The federal Highway Administration just released “The National Biking and Walking Study: a 15 year status report” that shows an increase of trips being made by foot and by bike. Here are some highlights:

-First and foremost, Americans are hitting the sidewalks and streets on foot and by pedal in record numbers. From 1990 to 2009, the number of trips taken on foot more than doubled from 18 billion to 42.5 billion. Similarly, the number of bike trips increased from 1.7 billion to 4 billion.

-According to the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, bicycling and walking now account for 11.9% of all trips. It’s not the 15.8% we hoped to see, but–considering the increase in population and overall number of trips–it’s progress.

-Even better, the safety data is also promising. From 1994 to 2008, the number of pedestrians killed decreased by 22.3% and the number of bicyclists killed decreased by 12%. Since the number of trips taken on foot or on bike has more than doubled in the same period, those declines are a good sign of increased safety.

Click here for the full article. Bike and walk on.

When: May 29th @ 12 NOON

Where: WheelHouse Parking Lot

What: The 1st Annual WheelHouse Cargo Cat! WheelHouse will be putting on a cargo carrying race to benefit the Santa Barbara Unity Shop. The race will start at WheelHouse, go out to the IV Food Co-Op and a strategically located Backyard Harvest Tent and then back the WheelHouse.

Goal: Be the first rider to hit both stopping points and carry at least 30 lbs. of food back to WheelHouse. To qualify for the grand prize you must meet the minimum weight requirement.

Who can race? The race is open to anybody with a pedal powered vehicle. Whether you have an old 10 speed or a new cargo-bike, you are welcome to race. Just make sure you can carry some cargo!

How much? To cover the costs of the race, the prizes, event t-shirts, and after party, the entry fee will be $15.

Event t-shirt? Yes, there will be event t-shirts. The $15 entry fee will get you a limited edition 1st Annual Cargo Cat t-shirt.

Prizes: Grand Prize- Xtracycle Free Radical Kit w/ free installation, there will also be prizes for the best overall costume, most weight carried, as well as a few after party prizes that will be announced at the event.

How to register: Send an e-mail with your name and contact info to info@wheelhousebikes.com and we’ll put you on the list. The registration fee of $15 will be due in cash on the day of the event. We’ll send out update e-mails before the race to make sure everyone is on the same page. The race will be limited to 30 riders so please sign up soon and reserve you space.

Please direct any and all questions about the race to info@wheelhousebikes.com and we’ll answer them for you as quickly as possible. Good luck.

Seattle Times article about google bike maps here.

Wired article about google bike maps can be found here.

The full list of winners for Winter 2010 is here.

Most of the folks that roll through the shop have never seen a box bike before. This is why we encourage people who are curious to take one for a spin around our parking lot. There is definitely a learning curve for most folks when they start charging forward, but once people get the hang of it, it’s all smiles. So next time you are in the shop, give in to that curiosity and take a Bakfiets for a spin.

For those looking for more information on the Bakfiets, click here.

The pictures with the cool looking trailer labeled “we share the same stomach” was done by a young artist touring the west coast named Maria Michealson. Her concept is awesome so please check it out here.

Broncks

As we starting gearing up for Spring, we decided to do some early cleaning. So, our entire Bowery Lane city bike rental fleet will be on sale until they are gone! Normally we sell the Brueklen and Broncks at a retail price of $650 (they go for $695 online), but our lightly used fleet will be going for $450! Thats over 30% off our list price! These are American made street machines with classic Euro styling, both the rear wooden boxes, Lepper sprung leather saddle, and cork grips are stained for a vintage look and to increase longevity. The single-speed drive train and upright riding style are great for city cycling, beach cruising, and campus jaunts. The frames are built in Brooklyn, NY and all the trim and accessory pieces are manufactured by Wald, meaning this bike was fully built in the USA. We have 3 Brueklens (step-through) and 3 Broncks (diamond-style) left. They are one size fits most. To peep out the specs, check out Bowery Lane Bicycles. Enjoy your ride.