If you want to see what it is like, check out Ron Swafford's excellent 2009 documentary about pedicabbing in Austin: Who Want's a Ride? Part one is below, parts 2-4 are after the break.

Part 1 on YouTube

Photo By DougMC

3/26/2010

Austin-- On today's Critical Mass ride, a male driver in his mid thirties hit a single cyclist and then tried to 'push' two or three others out of the way with his truck in an attempt to flee the scene of the crime. He was detained and released by Austin police after brandishing a handgun in a confrontation with other cyclists on the ride. None of the cyclists were seriously injured. 

The truck suffered at least two severe body dents/scratches, two slashed tires, and a broken rear window. The damage to the vehicle was done not in the initial attack, but in a barrage of U-Locks after being surrounded by angry cyclists. The extent of biker property damage is not known. 

The driver apparently wielded a handgun, and even chambered a round. He did not point the weapon. He was handcuffed and detained by police before being released. The APD was unavailable for comment. 

According to one source who considers the vehicular damage a fair penance for the attack there were no charges filed against the suspect, who claimed self defense.

"Today is the usual Sunday Bike Polo out at Eastwoods Park, but this time around there's going to be NOTHING usual about it. The pros are out of town at the tourneys so us amateurs get to work on some skill development without being slaughtered all day long, the weather is sunny and warm, and because we fucking felt like we we decided that we're going to have a BBQ! Show up at 2pm polo time (2:45-3pm for real time) to get in on some playing, I'll be showing up shortly thereafter to begin making with the grub...

As for the whys and wherefors of the BBQ, here it is: It's a beautiful February day in Texas, so what better way to enjoy it than with some friendly bloodshed and the roasting of raw meet over open fires? I'm pitching in for a lot of sausage, 2 lbs of chicken and some tortillas. There's going to be charcoal and some chips and shit also provided, but if you guys want more than that you need to swing by somewhere and bring it! Don't leave me hanging here, lets have a spread of some tasty shit. Veggie food and sides are appreciated, beer is REALLY appreciated, and if you had a bottle of liquor kicking around you'd be my best friend. I'm taking a short drinking break but today's my last day to imbibe. Humor me."

This juicy little story hot off the rumor mill has now been confirmed. According to a source with first hand knowledge of the event, cycling legend Gary Fisher will be in attendance and speaking at tonight's benefit for Mariel Mentink at Shangri-La. 

Early on New Years day a cyclist named Mariel Mentink was hit from behind on her commute home. The 40m/ph hit and run collision left Mariel struggling for her life in the Brackenridge ICU. Tonight's event is the second to be held to raise funds to support her ongoing medical care and recovery. 

The event, organized by Social Cycling ATX will follow the weekly Thursday Social Ride which meets at The Scoot Inn at 7:30pm. Ride leader Kieth Byrd teased his followers on Facebook this afternoon saying,

"Just got word that there will be a very special cycling celebrity at the event tonight. You do not want to miss the chance to hear this legend speak and get a chance to say hello.

Can't say who... just sayin."

ATXBS picked up on the story as well, but Jason has remained tight lipped about exactly who this special guest could be. Speculation has pointed towards everyone from Zombie Sheldon Brown to Lance Armstrong.

Gary Fisher is in Austin this weekend in support of several events at Armstrong's bike shop, Mellow Johnny's.

Tuesdays @ 5 - Joslin Park

Thursdays @ 5:30 - Eastwoods Park

Sundays @ 3:30 - Eastwoods Park

Friday, February 5th 2010 - Patsy Sommer Elementary School

Austin, TX

Sommer kicks off bike riding pilot program
Posted Date: 2/2/2010
Round Rock ISD’s Sommer Elementary (16200 Avery Ranch Blvd., Austin 78750) will kick off a new student bicycle riding campaign, Freiker, with a Bike Parade and Rodeo on Friday, Feb. 5 at 3:45 p.m. 

Guests including Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and RRISD Superintendent Dr. Jesús Chávez, Sommer Principal Mark Pratz and others will lead the students in a parade around the school before starting the Bike Rodeo. During the rodeo, helmets will be provided to students who do not own one and volunteers from Bicycle Sport Shop, Austin Cycling Foundation and Trek Bikes will offer bike safety checks and helmet fitting, followed by a bicycle safety clinic. Attendees will also have a chance to win a new bike, sponsored by Bicycle Sports Shop and Trek Bikes. Cyclists will learn all the rules of the road, how to merge with other cyclists, stop and start safety and navigate through turns and intersections. 

Students taking part in the Freiker program will have Radio Frequency Identification chips installed in their helmets which will automatically record each time a child rides their bike to school. The school is the first in the state, and one of only 17 in the nation, which is using the revolutionary program to encourage transportation alternatives to and from school. 

Not only will the program reduce some of the traffic congestion around the school, but it also addresses health problems such as obesity and diabetes that are at crisis levels in Texas School children. By getting exercise early in the morning, the program has reported additional benefits such as improved attendance, better test scores and a greater sense of community. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of promoting student health and safety,” Pratz said. “Partnering with Freiker seems like a perfect way to support those great values and engage students in fun and good life-long health habits.” 

The Freikometer, known as Zap, will begin checking students in when they arrive at school via their bicycles on Monday, Feb. 8. The data is then stored in an online database where it forms the basis for a variety of incentive programs that rewards regular participation. 

Freiker partners and sponsors include Bicycle Sports Shop, Trek Bikes, Texas Bicycle Coalition, Austin Cycling Association and the City of Austin. Guests in attendance will include Trek Corporate Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Krista Rettig, Freiker CEO Tim Carlin, All About Health CEO Jen Ohlsen, Austin Cycling Association Director of Education Wes Robinson and Director of Advocacy for Bicycle Sport Shop Leslie Luciano.

Complete with angry motorist. 10/30/2009 Austin, TX