Category Archives: Urban Design

E312 – Brittany Rides to Work (with special guest Dan Flores)



We chat with our friend Brittany about what it’s like to be a bicycle commuter in Portland, Oregon, even if you don’t go on a lot of special group rides or events.  What are the streets like? How do they facilitate a healthy existence in the city?  Also, we chat about some math and hair concepts.

And it’s the return of crowd favorite Dan Flores!

Also: Team Sincerity placed third in Bike Scout!

Calendar
September 10: 50 States & 13 Colonies
September 17: Tour de Brew
October 1: Dr. Something EP, Rustic Machinery release party

Headline
From Aqua: LIFT Turns Most Bikes Into ‘Cargo Bikes’

Mail
PBJ Matt wonders if the traffic-straddling bus in China is a fake.

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen


E311 – Elly Blue Talks Books, Zombies, and Trains



Elly Blue is back for another chat after an all-too-long absence.  She joins us to chat about the new edition of her fascinating book Bikenomics, a collection of short stories titled Pedal Zombies that she edited, and the Groundswell film project she worked on with her partner Joe Biel.  We also discuss the nature of long-distance train service and customer service, and whether the twain shall meet.

Also: Aaron hauled some sound gear around thanks to Clever Cycles, went to The Beer Mongers, and hung out with his brother Dan, and Brock biked to a crawfish festival.  We also mention vintage utopian novel Ecotopia and the new Joyride podcast.

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works Tigard 6pm
August 14: Bike Scout Scavenger Hunt
September 17: Tour de Brew

Headlines
From KBOO Bike Show: Meg Keys Interviews The Bike Snob

From OregonLive.com via Logan Smith
BMW to challenge Car2Go with its own Portland car-sharing service

From CNNMoney via Tim Mooney
China’s ‘elevated bus’ that glides over traffic completes first road test

Mail
Aqua listened to all the episodes!  Who else has?

Mary in PDX was amused by our Pie-A-Thon episode.

Fine Print
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
phone/SMS: 503-847-9774
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen

Screen Shot 2016-08-09 at 7.22.18 PM


E309 – Live at Pie-A-Thon 2016!



Brock & Aaron made an appearance at Pie-A-Thon 2016 in Portland, Oregon as both event hosts and featured performers.  Here’s their chat with Djinn Maury of Violin Secrets who creates amazing, beautiful soundscapes as a street performer.  His performances, such as this one from Portland’s Last Thursday event on NE Alberta Street, are well worth watching.  We totally forgot to mention that he hauls all of his equipment by bicycle, too!

Brock & Aaron also chat about making pies and chat with their friend Mark who was leading a group of friends who dropped in during a birthday ride, and event coordinator Trent Price of bands Lumberjack and Owl Antique shares his thoughts on the benefits of sharing creativity.  If you’re interested in how the emceeing went down, we’ve included a bit of that at the end as well!  And special thanks to our friends who came out to join us, including Eric, Aqua, Jon & Katie, Billy, Steven and Bob!


E308 – Aubrey Anderson: Runcible



Today a remote conversation with Aubrey Anderson, the designer/developer ofRuncible, the circular “anti-smartphone.”  What do you do when you’re tired of seeing people stare down blankly at a rectangle?  Reinvent the darned thing.  Runcible is a legacy electronic, designed to last and constructed of quality & socially responsible materials, and it’s specially calibrated to enahnce your interactions with the world around you, not distract you from it.  And you can carry it on a stylish chain!  Visit the IndieGoGo page for more info, or the theMonohm site.

Also: Aaron is pretty sure he’s not concussed (at least that’s what he’s saying).

Calendar
July 30: Pie-a-Thon 2016
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works Tigard 6pm
August 14: Bike Scout Scavenger Hunt

Headlines
From the verge.com via Logan Smith
These ultra-tough socks almost stopped me wearing shoes

Biketown contract forces users to waive their legal rights – unless they act quickly

And also This Musical Double Negative

Mail
From Cristi : Vernors is the best ginger ale!

From Todd T in Helena, MT: Vernors is a cure-all!

From Aqua D in PDX: E204 is full of cute interactions between two star-crossed lovers.

Fine Print
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
phone/SMS: 503-847-9774
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen


E305 – Daniel, Leah, Aaron



Leah Benson and Dan Harkins are in the studio!

Calendar
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!
July 16: 7:00am at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Hosted by Livable Streets Action, an affiliate group of BikeLoudPDX
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works Tigard 6pm
August 14: Bike Scout Scavenger Hunt

Headlines
From Cascade Bicycle Club via John in Goldengale: Sound Transit Board of Directors approves updated ST3 plan for November ballot

From Car2Go: car2go and the Portland airport

Mail
New donor: Jeremy Kitchen, thanks!

From PBJ Matt:
I’m very impressed with Will’s rain barrel system. I myself have two 50 gallon containers (much like the one he is giving away), and while I usually have enough to water my garden and small trees & plants through the dryer stretches, have found with the lack of rain recently that I am running close to empty. May have to consider an upgrade, as well!

From Johnny K: In Florida we have to be careful with rain barrels due to the mosquito’s.

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz, Michael Flournoy


E304 – Will Has New Rain Barrels



Will Vanlue is back! With new tales of rain barrels and riding bikes with his son! He breaks down what’s great about low-car life in a family context, recaps his fascinating rain barrel system described in episode 236 and describes the upgrade that he recently installed!  Resilience is strong with this one.

Will recommends Green Concepts Container as a resource for clean, safe barrels.
Here’s the link to the City of Portland’s (surprisingly useful) rain barrel guide:
Calendar

June 24: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride (NEW DATE)
July 1: nails yall pop-up at Gladys Bikes 6-8pm
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works Tigard 6pm

Headlines
BikePortland journalism scores two awards in five-state contest

From oregonlive.com: Washington State provost grows bee beard to raise cash for bee center

From The Mirror, via bikeportland.org: Mum unwittingly joins triathlon bike ride – and ends up cycling entire route

Mail
New donor Michael Flournoy, thanks!

Unicorn Mike is going to have an adventure, but it’s not our fault.

Richard W warns of heat exhaustion, but likes the heat; also notifies of a new show called Ride Bikes Radio.

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz, Michael Flournoy

E302 – Sysfail Talks Bike Fun



Brian Sysfail returns after a too-long-time to chat with us about Portland Autonomous Zone (PAZ), skillsharing, and the many great opportunities that Portland’s season of bike fun brings with the advent of Pedalpalooza!  We discuss how to lead or participate in a group ride, some etiquette points, and the politics of cameras.

Also: Brock rode 100 miles in 100 degrees, and Aaron rode a brompton around the horse track.

And: lots of E300 goodies! Monologues, Heinz Stücke, Brother Dan, &Mechanic Dudebro.

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
June 10: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride
June 11: Grilled By Bike!
June 11: The Last Bowie/Prince Ride
June 15: Biking Vikings!
June 18: The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge! (SOLD OUT!)
June 21: The Pollen Ride! (NEW DATE)
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!

Headlines
From the Salt Lake Tribune: Unique internship: Travel 10,000 miles in 38 days in 15 states

From bikeportland.org: BTA will change name, expand mission to walking, transit and political action

Mail
from Kampcite:  “No. You definitely should not pee in the shower.”

Tim Mooney: “We need more ironic dudebro episodes… Basically this could be its own show.“

From PBJ Matt: Comes With Baggage, the documentary.

Orange is able to hook up a friend with LA bike camping knowledge!

Jim rode 73 miles!

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz


E301b – Gerald & Ray Go To Grad School



Gerald Fittipaldi & Ray Atkinson are grad-level students at Portland State University.  They’ve been studying the fine craft of city-building and city-shaping, and worked to start the advocacy group Bike PSU to fill a need they saw for student involvement in their transportation environment.  We talk to them about what they’ve been up to!

Also: Brock got a flat on the way to work, and Aaron got a room.

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
June 10: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride
June 11: The Last Bowie/Prince Ride
June 11: Grilled By Bike!
June 15: Biking Vikings!
June 18: The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge! (SOLD OUT!)
June 21: The Pollen Ride! (NEW DATE)
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!

Headlines
a new tote from North St. Bags

From oregonlive.com:
Pair of 15-year-old boys accused of stealing TriMet bus
And Two men arrested in apparent bout of speed racing on Interstate 84

From bikeportland.org: Two videos that will help you understand homelessness in Portland

From mentalfloss.com: You Should Totally Pee in the Shower

Mail
Rory in MI sends us a donation!

Andre Johnson sends a donation and some studio swag!

Aaron Green and others liked our monologues for E300.

Jim goodin DID pedal to the end of the block as he recovers.

Chris in Parker CO spotted velo Cult in W. Kamau Bell’s United Shades of America

Guthrie fielded a weird email about a rude cyclist.

Joseph & Chris Smith connected on some wonky urban design stuff.

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz


E301a – Madi Carlson & Fat Rob, with Shawn Granton: Long Rides!



Madi Carlson is the author of Urban Cycling and the @familyride twitter feed.  She decided to do a long ride with the assistance of her friend Fat Rob from Seattle to Portland!  Aaron met them in Woodland, WA and ushered them back into our town.  Their friend, and ours, Shawn Granton of the Urban Adventure League, also joins to talk routes and tips on long rides.


E300x – EXMAS SPECIAL Dan “Wolfman Kah-kah-kah-kow” Flores Calls In



As Aaron said on twitter the other day:

“Dear family, if you call during recording times, I will answer it and plug you into our mixing board. You’ve been warned. Love, aaron.”

Guess who called right before we rolled tape on Episode 300?
That’s right!
DAN FLORES!

(Aaron’s brother, for those who don’t already know him from the first EXmas Special)

We engage in general FM DJ radio jackassery, promote THE BEER MONGERS at SE Division & 12th, then talk helmets and their warranties, Portland’s mayoral politics, Dan coming to Portland, riding the Columbia Gorge Express, and finally math theory and heresy and The Pet Shop Boys.

What a ride!