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!

I just got back from an 8-day business trip to Las Vegas. In my opinion, 8 days is about 5 too many in Sin City, and yet every year for the last eleven, Vegas is where you can find me holding down Jewelry Market Week. I left Betty locked up in front of my apartment, praying she'd be there safe and sound when I got back, and sad to be apart from her for so long.

My heart is pounding, I'm sweating, my knees are wobbly, I'm in serious oxygen debt, and I haven't even unlocked my bicycle yet. This is me every time I decide to take Betty out. Betty, my white cruiser with pink and silver flames that I bought 6 years ago that has since lived in a storage unit in my sister's basement. When I first got Betty, I had such high hopes for us. I envisioned riding to work every day from the apartment I shared with my then boyfriend in Nolita to my then office on 26th Street. I could already see my fabulous legs and how amazing they'd look in stilettos. I even resisted getting a helmet because for me, like so many things in my life, Betty was an exercise in vanity.

We're thrilled to announce that the Biking Rules newsfeed will now be featuring some postings by a guest blogger: a newly converted cyclist named Michelle Orman. Be sure to look out for some regularly updated postings here in the coming days!

Michelle Orman is President of Last Word Communications, Senior
Merchandising Director of Portero Luxury, a pre-owned luxury goods website, and self-proclaimed "Cruise Director". While she's not getting fabulous fashions into the pages of magazines, creating brand strategies or planning amazing parties
for clients, she's on the hunt for authentic, stylish, pre-owned jewelry, watches and accessories for Portero.com. In her "free" time she enjoys hanging with her nieces and nephew and with the rest of her crazy family. Oh, and she has a ferocious appetite for literature, red wine and dance party USA.  

Biking Rules handbooks have now been translated to Spanish! Civic cycling is contagious, and now the message can be read by an even more diverse array of NYC cyclists. Look out for a Chinese version of the handbook, coming soon!

Ever approach an intersection on your bike, when suddenly a car beside you decides to turn, forcing you to stop and wait before continuing on your way? Confused about who has the right of way in that situation? Don't be! Bikes are vehicles, and most drivers know to yield to vehicles going straight when they want to make a turn. Be big in intersections--make eye contact with motorists, and let them know you are headed straight on.

Check out the most recent letter to Biking Rules to read about one cyclist's confusion over this rule--and Biking Rules' reply, clarifying any confusion over how to behave in this situation.

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