Car Sharing, Fun, Kayaking, Skateboarding, Touring, Train Travel, Transit, Travelsprocketpodcast

Leah Benson is the proprietor ofGladys Bikes, a bike shop catering specifically to the needs of women in Portland, Oregon, and one host of the newly created podcast Snack Parade!
Brian Benson is the author ofGoing Somewhere, a book based on his crosscountry bicycle trip from Wisconsin to Oregon, and is working on creating The River Signal, an audio drama podcast, which will begin production this summer!

We talk about kayaking the Columbia River, sea lions, wearing pants, philosophy around bicycling, and more. We also unwittingly created #boatmonth on the show!

Maren Souders Skypes in to update us on the petition to provide vegan meal options aboard Amtrak dining cars.

Also: Spinlister credit contest: “When did you most need a bike but not have one?” Inspired to Ride film is coming soon & the trailer is now available (4/18 in Portland). Rolling Oasis grocers is launching an expansion Kickstarter and hosting an event at Community Cycling Center this thursday!

Donate at Patreon if you’re able to help keep us going!

Headlines

Tom Allen is working on a new film project!

Aaron Green’s We Were Like Sons is funded!

Mail

The stickman’s son takes his first bike ride.

John from Goldendale finds a news story on LA’s newly legal free public gardening.

Gerald offers reverse psychology for angry motorists.

Ethan Georgi deals with parent drivers in school zones and makes an effort to maintain a zen-like calm.

Jim Goodin eschews earbuds while riding his bike and cranks the iPhone speaker.

Harm in NZ shares an awesome cycling/skating documentary.

Maren Souders sent us some car-sharing news.

Peanut butter jar Matt shares a few links on voluntarily limiting your technology.
Wired: Artificial Light May Be Harmful
Good Reads: 4 Arguments for the Elimination of Television

Glenn from Marrowstone Island has a suggestion for more compassionate automobility.

Path Less Pedaled met a Sprocket listener in Alabama!

Marcus Graham is shining up an old bike for a touring event!

Bicycle-towed tiny home gypsy wagon, found on Facebook & shared by David Griffiths

JohnnyK comments on the cost of living and says we’d better step up our game to compete with #YEGbike!

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)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Matt B., Patrick Archain, Gabriel Trainer, Sebastien Poule

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E228 – Adron Hall: Transit Sleuth

March 10, 2015Bicycling, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Family, History, Housing, Technology, The Law, Train Travel, Transit, Urban Design, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Transit Sleuth is on the case; he’s been following sustainable transit modes and reporting on them for some time here in Portland OR! We chat about the state of transportation in our town, along with Adron’s youth near trains and his eventual disenchantment with sweating in traffic. Read the latest updates at transitsleuth.com

Also: TriMet’s annual report is available, Inspired to Ride film is coming soon (4/18 in Portland), Brock dug some dirt out of Will Vanlue’s yard and is sore, and Aaron ran into Jeff on the street.

Donate at Patreon if you’re able to help keep us going!

Headlines

Human Transit: How do I find a hotel near good transit?
and How do I find a hotel near good transit? Not (yet) via google!

BBC News via Logan: Ford Motor Co. experiments with e-bikes

bikeportland.org: Half of Portland car2go vehicles now have rear bike racks

Mail

Many thanks to new donors JP Q-lee, Matt B, Patrick, & Gabriel! And all of our previous ones.

Tim Mooney sent us news on the possibility of c&o trail camping fees – it’s still gonna be free! Also, he’s pro-pug.

Josh G sends us a non-bikey writer’s review of biking in Vancouver WA.

Tomas Q. is working with Ride With GPS on their Ambassador Program.

Nurse David explains how to clean a peanut butter jar.

Dan in Bemidji: Fatbikes race in MN! Also Aaron mentions a Cyclofemme event.

Richard finds an article about Hub Powderworks from Gizmodo!

Anna sent in the TED talk about why buses represent democracy in action.

Glenn in YEG had #coffeeoutside!

John from Goldendale has a very “Portland” moment that reminds him we’re all human beings.

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E225 – Stephen Szucs: #RETHINK Tour

February 26, 2015Adventure, Advocacy, Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Cargo, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, Housing, Simpler Living, Skateboarding, Technology, Touring, Travel, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Stephen Szucs is fascinated by more sustainable living solutions that the average Joe can implement. He rode one of Organic Transit’s ELF trikes, Rita, on his #RETHINK tour from Canada to Florida. We also talk about transportation choices such as longboarding, housing choices like Craig & Connie Cook’s earthship, and other kinds of choices we can make to create a better world for people now and in the future.

follow this link to Brock’s ELF trike test ride from a year ago.

Also, this is what a conch shell sounds like.

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith

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E222 – Bryan Hance: Bike Index

February 10, 2015Advocacy, Bicycling, Car Sharing, Communication, Technology, The Law, Theft, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Bryan Hance is one of the people behind the Bike Index, a database of bicycle serial numbers and traits that helps tie people to them when a theft occurs. We talk about the website, the situation on thefts (especially in Portland OR), avoidance tips, and their partnership with Spinlister. Bryan mentioned this inspiring story about some people who got their bikes back!

Brock also asked a few questions about the dialogue on bicycle theft as it relates to homelessness, and meant to mention this article from Street Roots, a newspaper published by and for people living outside.

Also: Brock got buzzed on an early morning commute (but refrained from u-lock justice a la R.A.M.B.O. [via JP]); Aaron is in Federal Way, WA for work. Gladys Bikesowner Leah Benson joins as this week’s co-host!

Join the Team Sincerity Ride on Presidents’ Day!

Donate at Patreon

Headlines

Washington Post via Tim Mooney: Portland is the only city gentrifying faster than D.C., report says
From bikeportland.org: Portland’s low-car transportation web ranks 7th nationally, study says
From Jackson Hole (WY) News and Guide via bikeportland.org: Bill would require neon clothes, government ID for cyclists

Mail

Eric Iverson’s call to action: join the Clinton Street ride

Alvaro recommends fw: thinking podcast on the future of bicycles

Logan alerts us to the presence of Rivendell bikes’ test fleet in Portland!

Nurse David asks how great smartphones actually are (or aren’t)

Glenn Kubish recommends a guest & signs up to be our foreign correspondent.

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E221 – Maren Souders: Open Ears, No Car

February 3, 2015Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Communication, Downsizing, Simpler Living, Touring, Train Travel, Transit, Travel, Urban Design, Vegansprocketpodcast

Maren Souders has never, ever owned a car. That’s an achievement even for those who’ve tried! She brings us some inspiring stories and thoughts on low-car life, the value of listening, and trying to eat vegan while taking Amtrak trains across the country. Notably, she’s spent some time on a multi-city listening tour, sitting in public places with a “free empathy” sign! Her webistes:dreamintochange.com & happytolisten.com

click here to find her petition for easier access to vegan meals for Amtrak passengers.

Also: Brock explored the wilds of SW Washington; Aaron rides to Boring.

Join the Team Sincerity Ride on Presidents’ Day!

Headlines

Copenhaganize: Climaphobia and Vacuum-packed Cities

bikeportland.org: Kidical Mass PDX invites biking parents to join family ride planning for 2015

Lovely Bicycle: Finding a Winter Wander-land (and Other Coping Strategies)

Mail

Organic Transit shares a story of a man who rode an ELF trike from Canada to Florida.

We got a letter from Mike in Midland, GA!

My Bike Won’t Fit Here

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E219 – Beth Hamon: Leaving On A Jet Plane

January 20, 2015Advocacy, Air Travel, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Communication, Family, Simpler Living, Touring, Travel, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Beth Hamon is a cantorial soloist on a circuit to synagogues in various parts of the USA, sharing her talents of music and spiritual direction with the people she has made connections with there. She joins us to give an update on her most recent work, discuss the environmental impact of air travel, and consider ethical living in transport as well as the rest of life.

Some of the resources Beth shared:
NYT: The Biggest Carbon Sin?
Wikipedia: Environmental Impact of Air Travel
Ivan Illich: Energy and Equity (Ideas in Progress)
Slate: Driving vs. Flying

Look for Beth’s music at CDbaby.com!

Also: Brock & Aaron take a trip to Stubb Stewart State Park

Mail

Tim Mooney is dismayed by the possible leverage of fees on the C&O canal. In particular, from $0 to $20 in the time it takes a congressperson to sign a document.

Alvaro is rocking our sticker (the old school one!) and says “give me 3”

Brandon Rhodes sends us a story about a dog that rides the bus to the park by itself.

Chris Gonzalez says “not the cable!”

Logan Smith sends us a fundraiser for “smart grips.”

Gerald got some polyester pants.

Eric Iverson:
“@SouthEastGrind also serves delicious 24 hr food! And I also don’t like Dave Matthews or his band or any combo thereof.”

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E214 – Brad Davis & Jean Abbot: Moving at the speed of Ecology

December 9, 2014Adventure, Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Car Sharing, Fun, Mechanics, Technology, Touringsprocketpodcast

note: Brock fell ill suddenly and I called on Aaron Delani to fill in. I also panicked and didn’t plug in my ipod to the soundboard. this episode will be interesting from a production standpoint.

Brad Davis and Jean Abbot of EcoSpeed were very good sports with the Aarons’ tomfoolery. EcoSpeed is the leading maker of mid-drive type electric assists for bikes and trikes. Mid-drives give more performance for a given motor and battery weight and, unlike hub motors, don’t create drag when you just want to pedal.

Headlines
from Bikeportland.org:
Holiday Bike Drive turns 300 children into bike riders
Uber’s illegal Portland launch raises question: What if an Uber driver hits you?

Mail

Marcus in the UK wants us to know that people listen in the UK.

Harm in NZ shares Joff Summerfield’s pennyfarthing touring site. We want to interview him sometime!

Rory who is visiting NZ finds a White Ribbon Month bike ride.

Logan in CA sends us a link to the cheapest shifter ever.

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E213 – Alison Wiley: Rich In What Matters

December 2, 2014Advocacy, Air Travel, Bicycling, Business, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Communication, Downsizing, Simpler Living, Transit, Travel, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Alison Wiley blogs at Diamond Cut Life on simpler living for better quality of life; we can’t get enough of her common sense advice on matters like cold winter house heating, living like a salmon for an epic life, and using transit to break away on your vacation, and her recent discovery of ethical clothing company 541 Threads inspired her to get back in touch for another show. Plus: we swear less when we talk to her!

Also: Brock rents a Prius through RelayRides, and Aaron takes a folding bike onto theworst airline ever. We also briefly discuss curling, the mysticism of the morning hours, and mention the Better World Shopping Guide & Alison’s novel, Revelle!

Headlines

via Bike Portland, The NY Times: Finding a Salve for His Depression on Two Wheels

Mail

Jim in NY made some music by bike!

Drew’s cape isn’t our bag, but he’s hoping his Showers Pass jacket will be.

Dan’s hibernating bike in MN:

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley

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E199c – Katie & David Proctor: Car Free Lifestyle

September 10, 2014Advocacy, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Cargo, Communication, Downsizing, Family, Housing, Mountain Biking, Transit, Urban Design, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Katie & David Proctor live in Portland without owning a car despite having children and enjoying outdoor recreation. We ask why and how.

Also: e200 live show!, retort to close pass contest, Bike Scout! Oh yeah, and Brock rented a moving truck.

Headlines

Pedalshift: trying Amtrak Express to ship a bike home after tour

Mail

Patreon switches for our donations, including new donor Richard, Tim from Pedalshift, and Orange & Purple!

Richard sent us “bikes allowed full lane” pins! We wore them for Bike Scout.

Uncle Lou asks about shed flats.

Jim in NY joins the listener army and shares his newfound passion for charity riding.

JohnnyK says all routes are flatroutes in Florida.

David in NC writes in.

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Roger Grigsby, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple

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