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Show #693 May 31, 2026

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Guests: Melissa & Chris Bruntlett

Seven years ago, Melissa and Chris Bruntlett gave up their cars, moved to the Netherlands, and have been exploring urban transformations around the world. 

The last time I spoke with Melissa and Chris, back in 2022, they had just published two books, Curbing Traffic and Building the Cycling City.  They didn’t have the opportunity to do the traditional kind of book tour at the time because of the pandemic, but that’s since changed.

In fact, with their kids heading off to college and beyond, and their new book, Women Changing Cities, global stories of urban transformation, just published, they’ve been able to travel and speak about their work in person all over the world.

Their work has led them to so many women who are doing remarkable things in their respective cities, and their stories are both fascinating and inspiring.

Women Changing Cities highlights the stories of nineteen women working in eleven different cities as Melissa and Chris shine the spotlight on what can only be termed a modern transformation of urban thinking.

Our conversation ranges from why women are still not well represented in the planning space of engineering, politics, and architecture, to the astounding fact that only 8% of the 300 largest cities in the world have elected women as mayors.

The explanations of how those things are gradually, but surely, changing are encouraging.

You can find a copy of Women Changing Cities: Global stories of urban transformation, from RIBA.org as well as all your favorite book sellers.  The suggestions in the book, the women who are highlighted, and the beautiful photography that graphically shows some incredible results, will inspire anyone looking for ideas and support to bring to their community for consideration – and hopefully, implementation.

And for more information on what Chris and Melissa are doing next, you can follow them at modacitylife.com.

Transcript_May 31

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Show #692 – May 18, 2026

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Guests: Matt Sturgis, Lance Boucher; Professor Chris Sweet

This is the next episode in our series of great rides around the U.S. for spring and summer 2026. Today, we visit Maine.

Lung diseases affect 35 million people in the U.S. and the American Lung Association is the first stop for advocacy, research, and funding for those people and their families. 

Perhaps you know someone or ARE someone who suffers from a lung disease – whether it be asthma, lung cancer, emphysema, or even allergies associated with the environment. 

The American Lung Association offers many programs as well as advice and will advocate for everyone needing their help with events like the Trek Across Maine as well as a cohort of delegates who speak directly with members of Congress.

Then, there’s the fun of a large group of riders who are not only supporting the fundraising efforts but are enjoying the beauty of the State of Maine with a fully supported 3-day ride. 

The 42nd annual Trek Across Maine – yep – 42 years! – has to be one of if not the longest running event of its kind – a fund raiser as well as what you will hear is almost a family reunion with hundreds of folks, for what promises to be a lovely three-day ride around Maine.. And with a Father’s Day weekend date… it’s a great way to celebrate Dad!

My guests are Matt Sturgis, who has held many positions with the American Lung Association in connection with this ride and other offices around the eastern seaboard, and Lance Boucher, who is the voice of the organization in advocacy and public affairs.

While the Trek Across Maine isn’t the only Lung Association ride, it is their biggest.  If Father’s Day weekend doesn’t work for you, you can find their other events, along with tons of great information at cycleforair.org. 

My second guest today is Professor Chris Sweet.  He’s the Information Literacy and Scholarly Communications Librarian at Illinois Wesleyan University.  His just published book, a History of Bicycling in Illinois: 160 Years of Booms and Busts, goes all the way back to the late 1800’s, tracing the ups and downs of cycling from manufacturing and racing to how bicycles figured into the wars of the 20th century and beyond.

I didn’t think there was so much to learn about the history of bicycles and cycling in Illinois, and I was wrong! 

Professor Chris Sweet,  is also an avid cyclist and a historian.  His research reached back into the late 1800’s to explain the subtitle of his book, 160 years of booms and busts, and brings it right up to the to effects the pandemic had on cycling just a few years ago.

Order your copy from bookshop.org, your local book seller, and of course, your local library!  With this in hand, I think we can learn something about our love for the bicycle and the instability of the bike industry at large.

Transcript_May 18

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Show #691 – May 7, 2026

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Guests: Laura Killingbeck; Carlos Rogers & Robin Morton

I don’t think I’ve met a more fascinating person than adventurer Laura Killingbeck.

For example, how many of us know from a very young age who we are and what we want from life and then follow that desire into adulthood?  Especially when we are talking about a rather solitary and independent life.

Laura Killingbeck is one of those people who DID know, and her story is incredibly compelling.

Laura is a naturalist – a hunter gatherer as she decided very early in life – and she has been on the move, writing and talking about her work, ever since.  

Laura is a force of nature.  She’s an award-winning writer, storyteller, and speaker and I was able to catch up with her while she was getting ready for a new project beginning May 20th.

In conjunction with the Orsa Credit Union, Laura is about to embark on her 2 months-long “Choose the Bear” bike trip around the State of Michigan to raise awareness   and support for survivors of domestic and economic abuse.

It’s just the latest in a long list of amazing adventures that Laura has been pursuing for most of her life.

You can follow Laura at laurakillingbeck.com as well as social media @laurakillingbeck.  The “choose the bear tour” begins on May 20th and runs through July 20th.  For more information, log on to choosethebeartour.org.

Then, in the second half of the show, we take a 180-degree turn when my guests are Carlos Rogers and Robin Morton.  Carlos is one of the partners who owns the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and Robin is the race director.

After a 10-year absence, this iconic and well-loved event is back and just like that, Philadelphia is the proud host of a professional cycling race again.

Mark your calendar then plan your road trip to the city of brotherly love for the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, and it’s going to be a momentous event.

In addition to world-class men’s and women’s pro racing on Philly streets-  with equal prize money for both I might add – there is a festival, a citizen’s time trial, and the joy of being in one of the most interesting and historic cities in the country.

To learn more about the race and keep up with the news on who’s coming to the event, log on to philadelphiacyclingclassic.com. BTW, if you are planning on going, I’d book a hotel sooner rather than later!

Join me next time when I’ll be talking about Trek Across Maine’s long association with the Lung Association, the next episode in our series about interesting rides around the U.S. this summer and fall.

Transcript_May 7

 

 

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Show #690 – April 29, 2026

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Guests: Paul Putman & Jonathan Cain; Paul K.W. Dunt

I don’t know how you feel about trees, but I for one think they may be vastly underrated and WAY more important than people might give them credit for. Although, you as a listener are probably not one of those people!

My guests today, Paul Putman and Jonathan Cain, are here to talk about the annual Tour des Trees, a small and very significant ride taking place this September through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Tour Des Trees is a long-standing ride on the multi-day circuit.  It raises funds for exploration and science while teaching daily along the way.

I learned about the Tour des Trees a few years ago when some of our clients,  who worked for a local tree company, told us they were going to ride this event to celebrate trees! 

Turns out, this ride has been going on for a long time, and it not only celebrates trees, it educates folks along the route AND raises money for tree research.

Scheduled for September 12-18th, and traversing the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a fully supported ride and here to elaborate are Paul Putman, CEO of TREE Fund – he’ll explain that acronym – and Jonathan Cain, the ride director.

 As of this posting, there are already 82 riders signed up, so if you are interested in joining them or just learning more about the ride, go to tourdestrees.org.  

Then, I speak with cyclist and author Paul Dunt.  In the summer of 2014, Paul, who lives in the U.K., came over to the States with a traveling companion to ride the original 4,000+ mile Bikecentennial Trail. His new book, TRANSAM – Cycling Coast to Coast on the Trail that the US Loved first, chronicles his journey across the U.S.and he has some great stories to tell.

This summer, the Adventure Cycling Association will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Bikecentennial Ride back in 1976.  Then, several thousand people took to what has become the “trail that American Loved First,” according to author and cyclist Paul Dunt. 

With the upcoming 50th anniversary of the original Bikecentennial Ride, Transam gives us a thorough look into not only the trail itself, but what he found about the U.S. 12 years ago.

Back in 2014, British riders Paul Dunt and Terry Willer, took “redundancy” – or retirement as we know it here in the States – packed up their bikes and panniers, and came over to ride that trail, using the original ACA paper maps.

Paul and his cycling companion Terry Willer, found the Trail very friendly then, and his comments about the differences between folks in the U.S., where he learned more about someone in half an hour at a gas station stop than in the U.K. where people are much more reserved, were amusing if not quite illuminating!

Not all of their experiences were sweetness and light, but overall, the U.S. showed its best side during their trip.

His new book, TransAm is available now and, with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the original Bikecentennial ride, it might be just the ticket to get you signed up!  If not, it’s at least a great summer read.

Let’s take a short break and when we come back, I ask Paul if he and Terry had any frightening encounters.  You’re listening to TOC.  We’ll be right back.

Today’s episode was the first in a series that will highlight rides in and around the U.S. this spring, summer, and on into fall.

Remember that May is National Bike Month – so, there will be a lot of great opportunities to celebrate by riding your bike!

Transcript_April 29

 

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Show #689 – April 18, 2026

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Guests: Ash Lovell & Matt Moore – Ebikes Part III

As we wrap up our third and final episode on eBikes, Ash Lovell and Matt Moore from People for Bikes take us into some of the legal issues and possible remedies to defining and separating an eBicycle from an eMotorcycle.

When absolutely no state in the country makes it legal to ride an eMoto – because they exceed the attainable speed limit ascribed to an eBicycle – and parents are unwittingly buying them for their kids – we find ourselves in a no-win situation.

Many of these non-bicycle bikes are getting through customs without any scrutiny – and no one seems to know how or why that is happening.

As Ash and Matt explain, People for Bikes is working feverishly to craft legislation to take to D.C. as well as for individual States, and to find a way to inform the public.  All daunting tasks.

On a positive note, there is finally a bill that was introduced on the House Floor – The Safe Speeds Act. HR7839 – that will define an eBike as well as get the CPSC involved – which is paramount to seeing safety standards enforced.

You can always find out what is happening with legislation, policy, infrastructure, and more at peopleforbikes.org. And please consider contacting your Congressperson and letting him/her know that you want to see House bill 7839 fast-tracked. 

On our next episode, we’ll begin a series on upcoming events around the U.S. this spring and summer including the annual Tour des Trees, a bike-to-work event in the D.C. area, the Lung Association’s 43rd annual Trek Across Maine, and a review of a great new book, TRANSAM by Paul Dunt.

Transcript_April 18

 

 

 

 

 

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Show #688 – April 9, 2026

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Guest: Larry Pizzi – eBikes Part II

Before we get to our guest, I want to give a HUGE shoutout to our very own Bike Cleveland Executive Director, Jacob VanSickle.  Jacob was named Professional Advocate of the Year by the League of American Bicyclists at the National Bike Summit a couple of weeks ago.

Jacob has taken what was the fledgling Bike Cleveland organization and put it on the national stage in many ways.  Our cycling experiences here in NE Ohio have been immensely enhanced by his leadership.  Congratulations Jacob!!!

Photo Credit-levassociation.com

In this, the second in our series on eBikes, I speak with Larry Pizzi,.  Larry is the president of Pedego, a long-time senior executive in the e‑bike industry, and an active participant in national policy and advocacy efforts, collaborating with brands, dealers, and organizations like PeopleForBikes.

While Larry’s views don’t particularly contradict those of Hans Rey, who was my guest in the first of this series, they do bring up important aspects of the conversation that Hans and I didn’t cover.

Larry and I have known each other for a long time, and he too offers his

opinions about eBikes and what we – specifically the industry – need to be thinking and doing so that access to eBikes remains viable for everyone – not just riding on trails.

Larry has laid out his “call to action” plan for us around three points: safety, access, and innovation.

Here is the link to Larry’s letter in Bicycle Retailer and the Mineta study.

Coming up in our third and final eBike conversation, People for Bikes’ Matt Moore and Ash Lovell will lay out the strategies that the organization is exploring and implementing for taking on many of these issues around eBikes – legislation, enforcement, definitions, and more.

In a final note of passing, I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and express a profound sadness everyone in our bicycle world is feeling at the passing of Tim Blumenthal.  Tim was a pioneering voice in our bicycle world for his journalism, broadcasting, and advocacy.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Here is the link to the obituary. 

Transcript_April 9

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Show #687 – March 31, 2026

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Guest: Hans “No Way” Rey – eBikes 

This episode of the show is Part I of a series about eBikes and the ongoing issues surrounding their definition, usage, regulation, and legislation – all topics of controversy and conversation.

So many people, companies, policymakers, and organizations stand to find themselves negatively impacted as the definition and regulation of the category becomes mired in misunderstanding and frankly, fear.

eBikes, as first defined, were bicycles with a pedal assist motor without a throttle that would help flatten out the hills and offer a boost for a weary rider attaining speeds of up to 20mph. 

Over the years, other so-called eBikes have been introduced to the market and now we have machines that can reach speeds topping 50mph with no pedaling capabilities.  

These have been termed eMotos by some, but out in the “real world” the distinction between the two is being blurred and undesirable consequences are beginning to become apparent.

Today’s conversation is with mountain bike luminary Hans “No Way” Rey.  Hans is an Ambassador for Bosch, probably the largest manufacturer of quality eBike “motors” on the market.  Hans is also one of our bicycle world’s icons – stretching back several decades as a wild and exciting mountain bike trials rider.

Over his career, Hans has won a large number of bike trials riding championships including German, Swiss, and USA National Champion – to name a few. 

Much less known though is his long-time interest in eBikes – as far back as 1997 when he converted one of his regular bikes with a bionic rehab motor. 

Today, Hans is deeply concerned about the ever-escalating power of motors that are becoming so prevalent as to make some communities outright ban the entire category of electric bicycles. He notes that just putting a crank on the bike and calling it an eBike is not working – that these over-powered machines are NOT bicycles at all.

On March 1st, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News published Hans’ open letter to the industry voicing his concerns about eBikes and the need to define the category, also asking the industry to heed the need for action as the more power eMoto bikes begin to gain popularity and what the consequences of non-action could be.

We talk about the definitions of eBikes, what the industry needs to be thinking, and where the responsibility for making these determinations lies.

Over the next few weeks, I will be following up my conversation with Hans with several other important bicycle industry stakeholders, all of whom are hoping to bring together a clear and effective pathway to keeping eBikes from being regulated into oblivion.

Transcript_March 31

 

 

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Show #686 – March 13, 2026

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Guest: Professor John Surico

design: River Quinn Jensen

I really love having the chance to talk with my NYC friend and colleague John Surico – Professor Surico actually.

Today, John joins me from his local coffee shop, so you’ll hear a bit of background chatter at times, but the conversation is – as always – enlightening.  And, I don’t mind a bit of ambient noise.

As many of my listeners know, my conversations with John are focused on his work in NYC, where he was born and raised and where he teaches, writes, and works on a great many projects, including his monthly Substack column, Streetbeat.  I’m pretty sure he doesn’t sleep.

As we reported in the past, many cycling and walking projects that were in the works – whether shovel ready, already in process, or even completed, are being shut down or even torn up. The administration in D.C. thinks bike lanes are “ugly” and a waste of money. 

Case-in-point is the already in place bike lane on Arizona Avenue which was reduced to painted lines from a separate protected lane, sparking a debate between federal policies and local transportation needs. And on it goes.

John and I talk about how congestion pricing has worked so well that, using a newly coined term, there is a space dividend – meaning things are opening up with less traffic, pollution, better safety, and the extra space created – so what can we do with that?

We begin our conversation with the snow-ma-geddon winter storm, how the new Mayor of NY handled it, and how Lyft’s much relied upon Citibike system was impacted.

After the break,  John and I will dive into the ongoing dilemma of eBikes and the impact of the higher-powered Class II and III bikes that, frankly, aren’t bicycles at all.  

In our ongoing conversations about NYC’s cycling and walking culture, we often see what the future might look like elsewhere in the country.  My sense is that today was no different and, in fact my next several episodes will focus on eBike issues and the bicycle industry’s role in making sure that an eBike is truly a bicycle!

If you want to know what is happening in NYC and beyond as it pertains to urban culture, subscribe to John’s Substack Streetbeat.  It’s a monthly compilation of the work he is doing as well as some networking opportunities.  I always find it enlightening and interesting. You can find him at streetbeat.substack.com. 

My next episode features the iconic mountain bike star Hans Rey in a heartfelt conversation about eBikes and the consequences he sees if we don’t act on some clarification of terms and the industry doesn’t push for them.

March 13_Transcript

 

 

 

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Show #685 February 25, 2026

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Guest: Joe Lindsey

I wanted to get this episode up before Omloop– the first European One-Day Classic this coming Saturday.

Indeed, it’s Spring Classics time and as always, I turn to my bike racing expert, Joe Lindsey, the managing director of Escape Collective, for his knowledge and insights.

Interestingly enough, as many times as we’ve spoken over the years, it never occurred to me to define certain terms until now!  

And so, we begin this early spring conversation with a few definitions such as – what is a classic?  Which races are termed Monuments and what does that mean? And, why are the cobbled races so difficult?

And, why hasn’t Tadej Pogacar won all 5 of the Monuments? Which women should we watch? And how about the exciting 4th place TdF finisher Oscar Onley?  What’s he up to for 2026?

We chat about team rider changes, bad-fan behavior, and whether state-sponsored teams are a good idea.

We delve into some of the questions that arose for me out of the protests at last year’s Tour of Spain and how racing might be changing in this time of short-attention spans and instant news.

Log on to escapecollective.com for great stories, interviews, racing updates, and more.  And, you can find Joe’s “brief guide to how to watch racing this year”  Better yet – join!

My thanks to you for listening.  Even though there is still a LOT of snow on the ground and cold weather in the forecast, March 1st is literally around the corner, and the time change is following close behind.

If your bike is still hanging from the rafters or stuffed into a nook in the garage or basement, you might want to check it out for flat tires, loose headset, worn out handlebar tape, frayed wires, and any other thing you said – “I’ll fix next spring.”  It’s next spring! 

And, give your local bike shop a heads up because I can tell you from years of experience, that first 60 degree day brings chaos and long service time waits!

Lastly, I want to say thank you to those who offered up a donation to WJCU’s annual Radiothon.

Years ago, when I first started my show at WJCU, the hopes were to top $50K in donations. 

Well baby, look at us now.  This year, we topped $108K – just a phenomenal record.  Here’s a BIG shout-out to all the DJ’s who work so hard to produce their shows and to Jasen S. for his outstanding management of the station.  I’m honored to be part of it.

Transcript_ February 25 2026

 

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Show #684 – February 8, 2026

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Guests: Caron Whitaker; Andy McGrath

I have a bit of housekeeping before we get to our two great guests today.

First – it’s WJCU’s annual fundraiser – RADIOTHON! This year’s theme “Carrying the Torch for College Radio,” is particularly pertinent as another well-loved local college station was recently sold and converted to our local NPR affiliate for a jazz format, much to the disappointment of Cleveland State University! 

But WJCU – 88.7on your FM dial here in NE Ohio, is alive and well.  The station is the on-air voice of John Carroll University and has been the gracious host for The Outspoken Cyclist since our very first show in September of 2010. 

At that time, we produced the podcast as a companion to our one-hour radio show. Eventually we phased out the radio show and continued to offer the podcast. Now, 16 years and 683 shows later, we are so honored that WJCU has seen fit to continue to partner with us.

Here’s just a little bit about why I’m so proud to be a part of WJCU.  The station is the reigning International Student Broadcasting Championship People’s Choice Radio Station and College Media Association Pinnacle Awards Small College Audio Outlet of the Year. It has established itself as a worldwide leader in college radio.

SO – All of this is said in the hopes that you will help support their work, which in turn gives me the platform I am so honored to have. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the station.  All the money raised during Radiothon goes directly to the station – not the University. 

Just log on to WJCU.org and click the pledge button.  Make sure you let them know you are an Outspoken Cyclist listener too!  And, thanks!

Item #2 is about my conversation with Maynard Hershon and his new book, The Dysfunctional Cycling Club.  I neglected to give you a way to contact Maynard directly: You can find him at buymeacoffee.com and search for Maynard Hershon.

Okay – let’s get to it.

My show this week includes a conversation with Caron Whitaker, the Deputy Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.

With the upcoming re-authorization of the Transportation Bill this fall – well, the supposed re-authorization – there is the opportunity to include a bill that would require automobile manufacturers to incorporate automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that reliably detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users in real-world conditions — day and night.

Its goal is simple: ensure lifesaving technology that actually works for everyone, before crashes happen.

Caron also walks us through the Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act  along with information on the upcoming National Bike Summit.  

Caron gives us a Cliff’s Notes Course on that bill and what else is happening in Washington as well as how we can help.

My second guest is Andy McGrath.  Andy is an award-winning freelance journalist, and he began our conversation with a super fun fact – he’s a triplet!

I’ve only ever known one other set of triplets; their Mom was a client of ours.  Such a cool fact!

 Andy McGrath’s career as an author pretty much began with an award winning book – Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire, which won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2017.

Anyway, Andy has written a biography of Tadej Pogacar titled “Unstoppable.”   An apt title if there ever was one, yes?

And I think our conversation has to be one of my all-time favorites.  Andy is thoughtful, forthright, and has truly done his due diligence in authoring this book.  I think you’ll agree.

He’s a former editor of Rouleur magazine, worked at Cycling Weekly and Cycle Sport, and has written on cycling for the Guardian, the Telegraph, and Financial Times.

Hi new book, Unstoppable, is the first biography of the cycling sensation, Tadej Pogocar.  Deeply and carefully researched, Andy covers the champion and his development over the years from Tadej’s beginnings as a small child in Slovenia to his meteoric rise as the 4-time winner of the Tour de France.

 

 

Transcript_February 8