Bike Talk

Taylor Nichols discusses his recent bike trip from San Francisco to Michigan, sharing experiences and encounters along the way. Irv Nichols, Taylor's father, describes his own driving experiences and the challenges of aging while driving. Jim Pokras argues that autonomous vehicles could potentially offer safer transportation options, raising questions about public policy and individual freedoms. Peter Norton critiques the safety claims of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the need for cost-effective solutions to improve public safety. The episode also includes a tribute to mountain biking pioneer Charlie Cunningham and highlights biking culture in various communities.

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Ride Safe 26/27: &nbsp&nbsp2:23 Back on the bike and headed East in Minneapolis, Taylor finds out what&rsquo;s next from Brian and Mary Georgia on Day 33 of their ride West from the Outer Banks of N.C. &nbsp&nbsp6:09 Tom O&rsquo;Brien goes over the 2-day ride Nick&rsquo;s about to do on the <a href="https://wnegreenway.org/">Western New England Greenway</a>, a bike-friendly route from Norwalk, CT to Canada. &nbsp&nbsp9:00 Listener emails: a boost from Baltimore Fred, concerned Karen in L.A., and Jens in Norway on the politics of bikelash. 16:19 Families For Safe Streets on who they are, their <a href="https://www.familiesforsafestreets.org/stop-super-speeders">Stop Superspeeders laws</a> in 18 states, their framework requiring Autonomous Vehicle travel to be as safe as air travel, and increased insurance requirements in D.C. 30:25 News: <a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/a-nebraska-photographer-rode-his-bike-from-texas-to-canada-he-did-it-for-the-cranes/">Conservationists ride 2,500 miles for whooping cranes</a>. Cape Verdeans in New Bedford, Mass. celebrate 51 years of independence with their <a href="https://www.newbedfordguide.com/cape-verdeans-revive-47-year-bike-ride-picnic-tradition-to-celebrate-dual-independence-in-new-bedford/2026/07/02">47^th annual community bike ride</a>. Edmonton, Canada <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-city-council-bike-lanes-capilano-9.7260871">bike path plans hit resistance from parking advocates</a>. The US Transportation Secretary will redirect $1.73 billion in Biden-era grants away from establishing “<a href="https://x.com/SecDuffy/status/2074626934966034751?s=20">DEI bike lanes</a>&rdquo; to <a href="https://newrepublic.com/post/212853/donald-trump-transportation-secretary-bike-lanes-dei">build car infrastructure</a>. 33:08 Taylor talks with Minneapolis bike advocates Laura Mitchell, Luke Van Santin and Brett McGraw about whether there are too many bike advocacy organizations. 39:56 Fellow traveler Jake Hess on the transition back to normal from a big bike tour.

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26/26 Taylor’s Trip Interrupted: &nbsp&nbsp2:38 Taylor unwinds with Dylan, Laura, and Brett Mcgraw after they escort him into Minneapolis. 10:01Taylor talks to Jules, Mel, and Brian at Minneapolis&rsquo; People&rsquo;s Pride Ride. 16:28 Taylor talks to Christina, a Hennepin County DOT Bike & Ped planner, at the Minneapolis Pride Ride. 21:05 Taylor talks to the manager at <a href="https://www.venturebikesmn.com/">Venture Bikes</a>, more than a bike shop in Minneapolis. 24:15 Advice for a listener, Kimberly, planning a bike tour in North Dakota. 28:50 News:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/carlsbad-launches-online-portal-report-dangerous-e-bike-riders/509-1ff0af88-5118-4c0f-828d-09c3edf32a90">Carlsbad launches an online portal to report dangerous e-bike riders</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/virginia-install-speed-limiter-combat-144534834.html">Virginia and Arizona will be the first states to incorporate speed-limiting devices for dangerous drivers</a>. <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/fifa-world-cup/article316077245.html">The Dutch National Soccer team bought 17 bikes from a Kansas City shop</a>&nbsp;(after&nbsp;<a href="https://momentummag.com/ranking-every-2026-fifa-world-cup-stadium-by-bike-access/">Momentum magazine ranked the 16 World Cup venues by bike access</a>&nbsp;and KC came in last). 31:21&nbsp;<a href="https://www.familiesforsafestreets.org/">Families For Safe Streets released a framework for regulating autonomous vehicles like the aviation industry</a>. Marco Connor summarizes the framework.&nbsp; 45:18 Taylor meets Bob, a rider touring America from East to West coast.

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Taylor Nichols describes his recent cycling experiences, including a century ride through Montana and a visit to The Stray Bullet restaurant in Ovando. Leanne Vallotton, the restaurant owner, discusses catering to cyclists and the town's appeal as a cycling destination. Chris Gentry from Chicago Bike Grid highlights the tragic death of Riley O'Neill and the need for better bike infrastructure. A panel discusses the importance of open streets events for community engagement and economic development. Yulia Flynn shares her entrepreneurial perspective on utilizing open streets as economic assets.

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Taylor Nichols describes his recent cycling journey through Idaho and Montana, detailing both the highs and lows of the experience, including encounters with aggressive drivers. Jim Pocras discusses the legal implications of autonomous vehicles and their potential to improve road safety for cyclists. Ashton Romer presents findings on car supremacy and its impact on urban planning and cyclist safety, arguing for a shift in how road users are treated. Carl Mahaney reports on a successful community board vote for a protected bike lane in New York City, highlighting ongoing challenges in public engagement around cycling infrastructure.

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Taylor Nichols and Nick Richard discuss their bike tour across Oregon, highlighting the beauty of Eastern Oregon and the challenges of riding without car traffic. They interview Mark Gomes about the experience of joining a long bike trip and reconnecting with friends. The hosts also speak with Jordan from Eurosports bike shop and Jalae from Spoken Hostel, discussing the importance of community support for cyclists. Later, Jonathan Hale and Damian Kevitt address traffic safety issues in Los Angeles, emphasizing the need for a recommitment to Vision Zero and the dangers cyclists face on the roads.

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