Utility Cycles Spotted in the Cliff

A leading indicator that a city is developing a strong bike culture is said to occur when utility bicycles begin appearing. These are the SUV’s of the bike world and allow for people to do more than just carry a messenger bag when pedaling around town. This Madsen cycle was just spotted in Oak Cliff during the Cyclesomatic celebrations. We hope to see more like this in the future. Unfortunately, most utility cycles are north of $1K, so riders often bypass them. What we’ve found is that the cost is typically less than two months of car ownership, and provides a lifetime of a healthy, sustainable, and beautiful mode of transit.

Oak Cliff Cycle Chic

 
photo by Elliott Munoz

As part of a new feature here inspired by copenhagencyclechic.com, Oak Cliff resident and photographer is going to be posting a semi-regular Oak Cliff Cycle Chic image while riding around the cliff. We have so many people cycling now that we thought it would be fun to show the beauty of commuting by bike…and no lycra necessary!

‘ello Guvnor! Dallas Second Annual Tweed Ride Set for November 21st.

The leaves are about to start turning, which means it’s almost time for Dallas’ second annual Tweed Ride! Don your best woolen knickers and press your finest cap and head out to the Grassy Knoll, and join us as we pedal our velocipedes through the streets of Downtown Dallas and beyond. We’ll have another smashing time as we wend our way around town in our smart apparel and stop at one of the most historic homes in North Oak Cliff to enjoy drinks and sport on the lawn. The Facebook page for the event is here.

For inspiration, review the images of our Dallas Tweed Past:

(photo by David Wilson)

(photo by Chris Curnutt)

(photo by Raul Bonifacio)

(photo by Andrea Roberts)

(photo by Andrea Roberts)

(photo by Bill Courtney)

(photo by Chris Curnutt)

(photo by Chris Curnutt)

(photo by Chris Curnutt)

(photo by Joe Gregory)

(photo by Raul Bonifacio)

(photo by Raul Bonifacio)

(photo by Raul Bonifacio)

(photo by Richard Wezensky)

(photo by Marco Tore)

(photo by Marco Tore)

(photo by Marco Tore)

Two New BF Groups in Town

Adding to our ranks of Bike Friendly communities, we welcome our newest members: Bike Friendly Deep Ellum, and Bike Friendly West Dallas!

Welcome and we’re excited to have you aboard.

Pictures from On the Trail of Lee Harvey Oswald

Thanks to all for coming out to all the Cyclesomatic events this past week. Unlike last year, we had incredible weather every single day. We’ll be posting pictures throughout the week so forward any you may have, or reply to this post with links to other photo albums. Below are a few more images from today’s On the Trail of Lee Harvey Oswald group ride, with a larger album located here. Also, check in with Photopol.us to see the photo scavenger hunt pics. The next big group ride will be our second Tweed Ride which we’re planning for late November, so start pulling together your wool outfits!

Bike to Kessler, Get 1/2 Off Oct. 16th

BFOC friend and Austin recording artist Dan Dyer is playing the Kessler immediately following Saturday’s Cyclesomatic block party. Ride your bike to the Kessler that night and receive half off the regular ticket price, which means you pay only five bucks! Check out Dan riding his cargo bike to SXSW.

Cyclesomatic Block Party This Saturday

Come out for the Cyclesomatic block party THIS SATURDAY NIGHT in Bishop Arts District. Oak Cliff Bicycle Company will be celebrating the grand opening of its new location (across the street from Eno’s) with an alley cat race at 5 pm, plus Lonestar Goldsprints, a bike-in movie, music, food, beer, and more throughout the night.

Alley Cat Race on Sat at OCBC

You know the drill by now. Show up and try your luck at winning some cash and prizes. Worst case you’ll at least get a beverage or two out of it, so pony up and enter!

Friday Morning, Dallas Bikes to City Hall

UPDATE on MEETUPS:

Oak Cliff Groups meeting in the Bishop Arts District at 7:30AM and departing by 7:45AM to arrive at Union Station by 8:10AM.

East Dallas Groups meeting at the Lakewood Theatre at 7:45AM and departing by 8AM up Live Oak.

Plano and North Dallas Groups leaving from the following:

Plano group (Mike Emmons, Gary Fowler, Warren Casteel and others) 15th and Independence, NW Corner, Big Lots: 6:00 AM departure

Frankford & Waterview – Far North Dallas: 6:10

Top of White Rock Trail – North Dallas (Marc Mumby): 6:45

Forest & Park Central – Medical City: 6:50

Katy Trail – @ Airline – AMU Area: 7:35

Union Station – Arrive: 8:00

October 15th, the City of Dallas Promotes Dallas Bikes to City Hall. Arriving at 8:30AM and Viewing of Dallas Bike Plan Draft

The city of Dallas, in cooperation with DART, the City Parks Department, and Bike Friendly Oak Cliff invites all to bicycle to City Hall to promote greater bicycle awareness on the morning of October 15th, 2010. Several Council Members have signed on to ride meeing at Union Station at 8:10AM and and riding together to City Hall at 8:30AM on bicycles that we’ll provide. Several BF groups are coordinating their rides and will provide details on meeting points for anyone interested in riding as a group. We’ll arrive at the Plaza at 8:30AM, and Council Members will present the Dallas Bike Plan draft which spotlights the future citywide Complete Streets initiatives.

The Facebook Event page for Dallas Bikes to City Hall is here. Check back for updates on meetup locations throughout the city for those who would like to ride as a group.

(Photo from 2009′s Dallas Bikes to City Hall)

Godzilla vs. King Kong at the Crow Art Center in Downtown Oct. 15th

As part of IdeaWeek/TEDxSMU, BFOC is helping promote an outdoor screening of King Kong vs. Godzilla outside of the Crow Art Museum in the Dallas Arts District. The film starts at 9:30 on Friday, October 15th, so pack a blanket in your bike baskets and enjoy a night under the stars watching a japanese cult classic!