Create the change
Our theme for this edition, “The time is now,” was inspired by reflecting on the legendary Jobst Brandt rides of the ‘70s — and the raw, intense night-riding of the Wolfpack Hustle. It’s easy to look back at those eras and feel like we “missed it.” But it’s important to remember that the epic pulse of adventure is currently alive anywhere we look for it: in every solo push up a coastal climb, in every Fat Cake Club city loop. The best time to contribute to the grand narrative of our community — and create your own memories — is right now.
The same spirit of “past as prologue” defines our dive into the true history of the Great Highway. We look at how San Francisco’s recent vote to create a permanent park isn’t a radical departure, but a return to the road’s 1870s roots as a scenic promenade for people, not a high-speed cut-through for cars.
In this issue, we also visit the Wiggle to chat with Phil of Pink Puffin Bicycles, a mechanic who balances new fatherhood with a mission to keep the city’s bike scene inclusive and well-lubricated.
We provide our takeaways from a landmark study on e-bike safety, using new data to understand why the “e-bike epidemic” in the headlines doesn’t match the reality of what’s happening in our streets.
Whether you’re gearing up for the morning commute or training for your next epic, remember that adventure is right outside your front door.
Hoping you keep the rubber side down,
Miles B. Cooper, Maryanne B. Cooper, Bob Mionske,
and everyone at Bicycle Law
The SF Wolfpack Hustle hunting Strava KOMs by night. Photo: John Maniquis / @john.maniquis