STORYLINE Bikeramento Week Launches on the Pedals of the Amgen Tour of California

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Last night, the Bikeramento founders ride over to Bicyle Chef's new digs on 33rd and N St off Folsom Boulevard.   It's after hours and Ed Cox presents the documentary, Return of the Scorcher, which inspired the term "critical mass."

Christopher Davis-Murai, owner of Bicycle Chef, tosses the keys to the Sac Cycle Chic to close up.   There's a free tasting of Two Rivers Cider.  They whip out the screen and the youngest member of the crew, Violet queries, "What's that, papa?"

Once upon a time in the 1890's, bicycles are seen as the fastest mode of travel, scorchers.  "What is progress?" asks Ed Cox, the city's alternative transportation coordinator. 

It's the Return of the Scorcher. "Is the American obsession with automobiles moving us forward or backward?" wonders Lorena Beightler.  

This film captures the essence of our quandary: what is quality of life?  Conversations and photography meander from China to the Netherlands, Denmark back to the United States.  Around the world, people aspire to emulate American consumer culture, but the majority of the world cannot afford a car so bicycles remain at the center of transporation.

How can Sacramento help lead a positive movement back to the bicycle?  How can we prioritize and experiment with bikeability and walkability as the centerpieces of transportation infrastructure and strategy as billions in economic aid arrive on California's Capitol doorsteps? 

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It's late in the afternoon on Friday and the rain pours deeply onto the beautiful tree-lined streets.  From the second story window of Capsity Offices, one can see our rich urban tapestry intertwined with nature's canopy.  Sacramento is one of the most livable cities in America and Midtown clearly illustrates why.

Bikeramentans scurry up and down the stairs preparing to transform the back parking lot into a bicycle-friendly sanctuary. 

At 5:30 p.m. the team will gather to lead a community ride from Sutter's Fort.  The sun gleams through the skyline giving hope for a brief respite to allow for festivities.  

Dressing the bikes up in swirling, flashing lights, whoever gathers will be 1,000 Spokes of Light rain or shine.  Join them at 7 p.m. for a celebration in the alley of 2321 P Street.   Help raise money for bicycle for needy children so that Bikeramento can raise the number of bicycles per capita, one measurement on the trek toward becoming a world-class bicycle destination.  

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Tomorrow brings the Amgen Tour of California and the patio of the Buckhorn Grill calls out to waiting fans of the largest bicycle race in the United States.  Come for the food, the scene, and the prizes at 18th and L Street from 1-4 p.m.  See you there.

Be the change.

 

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