How to Improve Bicycle Access to the PATH Train (and here are the existing rules).

Today's Rules about Bike Access on the PATH Train (as of May 2013)

• Folded bicycles are permitted on the PATH train at all times. (I could see no definition for what constitutes a folding bike.)
• Non-folding bicycles are permitted at all times except weekdays between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM and weekdays between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM (rush hour).
• There is a limit of two bicycles per PATH railcar.
• No bicycles are permitted in the first railcar of a train.
• Bicyclists must use elevators or stairs and may not take bicycles on escalators.
• Cyclists may not ride bicycles in trains, on platforms or in the stations.
• PATH or PAPD (Port Authority Police Department) may require bicyclists to wait for the next train.
• Cyclists are to hold their bikes while on trains and not to block aisles or doors.
• In the event of an evacuation, leave the bicycle on the train and ensure that it does not block aisles or doors.

Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's web page about bicycle rules.

Suggestions for cyclists:

• Join New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition and advocate for better bike access on New Jersey trains.
• Be polite, cooperative and deferential to officials and other passengers, no matter what.  When you board a train with a bike, especially if it's a recumbent, you are representing all 'bent riders and cyclists in the Metro Region.  If there is a problem, please do not get into a dispute with the "nice official" (and if his name is not "Sir," then it is "Ma'am.")  But do get the official's name, time of incident, nearest station, etc., take photos or video if possible, and write a note for yourself so you remember the details.  Then file a complaint here: http://www.panynj.gov/contact/contact-us.html.  This is the online submission form for the Port Authority.
• Do NOT just sit and take it.  Go to Port Authority board meetings and speak during the public comment period for increased bicycle access.  You can contact New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition if you would like assistance in preparing a statement or would like other advice on presenting at a Port Auth. board meeting.  Personal stories make very compelling testimony.  (By the way, the people who attend these meetings can be quite interesting.  It is time well spent.)
• The schedule for the Port Authority's board meetings is here:
  http://www.panynj.gov/corporate-information/schedule-upcoming-board-meetings.html

Have fun and advocate for a better world of cycling, which is redundant,

Robert
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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2013 Robert Matson

HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 / Review

Photo credit: Bentrider Online, 2013

Here is a review of HP Velotechnik's Scorpion fs 26 by Bryan Ball, from Bentrider Online.

HPVelotechnik Scorpion fs 26
By BRYAN J. BALL, Managing Editor
Posted on April 30, 2013 by Bryan Ball

"HPVelotechnik has an unqualified hit on their hands with their Scorpion fs full-suspension tadpole. Dealers are moving them quickly and owners adore them. However, it’s not in HPVelotechnik’s nature to ever leave well enough alone. Therefore, it was inevitable that there would be a new version eventually. So came to be that the new Scorpion fs 26 that was unveiled with much fanfare at last year’s Eurobike show...."


Have fun and stay healthy,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2013 Robert Matson

Be part of it. / Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure / Cruzbike: 3000 Miles to a Cure

Last summer (2012), Maria Parker's sister Jenny was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.  In 2013, she is going to ride her Cruzbike Vendetta in Race Across American (RAAM), one of the most grueling races in the world. It's her goal to raise one million dollars for Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, an organization she believes is truly capable of finding a cure.  They are calling this movement "3000 Miles to a Cure."

Maria is asking all of us to race with her to find a cure.  Please consider donating just $10 right now by texting the word "race" to 20222. You can also go to www.3000milestoacure.com to donate any amount you like.  Finally, she asks that we all share their website and Facebook page (Facebook.com/3ktoacure) with our friends and family so they too can consider being a part of finding a cure.

Maria writes "Thank you so much for being a caring part of my community, my Cruzbike Family."

Ride hard, promote health, give it your all, and then give it more,
Robert
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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2013 Robert Matson