Urban Archives - Page 6 of 8

17/09/201627/11/2016

Bicycle Murals – by Mart Aires

This post showcases one of a few street artists whose murals regularly feature bicycles. I’ve chosen Mart Aires from Argentina as he is one of the first original ‘graffiteros’ who painted whole trains in Buenos Aires, thus making his work more accessible to the public. So he is an enduring, well-known and accomplished street artist. His work is playful, colourful, vibrant and always positive. You can see a full range of Mart’s work on his flickr site – including one of my favourite bicycle inspired pieces of his called Una situación habitual.

Big, bright, urban bikes

I like the idea of having large-scale vibrant happy bicycles depictions being splashed about cities, which of course is why Mart is one of my favourite street artists, given that bikes feature so prominently in his work. Have a look at his Instagram for other works as well.

He often does large scale wall murals and I really appreciate his kooky style and sense of humour. While proving the internet for more information about why cycling is such a theme in his works, I came across an old short interview he did with BA Street Art back in 2011 called Me and my bike, where he is very pragmatic about his bike riding.

It is refreshing to see bicycles being central to a social commentary about movement, energy, urbanism and dynamism. I can only hope that aspiration suggestions such as Melissa Hughes (2009) vision to have street art included in secondary school curriculum due to the significance it provides for (young) people maybe taken up. In her research abstract, Hughes advocates that a deeper appreciation of the ‘social, visual and cultural aesthetics’ of local communities can be achieved. Additionally, I would like to think that doing so would also have a concurrent social critique element attached, given the impact and selection of the content, such as Mart’s bicycles, that so poetically provide a “high contrast image loaded with expression” – as the bicycle is the perfect cultural icon for an analytical mind to unpack, digest and appreciate! And so lovely to look at when presented like this!!

All images by Mart Aires.

11/08/201601/12/2016

Moving People – Bekka Wright

This post looks at Bekka Wright’s speech given at an independently organised community TEDx Event in Somerville 2015. She is the artist behind Bikeyface. In this talk, Bekka Wright recounts how her personal journey on two wheels was the literal vehicle for her changing her goals, her career and her overall life outcomes for the better.

Moving People – Bekka Wright

Bekka’s talk gives a human element and background to the immensely popular comic series she created called Bikeyface which perpetually showcases Bekka’s poetic drawings, keen observations and eternal love of life on a bicycle. I like how her talk is peppered with her comics, which add warmth and hour and always adding a little something extra to her narrative.

I find myself returning to Bikeyface, just to explore what musings are on offer. I find myself often smiling with the comic’s characters and thinking to myself, “Wow, how many time has that happened to me too”!

I appreciate Bekka’s eternal wrestle with her city, the street, the cars, the personalities and the weird and wonderful things that happen to us all when riding a bike in the city.

I find Bikeyface funny, affirming and altogether lovely – and it is delightful to see Bekka telling her story of how it all originated. Enjoy!

28/06/201628/06/2016

Ciclovía de Los Domingos – Latin America

By Mauricio Gonzalez – Guest Blogger

What do Colombia, Panama and Salvador have in common?

There is a cycling tradition being spread throughout Latin America. This tradition is known as “Ciclovía de Los Domingos” or Sunday bikeway. Every Sunday, people go out with their family and pets to enjoy doing something that otherwise is forbidden on weekdays, which is riding bicycles and doing sports in the middle of the most transited highways of the principal cities.

This ritual attracts thousands of people every Sunday, and it is becoming more and more popular. The weekly activity is finding benefits in public health, as well as in many new jobs that take advantage of the crowds to sell all kinds of beautiful products and delicious foods, making this activity even more pleasant and colourful.

Bikeway Medellin

No wonder many governments in Latin America are making big efforts regarding security and logistics to find ways to implement and encourage this tradition. As I argued in my two previous posts, the development of these cities is measured by their capability of offering facilities for humans, rather than for cars. Encouraging citizens to use bicycles is a great strategy to promote new alternatives that will make any city a great place to live.
The following pictures are from Medellin, known as “the city of the eternal spring”. As can be seen, this is a lovely place to be active, to buy homemade nutritious juices, walk around with pets and meet new people. Aside from days like this, there is little regulation for cyclists, however at these events, police and ambulances are always present so that locals and families have a safe and enjoyable time.

Source: www.sustainablecitiescollective.com

Panama City

Panama City is also a good example of progress. It seems that this activity is a little bit more regulated since people have to use helmets when they go for a ride. Similarly, to people from Medellin, Panama City locals really enjoy this activity with their families and children.

Bicycles are more and more becoming part of, and creating their own colourful Latino traditions.

Do you know any other city where the whole town is involved in a ride once a week?

Mauricio Gonzalez is our Guest Blogger, unveiling some of Latin America’s bicycle culture for the fortnight from 20th June to 2nd July.

26/06/201628/06/2016

Brazil: Bicycles create opportunities for Brazilians

By Mauricio Gonzalez – Guest Blogger

Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world, and it is also the place of massive cities such as Rio de Janeiro, which has 12,700,000 inhabitants, and Sao Paulo, with 21, 000,000 people. This expansive and sexy and country is well known for its colourful and warm culture, as well as for its social issues and unequal distribution of wealth. This post will look at some of the different perceptions that bicycles have in Brazil.

Bicycles are for the poor

According to The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) (2014), 40% of those who use bicycles as a means of transportation in Brazil have family incomes of up to R $ 1,200. These are the Brazilians that are more affected by high taxation, which hinders access to a product that has higher quality and a more equitable value, therefore favouring migration to other means of transport, especially motor vehicles.

This taxation could be up to 72% per bicycle – which is manufactured in Brazil. That said, the price of bicycles in Brazil is a real limitation when it comes to providing transportation access to those who really need it. Regardless of the decreasing number of people living in extreme poverty in Brazil, which has at 64% in 2001 and fell from 13.6% to then 4.9% by 2013, according to data released this week by the World Bank. Granting the means of transport within such crowded cities is a must.

Today Brazil is the 3rd largest producer of bicycles in the world, after China and India. It is the 5th largest consumer of bicycles in the world, representing a share of 4.4% of the international market.

However, the per capita consumption of bicycles, fell to the 22th place, which highlights an emerging market with great growth potential. If the prohibitive tax is eliminated by 2016, the increase in sales could promote the economy, give more employments opportunities and the government could collect more money from other existing taxes.

Democratising the use of bicycles.

https://youtu.be/s2bTGRvQgCU?t=55

The City Hall of Salvador worked together with Itau Bank to provide 20 bike stations, where citizens can get a bicycle to ride for free within the city. The citizens just need to call or register their trip with an app on their mobile phones. This kind of initiatives is democratising and encouraging the use of bicycles to go to work or to go shopping. Nowadays, there are even more bike taxis on the roads, which are creating even more jobs.

To conclude, bicycles have the opportunity to make a significant difference if there is enough willingness from the Brazilian government to facilitate this means of transport that could help to break the inequality and will create more equitable opportunities for all.

Mauricio Gonzalez is our Guest Blogger, unveiling some of South America’s bicycle culture for the fortnight from 20th June to 2nd July.

22/06/201626/06/2016

Colombia: Planning cities for people

By Mauricio Gonzalez – Guest Blogger

Planning cities for people – an international perspective by Enrique Penalosa

Big crowded cities, especially those in developing countries, have to deal with mobility. This issue is a determinant when it comes to measuring living standards. That said, Enrique Penalosa, the former Mayor of Bogota City in Colombia, argues that it is impossible to imagine a city without imagining the transport system first. Therefore, this post is about the change that can be created in a city that is designed for people rather than for cars. Which kind of city do you think would be more modern?

Many people would say that a city with more facilities for technological advances and one that is more futuristic and integrative of the 21st a city is better. However, to what extent do you think that model is sustainable and what kinds of people do you think could live in a city that is more focused on the devices than on themselves?

By comparing cities like Bogota, Stambul, London, New York, Amsterdam and others around the world, a contrast is revealed regarding the importance of people of living in cities. Humans are pedestrians, not machines. Cars were created to shorten distances, but cities have to be designed so they are enjoyable spaces. A beautiful city is, therefore, one that integrates the outdoors.

The aim of cars and any transportation system is to take people from one place to another safely. Public transport is considered by Enrique Penalosa as an expression of democracy. Building cities for citizens is a good sign that shows that the government respects all kind of citizens, including those who cannot afford a car.

When you see modernised cities, you can find wide sidewalks where people can walk and enjoy with their children.

Source: Youtube – Bogota Bureau.com

In undeveloped countries, between 10% and 30% of people have cars. In Bogota, for instance, only 20% of people have a car. In such countries, the lack of development is evident when you see people without cars. In these places, people with no cars are considered to be third class citizens and people with them, are considered to be first class.

Furthermore, sidewalks should not be considered as being part of the streets, but as being part of plazas and parks where people can enjoy being with each other. To this end, Penalosa argues that a city that is designed for 20% of the population, is not a democracy and sidewalks are for enjoying the space, not just for passing by.

Source: Streetsblog.com

Overall, the use of bicycles is not enough. Bicycles have to be part of the political agenda when it comes to planning proper infrastructure that facilitates the benefits non-motor vehicles and public transport. It is recommended that people stop seeing buses and bicycles as means of transport for the poor. Instead, they are important cultural tools that are evidence of development and high living standards.

Enrique Peñalosa – “Planning Cities for People: An International Perspective”.

Mauricio Gonzalez is our Guest Blogger, unveiling some of South America’s bicycle culture for the next fortnight from 20th June to 2nd July.

20/06/201620/06/2016

Meeting Malcolm

My bike commute from home to Griffith Uni is about 23kms. I have a regular route that I take, which is mostly on linked up bike paths, but in parts requires me to ride on ride on Old Cleveland Road, which I find quite disconcerting and dangerous. I always make sure I am as safe as possible and take no chances when navigating this part of my ride. I’m always on high alert.

The last time I rode to work in the morning, I had the distinct feeling of being unsafe when on riding Old Cleveland Rd – and I mean more so than usual. It was a little unsettling. I thought that there had to be a better way to get to work that cut out this busy road section. But I was already on my way, so I acknowledged it, but purposefully chose not to invest into it, as I was already on my way and wigging myself out more while on the bike certainly was not going to help. I moved onto the pavement and rode very conservatively until I got to work with no problems.

On the way home that same day, I had stopped at a set of lights and looked over to see a yellow recumbent roll in front of me. I caught up with the yellow tic-tac and started a conversation with the rider by telling him I have a mate in Brisbane who has a red recumbent which I thought he would know. I felt pretty confident that he knew my mate (whose recumbent is red), had told me that he and two other recumbents sometimes go for a ride together – red, yellow and green altogether.

Who is in that yellow recumbent?

The rider introduced himself as Malcolm and asked me where I was going. It turns out we were pretty much heading in the same direction. Malcolm asked me if I wanted to check out a new way home – his route, which cuts out all of Old Cleveland Road. I was intrigued, had no time constraints, was up for a chat and after my strange premonition from the morning, I welcomed being shown a new route to work.

Well ….we had a great time.

We rolled along, chatting about bikes and riding, making connections and exchanging suggestions and ideas – it was a lovely ride back. The route he showed me popped me out exactly where I needed to go – it was safe, relaxed and we passed some amazing properties. I found out that Malcolm and his wife (who has the green recumbent) are into organising MTB orienteering events, which sounded like a lot of fun.

Synchronicity

When it came to parting ways, I thanked him for his time and for showing me my new favourite way to work. He gave me his card and I asked if I could take his photo. I rode away with a smile on my face, marvelling at providence and how the universe provides. Just another reason why I love riding my bike – those seemingly random encounters that turn out to have a significant impact on your life (and safety!).

I tip my hat to Malcolm, so freely supporting and helping other riders in such a friendly and organic way – I’m sure he has no idea how much impact my meeting him will have for me – a new safer and more enjoyable ride home.

Thanks so much Malcolm!!

11/06/201601/12/2016

RADIO 621AM: Style Over Speed

Style Over Speed – Radio segment featuring Leki

About three weeks ago, during Brisbane’s Bike Week, I attended the lovely “Style Over Speed” event. On arrival, people were gathering and chatting, getting to know each other and checking out the assembled bikes. I spoke to a number of people on the night and one of those people was Caroline Jones. She introduced herself and said she is a community reporter and was interviewing people about their experiences of bike riding and their participation in the event. Caroline came over to talk with me after seeing Leki (covered as usual in her amazing flowers) and we got chatting, and she asked if she could interview me, which I was happy to do.

I had totally forgotten that I had spoken with Caroline earlier on that night until just yesterday a local shop owner said they had heard me being interviewed on the radio. This was news to me, so I looked it up – and found that sure enough, Caroline’s report had aired and my segment had been included.

The original airing was on 621am, on 30th May, 8.21am on Spencer Howon’s morning show. It is short, positive and I appreciate the way that each of the participants interviewed had a different aspect to contribute. I think it was a great way to show the diverse approaches, reasons and personalities that ride bike – and captured the community spirit of the riders and the event very well.

I will most definitely be attending another Style over Speed event. You can see what they are up to on their Facebook page here. I’d love to see more events like this occurring in our communities, it makes biking more accessible, social and fun and opens biking up to a wider demographic.

If you are in Brisbane or visiting, I highly recommend that you attend one of these events.

04/06/201629/06/2016

Darwin Community Arts – Malak Bike Shed

Darwin is not the first Australian capital city that comes to mind when you think of community bicycle projects – which is exactly why I found this project so reassuring. The idea of providing a free bicycle workshop space for locals to come and repair bikes and learn skills is not new, but in a place like Darwin it is fantastic to see the love of bike and community spirit alive and well.

Darwin Community Arts – Malak Bike Shed

This particular bike workshop in Malak caught my eye because I think it was great that it is run as part of the Darwin Community Arts program. Often such initiatives are either labour-of-loves for an individual or part of an NGO or community group, but certainly not usually part of a Council Arts Program. The Darwin Community Arts website invitation to the public to come and visit the workshop and use their services is refreshingly positive. They offer workspace, tools, mentoring, skills share – and some fun and innovative ideas.

One of the most exciting aspects for me is that locals can not only repair bikes, but there is also facilities and a regular Saturday morning Underground Arts workshop where you can decorate your bikes as well – which I think is great! I like the idea of instigating more colour, spunk and personality whizzing by on two wheels around the streets of Darwin! Riding should be a fun, artistic and communal experience.

25/05/201620/06/2017

Invisible Bicycle Helmet

There are a number of things I love about this innovation – the invisible bike helmet.

Yes, it is primarily about bikes and most certainly about creating positive and safe biking change.

However, it is a reinvention of the normal and breaking many (social and technical) barriers. Here are some reasons why this innovation is so special:

it is NOT from an English-speaking country (and not presented in English – how refreshing!)
it took the two inventors sooo long to get the research right (seven years!!)
their overall commitment, passion and teamwork is inspiring
and most importantly … the creators are two Swedish female Industrial Designers leading the (male dominated) field …. and kicking ass!!

How the hell…

I like the revolutionary and stylish innovation they have come up with.

It directly responds to current changes in urban biking as well as being understated and no fuss (the model only comes in black – how Swedish chic!).

I’m still in awe of the engineering behind how it is deployed and works and I think the concept is magnificent.

The speed and responsiveness of the sensors and algorithms they have used are quite remarkable.

In Australia?

It is tempting to look into the legality of using one of these helmets in Australia.

I know you have to have a registered Australian Safety Approved helmet here. But let’s face it, in some respects Australia can be so far behind the times and considering this is a recognised international safety and protection device…. the larrikin bugger in me would love to use it and see what happens!

The company who is producing it Hovding, have them currently retailing for €299. They are up to their second model already and have won an European Patent Office Award (2016) patent. Models can come with stylish personalised covers. Sign me up!!

“Cars are so yesterday, bikes are the future.”

22/05/201601/12/2016

What an EVENTful weekend!

Well, even though I have a mountain of uni marking, (perhaps despite it!), I thought it was important to get out and about on the bike – and I ended up having a thoroughly enjoyable and an EVENTful weekend – two events in fact!

Style Over Speed Ride (Fri night)

The first event was Friday night’s Style Over Speed Ride for Bike Week. It was the first time I have participated in this event and I had a wonderful time! I meet some cool kats, some funky chickens and some down-right lovely souls. There were all types of stylish and customs bikes, the variety and array was beautiful to behold and certainly VERY stylish!! After meeting and mingling, we had leisurely and fun roll around town – cruising, chatting, being a little cheeky, dinging bells – oh it did make me miss Melbourne! It was great to be hitting the streets en mass riding after dark – it is something I have sorely missed since moving to Brisbane, but tonight, I made some new friends and my art bike Leki (below) had a great time too!

It was lovely cruising around Brisbane in a bike pack. I don’t usually go into the city on Friday night, but it was a spectacular eventing, clear and beautiful – everyone was in a good mood and I had a great time. there were some very special bikes there that I would like to see again and speak to the owners, some bespoke bikes that were truly beautiful. I made a few new contacts, got some names and feel more relaxed about being in Brisbane. I got a few hot invitations to some upcoming bike events that I will post about later. At the end of our ride, we went to a pub on Innerly St to have beer and a chat – which was a great ending to a lovely evening. I didn’t want to hang around too long as I still had to get home and up early in the morning for my next event.

Defcon Cycles Ride Day (Sat)

Definitive Cycles had a ride day at Gap Creek which was a great chance to try some of their new stock, ride with some MTB mates and get a slap-up breakfast on top! The Defcon boys did a great job on the day, there was a good turn out of familiar faces and some new people, the weather was amazing, fun trails and other family and friends came out. It was great to see so many women out this time, last time I was the only one, but today there were some rock steady chicks! I had a brilliant longer ride up Rocket Frog, then up and back down Dingo and around the MTB loop with a few boys that I usually ride with – which was super fun (tiring, but very rewarding). It was also good to check out the new range of Intense, Evil and Banshee test bikes and see what everyone else was riding and catch up on some gossip and news. Now home to continue that end of semester marking…grrrr.