Trinity Strand Trail photo by Happy Trails (Facebook)

Just a quick note to say that one of the least known yet best resources for information regarding hike and bike trails in the City of Dallas might be the Dallas Parks and Recreation’s  Happy Trails program which can now be found on Facebook.  Go here as they say.

While the funding (and construction) of many of the trails in the City of Dallas might be a joint City/County/other effort, most of the hike and bike trails are managed by the Dallas Parks and Rec department, so keeping up with them is a good idea if you’re a hike and bike person.

The Happy Trails folks have had a website for a while now and although it’s informative I’m still not sure about the maps they provide, if you can make them work you’re doing better than me.  But it’s their Facebook page that you want to check out.  You’ll find recent City trail updates and eye candy (recent photos) of City of Dallas trails and/or trail maps.

So mosey on over to their Facebook page and “like” them and start learning more about hike and bike trails in the City of Dallas.

Speaking on hike and bike trails, I’m updating some of the links for the Dallas County Trail Plan and I’m planning to revisit the County Trail system soon.  Quite a bit has happened since I first wrote about the subject back in January of 2010.

- Chris

ps: Speaking of Happy Trails, how about some Junior Brown:

Bike Friendly Deep Ellum put on a great show yesterday.  Ok, it wasn’t a show really, it was a group bike ride. The el Tour de Taco adventure began at St Pete’s Dancing Marlin whose staff was very gracious.  The excitement sizzled as what must have been between 50-75 cyclists slowly began congregating on the sidewalk and garden patio of St Pete’s.  Alex Perez was chosen the official bike wrench as a small line of bikes in need of some sort of repair or adjustment began to take form as Alex would fix one and then move to the next.  Thanks Alex.

Overground Project Skatepark on Corinth and Ervay

We left St. Pete’s for a slow ride though Fair Park and then meandered our way for a short ride down scenic Swiss Ave (nice dog park).  From there was rode through One Arts Plaza and then a quick jaunt through the Arts District.  Then it was off to the Lily Pad at Main St Garden as we attempted to find out why they’re closed/closing (we think it has to do with planned demolition nearby, it would be great if someone could officially inform us).

A little ways down Harwood we turned up Young St to the corner of Akard at City Hall Plaza and took Akard up (our only hill) for a quick drive by of Lee Harvey’s dog day afternoon only to end up at Overground Project Skatepark on Corinth and Ervay for a picture on their 13′ tall skateboard ramp and a bathroom break.

Onward back up Ervay towards downtown, we passed Dallas Heritage Village and headed towards Farmers Market with a quick visit to 2814 Canton; the site for the January 29th Wheels that Heal Benefit for Liberty Kat.   Then it was off to half-priced tacos at LaGrange.  A word about LaGrange, this might be the most bike friendly business I’ve ever seen in Dallas.  While there aren’t many bike parking/locking options in the immediate area so the didn’t hesitate to encourage us to bring all of our bicycles inside the restaurant/bar and park them along the northern wall.  There were almost as many bicycles inside as there were people.  I think the size of the group challenged them a bit but they just rolled their sleeves up and worked through it.  Cheers to the great staff (and good food) at LaGrange.

I called it a night from there but Paul tells me the after ride ride took them to Strangeways, the SingleWide and finally The Goat for the most bizarre karaoke night he’d ever seen.  I’m waiting for more details about that.

In closing this was a very enjoyable day on bicycles brought to you/us by Bike Friendly Deep Ellum, and a special thanks to Paul Adams for making it all happen.  And thanks again to Paul for helping me reconstruct our activities for this post.

- Chris

ps: More photos on the Suburban Assault Flickr page and read more from Dallas Cycle Chic.

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I got this tip reading the Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate.  As many of you know Dallas Bike Works (Northwest Highway and Lawther – map) has an adjacent spot that begged to be utilized as some sort of eatery. Well it’s finally happening, Dallas Bicycle Cafe will be “opening soon” and from what I can tell it’s going to be a winner.

They’re going to offer storage lockers, changing rooms, an espresso bar, tea, beer, wine,  and best of all, a healthy menu (not bar crap).  The hours will be 6am to 10pm throughout the week and they’ll stay open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays.

In my book White Rock Lake is the enchanted forest for cycling in Dallas and I’m often a bit disappointed by the limited food opportunities close to the trail.  I’m generally not one to eat a greasy burger or fried chicken parts when I’m riding for any length of time or distance, so this shop excites me. I believe something like this is the kind of business that cyclists will line up to support. I know I will.

Judging by the photos it appears it’s going to be a very cozy and comfortable setting. Also worth noting, the real estate it’s situated on has a very large parking lot, which lends itself well as a place to gather for group rides.  Additionally, I’m not sure what the zoning allows  but each time I’ve visited Dallas Bike Works I’ve always been reminded of the live music events I’ve attended at Mellow Johnny’s and Bicycle Sport Shop in Austin.  This location would be perfect for bands and related outdoor events (beer garden).

Bravo team Dallas Bicycle Cafe, we’ll see you in person soon.

- Chris

All photos from the Dallas Bicycle Cafe Facebook page.

Most of you know her as Extreme Susan, for those who don’t we’ll call her Susan Reeves.  She is one of the kindest people you will meet on two wheels, she’s a hoot too!  Susan and I have been discussing some of the recent bike crashes and two in particular were a wake up call for some of us.  One escaped serious injury but his helmet split into two pieces, and the other has an array of broken bones and lacerations yet she’s slowly recuperating.  This subject hits home for Susan, as you’ll read below, so I asked her to write something on the topic. When I asked her to meet me so I could take some current photos of her she said she was in on her way to a Viking themed party and ride and wondered if I’d rather meet her one day when she was not in costume.  Are you kidding me,  was my reply.  – Chris

Extreme Susan

Happy 2012 bikers!  I’m looking forward to another great year of biking in Dallas and as I reflect back on 2011, there are a few things I would like to see change in the coming year.  First and foremost, I do not want to see ANY more of my bike buddies injured in crashes.  I know we are a small community and as much time as we all spend on the bikes it is bound to happen but if we all commit to acting and thinking more about safety, we might be able to prevent some of these senseless accidents.  Here are the details of my own:

My accident happened on Saturday,  September 24th.  I was not wearing a helmet

ouch

and I ALWAYS wear a helmet!  I was running late and drove part of the way to my destination.  I had my helmet in the car but jumped out and forgot it.  I was riding around the corner at the DART rail Mockingbird station where there were a couple of guys ahead of me.  The road was closed due to a huge crane working on a building.  They said “get left” and as I was looking at them moving to the left side I followed their path without closely watching what was immediately in front of me. Then I hit a double row of “city titties” which popped my front tire and I lost control. My injuries included two lacerations and stitches to the forehead, mild concussion, stitches in my right calf, bruised ribs and some soft tissue damage in my right hip-joint.  And a slightly bruised ego.  I feel very fortunate that my injuries were not more severe.

Looking back, I can recall a pretty serious bike crash involving a friend almost monthly in 2011.  I hope we can put an end to that in 2012.  Here are a few tips I have put together to help us all have a safe and happy 2012

Wear your lid, people!  Heads burst like watermelons when they hit the pavement.  Even wearing a helmet does not guarantee you will not have a head injury in a crash but it sure helps.  Bring lights and use them.  Be visible.  Use reflective tape.  A seen biker is a safer biker. Check your bike for loose parts before you ride it and make sure to have it serviced regularly.  We have plenty of great independently owned bike shops in the area such as Transit Bikes in Uptown, Switching Gears in Fair Park, Oak Cliff Bicycle in Oak Cliff and Trinity Bicycles in Fort Worth.  Check them out.

on the Katy Trail

Know your road limits, especially when it comes to your downhill speed. And if the most you have ever ridden is 5 miles, you are probably not ready for a 40 mile trip.  Communicate your limits to the leader if you are on an organized ride.  It may be decided that the ride might not be best for you.  Better safe than sorry. Obey the law and never assume that “THEY” see you because you have the right of way. Ride defensively and stay aware of your surroundings. One second of distraction can put you quickly on the ground.   Ride friendly and most importantly enjoy yourself and have fun.  Best wishes bike buddies and keep it safe!

- Susan

“Every minute spent on the bicycle is one spent in perfect balance.”  – Jacquie Phelan

I’m a little behind noting the “2011 Best of Awards” from Bike Friendly Oak Cliff.  They split them into two blog posts, you can read the first one here, and the second here.  I won’t repeat them all but I want to tip my hat to the choice of Bike Friendly Richardson winning the “Most Bike Friendly Neighborhood” award.  I cycle in Richardson often and it truly is a bike friendly city and Richard and the Bike Friendly Richardson crew does an exceptional job of educating us all about developments in their town as well as promoting their city’s infrastructure.  And you guys at Richardson City Hall (you know who you are) should be commended for your dedication to making Richardson a great city to live in.

Richardson is indeed bike friendly. photo by Bike Friendly Richardson

Another one worth mentioning is Bike DFW being awarded the “Best Bicycle Advocacy Group”.   From teaching bike safety courses to keeping us all in the loop regarding bicycle news and events in the North Texas region, Bike DFW has always been a great resource for cyclists.  I should probably note that I was awarded the “Best Bike Blogger/Journalist” trophy, which I felt humbled by to say the least.   Anyhow, scoot over to their site to see each of the 2011 awards.

Speaking of local awards, Bike Friendly Deep Ellum’s own Sean Fitzgerald won the top honor in the 2011 Trinity River Photo Contest.  This is not the first photography award he’s won, he’s an amazing photographer.

Anyhow, 2011 was a hoot and 2012 will be even better.

- Chris

Jan 12, 2012 update:  Kat is home and on the mend. She has several broken (or fractured) bones and lacerations but all indications are she’s going to recover, over time, without complications or permanent damage.  Obviously we’re delighted to hear this and glad to bring the news.  Plans are in the making for a Kat benefit, I’ll publish those details when I have them. 

For those of you who are not aware, last Saturday Kat crashed during a downhill on the group ride in McKinney.  Someone who was with her said that they noticed her front wheel began to wobble and the next thing they knew she was down.  After the crash her chain was undone but that could have been a result of the impact and not a contributing factor to it.

I’ve been told that she has a fractured vertebrae in her neck, fortunately there is no damage to the spinal cord.  The doctor said if you’re going to fracture a vertebrae, you want the one that she fractured because it is not associated with paralysis.  She also has a broken clavicle, and some broken ribs.  She can move all her fingers and toes and everything just fine.  She’s out of ICU and in a regular room now.  She was wearing a helmet and that likely saved her from a more severe head injury.

My guess is her recovery process is going to be lengthy.  I’m trying to determine what if anything we, the greater Dallas cycling community, can do to help. I’ll post updates when I have them.

So, Kat, in case someone mentions this to you, many folks are pulling for you and keeping you in our thoughts.

- Chris

]]> http://www.bikingindallas.com/our-thoughts-are-with-liberty-kat-aka-misty/feed/ 7 http://www.bikingindallas.com/seen-at-the-biking-in-dallas-arts-district-bike-crawl/ http://www.bikingindallas.com/seen-at-the-biking-in-dallas-arts-district-bike-crawl/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:00:05 +0000 Christopher Curnutt http://www.bikingindallas.com/?p=13104

What started out as a solo romp through the Dallas Arts District morphed into a nice group ride crawl.  I would guess 25 people or so attended including Dallas Cycle Chic and the Dallas Biker Chicks.

photo by Mark Manson

We toured the Crow Collection of Asian Art, then had lunch at the many food trucks nearby.  Hint – the green tea with honey from the Korean BBQ place is awesome.  Then we crawled through the district, took some photos at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and ended the day touring the Nasher Sculpture Center.

The weather was perfect and it was nice spending time with old friends and making ones.  We had folks attend from all over including far north Dallas, Plano, Deep Ellum, and even Wiley (Kris #2) join us.  I’ll be planning another Arts District event, one that will include a formal route and ride and that happens on a weekend so that more people can take part.  Thanks to those who came out and it was a pleasure meeting and spending the day with you all.

Finally, I’m using a new gallery plug-in to display photos, as you can see below.  Now you can scroll through or even click the slide show link to see photos easier than the way I was posting them previously.  No more click, click backwards, click again business.  I think this is a better presentation and easier to view.  Once I figure out how to make them align in the center of the page I’ll be happier.

- Chris

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Back in June of this year cyclists in Dallas celebrated as the Dallas City Council adopted the 2011 Bike Plan , and with ease it seemed.  Everyone who participated in the many planning sessions, provided feedback, contacted their council members, and provided other contributions were rewarded for their effort.  As as Bike Friendly Oak Cliff described it,

Richardson has bike lanes, Dallas not so much. photo credit Richard Wezensky via Suburbanassault.com click for source

“…the city’s 2011 bike plan was unanimously adopted by the city council with no opposition and encouraging words by several of the council members who championed the project, including Angela Hunt, Sheffie Kadane, Linda Koop, Delia Jasso, and Pauline Medrano.”

Dallas was finally going to carry out a modern and progressive bicycle infrastructure that utilized striped lanes, cycle tracks, enhanced routes while leveraging our existing bike trail system and DART light rail and bus service.  Happy days were here…for once.  But we’re talking about the City of Dallas, after all,  so naturally six months later a council committee was advised that implementing the Dallas Bike Plan would cost in the neighborhood of $16,000,000 and there was no money in the budget for it.  The numbers even got sketchier, some claimed the 16M figure was not high enough while others said it would cost closer to $0. Let’s just say the “he said she said” thing was in full swing, and this was going on in mid-December when not many people are watching the bike plan, we’re busy planning for the holidays instead.

The Dallas Morning News City Hall blog covered one event here. They wrote,

“The first Dallas bike plan was approved this year with the promise that the city of the car would take big steps soon to stripe streets with dedicated lanes for bicycles.

But a council committee was told Monday that implementing the plan will be complicated and costly.

Now, what had seemed like a simple and straightforward effort to change Dallas is suddenly tangled up in the bureaucracy of City Hall.

Specifically, the plan to re-stripe 840 lane miles for bikes and place accompanying signs will cost some $16 million that is not available and that drafters of the plan hadn’t anticipated.

“There was not funding identified (in drawing the bike plan). It was not a fiscally-constrained plan. This was the ideal plan. This was my daughter’s Santa Claus list,” said Theresa O’Donnell, director of the city’s development department.

Council member Angela Hunt, who chaired the city’s bike plan committee, appeared angry at that information.

The cost, she said, was supposed to be minimal because striping was to take place during the normal street re-construction process.

“I recall as we worked on the bike plan, that a point was made during more than one of the presentations by our consultants – with city staff present – that the bike plan would be implemented during re-striping processes.”

“No staff member jumped up and said, wait, wait that’s not correct we don’t have the funding for that. No one pulled me aside …and said we aren’t gong to be able to implement this as easily as our consultants are telling us,” she said.

O’Donnell said she didn’t have a good answer why the additional cost of re-striping wasn’t explored by staff during the drawing of the bike plan.

when we started hearing that the City had no money to fund these improvements, that said improvements could cost billions (or nothing at all, depending on who was quoted) we felt right at home, again.”

A few days later, as reported by BikeDFW, the city issued a clarification, sort of, claiming they remain committed to implementing the Bike Plan.  Then Jim Schultze from the Dallas Observer weighed in and describes it as a game of chicken, one that the “bike advocates” won, this round at least (note to Jim Schultze, not everyone who’s vocal about supporting the Dallas Bike Plan is 30-something or a hipster, just sayin’ bro).  Bike Friendly Oak Cliff kept readers up to date with each new round of developments.  it’s been a bit of a circus to say the least.

If your head is spinning from all this you’re not alone.  I don’t have the bandwidth to attend most council meetings but I can let them know my thoughts on the subject. If you want to help make sure that the 2011 Bike Plan gets implemented my suggestion is that you write a letter or email to your city council member and let them know what’s important to you. They get more than their share of bitter and/or psychotic rants, so writing something thoughtful to your council member, something that indicates why the bike plan is important to you and how you feel Dallas will benefit from it, is probably the best approach.  It will take about 5 minutes of your time and if you click here you’ll find an interactive district map that indicates what district you live in and links to contact your city council member.

I hope you’re enjoying these holidays and if you’re not working this Thursday then plan to join us at the Biking in Dallas Arts District Crawl.

- Chris

While there are many bicycle commuters in Dallas, it’s not often that you meet someone who uses a bicycle as their primary work vehicle.  Reece makes his living salvaging and recycling stuff, which is to say he finds items that seemingly  have no value (at least to the former owner) and then sells them to those who see the value. Coincidentally I last wrote about Reece a year ago this month; and while I often see him pedaling around Greenville avenue I seldom have time to stop. I wasn’t working today so we sat and chatted bikes a bit.

There is more than one way to recycle and reuse.  For instance once a month a handful of folks drive through my neighborhood sifting through the “junk” my neighbors and I put out for the “claw”.  It’s amazing to see what people will throw out and more than once I’ve discovered a diamond in my neighbor’s junk pile that I brought home for myself.  I spoke to one of these guys once who told me he mainly picks up junk that he resells at his own yard sales.  He started selling his own stuff at yard sales and then began picking “junk” out of his neighbors “claw” pile to add to his yard sales.  He told me that these days he’s making a decent income from recycling by reselling.  Reece does something similar but on a smaller scale, and on a bicycle.

He’s using a different mountain bike these days as his former Raleigh was destroyed by a car that he tangled with a few months back.  Fortunately he was not injured, but his earlier bike was a goner.   Anyhow, we discussed cycling on the streets of Dallas, what containers make the best cargo hauler, and other assorted bike geek chat.

Reece is just one more of the interesting and genuinely nice people you might meet, if you’re Biking in Dallas.

-Chris

While the Dallas Santa Rampage is not a formal bicycle event, it’s certainly bike friendly.  Close to 200 Santas (and their helpers) gathered at Lee Harvey’s where we prepared for a night of pillow fights, caroling and pub crawling.  Oh, and we had drinks too.  From there we went to the Cedars Dart Light Rail and hopped a train to downtown. Keep in mind most people are walking during this event, only a handful of us were on bikes.

Santa Rampage (also known as Naughty Santas, Cheapsuit Santas, Santarchy, Santapalooza, etc.) are flash mob like events that take place all over the world each December.  The idea is to simply have a good time and spread a little good cheer.  This was my first year to attend and I picked a good one.  The weather was perfect, I brought extra layers but never needed them.  I’m looking forward to the next one.