Lane Change: Kate Ryan Reports

You Say We Need A Resolution...

2012-01-30T00:05:00.003-05:00

Resolve to Ride Responsibly: not only is it alliterative, but it sounds well, downright civil. What could be wrong with an effort that asks riders to follow the rules of the road? Plenty, according to some cyclists who make it clear that this effort by WABA grinds their gears. If you check the WABA website, you'll see what I mean. The upshot; some cyclists argue that since motorized vehicles can do the most damage, and since motorists clearly have scofflaw issues of their own (from unpaid tickets--see my colleague Mark Segraves' pieces on parking tickets in DC, or Darci Marchese's story on red light cameras) there's no reason for cyclists to have to make this kind of a resolution.

That's obviously not the view of the folks who took part in the ride. I caught up with them in front of the White House before they took off for the second leg of their ride. Hear what they had to say, and discuss among yourselves. Or shoot me those comments here.

And pay close attention to the last comment on this story and see if you agree.

Ice, Ice...

2012-01-21T22:56:00.001-05:00

Ice, Ice..., a set on Flickr.

"We're Talking Bikes in the Woods"

2012-01-14T12:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was standing around at Sandy Point State Park --where winds whipped up to 40 miles per hour--with the rest of the media and Maryland state officials. We were awaiting the arrival of Governor Martin O'Malley when I met David Ferraro of the Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts and we talked about, well, biking in the woods.

Governor O'Malley was talking about his plans to add $22.7 million dollars to state parks, and that prospect made Ferraro very happy. So we chatted about the many opportunities for you to go bike in the woods at places like Patapsco Sate Park.

Have a listen, check the sites, and then get out and see the sights. On a bike.

Hear Tell: Meet Andrew Cazier...and BOB

2012-01-09T23:08:00.000-05:00

I started Sunday's bike ride with a trip to the farmer's market, and ran into Andrew Cazier and..BOB. *

I'll let him explain who BOB is...

*BOB stands for Beast of Burden.

Thanks Andrew!

2012-01-04T00:08:00.000-05:00

Ok, so on day three I got my workout in later rather than earlier.

Much later. Like @ 10pm. Actually it's a really nice time to ride: the streets are quiet and it's fun.

Upside: I got in my 31 minutes. (I pledged to complete 30 minutes a day +1, besting Newark Mayor Cory Booker by 1 minute each day. Just because I wanted to go him one better, but not go all crazy. I have my limits.)

Downside: Bitter cold, windy and I took out a Capital Bikeshare bike. Now I love the Cabis but I have to say: after zipping around on my Jamis Coda, those Cabis are heavy! That's why I'm amazed at how Tom Bridge has been making use of them for his workouts.

Tom, a tip of the hat to you.

Here's what I've done "so far this year".

On the bike(s) : 588 calories in 12.5 miles
On foot: 242 calories in 2.4 miles

Not earth shattering, but a start.

How about you? What's working for you?

"What is that thing?!"

2012-01-02T23:08:00.002-05:00

It's a question Tim Eby of Gaithersburg gets all the time when people spot him on his gas-powered bike.

Why a gas-powered bike?

Get the story here:

Stumbling Upon Inspiration

2012-01-02T00:22:00.000-05:00

So, it's the first day of the new year, and I'm out for my bike ride. It's not just because January is posing as April (the weather is fantastic; sunny, cool) but because I said I would. I have to make good on my 31 minutes of activity a day.

So here I am, making good on one of my New Year's resolutions, when I figure I can make good on another. I want to do more to keep this blog current, and to profile people I meet on my rides. So I accost a cyclist to chat about biking.

Well, it turns out the kind gentleman who's good enough to pull over and chat is another journalist.

Doh! I am not a fan of journalists interviewing other journalists, but Tom Bridge and his wife Tiffany (who pulled up behind him) inspire me. Like me, they are on their bikes for fun and for fitness. As Tom puts it, he's on a"concerted weight loss effort".

His wife Tiffany tells a great story about how she ended up getting herself her super-cute Bianchi.

Fun fact: Tom's parents and their story of getting on the road to fitness appeared in the New York Times Magazine .Wow.

Hear what Tom and Tiffany had to say:

Update: I learned later onTwitter , Tom had a close call on the bike.
Tom Bridge @tbridge 8h

Came within inches of being @struckdc's first of the year as car made illegal 3-point turn into my lane.

I never like to hear about these. But Tom kept it positive.I'm wishing Tom and Tiffany the best. We traded info about our favorite fitness apps, and will keep tabs on each other. I'm inspired.

I tend to say it a lot, and I know I sound like your mom, but safe travels everyone. No matter how you get around, I want to talk to a lot more of you in 2012.

Resolved:

2011-12-31T21:02:00.001-05:00

Ok, normallly, not a New Year's Resolution type...I'm too scattershot and undisciplined.
(You see why the :35 second report on WTOP and tight deadlines are perfect for me, right?)

That said, sometimes you gotta make a plan.

So here's the plan:

More time staying in touch with the loved ones. Near and far.

More time out of a chair/before a computer. Yes, Mayor Booker, I'm taking you up on that challenge. You say you'll do 30 mins of activity each day? I'll see your 30 minutes and raise you 1. Yes, I'm pledging 31 minutes a day. Rain, shine, cold, hot, whatever we get tossed at us. I am regretting this already, but it seems it takes the prospect of public shaming to keep me on track.

More time before the computer on this blog with more bikey goodness on tap.

And in the spirit of bikey New Year enthusiasm, I'm off on a bike ride. I'll end 2011 with one and start 2012 with another.

Happy trails all,

Kate

Lane Change: 2011 A Look Back

2011-12-31T16:34:00.001-05:00

Lane Change: 2011 A Look Back, a set on Flickr.

A look back at 2011

2011-12-29T20:01:00.000-05:00

Governor Martin O'Malley's New Year's Resolution.

What's yours?

HEAR TELL: A Puppy Mill is Shut Down, A Rescue Operation Opens its Doors

2011-12-23T23:38:00.004-05:00

This week, the Washington Animal Rescue League in NW Washington, DC, took in more than 100 dogs and puppies seized from a puppy mill in Arkansas. Here's what it sounded like as the truck rolled up, the dogs were offloaded, tagged, and given plenty of tender loving care as they are prepped for the process of finding permanent homes where they'll be a companion, not a widget.

WARL Makes Room at the Inn...

2011-12-23T23:35:00.001-05:00

WARL Makes Room at the Inn..., a set on Flickr.

Photos from the arrival of 102 dogs from a puppy mill that had been shut down in Arkansas. Washington Animal Rescue League officials say it's among the largest group they've ever taken in. The first impression is that many of these dogs will do just fine in new homes. They seem eager to be handled, not skittish, so while some may have issues adjusting to a real home, the outlook is very bright. One staffer simply cradled one of the more timid dogs and murmured "It's ok, you're safe now."

SANTARCHYDC 2011

2011-12-19T23:56:00.000-05:00

Did you miss out on Santa-suited biking and pub crawling and general merriment in DC this past weekend? Wishing you could give your Christmas spirit a boost this holiday season?

Click here: SANTARCHYDC 2011

@Santarchydc 2011

2011-12-18T12:59:00.001-05:00

@Santarchydc 2011 , a set on Flickr.

Along with the pub crawl that was included in the @Santarchy doings in DC, there was a bike ride hosted by BicycleSpace. Among the features, that (by now) famous mobile boom box of Jordan's...decked out in Santa gear here. The interesting thing: blast Christmas music from your boom box? Cars will honk and drivers will smile and wave.

Wait Until Next Year...

2011-12-10T18:49:00.000-05:00

Until then, get your fix of @theBikeHouse fixes with a virtual field trip here. And in the meantime, make sure your bike gets a good going-over at your local bike shop. Nobody likes a trip to the emergency room. Unless they're an emergency room physician.

DIY: With Your New Best Friends

2011-12-10T02:01:00.004-05:00

Ever wished you could fix a flat in no time flat? Wondered just how hard it would be to take the wobble out of that wheel? Or just want to save some money on basic bike repair?

Then if you're reading this before noon on Saturday (December 10th) rush out the door and head to @TheBikeHouse behind Qualia Coffee up on Georgia Avenue in Petworth. For just a few bucks (between $5 and $10) you can get set up to fix your bike yourself--with guidance. You bring the bike (and the problem that needs to be taken care of) and they supply the tools, bike stands and know-how.

Today is the Bike House's last clinic of the season from 12-3pm. When they reopen the clinics next year, they'll be in a new spot, location tba.

In the meantime, get a sense of what The Bike House is all about here. Just click the button in the middle of the photo and enjoy.

Puppy Update!

2011-12-10T01:51:00.000-05:00

Really good news from the folks at A Forever Home Rescue Foundation : 8 of the 15 puppies who attended the George Mason University Law School "Puppy Day" have applications for adoption pending.

Debbie Marson also says the group's been invited to hold a "Puppy Day" at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland. Her organization's also been contacted by people from as far away as California and Alaska; people who want to know how they can hold a "Puppy Day" at schools and organizations in their area.

More good news: Debbie says that after hearing the story on WTOP and seeing it on the web, a 1 and a half year old, 70 lb dog she's been fostering is getting adopted. As one of the students at the GMU event said: "It's hard to go wrong with puppies."

Bikes That Make You Talk

2011-12-05T00:51:00.001-05:00

..because when you see them, you'll say "Wow!".

But at the Fietser.be shop in Belgium, you'll be looking for some of their WAW models. That's how it's spelled, but Koen Meynckens, who was kind enough to give me some time when I stopped by in October, explained it is pronounced "wow", and yes, that's exactly what people say when they see these things whiz by on the road.

Click on the button in the center of each picture to hear what aired on WTOP.

But wait! There's more!

Go ahead, and check out the video up on the WTOP.COM website. See what you think of the WAW in action.

Bike Shops and Co-Ops: Belgium to Petworth

2011-12-04T11:36:00.001-05:00

I am woefully behind in my bike-related blogging. My New Year's resolution come early is to keep from dropping so far behind. (Pedal harder!)

Got ideas to have this better serve the biking (and non-biking) among you. Hope to execute soon.

Resorting to SuperMan-speak because my newly adopted (and incredibly adorable) kitten is taking part in #OccupyYourHuman by draping herself on one arm.

And I'm also in need of fulfilling my part of the #WTOPfitness challenge. It's an unofficial official challenge that @tewarren, @AlexCaudanaWTOP and I decided we'd try.

Sure, reporters dash from place to place, but given the distances involved, journalism-by-bike isn't workable. There's lots of sitting while driving, sitting while attending a news conference, sitting while working up that sound for air.

So while sitting around working up stories in the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center, we decided we'd try putting the spurs to each other to get those workouts in on a consistent basis. My goal: some concentrated physical activity daily.

For now, check out my story on the WAW (say it "Wow") a super-cool, funky, futuristic looking bike? car? rocketship? that's made in a small shop in Gent, Belgium. Go to WTOP.com to see the WAW in action, and listen to WTOP 103.5FM to hear all about it. I'll post additional details here later.

..and from Belgium back to DC: Yesterday I visited the folks at the Bike House, a bike co-op where you can learn how to fix that flat (and more) all by yourself. Last chance this season? Next Saturday, 12-3pm behind Quallia Coffee on Georgia Avenue.

Now, I gotta roll.

As soon as I remove the adorable kitten from my arm...which has fallen asleep as soundly as has the previously mentioned kitten.

Puppy Day at GMU Law School

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Puppy Day at GMU Law School, a set on Flickr.

Puppies! In Law School!

2011-12-02T00:47:00.001-05:00

No, it's not some liberalized admissions policy....

English Teacher at a Loss for Words

2011-11-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hey Washington,

2011-11-28T23:35:00.000-05:00

Is it me, or did we all get called out on the old "Washingtonians are weather wimps" thing by the fine folks at Capital Bikeshare?

Capital Bikeshare (@bikeshare)
11/28/11 4:19 PM
Sure, you're all riding now in this weather, but what about last month? Dashboard is updated with Oct. data: bit.ly/tt6xKq

Sounds to me like the Winter Weather Warrior saber just got rattled. And I'm in.

Why Yes, I Am a Sucker for Helpless Creatures...

2011-11-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

...Why do you ask?

My bosses at WTOP and I have an understanding. I don't have to go to mall parking lots on the day after Thanksgiving, and they get a story that's a little different than the typical Black Friday feature.

So I head to the Washington Humane Society. They are doing their own version of a Black Friday special: reduced adoption fees as a way to spur people to take a critter into their home. They dub it "Hope for the Holidays."

So I go to cover this story, and someone decides she's going to give me more than sound bites to take home. And no, it wasn't the staffers. The pressure came from less than 2 lbs of cuteness.

Go ahead. Call me a sap. I'm a reporter. We deal in facts, and it's true. I am a sap.

But in my defense, there's a family history here. When I was in high school, my father, then a reporter for the NBC affiliate in New York City, did a story on a local shelter. He did his stand-up with an adorable, goofy Shepherd-mix. Within a week, that ungodly big, ungainly mutt had a home in our house. Finn was the best dog our family ever had.

This is not an endorsement. There are many, many fine shelters and rescue organizations in the region, the Washington Animal Rescue League among them. All of these groups, no matter what their philosophies, no matter how different their operations are, share a common goal: to make sure that every animal that comes into their care is placed in a loving, responsible, forever home.

Settled in. And yes, that is an old school iPod in the background. She likes that iconic form. She's got taste.

Black Friday: A Different Kind of Bargain

2011-11-26T00:55:00.002-05:00

Black Friday: A Different Kind of Bargain, a set on Flickr.

Stay tuned...this could be a continuing story. By 5pm at least 5 adoption applications had been filled out at the Georgia Avenue Shelter, and 4 others at New York Avenue. The deal on adoptions runs right up through December 31st.

Thanksgiving at WTOP

2011-11-26T00:53:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving at WTOP, a set on Flickr.

I was thankful for the caffeination offered by my colleague and anchor Shawn Anderson, who left the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center long enough to do a coffee run. WTOP also provided a lovely turkey dinner. I managed to get a delicious slice of turkey before news broke and I was out the door...Thanks, boss!

Hyattsville Crash Scene Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T00:51:00.002-05:00

Hyattsville Crash Scene Thanksgiving 2011, a set on Flickr.

Crash Kills 1, injures 6 others Thanksgiving Day

48 Years Ago Today...

2011-11-22T20:42:00.001-05:00

...I am not old enough to remember the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, but I grew up in a house where that event was in its own way part of personal family history.

My father was an NBC correspondent at the time, and was called in to staff the network's anchor desk with Frank McGee and Chet Huntley. He was part of what in my house was known as "the Kennedy weekend". He didn't talk about it a lot, and I remember asking him to please write his own history of that day, of that weekend; if not for publication, for his kids. He never did.

It's been 14 years since my father died. When I look at this I am stunned; first because I realize once again how one of my brothers sounds eerily like my Dad, and second because the guy on the screen is at once so similar and so different from the man who raised me.

InterCountyConnector: the Day Before

2011-11-21T23:38:00.002-05:00

InterCountyConnector: the Day Before, a set on Flickr.

Photos from the day

Inter County Connector: the Day Before

2011-11-21T23:23:00.000-05:00

The speakers here include:

Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown

Deputy Sec of Transporation for the United States, John Porcari

Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett

and winding up, Maryland Lt Governor Anthony brown

Oh, and there's a bike-y aspect to the Inter County Connector: there is a bike trail along the ICC and this cyclist stopped for me (I was on deadline with minutes to go before air, and didn't get his name) and let me take this pic.

Field Recording: K-9 Weapons Experts at Work

2011-11-20T00:26:00.000-05:00

Montgomery County Police Officer Mary Davis on the latest additions to the force: 2 weapons-detectors who happen to have four legs and a tail. Lila and Cali graduated 8 weeks of training and demonstrate their skills.

That's Officer Dominc Raysick pictured with Lila, a former shelter dog who literally jumps with joy at the prospect of going to work.

K-9 Weapons Experts Cali and Lila

2011-11-20T00:15:00.002-05:00

K-9 Weapons Experts Cali and Lila, a set on Flickr.

Montgomery County Maryland Police Department's newest recruits: K-9s Cali and Lila report for duty. They have been trained to detect and help recover weapons. Most bosses dream of employees with the kind of work ethic these dogs have. Interesting to note: Lila was a shelter dog.

Post Tweed Ride Posts

2011-11-16T20:42:00.000-05:00

...there are more. If you were kind enough to stop and speak to me, you'll find your interview, and a post, here soon.

Keep in touch.

Let me know if you are one of the hardy souls who will be biking all winter long. Got any new gear to make it easier? Got any old reliables? Can you pass on any tips/strategies for keeping at it while wishing for 70 degree days?

Send it along, I'll be happy to post.

Safe travels.

TweedRide DC 2011

2011-11-15T00:21:00.002-05:00

TweedRide DC 2011, a set on Flickr.

Sound and vision. See what I saw here, hear what I heard on SoundCloud @ http://soundcloud.com/kryanwtop/sets/tweed-ride-dc-2011/

Tweed Ride: Vintage Equipment for That Vintage Look

2011-11-14T03:22:00.000-05:00

Tweed Ride DC 2011: Getting Back on the Bike

2011-11-14T03:02:00.000-05:00

Sandra Frank explains there was a time when she put the bike away. But after going on a local community bike ride and winning one? She's back in the saddle.

No Need for Tweed (Ride): Dress up Every Day You Ride

2011-11-14T02:56:00.000-05:00

..that's the advice from Danielle Evers. Listen to what she has to say here:

Tweed Ride: The Founder

2011-11-14T02:44:00.001-05:00

Eric Brewer, a DC resident, has worked on building community through bike rides that definitely do not include lycra. He's the founder of DC's Tweed Rides, started 3 years ago. I caught up with him at the end of this year's Tweed Ride in Lincoln Park. He was rounding up riders for the raffle. The winner, Laurie McGowan, walked away with--or rode away with--a cream-colored Linus Bicycle.

I'm not bitter. Honest.

And no, I didn't enter.
I can't do that when I'm there to report on an event. Not kosher.
Doesn't mean I can't be jealous. That's a super cute bike.

Tweed Ride: Ring Your Bell

2011-11-14T02:34:00.000-05:00

A little sound impression from Tweed Ride DC 2011. Roughly 1200 signed up to ride, anywhere from 700-900 actually showed up for the 10 mile gentle ride around the District of Columbia. This is Erik Kugler of Bicycle Space helping to bring riders into Lincoln Park for the after-ride raffle.

Voices from the Courthouse: After the Crash

2011-11-11T06:00:00.007-05:00

A 20 year old man pleads guilty to 3 counts of vehicular manslaughter and 1 count of leaving the scene of a crash where death results. You heard WTOP cover it on Thursday, and read about it on WTOP.com . Here's how it sounded as reporters talked to those involved after the plea was heard in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Pictured in the photo: Jimmy and Charlie Hoover.

Coffay's neighbors speak, as do the brothers of one of the victims and Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy.

The voices are:
Liz Connelly, neighbor of 20 year old Kevin Coffay
Kelly Hartman, neighbor of Coffay
Charlie Hoover, brother of crash victim Johnny Hoover, 20
Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy
Jimmy Hoover, younger brother of Johnny Hoover, killed in the crash of May 2011.

Killed in the crash:
20 year old Johnny Hoover
18 year old Haeley McGuire
18 yearr old Spencer Datt

What Would It Take to Get You On This Bike?

2011-11-09T21:12:00.001-05:00

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association wants to get your buddies on bikes. Not content to make riding smoother, safer and more fun for you, WABA wants to get the 60% of those who say they're interested in riding to jump into the saddle. Here's a summary of the summit recently held by the organization. It was entitled "Call to Action." Read all about it. Then feel free to tell me: what do you think?

Purple Line Project: A Challenge

2011-11-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

"Accommodating the trail, while still meeting the other area project goals, is an extremely difficult task. Although technically feasible, the risks and costs associated with the proposed stacking of the CCT above the Purple Line are substantial.."

-Capital Crescent Trail Considerations for Montgomery County
October, 2011
Maryland Transit Administration

At the Bethesda end of the Purple Line, the Capital Crescent Trail could be 'stacked' above the Purple Line rail bed along the stretch that currently runs below the Apex and Air Rights Building. Possible projected cost: $53.19 million dollars.

The Montgomery County Planning Board will take up the matter on November 17th. The Montgomery County Council's T&E Committee will hold a worksession on December 5th.

More on Maryland Money: The State of the State's Economy

2011-11-09T16:28:00.000-05:00

Members of Maryland's Board of Revenue Estimates--Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp--speak after hearing from business representatives on the state of the state's economy from the business person's view.

Field Recordings: Heard in Annapolis

2011-11-08T22:20:00.001-05:00

Even Brighter Than the Moon, Moon, Moon

2011-11-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I did it. I quoted Katy Perry.

Because lighting up the night like a firework may save you from a close encounter of the critical kind.

Stats show an increase in crashes when we lose the evening daylight. I don't like those stats. We at @WTOP like everyone to get home safe and sound: drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. We care like that.

Personally, I like a helmet light, because it offers me the ability to shine a light on my path as well as giving drivers and peds the ability to see me coming. But I also love, love, love the kind of snap-on blinky lights for my bags, my boots (stick 'em on the cuff of your boots so drivers see you from the side as you roll along--think of it as a blinker on a car).

Light up, and stay safe.

Women and Barriers to Biking

2011-11-08T11:18:00.001-05:00

Just had a great talk with Jesse Cohn over at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. She's working on a project to examine what's keeping women from hopping on bikes and using them as transportation/recreation. Interesting stuff.

My colleague at @WTOP, Neal Augenstein joked it might be that 'horizontal bar'..but I've spotted plenty of stylish young women managing that just fine. On a serious note, there are things that keep women from biking. In my own discussions, it's everything from safety, convenience, distance, time-management, weather, gear, but safety seems to be the deal-breaker.

Look for Jesse to come up with a comprehensive look at this over at WABA and in the meantime, let me know what you think.

Slow Motion?

2011-11-06T16:23:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, my WTOP colleague Michelle Basch, reported on the proposal to get motorists to slow down on DC streets.

It's not just a DC thing, it's global. The European Cyclist's Federation succeeded in getting the European Parliament to pass a resolution calling for a 30 km/h speed limit on residential roadways, and on single lane roads in urban areas that don't have cycle tracks.

Regionally, there have been efforts to get us all to slow down, to stick to the speed limit. Here's a video that provides an easy-to-understand demonstration of how speeds and braking distance really matter.

So, What's News?

2011-11-05T02:19:00.000-04:00

I asked, and Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB's) Bruce Wright answered: here's his breakdown of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's Call to Action Summit. And here's what WABA had to say.

2011-11-03T21:41:00.000-04:00

How did the regional summit on cycling go? You'll get the full run down from the folks at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association on Friday. Here's the message from WABA's twitter feed.

Among the issues raised: bike safety, bike business and advocacy and what's next? What is next? What do you want? What do you need to make biking easier/safer/more enjoyable?

Regional Cycling Summit November 3rd

2011-11-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is holding its regional summit in Arlington on Thursday. Among the topics being discussed: Regional bikesharing plans, access to Metro, and the rights of a cyclist when involved in a crash.

The summit comes one day after WABA and interested cyclists testified before a public oversight hearing in the District of Columbia. At the heart of that hearing: testimony on the "Assault of Bicyclists Prevention Act of 2011" and how laws regarding pedestrian and bike safety are enforced and applied.

Sonically Speaking

2011-10-30T11:42:00.004-04:00

A little bit of what I was up to while in bike heaven: otherwise known as Belgium. I'll get to the bikey stuff later today.

Right now, I have to hop on my own bike...back later with more.

In the meantime, enjoy a little talk with the fine folks at the recently-concluded FilmFestival Ghent 2011. What's the connection? This is a film festival that pays special attention to soundtracks--a natural draw for a radio reporter. Enjoy!

My Latest Field Trip: Cheesy Bike Film Fun

2011-10-19T06:23:00.000-04:00

It wasn't until this morning, sifting through the sound I've collected on my last visit to Belgium, that I discovered this: I spent my time among makers: film makers, music makers, bike makers, cheese makers. And of course, I interviewed them.

So why didn't I file in real-time? I blame my iPad. In the interest of trying, really, really trying to pack light--OK, trying to pack lighter --I decided to go iPad only. But given my own tech limitations and those of the iPad, I found it counterproductive. I was spending too much time trying to force workarounds, so decided to wait.

So just know that you'll hear from a range of really interesting people--people who make things that most of us love (is there anyone who doesn't love movies, music, moving or eating?) and you'll hear from them right here very soon.

So hang on, and over the next few days, I'll take you along for the ride.

But today, I'm back on the job at WTOP and that means seeing where the news of the day takes me.

"Hike it, Bike it, I Like it!" Was your family on a stroll or roll today?

2011-10-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

When I was little, every day was Walk to School Day. And I did in fact, like it.

I also was accused of "dawdling" along the way. Guilty as charged. I would stop to pet passing dogs (this was back when folks opened the door and let the dogs run) or jump in a puddle or climb a snowbank. We were allowed to ride our bikes to school too, and that was a treat.

So how about today? Did your family participate in International Walk to School Day ? Send me photos or comments, I'll be happy to highlight how your day went.

Incoming! A "Rack Attack" Coming to a Neighborhood Near the Ballpark

2011-09-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

More bike parking is about to spout up near the Washington Nationals ballpark. DDOT's announcing the installation of 36 bike racks in the SE neighborhood near the ballpark. The installation will start at 10am at 3rd and K SE, weather permitting.

How many bike racks have been installed inpublic spaces in DC? What's your best guess?

Turns out it's 2,000.

One Year Later: Remembering Natasha Pettigrew

2011-09-25T23:49:00.002-04:00

Natasha Pettigrew's mom, Kenniss Henry, who was among those who fought for a change to Maryland's vehicular manslaughter law in Annapolis during the Maryland Legislative session, held a special gathering to remember her late daughter on Sunday night.

Friends, family, and people who were inspired by Pettigrew --she was running for Maryland Senate as a member of the Green Party when she was killed in 2010--gathered to share memories of the 30 year old.

Natasha Pettigrew was training for a triathlon when she was struck and killed in September of last year while riding her bike along Maryland Rt 202.

Prosecutors can't comment on the case, but it's believed that charges will be filed in the hit and run. There were reportedly no eyewitnesses to the crash--the woman who identified herself as the driver of the SUV that struck Pettigrew said she thought she hit a deer. When she got to her home in Upper Marlboro and found a bike lodged beneath the undercarriage of her car, that's when she reportedly called police.

Without an eyewitness to the crash, it's not clear that a charge of manslaughter by motor vehicle could be filed--there are laws against leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and failing to render aid in an accident resulting in death.

The vehicular manslaughter bill that Henry lobbied for allows for jail time in cases of crashes resulting in death. Previously, deadly crashes in Maryland resulted in fines for drivers.

#50statesride: The Day After

2011-09-25T14:14:00.000-04:00

So I didn't finish all 50 states in WABA's 50 States Ride, but I had a great time. I got to 33 of the 50 states during the 'official' segment of the ride, and my ride home took me along another 7, so I figure I did pretty well. (According to my cue sheet, I covered some 44 miles during the ride itself.)

The after-party was great too, mostly because you could see how this event really does build communities. I ended up talking with two young women who exchanged invitations--they were each hosting after-after-parties--and they found out they lived just blocks from each other. A new friendship was forged--thanks to bicycles.

What was your experience? Did you overcome a challenge? Meet new people? Discover parts of DC you had only heard or read about?

And did you come up with do's and don'ts? My own personal do: train more, drink more. And by drink more I mean drink more water and electrolyte-replacing beverages. My own personal don't: Don't hesitate to bike more. As sore as parts of me are today? I always, always, feel better after a bike ride.

Bikes on a Global Roll: Coincidence? I think not!

2011-09-18T21:02:00.002-04:00

Bike-hating drivers---this one's for you. I say bike-hating drivers because I don't think all drivers hate bikes and cyclists. After all, studies show most cyclists own cars and even drive them from time to time.

But back to you, bike-hating drivers: this is it.

Clearly, there is a vast bike-wing conspiracy out there, with cyclists just waiting to roll all over driver hegemony on the roadways. It's not just local. It's not just national. It's global, people.

First, New York City goes all bike-y with the announcement that it will jump on the bike share bandwagon by contracting with Alta Bicycle Share. If the name sounds vaguely familiar, it's because Alta is the same outfit that brought the now ubiquitous red bikes to DC and Northern Virginia in the form of Capital Bikeshare. And Alta is--brace yourselves--based in Portland. Yes, Portland. Home of shell art, things with birds on them, and guys on bikes.

Not content with spreading the red bikes to NYC, the folks at Capital Bikeshare will be flaunting their red-bike cuteness by throwing a birthday party. They'll be celebrating the one year anniversary of the little-red-bikes-that-could on September 22nd at Yards Park. They'll no doubt be all smug and superior, with that "ride where and when you want" attitude of theirs.

As if that weren't enough, images of bike docks on National Park Service property are dancing in their heads, since Tim Craig at the Washington Post reported that six--count 'em six--members of Congress want to see those red bikes dot the Mall and the Park Service says they're working on ironing out all the details.

Ok, and here's proof that this bike thing is global: Julian Ferguson at the European Cycling Federation sent the following release detailing how European nations are cooperating to add 10,000 kilometers to the network of trans-European bike routes.

So is this bike thing a fad? I wonder from time to time myself--I'm old enough to remember when NYC installed--and then ripped up--bike lanes in the Koch administration. But it looks like for now, these cyclists are intent on joining drivers on the roadways.

As someone who bikes, drives and walks and has issues with the stupid and even dangerous behavior I see by all players from time to time, I suggest we work harder than ever to get along out there. The cost of doing otherwise is just too high.

"Something So Precious"

2011-09-17T17:02:00.001-04:00

(image courtesy of Bike Maryland)

That's how Tami Bensky describes what was taken from her when her husband, Larry Bensky, was killed while out on a recreational ride with a friend in April of 2010.

I first saw Tami Bensky sitting at a witness table in Annapolis where she waited nervously to testify before a House committee. Her voice was steady until she explained that the driver who killed her husband walked away with a fine, because Maryland law treated vehicular manslaughter as a traffic offense. The law was changed, in part due to the people like Tami Bensky who pushed for that change.

You'll hear that testimony here. And then you'll hear how Tami Bensky continues to try to make the roads safer for all cyclists, despite the fact that she's not a biker herself. She explains she's not anti-car. She's a suburban mom who like so many, depends on her car for her family's transportation needs. She just doesn't want anyone else to experience the loss she did. You can find out more about the event that was established in her husband's memory; Larry's Ride and Run also raises funds for Bike Maryland, the same group that brings you Tour de Port, a great way to get to know Baltimore.

Wounded Warriors and a Good Walk Spoiled

2011-09-17T16:50:00.000-04:00

The origin of the characterization of golf as " a good walk spoiled" has been largely debunked, but the fact is, the game is loved and hated in equal measure by those who play it. It allows for quiet contemplation, focused physicality and socialization. And it also inspires fits of temper that can include--club-throwing. An act that my father said should get you banned from the links for life.

But I digress.

The point here is that for 7 members of the Wounded Warrior Project, the game of golf is yes, a source of frustration, but also a release. It's a game that is played in groups, but at your own pace and at your own level. It can't be rushed. It gives players a chance for quiet introspection and socialization. For wounded warriors, it's a perfect tonic for body, soul, spirit.

I got to meet up with 7 wounded warriors who were being presented with custom-fitted clubs (in personalized golf bags) from the Golfsmith store in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. Here's some of what they had to say about the benefits of golf.

Backtracking: Hear Tell: William Caswell, Remembering one of "Our 11" on 9/11

2011-09-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

I've slipped a bit this week for non-broadcast reasons, so this is the first a few things I'll post that deal with past broadcast/stories.

As part of WTOP's coverage of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I contacted Julia Caswell Daitch, the sister of William E. Daitch, one of 11 Montgomery County residents killed on September 11, 2001. She was kind enough to sit for an interview because the focus would not be on what she calls 'the nation's story', but on helping listeners see beyond the name on a memorial.

I am deeply grateful to her for agreeing to talk to WTOP. I hope the story helps, in some small way, for her wish to come true; that we can all be a little more kind to each other.

Hear Tell: Julia Caswell Daitch on her brother 'Billy', William Caswell

Wounded Warriors: the next challenge

2011-09-16T18:56:00.002-04:00

Wounded Warriors: the next challenge, a set on Flickr.

A unique approach to recovery from combat injuries.

The Soggy Bottom Bike Ride Home...

2011-09-08T19:05:00.000-04:00

I was curious to see how cyclists are managing their bike commutes in what's turning into an aquatic workout, and checked in with the always entertaining Brian McEntee.

His blog tells the story beautifully. Especially the part about gettting a goofy grin from another cyclist, because sometimes the soaking is miserable, and sometimes, when you are on the way home and know you've got a hot shower and a good meal ahead? It's just fine.

To Catch a (Bicycle) Thief

2011-09-08T15:27:00.000-04:00

Can you help crack this case?

Look at this video from dcist and see if you can help.

Aaron Morrissey wisely points out: this can happen anywhere, any time. Broad daylight, busy street, lots of foot traffic.

Let's see if the nice, clear shots on this video result in recovery--and arrest.

Really Rainy Ride

2011-09-08T00:31:00.002-04:00

Ever plan a trip and then have the weather turn on you? Welcome to Wayne Hydorn's ride from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.

I came across Wayne and his two friends as they stopped briefly at Seneca Landing along the C&O Canal. I was there to talk to Montgomery County's Assistant Fire Chief Scott Graham. Here's what they told me.

Hear Tell: Lucky Linus

2011-09-03T18:24:00.002-04:00

Laura Newton's lovely Linus made it back home after being stolen right off her front porch. Something about this story made me think of the old Robert Johnson lyric:

'some joker got lucky got lucky/stole her back again'

Hear tell, and see what you think:
http://soundcloud.com/kryanwtop/hear-tell-some-joker-got-lucky

It's the kind of story I love to tell.

And yes, that's Laura's lovely Linus with a brand spankin' new U-lock.

Drip Dry Mode: After Irene and the Earthquake

2011-08-30T10:41:00.001-04:00

Ok, now that we've dealt with an earthquake and a hurricane (and we're still tracking power outages and restoration efforts at work in the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center) I can get back to some bike-centric stuff.

I managed to squeeze in a bike ride on the Capital Crescent Trail yesterday morning, and it was beautiful. But just north (or is it northwest?) of the trail's mile marker 9, cyclists ran into a tree across the trail. What struck me was how cyclists just quietly ported their bikes over the tree, often helping out the guy behind them. I think had this been the situation on the Beltway, we would have seen dashboard-pounding and heard horns honking. Maybe it's because when you're on a bike, you do have more control, so people don't immediately default to nutty, cranky behavior. But it was nice.

That is not to say I don't see plenty of problem behaviors by cyclists on the trail. There are still too many folks who come way too close to your tail before either calling out 'on your left' or ringing a bell to signal the same. And too many folks intent on passing at all costs--failing to leave enough room between the cyclist or pedestrian ahead of them and any oncoming 'traffic'. I see it all the time. And sadly, it's putting people off. Just recently, a friend of mine who'd like to augment her running asked me about biking on the trail but expressed the fear that she'd be flattened--not by traffic on streets getting to the trail, but on the trail, by the type of cyclist I can only refer to as "Mr. Angry-Lycra-Pants".

To be fair, I have had inconsiderate female riders cut me off-- once so sharply that I ended up having to brake so hard I skidded and went down while she sailed off without a single backward glance--but guys, I hate to say it, it's often a "Mr." wearing the title "Angry-Lycra-Pants". Look, I hate being stuck in a pack of slow riders. I don't like it when people hog the whole trail walking or riding side by side. And I'm no fan of the folks who walk along oblivious while yapping into a cell phone. (To me trail time is alone-time).

I like an early morning ride on the trail to get a chance to open up a bit and push myself, but

a) it's a mixed-use trail and

b) it's a mixed-use trail and oh,

c) it's a mixed-use trail.

We're gonna find people out trying to enjoy a quiet walk, we're going to find people out trying to take the edge off that Lab puppy of theirs with a long walk to tire him out, and we're gonna find that there are riders of varying abilities. We need to take care, give way, and expect the unexpected. So sprint when you can (hey, it's fun, I know) but ease up.

And smile, Mr. Angry Lycra pants.

You're not stuck not the Beltway. You're on one of the most beautiful trails in creation, enjoying one of the greatest sensations in the world: gliding along under your own power. What could be better than that?

Prince George's County: AfterQuake

2011-08-25T01:02:00.000-04:00

32 Prince George's County schools remain closed today, Thursday, August 25th. Check WTOP for complete details.

Wednesday, I spent the day waiting for word from the Prince George's County school system, and tracking the progress of the damage assessments at the schools and at an apartment complex and area condos.

According to Prince George's County officials, as many as 225 families (judging by units evacuated) had to be relocated. The photos here show Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker as he briefed reporters and the Top of the Hill Apartments on Curtis Drive, where anxious families waited to see if they would have to head out to friends' homes or to a shelter for a second night in a row.

Note the cracks in the seam along the top windows on the Top of the Hill Apartments. Residents described the force of the quake as terrifying. One woman said she the first sign of the quake was the shaking of the racks in her closet that made the clothing sway.

Post-Quake Biking and WTOP

2011-08-25T00:24:00.003-04:00

I've often said--only half-jokingly--that should the unthinkable happen, and we need to attempt a mass evacuation from DC, that the one guy who'll get you out of here is our Dean of Traffic, Bob Marbourg. Bob was the guy, who, during the hostage crisis at Discovery Channel, steered me calmly into the closest possible parking space. No kidding, the guy could close his eyes and map by heart all the landmarks-- alleys, parking lots, you name it. Thanks to Bob, I got to the staging area ahead of just about everyone. I'm telling you, the guy has a gift.

So, despite the likelihood of a mass evacuation having any success at all (you've no doubt heard the analysis on WTOP and seen it in other news outlets) I stand by that claim. But I was not surprised to see how many people who relied on bikes--their own or the Capital Bikeshare bikes--found the going much easier than it was for those who rely on transit or driving. The City Paper's Martin Austermuhle had an interesting take on the after-quake's afternoon commute.

And now, permit me to brag about my amazing colleagues at WTOP.

Pictured here: Desiree Smith, News Director Mitchell Miller, Thomas Warren, Brian Oliger and Mike Smeltz

It's not typical for me to be in the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center; I'm usually 'in the field'. But I had raced into the studios to file on an unrelated story when the quake hit. I was already edgy because I was desperately trying to get a balky computer to log my sound for the deadline I was facing. I had minutes to go, and was still banging out copy when the rumbling started. I was really ticked off, thinking "Oh, nice! I'm minutes from deadline, and that stinking construction noise is gonna bleed all over my sound, and I'm gonna have to recut, and now I'm toast!"

When the rumbling persisted, I thought, "Ya know, that feels like what I imagine a real earthquake feels like". When something electrical shorted and threw sparks in one of the smaller studios, I thought, "Oh, this could be bad." At the same time Jim Farley, our Vice President of News and Programming, came racing out of his office--calling out, if memory serves, something along the lines of "Are we getting this?" Meaning, were we rolling and had we started the coverage yet? Within seconds, the entire newsroom was in blanket coverage mode, with everyone, reporters, editors, writers, anchors, calling out "I've got USGS! Who's got Metro? I'll head out to..."

Our anchors Shawn Anderson and Dmitri Sotis were smooth and steady as they juggled the chainsaws thrown at them. Split-second decisions were being made inside and outside the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center. And in the thick of it all is the Editor. That's one of the toughest jobs on the planet. I feel I can say that because I've done it--and not well. If WTOP in breaking news mode can be likened to a plane, the anchors are the pilots, and the Editor is the air traffic controller, getting jammed with a constant flow of often conflicting information from reporters in the field, our networks and wire services and our technical staff in Operations. Do we want to take a live shot with so-and-so? Where do you want to send Reporter A? Reporter B is having trouble getting confirmation, etc. etc.

And who was on the desk? My Californian-colleague, Thomas Warren. It was Thomas who tweeted--in his typically understated style --"If I'm not mistaken, we just had an earthquake in the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center." He then went on to calmly, carefully, get afternoon drive coverage organized and on the air. Unlike many from the West Coast, he resisted the temptation to treat us Easterners like a bunch of weenies for reacting as we did, recognizing how rare a quake of that magnitude is in these parts.

There wasn't a person in that newsroom who didn't pitch in, making sure we got the most reliable, useful, complete information possible. And staffers who were off the air, and off the clock, called in to contribute. I'm sure I sound like a complete homer, but this is when WTOP shows its true value to our listeners--and when I am so proud to say I work there.

Just as emergency first responders are examining their own response, in the coming days, WTOP will take a look at what worked and how we can do it better next time, but I have to say; when the stuff is in the process of hitting the fan? Nobody does it like the people at WTOP.

"Welcome Aboard the Sweat-Soaked Roller Coaster"

2011-08-21T10:08:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not talking biking here. I'm talking teaching.

Indulge me.

I had great teachers throughout my school career. From Miss Stevens in kindergarten to Mr. Hackenburg and Mr. Hubertus in high school to Dr. Lynch in the Johns Hopkins MAT program. I had teachers who could break down ideas, kick open doors, praise, push and inspire.

It was Dr. Lynch who said teaching was a 'sweat-soaked roller coaster ride'. He was exactly right. It's the single-most accurate description of teaching I've ever heard.

A year into my job teaching high school Social Studies, someone asked me "So, do you like it?" I didn't answer right away. It's not that I didn't. I loved teaching. It's the hardest job I've ever had. It's also--along with reporting-- the most enriching. It takes everything you have and more. And it's not about you or your career trajectory. It's all about the kids.

That's why I love doing stories where I get to see educators in action. This was one of those weeks. I got to go along with the staff of Living Classrooms as they took young men in the Fresh Start program on the "Mildred Belle" for some environmental education on the Anacostia River.

Teachers: listen to what Lead Educator Conal O'Keefe says about the experience he had on that day and see if it doesn't resonate.
"You fall down so many times, you got to get up. Regardless" by kateryan

And as you head back to the classroom, here's hoping that every day gives you those moments when you look around the classroom, and see kids who are engaged, excited and inspired. And that your day ends with you refueled and ready to deliver on the promise you made to the kids and to yourself to give them your best.

Here's hoping you have more highs than lows on that sweat-soaked roller coaster.

DC on a Roll: Bikes Making Headlines

2011-08-19T02:07:00.000-04:00

I have so many good intentions for this blog, and then my tendencies to act like an overactive puppy kick in. Which is to day I'm easily--very easily--distracted.

So I'm a day late and a dollar short on this, but if you didn't catch them, check these pieces out: from the City Paper's Alex Baca and the Washington Post's Mike DeBonis.

Mike talks about the way he uses a bike, and I like his approach. It's a tool. It gets him where he's going. It's handy. When he tucks that pant-leg (pants-leg?) into his sock, he's not trying to save the world. He's trying to get where he's going. And like the rest of us who hop on a bike to get somewhere, I'm sure he'd like to get there without getting flattened.

A digression. (I did mention the distracted thing, right?)

I like biking because I hate waiting. And it's fun. I don't bike because I'm a fitness freak. I need the exercise. I don't ride a bike because it benefits the environment. The whole green thing is just one more side benefit. So please drivers, when you see me riding, I'm not trying to insult you. I'm not trying to accuse you of single-handedly destroying life for tiny woodland creatures and all the birds of the skies. I mean, I'm a former minivan driver, and I loved that thing. (It made a great bike storage unit.)

In the City Paper, Alex details some of the conflicts that surround the growth of bike infrastructure in DC. And she shows how some of the frictions are being eased. And she does it beautifully.

I confess I find the universe of bike-related issues endlessly fascinating because it's really all human nature. We all have such strongly held views on everything from helmet use to whether you should ever do the sidewalk-survival maneuver, what's really safe, what statistics say, what experience says, etc.

I will say this, unlike Mike, I love me the Tweed Riders. And the Sock-Tuckers and the Lycra-wearing Tour de France-following bike geeks and the I-Just-Got-A-Bike-And-I'm-Still-Wobbly-But-Psyched riders. To my mind, the more the merrier because I'm pretty sure to get--and keep--better bike infrastructure, it will be because the demand hasn't let up.

Not that I don't think cyclists couldn't use some improvement. We do have plenty of clueless, selfish, foolish people in the ranks of bike riders. But then again, there's no shortage of motorists pulling boneheaded, downright dangerous moves. Like the guy who cut me off in traffic after passing me on the right on I-270 today. That was special. (For the record, I was not on my bike. They're not allowed on I-270. I was on assignment, in my WTOP-issued car.)

So, while I admit I love having the Capital Crescent Trail all to myself (winter riding is great!) I welcome all bicyclists to the roads and trails. Because I'm old enough to remember when NYC first installed bike lanes. And I remember when they took 'em out. It was one case where 'Build it and they will come' didn't work.

(The photo shows my fabulous Gazelle, the WTOP Glass Enclosed Nerve Center --from the outside--and the grand experiment known as WTWP--The Washington Post on the air)

Cyclist Profile: WTOP Staffer Rolls on Two Wheels

2011-08-17T01:29:00.001-04:00

I can't get on the air without the aid of the WTOP staffers in "Ops"--"Operations". These folks make sure the audio that reporters file from the field gets processed and ready for the anchors in the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center to play for you.

Their job is no big deal. If you consider juggling chainsaws no big deal.

The men and women of Ops are constantly taking in sound and monitoring our air. New reports come flying in, from the CBS network and from reporters on the street. Ops staffers may also be asked to monitor TV reports, roll on press conferences and help us maintain the vital emergency broadcast system network. Editors are making decisions on the fly as news breaks, and sometimes reporters on a deadline with seconds to go until air call in, frantic, while Ops staffers calmly help them troubleshoot tech glitches so that no one blows a deadline. Without the Ops crew, reporters get ulcers and you get dead air.

Zach Shore is one of the Ops staffers who makes my day run more smoothly. And he's a bike commuter. He's been rolling into work at the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center for years. The other day I asked him a few questions about his commute.

What does he like best about it?
It's fast and easy--he's just over a mile from the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center.

What does he worry about?
Being doored.

Does he ever ride on the sidewalk?
Sometimes, but he doesn't like to. It's for pedestrians. And Zach adds: "There are a lot of dogs in the neighborhood, and I worry about colliding with someone's little dog."

And he doesn't want to run into you, either.
I mean, he's a friendly guy, and would probably enjoy running into you at the grocery store, but he doesn't want to run into you--or over you--on the street. He's nice like that.

Helmet?
Always. Safety first.

So if you see a cyclist on the road, it might be Zach.

So please, check before you open your car door, and give him a wave. He's a nice guy. And he probably just spent his day making sure WTOP sounds like a million bucks.

What They Forgot to Tell Me...

2011-08-10T12:00:00.013-04:00

When I interviewed Alexandria Firefighters Dennis Short and Jason Wehmeyer, they talked racing, safety, recreation, and about their hopes for the upcoming World Police and Fire Games in NYC.

What they didn't tell me was that just a few weeks ago, Jason Wehmeyer did something extraordinary in a mountain bike race. No, he didn't win.

I won't tell the story, I'll let Dr. Alex Wurm, an interventional radiologist from Rockville tell you. He did a great job all by himself. By the way, that's him in the photo behind the leader of the race, Jason Wehmeyer (#334)

You know those stories that make you feel good? This is one of those stories by kateryan

Just how bad was that injury? Dr. Wurm shared his x-rays and pointing to the area where the break occurred said "You don't have to be a radiologist to know--that ain't right." He's got enough hardware in his hip and to start a hardware store, but says he'll make a full recovery.

And as a thank you to Wehmeyer, he sent a letter of commendation to the Alexandria Fire Chief and made a donation to Capital Region Fire and Police Cycling, giving the team a boost on the way to the World Police and Fire Games in NYC later this month.

The Tough Break

2011-08-10T09:43:00.001-04:00

The Tough Break, a photo by KateRyanWTOP on Flickr.

Get the whole story on @WTOP and WTOP.com

A #feelgood Story About a Tough Break

2011-08-10T09:42:00.001-04:00

A #feelgood Story About a Tough Break, a photo by KateRyanWTOP on Flickr.

Hear Tell: Racing to Fires, Racing to Beat the Clock...

2011-08-09T12:05:00.011-04:00

(Dennis Short, President CRFPC and Jason Wehmeyer, VP CRFPC and yes, they always wear helmets when training. They went without them here so I could get a photo where they could be recognized.)

First responders from all over the world will compete in events ranging from mountain biking to stair racing (yes, as in racing up stairs) at the World Police and Fire Games in NYC starting August 26th. Among the 18,000 competing, the Alexandria City Fire Department's Dennis Short and Jason Wehmeyer. They're President and Vice President of the Capital Region Fire and Police Cycling team. Find out more about them by going to their website . You can even sponsor them as they go for the gold in NYC.

You can even go for a training ride with them--they promise they'll go easy on you. But be forewarned, if Short's daughter Ella (pictured above) is along for the ride, she may tell you " Get on the bike and just do it already!"

Hear Short and Wehmeyer on everything from training, to road riding to helmet use.

Racing to Save Lives, Racing to Beat the Clock by Kathryn

Hear Tell: BlackWomenBikeDC...

2011-08-06T10:00:00.015-04:00

...it's not just the name of a local cycling group, it's a statement. Veronica O. Davis, a DC resident, businesswoman and avid cyclist, was finding that she was a rarity: a black woman on a bike. She says it was made clear to her when a little girl called out to her mother to "Look at the black lady on the bike!" The name is meant as a bit of a playful commentary, that no, cycling in the city isn't just for white hipsters and yes, black women do bike.

But Davis, a Hillcrest resident and local activist thought, there had to be more women like her who might just need a little nudge to get started. And she was right: check the blackwomenbikedc@groups.facebook.com
and you'll find she's attracted more than 300 members to the group.

Recently she took some of the members on a shopping trip--to BicycleSpace , where they got tips on finding just the right bike. That's where I caught up with Davis and members of her group who were having fun connecting and oohing and aahing over the latest bikes and bike accessories.

Here's what Davis has to say: about being a black woman who bikes, about sharing the road, and about
'the Mary Poppins Effect'.
Veronica Davis founder BlackWomenBikeDC by kateryan

Tanya Ellis says it's been a long time since she's been on a bike, but is eager to get rolling again.
Tanya Ellis with BlackWomenBikeDC by kateryan

And Michelle Browne is an avid cyclist who shares her enthusiasm.
Michelle Brown with BlackWomenRideDC by kateryan

No need to destroy your manicure when fixing a flat, Davis carries a manicure kit on her rides.

Spanning the Globe by Bike!

2011-08-04T00:56:00.000-04:00

Well, in a way.

See, I just checked the stats available on where in the world the readers of this blog happen to be. And get a load of this: people from China, Latvia, Australia, Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, Canada and Finland have checked in. Wow!

If you are checking in from outside of the Washington, DC area, tell me about it! What are you looking for, what caught your interest, what is your experience with biking in your corner of the world?

Oh, and stay tuned...you will get more on a fun and informative day at a bike shop that included talk of inspiration, perspiration, and exhilaration.

What Do Bike Helmets and Manicures Have in Common?

2011-07-31T19:02:00.000-04:00

They're both shiny, and you can get them in almost any color, and pattern. I mean really, check this out:

But that's not what this blog post is about. Wait. Maybe it is. Yes, yes it is.

OK, so the next blog post will explain what the heck I was doing in a store where a group of women were discussing everything from the exercise benefits of biking to how a bike helmet can be both practical and a fashion statement.

Hear That? My Week at WTOP

2011-07-30T17:08:00.000-04:00

Some of the reports from 7/25-7/29/2011 on WTOP

Heat Again...

2011-07-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

This kind of heat, where temperatures actually exceed 100 degrees, is more than just headline fodder. It's dangerous. It's the kind of day that normally sees reporters out on the street looking for folks who have to power through the sweltering conditions to do their jobs: paving crews, movers, letter carriers. And it has us checking in with local health officials to remind you that things like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can hit you hard, and fast.

But one of the things you're advised to do to keep you cool has it's own hazards, and I don't think I've seen a better, and more powerful explanation of the dangers of over-hydrating (hyponatremia) than the one offered by A Girl On Her Bike. Check it out: and take it easy out there.

But Wait, There's More!

2011-07-27T16:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, Capital Bikeshare bikes are growing in number, so perhaps they are in fact, coming to a neighborhood near you.

Check out the latest CaBi stations coming on line by Fall of 2011.

Will this affect how you ride? When you ride? How often or even whether you will ride? Inquiring WTOP reporters like me want to know...

Hear That? My Week at WTOP

2011-07-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

Here's how I spend your summer vacation. Gathering news in the heat so you don't have to.
Hear That? July 18-22 2011

Hot Down on the Farm

2011-07-22T01:01:00.001-04:00

Hot Down on the Farm, a set on Flickr.

Not at all bike-related, unless you'll be heading out River Road to Poolesville in which case, Rocklands Farm has fresh eggs and produce for sale. They also head to local farmer's markets on the weekdays.

My Colleagues on Bikes..

2011-07-20T19:11:00.014-04:00

OK, they're not actually on bikes as they report this, but my colleagues here at WTOP are doing bike-related stories today.

Michelle Basch is reporting on discussions between the folks at Capital Bikeshare bikes and the National Park Service regarding Cabi access to the Mall.

Also, Mark Segraves reports on regulating pedicabs in the District of Columbia.

WTOP: it's not just (car) traffic and weather together on the 8's.

Not a Topic You Want to Hear About...

2011-07-19T00:05:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm referring to crashes.

We all worry about them, take what precautions we can, and hope for the best. But as this Washington Area Bicyclist Association reminder says "Crashes do happen."

And as many of my cycling friends say, it's not a matter of if but when, and how bad. I sure hope not.

So what do you do if you've been involved in a crash? WABA's enlisted the aid of three attorneys who specialize in bike-related law to answer questions in a forum on Tuesday night at 441 4th Street, 11th floor.

(Kinda bums me out to know that there's enough business for not one, not two, but three attorneys in our area to specialize in this type of law. Tells you something, huh?)

The meeting starts at 6pm, and you're asked to RSVP.

Recently on WTOP: 7/6/2011-7/15/2011

2011-07-17T10:52:00.001-04:00

Recently on WTOP: 7/6/2011-7/15/2011 by kateryan

So, Can They Get me a Bike Path to Belgium?

2011-07-16T18:44:00.001-04:00

The Twitterverse is exploding with the news that bikes beat a flight from Burbank, CA to Long Beach, CA.

That's great news for cyclists in California. Now, what I want to know is,

can they help me beat the high cost of airfare to deal with my addiction to that nation without a government that sits sandwiched between France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and the North Sea? 'Cause seriously, I'll put the mileage in if we can work out an overland route.

Moonlit Nights Made Brighter

2011-07-16T12:56:00.003-04:00

Dandies and Quaintrelles strike again with an event that features perfect weather and stylish cyclists, socializing in a spirt of fun and civic-mindedness.

One of the striking things about these events is that participants tend to be so well-behaved yet the events themselves are loosely organized. There's no finger-wagging. Everything from dress to whether helmets should be worn is suggested (The helmet debate is a hotly debated one, but not on these rides. Feel free to opine, but it's refreshing in a political city to see people mix without pushing a point of view.) And somehow, each and every time, it's worked.

Something else that's interesting to someone like me, who's seen this city wear the ugly sign of "Murder Capital": the use of public space in a way that emphasizes how beautiful Washington, DC is, and how, if people get out and take their place in that space, safety can be increased. Spaces that used to be avoided for fear of crime, are lively intersections, and last night, Logan Circle was transformed into a midnight picnic spot with pleasant conversation and soft music.

Between the weather and the friendly atmosphere, participants left feeling: "Why can't it always be like this?" And participants taking away the good feeling events like this one seem to engender might reply, "Maybe it can be."

Want to see more? Head to my WTOP flickr page.

Tour de France, Coverage and Cars

2011-07-10T23:57:00.000-04:00

While I work in news, I don't really follow sports. Sure, I listen to our reports on WTOP (we have the best in the business!) but I'm lost when it comes to taking apart the stats and plays.

That said, anyone who rides a bike --no matter how you ride and what you ride--has at least a passing interest in the world-famous Tour de France.

The cycling world has had its share of drama in recent years. I'm talking about the accusations and investigations into doping. But this year, the drama's been provided by what's been happening on the road, not off it. The crashes.

And as someone who gets from point A to point B in the District by bike, I think about the risks I'm taking every time I get on the bike. I think about how I have to anticipate what a motorist will do, what the road conditions may be like and what obstacles may pop up along the way.

But you'd think in the Tour de France, while the riders have to deal with steep climbs and breath-taking descents, cars wouldn't be an issue. Not this year.

It was a French TV vehicle that clipped two riders, reportedly ignoring radio instructions to hang back.

Clearly I have no clue what was going on in the head of that driver...did he think he had to race ahead to the the footage he needed? Who knows. I do know that as a reporter, I've done some dumb, silly things in order to get the sound I needed to make a story or a beat a deadline. We do what we can to get the story. We try not to become the story.

So while I understand the pressures onTV crews in covering a fast-moving event like the Tour de France, I was as stunned as anyone watching. And one cyclist, Jens Voigt, blogged about the day and expressed the thought: Isn't this one arena in which a cyclist should not have to watch out for cars?

One of the cyclists who went down, Dutchman Johnny Hoogerland, displayed class along with guts. He and Juan Antonio Flecha got back on their bikes to finish the day, and according to Le Soir, Hoogerland took a very forgiving tone. His take: "It's nobody's fault." This after he was thrown into the air and landed on his back hung up on barbed wire.

Tough guy, and a magnanimous one too.

Tomorrow's News Today

2011-07-07T23:38:00.002-04:00

Guess what the topic is for Friday morning?
Be sure to tune in @WTOP 103.5 FM and I'll post more after that.
Hint

On The Clock Today

2011-07-06T01:25:00.002-04:00

This was the look on the Prince George's County Council dais after PG Council Member Leslie Johnson (District 6) notified the council members she would be resigning July 31st.

Later, after executive session, they would state that the Council, as a body, wanted Johnson to make her resignation effective immediately. The remaining 8 councilmembers added that they would be revoking her access to her county-issued mobile phone, parking pass, access to county vehicles, etc. They also directed her staff to report to the County Administrator effective immediately. Interestingly, under law, they have no power to compel her to do any of these things. There was discussion of changing that law.

Rain, Rain...

2011-07-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

Lost a colleague at our sister station, WFED. Suzanne Kubota was a tech wizard with an editor's sharp eye, a writer's deft touch, and a comic's timing. She was great and generous soul and could make you laugh so hard your coffee/beer/milk/beverage of choice would come out of your nose.

I have known her since we worked together at both WTOP and WASH-FM back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. How can so much time have gone by? How can someone be here one day, sharing a joke on the way in to work, and then be gone the next?

There are a lot of aching hearts in the WFED/WTOP Hubbard Broadcasting group right now.

When delivering the news to us last night, Joel Oxley, the Senior Regional VP for WTOP/WFED ended with this: "Be safe and please take care of yourselves and those close to you."

So this is one of those days where you hold those you love a little longer, a little tighter, than usual. And tell stories about this wonderful coworker you had...

Don't Talk, Just Listen...

2011-07-02T12:18:00.001-04:00

Ben Sollee from the back of the house @ Iota, a photo by KateRyanWTOP on Flickr.

My job isn't just about talking on the air. It's also about listening. And sometimes, that involves music.

...you've seen--and I hope heard--the interview I did with musician Ben Sollee not long ago on WTOP, 103.5 FM and on this blog. If not, check it out. It was a really nice talk.

Well, I made sure I got to his gig at Iota in Arlington, and yes, I biked there.

Regarding the bike part:
Um, can I just say that leg of the Custis Trail from oh, Nash to Veitch St is not made for my heavy Dutch bike? Wish I'd taken my Jamis. That said, I did burn some calories, so thanks for that.

And folks, is it me? Maybe my expectations about bike-friendly Arlington were too high, but I didn't see many bike parking facilities along the stretch of Wilson Boulevard where Iota is located, just one or two U-stands. Let me know if I simply overlooked something, and I'll know where to look next time.

Ok, but this isn't really about me. Really. It's about the show that Ben Sollee put on. Wow. And I think the crowd was with me on that one.

What struck me was Ben's obvious generosity in sharing the stage with the super-talented Phoebe Hunt, a musician from Austin, TX who was a perfect complement to his style. She was new to me and the pairing made it feel like you got a two-for-one deal with the ticket.

During the interview I did with Ben about his Ditch the Van Tour, he mentioned how they hauled 'the merch', all the stuff usually found at tables as you head into a show.

Like every good musician, Ben Sollee sells tee-shirts, and CD's but unlike many, he also has bikey stuff. I couldn't resist a hand-made bike bell: a little work of art for my lovely Dutch Gazelle bike.

Thanks, Ben Sollee, for a great interview and a great show!

And yes, concert photographers: your jobs are safe. As a reporter on a hard news story, I have no problem making my way to the front of a pack to get the vital sound or--now thanks to the internet--photos--but when folks are trying to enjoy a show? I'm loathe to get in the way.

This Week for WTOP

2011-07-02T11:13:00.002-04:00

IMG_2300.jpg Leslie Johnson 1, a photo by KateRyanWTOP on Flickr.

I reported last week that Leslie Johnson had a plea hearing scheduled for June 30th and would be entering a plea of guilty to charges of witness and evidence tampering.

Daniel Valentine of the Gazette Newspaper in Prince George's got the story ahead of everyone else and had correctly reported that she would likely enter a guilty plea more than a month ago, (credit where credit is due) but that date was delayed.

I got word last week that the June 30th date was a go and broke that. After I reported it, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland issued a press release.

This past Thursday, Mrs. Johnson, a Prince George's County Council member and wife of the former County Executive Jack Johnson, had her day in court. This photo shows her flanked by her attorney Shawn Wright and an unidentified man, heading into the courthouse.

I snapped this photo as Mrs. Johnson walked into federal court. No matter what you think of the person involved in a case like this, I can never help wondering; what is it like--on the basic human level-- to have the experience of walking past a crowd of reporters and photographers, head into a courthouse and stand before a judge?

Mrs. Johnson will be sentenced October 13th. Her husband, who pleaded guilty to taking more than $400,000 in bribes, will be sentenced in September.

Cyclists: Crime Fighters?

2011-06-29T00:42:00.000-04:00

Yes, motorists, I know. There are those cyclists who thread through traffic, endangering themselves and the rest of us. There are those who blow stop signs, rush up on pedestrians on the sidewalk without warning, and just act like jerks. (Just like the driver that cut you off, neglected to signal, or just about rear-ended you while checking their email for the zillionth time.)

But how about this: how about the cyclist as crime-buster?

Here's what made me think of it.

Tuesday, WTOP reported on the case of an attempted rape in Montgomery Village. According to police, a woman was followed, then accosted, then attacked by a man as she walked home. A passing cyclist heard her screams, followed the sound of the commotion, and scared off the assailant.

Back in October of last year, it was a cyclist that witnessed the aftermath of a fatal hit and run in Dupont Circle. That cyclist followed the car that struck 24 year old Kiela Ryan (no relation to this reporter) and got the license plates. That same cyclist followed up with police. The evidence in the case, including that critical bit of information, led to the conviction of the driver, 31 year old Jorida Davidson of Friendship Heights, on a charge of negligent homicide.

What Bike-Riding-Singer-Songwriter-Cellists Do on Tour Down-Time

2011-06-26T14:38:00.001-04:00

...Ben Sollee who spent some time at the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center @ WTOP last month, is in town. He's playing the second of two shows at Iota in Arlington tonight. He took a spin on the Capital Crescent Trail and tweeted about the experience.

I'm hoping he experienced local riders at their polite best. You know, the kind of folks who call out 'Passing on the left', ring the bell, double check for oncoming 'traffic' to make sure they can pass safely. A wave and a smile is nice too.

Do I sound like your mom? Maybe, but manners count. And can keep us all from going home on a gurney. I'm a huge fan of staying intact. So much more fun.

And now it's my turn to get out for a ride.

If you haven't already, check out Sollee's work here.

Catching Up...

2011-06-22T23:23:00.000-04:00

...because I am remiss. I mean, seriously, criminally remiss on the bike-blog front.

Ok, so some links.

I am intrigued by the Grist's Elly Blue's take on why more women don't ride. She argues that it's not, in her artfully put way, 'fear or fashion'. When I talk to working women--especially those with families--I hear one of Blue's arguments: it's time. I'm curious: what do you think?

Ladies, do you want to ride, but feel you need less testosterone along for the trip? City Bikes wants to bring you along...check out their Ladies Ride. Or you can check out the Ladies Night events at various Revolution Cycles locations. Bicycle Space also has lots of events you might want to investigate.

These are not endorsements, honest. Does your shop have something going on the rest of the biking (and wanna-be-biking) world needs to know about? If it's a community-based event and not just a commercial, feel free to let me know.

Speaking of journalistic integrity, I'm also interested in the challenge of verifying a story that's posed by the "biking-while-in-a-skirt" account first reported by Streetsblog. Just because someone repeats her story to a number of people after the fact doesn't make it so. But just because she happens to be an ace-marketer doesn't make it not so. This is one for every newsroom to ponder.

And this from a friend who was hesitant about riding in some areas of DC at first. She e-mails me to say she's been riding to work--3 out of 5 days last week. I could hear how excited and proud she was right through cyberspace. Drivers, do her a favor and as the state highway signs in Maryland say "Please drive gently".

Now drivers, if you hate the idea of yet another cyclist on the road with you? Try to remember, as I do, that one more bike slowing your commute could be one more open parking space down the road.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T12:17:00.000-04:00

OK, this blog is supposed to be bike-centric. But not today.

Today it's about my Dad. The guy who, when I wrote him from Boston that I had stumbled into a volunteer gig writing radio news and decided this is what I wanted to do, fired off a letter to me saying "Some seek jobs in broadcast news; some follow a calling. I'm vain enough (and parent enough) to feel you and I are in the latter group...Welcome to the club!"

Somewhere I have the cassette of my 'coverage' of a Boston mayoral primary--and the live shot he did with me from the station where he was working at the time, WMCA-AM in NYC. I'm pretty sure I was awful. He was nothing but encouraging.

I got a chance to work alongside him and on my first day came home and said "Mom, he's so much easier to work with then he is to live with!" She just looked at me and said "I've been telling people that for years!"

My father gave me a lot of things. Among the things I treasure the most are a love of good stories, respect and compassion people who work hard, and an abiding love of animals.

My father could be remote, but he was also a sucker for critters. He was the one who kept bringing animals into the house; from a tiny tabby kitten found in a supermarket parking lot to the big galoot of a dog he brought home from an Elmsford, NY animal shelter. He got that last one on an assignment for WNBC-TV in New York. I would pull a similar stunt when I went to the Washington Humane Society on a story 19 years ago and came home with the most finicky, silly little cat I ever had.

I lost my Dad over a decade ago now. But I was lucky. Lucky to be able to get to know another side of my very complicated father and learn from him. Lucky enough to see all that I got from him--positive and negative---and come to terms with it. For that I am grateful.

PSC Hearings Case No 9240 Pepco

2011-06-17T01:24:00.002-04:00

PSC Hearings Case No 9240 Pepco, a set on Flickr.

Inside the PSC hearing room in the Schaefer Building in downtown Baltimore. Photos taken during break.

MOCO to Rock the Red (Bikes)

2011-06-15T17:40:00.000-04:00

The little red bikes that did (become popular in DC and NOVA) are coming to MOCO. In a pilot program announced by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, the Capital Bikeshare bikes that have caught on in DC and NOVA will be part of a pilot program involving Montgomery County and the City of Rockville.

Locations proposed so far include the Rockville and Shady Grove Metro stations, Montgomery College, and sites along Route 355/Rockville Pike.

When: "Next year" is as far as county officials can say right now.

How many: 200 bikes and 20 stations

The stated purpose of the bikesharing pilot is, among other things: "Whether bikesharing is feasible outside suburban centers outside a city setting."

Another aim of the program, funded under a federal grant, is to boost the commuting options of low-income workers. Benefits for those taking part under that category: free membership, bike helmets, and safety training.