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Does more traffic mean safer cycling?
The Bike Bulletin is back in full force
Sam Westby
November 21, 2024
Welcome to the Bike Bulletin. Pedaling fresh content straight to your inbox.
After a long break, we’re back and better than ever. I’m still figuring out what this newsletter will look like, so thanks for coming along on the journey. It won’t cover pro racing or much gear. I don’t follow either too closely. Instead, I follow bike adventures and commuting around town. I like asking questions about cities, finding new trails, and fixing things. That’s what you can expect in the Bike Bulletin each week.
—Sam
This is a weekly newsletter about bikes, cities, and a love for two-wheeled transit. I share new episodes every Thursday, gearing you up for the week ahead.
Here’s what we have today.
New York’s Empire State Trail
Does more traffic reduce bike accidents?
On the Up by Rapha Films
Quick hits
ROUTE ON MY RADAR
The Empire State Trail
Here’s what you’d be getting yourself into.
About 550 miles (885 km) if you do the Buffalo to New York Section
Mostly unpaved
Official website - empiretrail.ny.gov
Regina Yan’s ride in 2023 - youtube.com
Explore all of New York state on the Empire Canal Trail. A similar style to the C&O canal trail, this route follows much of the Erie Canal. Camping seems plentiful and easy. Resupply in any of the many towns you’ll pass through. The hard-packed limestone trails offer some of the smoothest riding of any material.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Does traffic decrease bike accidents?
No, it doesn’t. More cars on the road means more danger for cyclists. A study of London transit found three ways to reduce a cyclist’s risk.
More cyclists = less risk
Less vehicle traffic = less risk
Lower speed limits = less risk
Lower speed limits can have a large impact. In 2008, Sweden allowed towns to reduce speed limits from 50-60 km/h (31-37 mph) to 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph). The towns that reduced speeds saw a 25% drop in injuries (link to study).
Reply to this email with any questions you might have.
WHAT I’M WATCHING
Rapha Films Presents | On the Up
Follow pro cyclists Sarah Sturm, Alexis Skarda and Ellen Campbell as they prepare for the 2024 Leadville Trail 100 MTB race in Colorado. This 20-minute film shows the emotional and physical ups and downs of female pro cycling. It is a touching insight into their lives.
Watch on YouTube
Quick Hits
$34 million. The cost to rip out three Toronto bike lanes in a plan proposed by Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario. The city council rejected this plan after backlash from residents. (theguardian.com)
21,000 miles. The distance ridden by Georgia Tech employees in October for the Atlanta Bicycle Challenge. This was part of a larger event to encourage Atlanta cycling. (gatech.edu)
$27.4 billion. The amount of spending approved for bike-related measures on local and state ballots in the United States in 2024. That’s a lot of infrastructure! (peopleforbikes.org)
97%. The percentage of U.S. bike parts manufactured overseas. President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs could spell bad news. (streetsblog.org)
H. R. 8625. A bill introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives that would freeze tariffs on bicycle parts for 10 years. (congress.gov)
A Note From Sam
Reply to this email and share any feedback or ideas you have.
I read every reply.
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