I've heard that dogs are a great way to meet men, but I've never really been a dog person. As it turns out, riding Betty on a balmy day, wearing a dress and helmet, is turning out to be quite the guy magnet!

Having determined that Betty isn't just a bike, but a lifestyle, I was psyched when I got back from all of my recent travels to find out I'd convinced yet another friend to get a bike. This one lives in Park Slope (the others are in Williamsburg and Manhattan), which makes my bike-buddy prospects that much more realistic. I went straight from Las Vegas, after three days in the office, to a family reunion in Colorado, so this weekend was my first in Brooklyn in a long time. I woke up Saturday morning and bounded out of bed, excited to Betty around Brooklyn!

This Thursday a small group of naysayers will be gathering to speak out against the new, safer Prospect Park West street design. Specifically, they will be protesting the new two-way protected bike lane and pedestrian safety improvements. We know -- how can anyone be against improved safety for children, families and park users? We are confident that the supporters of the new and safer Prospect Park West far outnumber those that oppose it, and we're hoping that you will join us to show your support for these changes in Brooklyn and for communities all over the city.

What: Park Slope Neighbors' Bike Ride and Walk in support of the new Prospect Park West bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements

When: 8AM, Thursday, October 21st

Where: Meet up at Grand Army Plaza

 Via Gawker

Contrail is a tool for developing bicycle communities. As you ride, contrail leaves a faint chalk line behind your bike. The goal is to encourage a new cycle of biking participation by allowing the biking community to leave a unique mark on the road and to reclaim this crucial shared space.

The old cycle: More cars on the road = more perceived danger for bikers = fewer bikers on road = even more cars on the road.

The new cycle: A few bicyclists ride with contrail a couple times per week = faint lines on the road inspire curiosity and remind bikers where it's safe to ride = new bikers are encouraged to ride and use contrail = contrail lines get brighter as community grows.

Such a cool idea! Via BikeContrail