Bike to Work Day proves that two wheels are better than four

Making the decision to go green and ride a bike to work can be daunting, but there’s no better time to take the plunge than on Bike to Work Day. Judging from the crowds on Thursday, it seems like a lot of people did indeed take that plunge. A single glance at the street said it all: cyclists are a force to be reckoned with, and the number of cyclists throughout the Bay Area is rising every year.  ”About two years back on Bike to Work Day, they recorded more bikes crossing Van Ness on Market than cars.  And it’s definitely bigger this year.” said Dan, a San Francisco Bike Coalition volunteer.

This year, 73 percent of overall traffic at that intersection was bike traffic. That breaks down to about 17 cyclists per minute, according to the SF Bike Coalition. The Coalition is definitely taking advantage of those numbers to create positive change for the cyclists the coalition represents. This year, commuters were encouraged to sign a petition urging the city to create seamless bike lanes. “One hundred miles of bike lanes by 2020″ was the rallying cry of the day.  More specifically, the SF Bike Coalition is pushing for dedicated bike lanes on Oak and Fell, which, as any Wiggle regular could tell you, would definitely be a champagne- and fireworks-worthy event.

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Posted on May 14th, 2012 in Community Partners, Cycling | Comments (0)

Join the Basement for the Amgen Tour of CA

The Amgen Tour of California rolls past (or near) three of our stores on its way through Northern California next week, and we’re stoked to have a front row seat for some of the action. Want to join us? Here are the details on our cheer squads and other events.

While we don’t have a store near the Tour kickoff in Santa Rosa, SB co-founder Tom Phillips will be watching the action from a couple of local watering holes. You can find him Sunday morning at the  Sweet Spot Pub,  619 Fourth St., and in the afternoon at the Toad in the Hole, 116 5th St.  Tom says, “Track me down at either and we’ll have a pint. If you’re wearing a Sports Basement shirt I might even buy you that pint!”

On Monday, May 14, watch the start of Stage 2 action from in front of Sports Basement in the Presidio. We’ll have a cheer squad set up on Old Mason Street from 10:30am-11:30am. Bring your noisemakers and homemade signs to cheer on the pros as they fly by the store on their way down the coast. Get there by 11am so you don’t miss the lead pack. We’ll have some snacks and caffeine to share. RSVP here so we know how much coffee to order.

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Posted on May 11th, 2012 in Cycling, Events | Comments (0)

Springing into cycling with new bikes in our fleet!

It’s bike week at the Basement, and we’re excited to announce the addition of Ibis to our bike fleet, just in time for the start of spring and cycling season.  We’ve also got new BMC bikes at all our stores;  the latest technology with Cannondale’s Ultegra Di2 Supersix road bike;  and the ECS-TC suspension on the Jekyll mountain bikes.

Ibis produced the first carbon full-suspension frame and they continue to design killer carbon frames that eat trails and have the perfect blend of power and control. Ibis pays special attention to their ride quality. Before releasing any of their bikes, Ibis puts them through extensive testing, both in Santa Cruz, CA, where the company is based, and with international pro riders.
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Posted on May 8th, 2012 in Cycling | Comments (0)

How to be a universally adored bike commuter

We all know bikes are awesome. A leisurely bike ride down a sun-dappled lane in the park sounds like the best Sunday ever, doesn’t it? But avoiding wheel-crushing potholes and staying safe on traffic-filled streets? Well, that sounds just a teensy bit harrowing. Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 10, so maybe this is the time to get out there, face your fears and take a chunk out of your carbon footprint. Turn your commute from dangerous to delightful with the help of our very own Basement bike experts, here to provide a few tips and tricks to help you on your way to a fitter, happier more eco-friendly commute.

It probably goes without saying, but obeying basic traffic laws will make your commute a zillion times safer. And, you know, probably help you avoid expensive traffic tickets. Always:

• Pass on the left.
• Announce your intention to pass. “On your left!”
• Signal your turns ahead of time, with your left hand – straight out for left, and up at a right angle for right. Check out a photo demonstration here.
• Stop at stoplights and stop signs.

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Posted on May 7th, 2012 in Cycling | Comments (0)

Make SB part of your Bike to Work Day travels

Bike to Work Day is on Thursday, May 10. Are you heading to work (or school) on two wheels? We’ll be at events throughout the Bay Area. Stop by and say hi!

Bryant Street Store
SB Bryant Street mechanics will be doing free bike maintenance at Valencia and 17th streets from 7:30am-9:30 am; and at Embarcadero and Broadway from 5pm-7pm. Come by to ask questions, get maintenance tips, or just to check out the goodie bags.

Our Bryant Street Store will also be hosting its twice-a-month City Ride on Thursday, leaving from 15th and Bryant streets at 6:30pm. This week’s route will pass many of the city’s Bike to Work stations. For more information, email crheins@sportsbasement.com.
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Posted on May 5th, 2012 in Community Partners, Cycling | Comments (0)