Upcoming Classes at REI

So, maybe you have a bike, but you’re nervous about commuting to work.  Or perhaps you’re wanting more education about your derailleurs or your disk brakes.  Or you simply want to learn how to change a flat tire?  Well, spring has sprung and so has bike season, so REI is offering several upcoming classes in May (two are free and two are not).  Click on the class titles for more detailed information.

5/6/2009:  Basic Bicycle Maintenance

“The Bike Shop staff will cover everything you need to know to maintain your new bicycle or fine-tune skills you may have already learned. In addition to basic maintenance techniques, the staff will also review essential gear for safe and enjoyable riding.”  Cost: FREE

5/7/2009:  Bicycle Commuting

“To get started, you?ll want to consider the bike itself plus a variety of gear options that range from essential to convenient. Come hear what our expert commuter puts at the top of his list!”  Cost: FREE

5/14/2009: Advanced Bicycle Maintenance: Derailleurs

“During the class, derailleur specifications will be explained. Both derailleurs will be cleaned and lubricated, and then they will be inspected for proper positioning, security, and will be adjusted as necessary.   After completing the derailleur tune up, we’ll look at bottom bracket adjustments, proper chain length, operation of the shifter levers, and the length and lubrication of the cables that tie the shifters to the derailleurs.   We’ll finish the class with a test ride to check your work!”  Cost: $30 for members, $40 for non-members

5/28/2009:  Advanced Bicycle Maintenance: Disk Brakes

“The bike staff will guide you through the ins and outs of  a tune-up in your disk brake system.  This will be a hands-on clinic so bring your bikes.  Topics covered include brake tuning, pad replacement, cables, levers, hydraulic systems, and adjustments.”  Cost: $30 for Members, $40 for Non-Members

The Hug Police

Dallas Police have been known to target cyclists for not wearing helmets and not following the rules of the road.  While we don’t  support such illegal behavior, maybe there are more effective ways to enforce the law while also encouraging cycling.  Check out what the Danish police are up to:

This Friday! Discounts for Cyclists @ The Texas Theatre

The historic Texas Theatre is offering $2 off ticket prices at the door for all who arrive on bicycle for the May 1st showing of the 1923 Lon Chaney classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. The silent film will be shown accompanied by a live orchestra headed by 90.1 FM KERA’s Paul Slavens. The film starts at 7PM, so be sure to bring your lights, since it will probably let out by 9ish. For those commuting on the North side of town, you can ride DART’s red line to the Tyler/Vernon station and bicycle North to Jefferson Boulevard, and a few blocks East to the Texas.

Should be a fun night!

Art Crawl a Success!

Thank you everyone for making the First Oak Cliff Art Crawl a success! It was an amazing night, and all of the venues who participated did a wonderful job of showcasing incredible work from around the area. Here are a few pictures from the day (photos by Ange Fitzgerald):

Our Biggest Advocate

 

Mayor Leppert showing off his new duds

New Tax Legislation for Commuting by Bicycle

Do you commute to work, or have you considered it? Well, thanks to the new Bicycle Commuter Act, employers can now reimburse their employees up to $20 per month to cover bicycle commuter costs as of January 1, 2009.  This was part of the Renewable Energy Tax legislation, and aims to give bicycle commuters similar compensation to people who receive tax credits for driving to and from work.  Costs that are covered include the purchase of a bicycle, bike locks, helmets, bike parking facilities, shower facilities, and general maintenance.  More information is available at the League of American Bicyclists, including a frequently asked questions page.

The Mayor’s a fan of BFOC!

Oak Cliff Earth Day was a huge success! Thanks to everyone for coming out. The onsite t-shirt printing was a big hit, we filled up several pages worth of new member sign-ups, and we were able to raise funds for our next bike rack campaign! All in all, a good day. Mayor Tom Leppert stopped by our booth at one point and thanked us for all of our work. After snapping this shot we asked his take on bicycle infrastructure, to which he emphatically advocated bringing bike lanes to the city. Very exciting news indeed!

Thanks again everyone for making this such a successful event!

More Info on the Oak Cliff Art (Bike) Crawl

Update on the Art (Bike) Crawl: This is a casual ride that you can choose several locations to hit up, but if you’d like to meet up as a group, most of us will be starting out in the Bishop Arts District at 4PM.

A Google map can be found here and a postcard of the route is located at oakcliffartcrawl.com.

Some highlights of the Art Crawl are:

- Reception at the historical Texas Theater

- Beatles themed reception at the Soda Gallery to commemorate the anniversary of Abbey Road

- Live bands, outdoor grill and great art at the 9th St. Town Homes

- Grand opening of new Oak Cliff Gallery, The Cube Creative

Coombs Creek Trail Ribbon Cutting Tomorrow Morning! Need BFOC cyclists for photo-op!

The first leg of the paved Coombs Creek Trail has been completed and a ribbon cutting is set for tomorrow (Saturday, April 18th) morning. We’ve been asked to bring out as many BFOC cyclists as possible for the event. We’ll try to arrive around 9ish in the morning, and will probably be riding in a small parade at 9:30AM. The trail is located at Kessler Parkway and Junior Drive (on the North West side of Methodist hospital). The best way to get there is to take Sylvan Northbound towards I-30. Kessler Parkway is on street before the highway. Go right (East) to Junior. There should be a good crowd out that can point everyone the rest of the way.

Hope to see you all out!

New Poll!