EcoVelo, one of my favorite bicycling blogs, is running a series on Bike Commuting 101, which is shaping up to be very nice. Today Alan posted a bit about a subject dear to my heart: lights. While Alan is based in CA, the law is pretty much the same here. More importantly, the message is applicable here.

how to be nice to someone in two simple steps

…when you’ll leave the house empty-handed and come back with a free bookshelf. I saw this on the side of the road on my way back from the post office. I had just run out of space for my poetry books, so it was a serendipitous find.

(Part 2 of an occasional series. Here’s the first installment.)

From The Packet Boat (my Xtracycle)

From The Packet Boat (my Xtracycle)

Here are a few things that have come across my email lately:

Flour City Invitational Bicycle Polo, August. 27-29. Go here for the schedule. Most events happen tomorrow, August 28.

World Canals Conference Flotilla Bicycle Ride, September 19. Bicycle along the Erie Canal alongside a flotilla of boats to kick off the World Canals Conference happening right here in Rochester.

MCC Ride for Scholarships, September 25. This one requires pre-registration, and is a fundraiser for scholarships to Monroe Community College students in need. Only $18, plus a free t-shirt. Route is a pleasant 15-mile tour of MCC’s campuses and facilities around the area, and is largely on trails (map is available for download at the website). I’m helping out with this one, so I’ll definitely be there! (I wrote about the previous ride here.)

Not only that, but the Rochester Master Bike Plan is also moving along! Go to the website to review and leave comments.

City government says they’re aiming for full “Bicycle Friendly Community” status from the League of American Bicyclists (we got honorable mention for 2009). I’d say we’re getting there!

I’m famous, for a day, on BikeRumor.

…happy that when the apocalypse comes, I’ll have a head start because I already get around by bicycle.

An updated version of my bicycling poem “this two-wheeled life” will appear in the next issue of Boneshaker: A Bicycling Almanac. I’ll post details here when it comes out, which will likely be in October.

I made up this song on Lake, near Madison, this morning, while cycling through the wet streets of Albany. I don’t know why I sing so much when I’m riding. Usually I do so with this almost cheesy, shower voice, like a big, slow Sinatra. Anyway.

You – can pass me – if you want to
You – can just go – around
I don’t – appreciate – being followed
So please, just safely go around