Swines On A Train

Joe Biden says stay off public transportation. Ummm, really?

"I would tell members of my family -- and I have -- I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now. It's not that it's going to Mexico in a confined aircraft where one person sneezes, that goes all the way through the aircraft," Biden said on NBC's "Today" show.

"That's me," he said.

"I would not be, at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway," he said. "From my perspective, this relates to mitigation. If you're out in the middle of the field and someone sneezes, that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft, a closed container, a closed car, a closed classroom, that's another thing."

Sigh ... Pig Flu or whatever it's called now, is not "the one." Biden & his family probably never use public transportation and it shows that he's way out of touch with the world to tell hard working people NOT to go earn a living. Ride the trains/bus, etc. wear a mask if it makes you feel better. Carry on, please.

Gocycle = Easier Transit Commutes

Indirectly related to public transportation, Gocycle is launching in the UK. Their lightweight electric bike is targeting would-be bike commuters who are put off by the thought of turning up to work with the smell of the morning ride baked into their clothing. It also folds up easily, so if you are riding it to the "L"/subway/trolley station, you can pack it into the bag and get on without any hassle from transit employees.

I remember seeing bike riders in the afternoon commute in Chicago's "L" stations being told: "Don't even think about bringing that bike on here." Let's hope this catches fire in the UK & also here in the states as more public transportation is encouraged.

From Springwise:

Designed by former F1 design engineer Richard Thorpe, using an injection-molded, lightweight magnesium alloy that's stronger than plastic, at a fraction of the price of carbon fiber. The bike’s chain is completely encased—so no grease on trousers—and side-mounted wheels allow a flat to be changed in a matter of minutes. Gocycle also disassembles into a soft bag or white hard case for portability and easy storage in small apartments.

For a bike of its size and weight, Gocycle’s most innovative feature is the micro-sized electric motor in its front wheel hub, which switches on with the push of a button. An in-frame battery pack holds 20 minutes worth of power; more than enough to help cyclists up a hill without breaking into a sweat.

Launching - Watch The Closing Doors

I started this blog as way for me to put out + share cool info on the changing face of public transportation and the technology, art, science, politics, etc. that draw from it. Having lived in Chicago for awhile, I know both the benefits and hardships associated with this shared communal experience. I hope whoever finds and reads will take something away and share it with anyone they feel is interested.

I thought I'd share one of the coolest things (I think) in terms of spreading the word on Subway Art for my kick off: The Subway Art Guide showing where you should go to see some of the best in "underground" works.