Mobile Apptitude

Back in June, I posted on how cyclists can use their cameraphones to clear the bike lanes of cars. I am happy to announce that the City of Belmont has just made parking illegal on Ralston Avenue (thank you!). Hopefully, this means no more cars blocking the bike lane. A victory for cyclists and mobile activism by cameraphone!!!

Our work is not done, sadly. Cyclists with cameraphones have moved on to yet another very important goal – improving conditions for cyclists on Caltrain.

Caltrain is the main commuter rail service between San Jose and San Francisco. Caltrain has special bike cars where cyclists can store their bikes. This makes it easier to get to and from the station sans gasoline. As interest in bike/train commuting has grown, however, cyclists have faced challenges in using this service – 1) cyclists still get “bumped” from trains when the bike cars are already full; and 2) cyclists are often forced to sit on the floor, stand, or sit away from their bikes as there is insufficient seating in the bike cars.

My CREDO Mobile Blackberry Curve is again a great tool for documenting and drawing attention to problems. I can take pictures or videos of bikers forced to sit on the floor. I can then post them to our “Cyclists for a Better Caltrain” group on Facebook and share them with other activists, decision makers, and the press. I can also point out when the conductors have done something fabulous that makes bikers more comfortable and helps the trains run on schedule.

If you are a cyclist who rides Caltrain, please join our group on Facebook. IF you are looking to join up with other bike activists, make sure to join the incredible San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Strength in numbers!

Bikers sitting on the stairs and standing due to a lack of seats