5 Beneficial Resources For Cycling Enthusiasts

Edited by Ezvid Wiki Editorial on 27 May 2020

Riding a bike is something adults and kids can enjoy, whether for recreation, sport, or transportation. But two things can cause serious problems: poorly-maintained gear and unsafe streets. We've collected a list of both organizations that promote safe practices and suppliers of reliable bicycles so you can feel confident getting on the road. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

5 Helpful Resources For Cyclists

Name Description
The Bicycle Escape Family owned and operated bike shop in Frederick, MD, with bicycle sales, rentals, service, and all manner of gear
Bicycling Around Minnesota Non-profit organization that operates four-day tours aimed at moderate to experienced cyclists that showcase the scenic bikeways system of Minnesota
Mariposa Toronto-based manufacturer that builds road, mountain, city, touring, and track rides, along with custom paint jobs and restorations
Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation Statewide organization that works to support and protect the rights and interests of cyclists and pedestrians, and to make Missouri a better, safer place for bicycling, walking, and trails
Bicycle Coalition of Maine Strives to expand biking in Maine, improve bike and pedestrian safety, pass bike- and ped-friendly laws, and spread the love of being active to children and adults alike

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In Depth

With climate change on the rise, many people are looking for car-free ways to get around town. The bicycle is one of the best options available: it's relatively inexpensive, speedy, and allows riders to get in some exercise. It's no wonder that so many casual cyclists become obsessed, journeying on multi-day bike rides throughout the world. If this describes you, here, in no particular order, are a number of resources to consider.

Our #1 entry is The Bicycle Escape, a family owned and operated bike shop in Frederick, Maryland. This mom-and-pop retail store has been voted one of America's best bike shops by the National Bicycle Dealers Association. If you're visiting the Frederick area and need a temporary ride, they rent out various styles, including road, mountain, hybrid, or BMX.

In addition to rentals, The Bicycle Escape sells bikes and all related gear. It also sells clothing for cycling, food to fuel you on your long rides, and racks and bags for lugging all kinds of cargo. Also, the team prides itself on its ability to restore older cycles by cleaning rusty frames and re-upholstering the saddles.

Also, the team prides itself on its ability to restore older cycles by cleaning rusty frames and re-upholstering the saddles.

Coming in at #2 is the Bicycling Around Minnesota tour, which has offered four-day bicycle treks since 2006. The goals of these tours are to promote Minnesota's scenic byway system, fitness, tourism, and bicycling as transportation. The rides, aimed at moderate to experienced cyclists, cover 60 to 80 miles each day with overnight stays in four host cities.

In 2006, Bicycling Around Minnesota held its inaugural ride with 30 participants, who rode from Park Rapids to Walker and Longville before returning to the start. Now, the bike tours sell out quickly, and over 200 bikers from around the country participate. The registration cost of $350 covers camping, several meals, maps, and mechanical support.

For #3, we have Mariposa, a bicycle-making company based in Toronto. Mariposa does custom builds to the buyer's specifications: every tube angle, material, and component selection is made with the rider in mind. The company was started in 1969 by Mike Barry and John Palmer, two active cyclists. Mariposa's bike builders and owners have raced in both the Tour de France and the Olympics and toured extensively throughout the world.

Mariposa's bike builders and owners have raced in both the Tour de France and the Olympics and toured extensively throughout the world.

Mariposa organizes custom cycling tours for private groups in Costa Brava, Spain, the Spanish Pyrenees, the French Pyrenees, and the Priorat Wine Country. In addition, the company organizes custom pro level training camps in various destinations. The downtown Toronto shop offers maintenance and repairs for bicycle owners, including spoke replacement and fork installation.

The #4 entry is the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation, a not-for-profit. The Federation was formed in 1994 with the goal of supporting and protecting the rights and interests of bicyclists and pedestrians in Missouri. Every year the group holds a summit to discuss ideas for making communities more active, vibrant, healthy, and economically sustainable through bicycling, walking, and trails.

The Federation organizes to pass legislation and influence state spending. "Missouri Complete Streets" is one example: it advocates for street design to be planned with all users in mind: motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, people of all ages, including children and the elderly, and people of all levels of ability and disability.

The Federation organizes to pass legislation and influence state spending.

The last entry, #5, is the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, which works to make the Pine Tree state a better place to bike and walk. The Coalition strategizes to influence political decisions at the federal, state, and local levels. It has helped enact a law that requires safer and clearer rules about yielding to pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks.

The coalition organizes BikeMaine every year, a multi-day bicycling journey throughout the state. The event was founded to promote Vacationland as a hub of alternative transit and to use cycling as an economic development tool for local communities. Proceeds from the event support BikeMaine host communities and the Bicycle Coalition's cycling and pedestrian initiatives.