Most communities require that bicyclists use some type of front and/or rear bike light on their rides after dark. In addition to the legal aspects, it's just plain common sense.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WADA) reports that half of all bicycling fatalities occur after dark involving bicycles without lights, although only 3% of bike rides occur at night.

To raise awareness about nighttime safety issues, bicycling associations are giving away free front and rear bike light sets. I've spotted upcoming giveaways in Washington DC, Seattle and Portland. ...   more »

Using a wobbly bicycle, peasant farmer Kalifan Keita is traveling from village to village around Mali to test children for malaria and distribute drugs to those who are sick.

Irin News, a UN publication, says Keita is a volunteer in one of 18 communities that are part of a pilot project being run by the non-governmental organisation [NGO] Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in a malaria-endemic region of Mali.

"He is achieving in Mali what the government and decades of Western aid have largely failed to do ...   more »

An importer is recalling about 5,700 disc brakes typically mounted on mountain bikes.

Perigeum Development, doing business as Formula Brake USA, is recalling the Oro disc brakes because the brake's lever can separate, causing loss of braking ability. Six reports of failures have resulted in no injuries.

The brakes, manufactured by Italy-based Formula SRL, were sold at bicycle specialty stores ...   more »

Where's the bicycle market headed?

The Wall Street Journal reports that custom bicycles -- with pricetags upwards of $10,000 -- are the new rage for bike makers seeking to push up their bottom line.

Meanwhile, the Boston Globe says that "simple cycling" is the way to go. The style manifests itself in the line of easy-to-ride bicycles that use the automatic shifting Coasting system developed by Shimano ...   more »