News

For those that ride the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway (a.k.a. A&Y Greenway), please be advised that there is a persistent and worsening problem with broken glass on a particular section of the Greenway. Until recently, the problem was most prevalent inside the tunnel that passes underneath Cone Boulevard (near Toyota of Greensboro). But yesterday, the problem was observed to stretch from the tunnel, northward all the way to Stamey's Barbecue. The problem has been getting worse. Apparently, shattering bottles along that stretch of the Greenway is someone's chosen Friday night activity.

To make matters worse, there are trees along that section with white petals that are falling onto the greenway, and they mix with the broken glass making the broken glass harder to spot.

Cyclists and pedestrians should also maintain situational awareness south of the tunnel before reaching the Target store at Markland Drive. It is not uncommon to be accosted by vagrants and panhandlers on that stretch, and they sometimes use the wooded area in that stretch for cover before stepping out onto the Greenway to accost Greenway users. 

Virginia Tech University has a lab dedicated to studying the effectiveness of helmets.  Their lab has rated the effectiveness of helmets (including bicycling helmets) since 2011.  Their 2023 findings have been published. How does the helmet you are using rate? 
See this link for the listing. 

Many BIG members may also be members of AAA of the Carolinas, but may not know that AAA has added bicycles to their roadside assistance service. If an AAA member becomes stranded while riding a bicycle, AAA will pick up the rider and bicycle and transport them home.  While the service includes picking up and transporting the rider and bike, the service does not include repairing the bike (including flat tires). Read the AAA website for the fine print and restrictions by clicking this link. 

I discovered a new breed of bike ninja this morning.  Two women were cycling side by side on the A&Y Trail north of Lewis Rec Center.  The non-ninja had a high end head light and was riding in compliance with traffic/safety rules.  The ninja was on the left and devoid of any sort of lighting.  This combination made the ninja totally invisible until the last second when, like a congressperson, she swerved avert a default.

If you are out for a ride after sunset and before sunrise, turn on your light!  If you don't have a light, why are you riding in the dark?

Back in May I registered one of my cars with Share The Road tags.  At that time I received tag number 1651.  In October I registered the other car and received 1712.  So it appears STR tags are being issued at a rate of 12 per month.

Man held after string of hit and run incidents in Cardiff leaves 12 injured

It this was in the US and a gun was involved it would be a rallying cry for gun control advocates.  Because a motor vehicle was the weapon of choice, what is the chance anything will be done beyond the prosecution of the operator?

It's that time of year again...get out the lights because the days are shortening quickly, more than two minutes of daylight per day is being lost.  That might seem like much at face value but in the course of one week we are losing 16 minutes at this time of year.  That much time can easily catch one out on routine rides ("It was light this time last week").

Please don't be like the cyclist I encountered last night.  He was the classic "ninja" cyclist.  No lights, no reflectors, dark clothing and about 30 minutes after sunset moving along in the gutter of Lake Brandt Rd.  I wasn't able to see him until I was about 100 yards away but I knew he was there.  How?  By the sharp course corrections of the motorists in front of me as they suddenly realized he was there.  I sure hope he made it home unscathed.

"See Me" lights are not that expensive or heavy.  If you are reading this on your own computer than you have no excuse for not having working lights.  Lights are cheaper than medical bills any day of the week.

With YOUR help, Bicycling In Greensboro (BIG) reached its goal for the Changing Gears Challenge Grant!!

BIG and the three anonymous donors who funded the Changing Gears Challenge Grant send out a huge 'THANK YOU' to all of you who contributed and helped us meet the $1,500 challenge! We especially want to thank Green Valley OB/Gyn, for the final $500 contribution that pushed us past the fundraising goal. This challenge translates into a total of $3,000 for the Changing Gears program!

This generous support will help us purchase lights, locks, tires, tubes, tools, and other supplies so that Changing Gears can continue to put affordable, reliable transportation in the hands of less fortunate members of our community, enabling them to find or retain employment or housing!

If you're interested in helping the Changing Gears program in non-monetary ways, here are some alternatives:
+ donate new or used bicycles or parts (frames, wheels, tubes, locks, lights, brake pads, cables, pedals, seats, etc.); OR
+ donate tools (bike-specific or otherwise), or supplies (shop towels, cleaners, lubricants, etc.); OR
+ donate your time at our bike fix-up sessions, or bike safety training classes; OR
+ just help spread the word about how Changing Gears is changing peoples' lives!

Register here!

Dear cycling community, Three anonymous members of the Bicycling in Greensboro community have issued a challenge grant. Between today and July 17th these generous donors will match all contributions to the Changing Gears program up to $1,500. These anonymous donors hope that their contribution will inspire others to spur others to donate to the program and raise at least $3,000 to ensure the program has the funds to continue its great work.