Kboo Bike Show

When you go to KBOO, you must go by bike.

Why?

This:

And I was going to be part of the Bike Show! Just felt right.

Right from meeting everyone in the lobby I knew the show was going to be fun, and it sure was. The bus driver Ralph Kerbs' opinions about the increase of activity on our streets over the last 26 years was very interesting. The extra traffic means the bus loops can't be done in the same amount of time anymore, which requires more buses to provide the same service. It is really tricky trying to organize something like that and I enjoyed hearing his insights into how the system works. 

Because, really, I love Trimet. A decent percentage of my taxi customers are regularly Trimet riders who, for whatever reason, didn't make the bus that day. Because we have such a good transportation and taxi system here, those people don't need to drive their own car, and most often, own their own car. Taxis fill the inadvertent gaps in public transportation service, allowing people to commute reliably without a personal vehicle. Big win for everyone. 

Speaking of everyone, another portion are regularly cycling and, for whatever reason, can't ride their bike that day. Another portion regularly walk but are running late. It is one of the things that I love about my job; I get to be part of all these people's day, running them to work or the train station, the mall or the zoo. I get to hear about the things they do, why they took a cab, what they think about whatever it is that is on their minds...it is really fun. I have had people say it is their first time in a taxi. I get to be their whole idea of what a taxi driver is! What responsibility! ;)

I am waxing on about this because I didn't get to say it on the show. Listening to it again, I notice there are quite a few questions that were left unanswered. Funny how an hour long show could go so fast! Here is a link to the show: 

I got a little nervous and stuttered more than I would have liked, but all and all I am happy with what I could share.

For fun, here is what I think about the unanswered questions: about the bikes from the side, I like reflective tape or another set of flashing lights. The lights that attach to the spokes of the wheel are very nice at night. I am not sure if different color lights for front or back wheel would help or not. I will absolutely echo Zach's point that predictability is the safest thing, so I would go with a color other than red or white. As a driver I am trained to see a flashing white light as an oncoming cyclist and a flashing red light as a cyclist travelling my way. A green or blue or yellow or any other color light would help my brain not assume a direction of motion. 

Another question was raised about acupuncture or chiropractic treatment for driving. I have had more experience and success with acupuncture than chiropractic care, but proper nutrition has been the most important thing I do to stay healthy with my job. Ralph talked about how they didn't have a good lunch break and that encouraged snacking...well when you are cab driving, you don't really get a paid break to eat at all, so drive-thrus and snack foods are way too appealing to the bottom line. Early morning breakfast was particularily difficult for me so I have gotten into the habit of making a loaded smoothie with nuts, chia seeds, protein powder, rice bran, fresh kale...all kinds of things that taste great blended up and keeps me from settling on some unhealthy food that makes me feel bad.

I bet there are more unanswered questions, but there always are. Do you have any questions? Did you like the show?