Break the grid, a week of ModeShift

Last week the ModeShift festival was organized in Winnipeg for the second time. I had the honor to be the guest of managing director Anders Swanson of Winnipeg trails all week to follow this thrilling week from close by. A week with many varied activities for a varied target group that does justice to the inhabitants of this Canadian city with brutal cycling circumstances. A week that I conclude with hope and excitement for a better future for active modes in Winnipeg.

More open cycling data

Last week I enjoyed some extended winter by cycling in the winter cycling capital of the world, Oulu in Finland. I was invited to give a talk at the ITS-Oulu conference and decided to stay a bit longer to get acquainted to the city. My good friend Pekka Tahkola was for two days my guide in the city. He is not only an excellent guide for the city and big engine behind the MTB-cycling tours in national park Syöte, but he also has a great interest in mapping cycling related information. A good reason to share with you the current online sources for open cycling data in The Netherlands.

The friendly competition continues

At the end of the meteorological summer, @bijnanooit closed his 10 year practical research into getting wet during his cycling commute. He started his project based upon the idea that facts must convince people and recording his experiences Would help them to get tot he idea it almost never rains. Through media coverage during short wet periods, he gradually understood his message would have little impact on changing habits in commuter traffic. He is preaching to the choir, people who have been cycling see their confirmation by his data, while the non-cyclists mainly pay attention to @bijnanooit when it rains. Nevertheless, I welcome his efforts over the years and hope his website will remain available for future use. Many small stories like his can contribute to the big story about cycling as an happy and effective means of transport.