Bike Istanbul: the helmet cam.

Biking in Istanbul is crazy. But you could say that about biking in a lot of urban areas. Somehow it doesn't accurately denote the full significance of cycling in Istanbul. Thankfully, my roommate Seth set out to document a fairly normal ride.

Biking in Crazy Istanbul Traffic from Michael Butterworth on Vimeo.

Bicycle Commuting as Polemic

Warning: This post could come across as pretentious.

At 19 degrees with patches of snow to avoid, today was a pretty challenging commute.

I've basically passed the point that I think I'm saving the world by commuting via bicycle. The fact is all my effort to reduce my carbon footprint can be erased by one soccer mom forgetting to get something at Target and having to make two trips.

Somedays I don't even want to ride my bike to work. Today was one of them.

Cycling in less than ideal conditions speaks to our comfort obsessed culture. It's human nature to revert to complacency and since the industrial revolution Americans have looked to technology with a messianic expectancy that it will accommodate our desires. But our desires are simply desires.

What's easiest and most comfortable isn't our only option.

Rain

Although I was successful in beating the rain to Quills, I was not as successful in waiting the storm out at Quills, so it was a very wet ride home.

Thankfully I always keep a back fender on my bike. Also, fixed gear bikes are actually practical for riding in the rain, since I can control my speed without relying on moisture-impaired calipers.

My Seagull messenger bag passed it's most rigorous test yet, as evidenced by the fact I'm updating my blog with my completely dry MacBook. When they say waterproof they mean waterproof!

Oh, trackstand in the pouring rain waiting at the CSX? You better believe it.

Assertive Cycling

The latest issue of the Leo has a very good editorial by Jackie Green, co-owner of The Bike Courier, an area favorite bike store and courier service.

I found his recommendations for surviving in Louisville traffic very beneficial:

"Ride 4 feet away from parked cars. The sudden opening of a door from a parked car will either take you down immediately or cause you to swerve away from it and into oncoming traffic that did not expect you to be sharing the travel lane.

Don’t let local bike lanes lull you into a false sense of security — they are often poorly designed and full of debris.

Adopt a controlled yet unpredictable riding style to keep motorists alert to your presence and maneuverability. Riding predictably lulls drivers into thinking they know what a cyclist is going to do. Cyclists often swerve quickly and without notice to dodge glass, roofing tacks, potholes, missing utility caps, squirrels and pedestrians.

Ride within your comfort zone. If you must ride the sidewalks, ride slowly, carefully, courteously and watch out for motor vehicles traveling alleys, drives, parking lots and intersecting streets. Many accidents and deaths happen when cyclists are hit from behind. At times it is safer for cyclists and wheelchair users to ride against traffic.

Focus on the threats — motor vehicles and road conditions — not the signs and the lights. Lights and signs do not kill cyclists, motor vehicles do. "

Putting the Material back into Materialism

I bought the bag. (Not the one pictured... a different one.)

Here is my reasoning/ justification:

1. The bag I bought earlier this summer was very uncomfortable on longer rides. The strap was not padded and cut into the shoulder when hauling a heavy load.  Also the Rickshaw laid across my lower back which was causing back pain I never had when I was using a backpack. 

2. The Seagull fits snugly, like a backpack. The Rickshaw slid around like crazy- needing readjustment every couple of blocks. It sometimes even ending up in my lap when riding on cobblestone. I've had more than one close call when trying to finagle it back into place while riding. 

3. The Seagull is 100% waterproof. I got caught in what seemed like a monsoon the other day and it would have been nice to not worry about the contents of my bag. 

4.  The Seagull is a locally manufactured work of art.  For me, buying this bag is a little like buying a Turkish Rug in Istanbul.  It's a beautiful, indigenous piece of culture that is intimately connected to the place.  It's almost like buying a small piece of the city to take with me all over the globe. 

5. It's hip and I can be a materialistic bastard sometimes. 

Bag Lust

Shortly after I bought this bag, I found out that Columbus, OH is home to one of the premier handmade messenger bag companies, Seagull Bags. In fact, this company is known internationally in the cycling community for just about being the best (although less popular than Chrome or Timbuktu).

So I biked up to their factory today in Clintonville, where I found a modest room filled with huge rolls of fabric and five hipsters sewing away at works in progress.  The small entry way was filled with an eclectic assortment bags and accessories, including hand-sewn cycling caps and hip pouches. After examining the product in person I was impressed at the meticulous detail and craftsmanship that went into each bag.  Right now I am trying to justify how purchasing a second messenger bag could possibly be reconciled with the life of simplicity that I have the desire to live.  So far, I can't do it. 

Rickshaw Bagworks

I just invested in this messenger bag by Rickshaw Bagworks. It may not have a snazzy seat-belt buckle like Chrome's messenger bags, but it is made from one whole piece of fabric to eliminate waste. I got Barn Red- which wasn't necessarily my favorite color, but it's hopefully a little more visible for all of those friendly cars who share the road with me. Besides, red is an earth tone in Sedona right?