Category Archives: Urban Design

E443 – “Fast” Riding on the West Side

December 14, 2018Advocacy, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Commuting, Housing, Infrastructure, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

note: this episode features a single microphone due to logistical difficulties. we apologize for the audio quality, but we will return to our usual microphones soon!

Naomi Fast lives on the west side of the Portland metropolitan area, and is an advocate for bicycling options in a community that isn’t always tailored to safety for human-powered options. She talks about getting started on a no-car lifestyle, getting into and out of the suburbs, advocacy, and those little pass-though links you can discover in a gnarled web of cul-de-sacs.

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

Dec 15: Group Ride to Bike Craft
Dec.15 and16 Bike Craft
Jan. 8: Bowie Birthday Ride

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
CALL FOR ENTRIES! Submit your film by January 20 to be part of the collection
Boise, ID – January 18
Los Angeles, CA – January 27
Hood River, OR – February 12
Arcata, CA – March 15
Bendigo, Australia – October 4

Headlines
From the slate.com: Minneapolis Confronts Its History of Housing Segregation

From chi.streetsblog.org: How Can Biking Stay Joyful in the Midst of Winter?

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) or Square Cash (one-time)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Ethan Georgi, 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E442 – Madi Celebrates Her Bike’s Birthday

December 5, 2018Adventure, Bicycling, Camping, Cargo, Family, Fun, Infrastructure, Train Travel, Transit, Travel, Urban Design, Weathersprocketpodcast

Madi Carlson returns to the studio to talk about her bike’s birthday, going camping by bike, bikes & dogs, and riding with the family. It’s always a pleasure to have her join us! Check out her blog at familyride.us, and her column at BikePortland.

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

Nov. 27: Bike to Winter Woderland “Bike the Lights”
Nov. 29: Brompton Storytime (Minneapolis)
Dec. 2: Reed Ravine Ramble
Dec 9: Kimmy Cross Alleycross Race
Dec.15 and16 Bike Craft
Jan. 8: Bowie Birthday Ride

Mail
Josh G proves he knows MSP: “Wedge & linden hills bike rack MSP! Locked up there 5days a week for 5 years.”

A tweet from Sebastein Poole: “Great story about Ms Hamilton and I’m looking forward to the book. Mr. Cowboy, did you know a woman did ride in the Giro d’Italia? Alphonsina Strada.”

Kevin F. in Texas: keep old electronics running!

Mr. T is back! (though he never left) Thanks for the nice words.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E438 – Talking Shop, History, and Low-Car Life

November 13, 2018Beer, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Emergengy Preparedness, Food, Fun, Mechanics, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Portland’s Union Station (photo credit: Amtrak.com)

Aaron & Guthrie take a show to catch up with each other about maintenance, history, and how much car should be in your life.

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

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
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride
Nov 9 & 10: Portland Podcast Festival
Nov. 19: Oct 29th’s P-town Scooter Throwdown
Nov. 24: CRANKSGIVING!
Dec. 2: Reed Ravine Ramble
Dec.15 and16 Bike Craft

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Hood River, OR – December 7
Arcata, CA – March 15
Bendigo, Australia – November 30
Phoenix, AZ – November 17
Boise, ID – January 18
Los Angeles, CA – January 27

Headlines
Hey you in PDX, have you heard of Woke Coffee?

From outsideonline.com via listener Josh G.: Make Driving Dangerous Again

From bikeportland.org: A donated bike fleet will help Portland Street Medicine expand their reach

From cyclingtips.com via bikeportland: Commentary: Why I stopped wearing a bike helmet

Mail
From PBJ Matt: “I am now decidedly pro-kickstand.”

Brock sent us a pic of a possibly controversial beer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E438x – Anniversary of Montana’s Statehood

November 9, 2018Beer, Bicycling, Clothing, Communication, Family, Fun, Housing, Infrastructure, Urban Design, Weathersprocketpodcast

One year ago, Aaron turned a year older and a few friends gathered at the studio after a recording to celebrate the anniversary of Montana’s statehood. Aaron has a special connection to that day, and we wanted to mark the occasion. Present were Aaron & Anna, Guthrie, Armando, Brock & Adele, and we’re sharing a minimally edited version of a live mic in the room with all of their permission. You get to be a fly on the wall for this celebration.

New studio show coming later this week. Enjoys!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E434 – Darius from Omni: Sharing Stuff

October 10, 2018Bicycling, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Downsizing, Infrastructure, Simpler Living, The Law, Touring, Train Travel, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Darius is working with a new way to share your things, and keep them too! Omni started as a storage option for people’s extra stuff, but now is also working to find people who want to rent the objects you think are cool, but don’t use all the time; they’re described as “an on-demand access company for things you don’t use every day, but can’t live without” That margarita mixer & those snowboarding pants just sit unused most of the time, why not put them to work earning money for you and making someone else’s life more interesting, while retaining access whenever you need them? “Rent what you want now, store what you’ll want later.” Omni just launched in Portland; Darius breaks it down for us.

Also, Aaron celebrates an anniversary & Brock rents a car. After the regular segments Brock laments the end of his regular cohosting duties & they both bag on Dave Matthews.

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

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
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride
October 12th – Gladys Bikes’ 5th Anniversary!
Nov 9 & 10: Portland Podcast Festival

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES:
Hood River, OR – October 30
Akron, OH – November 4
Arcata, CA – November 15
Bendigo, Australia – November 30
Phoenix, AZ – November 30
Boise, ID – January 18

Headlines
from Josh G. “how many liters are you running?”
From #thesupplelife blog

Mail
From Paula at Funatake Cyclecraft: “Here’s a group shot of the infamous Klickitat trail ride.”

From Chris in Colorado:

From Ranger Tom “cop stuff:” “No cop wants to be the one that gets a call from the prosecutor’s office asking “You wrote this guy a ticket for what?!””

Ranger Tom also gave us an audio postcard!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E433 – All Together Now

October 5, 2018Bicycling, Building, Car Ownership, Commuting, Family, Train Travel, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

The band’s back together again! Brock drops into the studio to explain why he’s not returning to cohosting after all (it’s good news), parenting, and bicycle safety for infants, and Aaron & Guthrie catch up on their most recent adventures.

October 12th – Gladys Bikes’ 5th Anniversary!
Nov 9 & 10: Portland Podcast Festival

Headlines
New Donor!! Spartan Dale (no relation):
“I started with episode 133 and am up to 414. I loved the show with Aaron and Brock and have found Guthrie to be a great addition… as a Mexican kid growing up in rural Michigan …attending MSU, I immediately identified with Aaron, but the cast of characters in Portland has really made me want to visit, find the Beermongers -now what’s their address again? And ride to Battleground or to the Cascade Locks. Thanks for all you to do support cycling culture!”

There’s a new Podcast in town… er… on the internet: The Bike Karma Bicycle Podcast

From Bikeportland: State reopens fire-damaged section of Historic Columbia River Highway (yay!)

Mail
Alex L responds to Aaron’s mischief bike: “Is that a bmx with a b17 and moustache bars??”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E432 – Dr. Something & The T.C. EP

September 26, 2018Advocacy, Art, Bicycling, Commuting, Fun, Infrastructure, Music, Performance, Transit, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Portland musician Dr. Something has made appearances on our podcast feed before, but we’ve never had the pleasure of her joining us for a conversation in the studio before. We chat about music and transit, and her upcoming transit center themed project. Find Dr. Something’s music on Bandcamp!

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

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
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride
Sept. 29: Wheels On Fire 100, Tucumcari, NM
Sept 29: DRT Arlington (more info in news)
Nov 9 & 10: Portland Podcast Festival

Headlines
(links forthcoming)

Mail
(forthcoming)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E431 – Norm & Brad Do a Multimodal Commute

September 21, 2018Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Commuting, Infrastructure, Transit, Urban Design, Weathersprocketpodcast

Norm & Brad are commuters with a twist: they cover some ground by car from their faraway homes and then transform into bicycle commuters at the state line! Brad wondered for years who this person was – and, as it turns out, so did Brock! Norm is the smartest guy in the room, and involved with Bikes For Humanity. We talk commuting tips, raingear, and innovative solutions to traffic bottlenecks.

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

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
Every 2nd Sunday of every month in PDX: Corvidae Bike Club Ride
Sept. 22: Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race Lowell, MA
Sept. 29: Wheels On Fire 100, Tucumcari, NM
Sept 29: DRT Arlington (more info in news)
Nov 9 & 10: Portland Podcast Festival

Headlines
Welcome new donor Paula at Funatake Cycle Craft!! Some of you may remember Paula from Episode 366. Thanks for your support!

From bikearlington.com: What to Expect at Arlington’s First-Ever Disaster Relief Trials

From bikeportland.org: Portland Police deploy canine, air support units to chase down bike thief

Iloveroadcycling.com: The Brand New “Infinity Seat”

Mail
A txt from Isaac on planing/not planning

Todd G in DC Loved the Library Episode – shares PubMed Central and “Thank You For Being Late, an optimist’s guide in the age of accelerations.”

Daniel P has some advice for the next time we’re in Minneapolis: “If don’t peddle out to Medina Ball Room and Entertainment Center you are just plain podcasting wrong.”

John in Goldendale also recommends Minnesota‘s Largest Candy Store. They do not accept credit cards, bring cash.

Suzy Knutson recommends One on One Bicycle Studio and Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop and Coffee Bar

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E429 – Rebroadcast: Jeff Everett & The FBC, Y’all

September 5, 2018Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Communication, Fun, Urban Design, Volunteeringsprocketpodcast

This content was originally published in November 2014, and it’s so much fun we’re bringing it back! Expect more new studio shows next week! Happy Labor Day, y’all.

Jeff Everett (the Jeff Everett) is a relatively new Portland resident, but he’s been coordinating bike fun for years. We talk about his early life in the southern US states, the bicycling scene in St. Louis, Missouri, and his move to Spokane, Washington where he established the long-running FBC, a series of rides at night leading from bar to bar, and through some shenanigans. Jeff also fearlessly disassembled our sound board before the show to fix an issue, like a champ.

Check out the great short form documentary about Spokane’s FBC, Keep It Simple, on Vimeo.

Also: Brock & Team Sincerity do Cranksgiving, and Aaron goes to see Cold Specks.

Headlines

BBC, from From Anna in PDX: The psychology of why cyclists enrage car drivers

From Clever Cycles: Who says poetry doesn’t pay?

Mail

JohnnyK sends us instructions for using a protractor to determine how steep that hill you’re climbing is. “add a small level to toptube then hang a short string with a small weight at the end from toptube card for degree.” (conversation on Twitter)

Anna sends us a link to Cycling Without Age.

Ben sends in a record-playing bicycle.

Chris in Arcata sends us a video about a bike trip full of left turns.
[reminds us of what Tom Allen likes about touring]

Phil in AK on why he’s not vegan, but appreciates our considerations on clothing.

The Stickman tells us that Phoenix gets its bike share going ahead of Portland. Starts November 25th care of gridbikes.com

Glenn in YEG did Coffee Outside!

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Ethan Georgi, 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E427 – Joan, The Librarian

August 25, 2018Bicycling, Communication, Infrastructure, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Joan The Librarian has been on our show before to discuss bicycling in Portland, but we wanted to bring her back to talk about her day job working at a library! How does it work? What does a librarian do? What are some myths? And what book best represents your bicycle? (We’re NOT naming it!)

As always, thanks to our drink sponsor The Beer Mongers & our generous Patreon donors.

August 7th National Night Out
August 11: Swift Summit NW come talk with the sprocket on assignment
August 15: E-Scoot P-town Throwdown
August 19: Portland Century
Sept 2: Tour de Lab*
Sept 8-9: Bike MS150
Sept 13: Dr. Something’s “Beaverton TC” single release party (transit themed EP in the works)
Sept. 20 Street Books Fall Celebration
Sept. 22: Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race Lowell, MA
Sept. 29: Wheels On Fire 100, Tucumcari, NM
Nov 9 & 10: Portland Podcast Festival

UPCOMING Filmed By Bike TOUR DATES: (note: many changes and additions)
Snoqualmie, WA – August 24 & 25
Eugene, OR – August 31
Chicago, IL – September 14
Hood River, OR – October 30
Akron, OH – November 4
Arcata, CA – November 15
Bendigo, Australia – November 30
Phoenix, AZ – November 30
Boise, ID – January 18

Headlines
OPB’s Think Out Loud gets in on the scooter talk with Cory Poole calling in

Mail
Paul L in Corvalis on aaron’s pic of donuts in a Carradice bag

Phil B in AK has joined our not-so-official Strava group

Isaac in NM sent us some audio

Mr. T in MT: I have ridden past this place outside Helena for a year or two. It always makes me think of Aaron and his “Lionheart” kombucha.

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Ethan Georgi, 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, Isaac, Lillian Karabaic

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

The Sprocket Podcast

simplifying the good life

Category Archives: Urban Design

E443 – “Fast” Riding on the West Side

E442 – Madi Celebrates Her Bike’s Birthday

E438 – Talking Shop, History, and Low-Car Life

E438x – Anniversary of Montana’s Statehood

E433 – All Together Now

E432 – Dr. Something & The T.C. EP

E431 – Norm & Brad Do a Multimodal Commute

E429 – Rebroadcast: Jeff Everett & The FBC, Y’all

E427 – Joan, The Librarian