Michael Barry
@michaelibarry.bsky.social
Cycling, writing, and building with
@mariposabikes. Retired pro cyclist, author, 3 x Olympian.
@mariposabikes. Retired pro cyclist, author, 3 x Olympian.
Reposted by Michael Barry
“Survey after survey has shown that business owners overestimate how many customers drive to their stores vs walking or biking. In a 2012 Los Angeles study, more than half of the store owners on the bike-laned part of the boulevard thought most of their customers drove. The actual number was 15%.”
I read all the studies on the economic impact of bike lanes. Here's what I learned.
Research proves that bike lanes are good for business. So why do so many stores and restaurants still oppose them?
www.businessinsider.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:41 AM
“Survey after survey has shown that business owners overestimate how many customers drive to their stores vs walking or biking. In a 2012 Los Angeles study, more than half of the store owners on the bike-laned part of the boulevard thought most of their customers drove. The actual number was 15%.”
Reposted by Michael Barry
Three teenagers riding side by side, chatting and sharing gum because protected cycle tracks make this kind of freedom safe, normal and enables social life.
December 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Three teenagers riding side by side, chatting and sharing gum because protected cycle tracks make this kind of freedom safe, normal and enables social life.
Reposted by Michael Barry
My friend works on a Great Lakes freighter and was born just hours after the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. He wrote something about it on his site (where he often writes about life on the big freshwater lakers).
The Mighty Fitz & Me -
“The lake [Superior] is huge and cold and blue and treacherous. It can sink freighters, drown people. In a wind the waves roll in with the crash of oceans.” Margaret Atwood, Cat’s Eye Approximately...
www.nicktabone.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:25 AM
My friend works on a Great Lakes freighter and was born just hours after the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. He wrote something about it on his site (where he often writes about life on the big freshwater lakers).
Reposted by Michael Barry
Reposted by Michael Barry
Cool ride in a Mariposa Bicycles article. It’s a 1934 CCM designed for motor pacing, so the rider‘s posture is pushed way forward with that crazy stem and back-curving fork
December 5, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Cool ride in a Mariposa Bicycles article. It’s a 1934 CCM designed for motor pacing, so the rider‘s posture is pushed way forward with that crazy stem and back-curving fork
Reposted by Michael Barry
The transformation is extraordinary.
November 24, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The transformation is extraordinary.
Reposted by Michael Barry
Many folks in the advocacy community know that efforts to lower driving speeds save lives...so in most places we're left to grapple with this reality where we know that most people and institutions choose to accept a certain amount of preventable human suffering as unavoidable collateral damage.
“Helsinki hasn’t registered a single traffic-related fatality in the past year…Citing data that shows the risk of pedestrian fatality is cut in half by reducing a car’s speed from 40 to 30km/hr, city officials imposed the lower limit in most of Helsinki’s residential areas & city center in 2021.”
Helsinki just went a full year without a single traffic death
The capital city is Finnish’ed with car-related fatalities.
www.politico.eu
November 17, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Many folks in the advocacy community know that efforts to lower driving speeds save lives...so in most places we're left to grapple with this reality where we know that most people and institutions choose to accept a certain amount of preventable human suffering as unavoidable collateral damage.
Reposted by Michael Barry
Drafting...close calls, motorcycles and cars have long influenced the outcome — and the danger — of the peloton
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
The invisible hand of speed: How cars and motorcycles shape pro racing - Canadian Cycling Magazine
From slipstreams to close calls, motorcycles and cars have long influenced the outcome — and the danger — of the peloton
cyclingmagazine.ca
November 13, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Drafting...close calls, motorcycles and cars have long influenced the outcome — and the danger — of the peloton
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Reposted by Michael Barry
The advantage of a bicycle-mounted army battalion over a horse-mounted one became obvious
#RemembranceDay #CanadaRemembers
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/fea...
#RemembranceDay #CanadaRemembers
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/fea...
The Canadian Corps Cyclist Battalion in the First World War - Canadian Cycling Magazine
The advantage of a bicycle-mounted army battalion over a horse-mounted one became obvious
cyclingmagazine.ca
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
The advantage of a bicycle-mounted army battalion over a horse-mounted one became obvious
#RemembranceDay #CanadaRemembers
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/fea...
#RemembranceDay #CanadaRemembers
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/fea...
Reposted by Michael Barry
Nice read from @michaelibarry.bsky.social
"There is uniformity in design yet individualization in workmanship ... They are the lines of work, the faults that lie on the frame like a birthmark on skin, that mass production bikes, built by machines, no longer have"
mariposabicycles.ca/blogs/featur...
"There is uniformity in design yet individualization in workmanship ... They are the lines of work, the faults that lie on the frame like a birthmark on skin, that mass production bikes, built by machines, no longer have"
mariposabicycles.ca/blogs/featur...
The beauty and the practicality of a well designed city bicycle
By Michael Barry Old bikes often come in the shop, built from the 1930’s to the 70’s, for small repairs or complete restorations. From use they have developed a patina of wear: paint rubbed away on th...
mariposabicycles.ca
October 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Nice read from @michaelibarry.bsky.social
"There is uniformity in design yet individualization in workmanship ... They are the lines of work, the faults that lie on the frame like a birthmark on skin, that mass production bikes, built by machines, no longer have"
mariposabicycles.ca/blogs/featur...
"There is uniformity in design yet individualization in workmanship ... They are the lines of work, the faults that lie on the frame like a birthmark on skin, that mass production bikes, built by machines, no longer have"
mariposabicycles.ca/blogs/featur...
Reposted by Michael Barry
We used @sciam.bsky.social's 180th anniversary as an excuse to revisit an old favorite. Familiar with the efficiency of locomotion chart from the March 1973 issue? Here it is again, reimagined for 2025 by DTAN Studio, w/text by @parshallison.bsky.social 📊 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-hu...
The Most Efficient Traveler Isn’t a Bird or a Fish—It’s You on a Bike
A famous graphic, now updated, compares locomotion in the animal kingdom
www.scientificamerican.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:54 PM
We used @sciam.bsky.social's 180th anniversary as an excuse to revisit an old favorite. Familiar with the efficiency of locomotion chart from the March 1973 issue? Here it is again, reimagined for 2025 by DTAN Studio, w/text by @parshallison.bsky.social 📊 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-hu...
Reposted by Michael Barry
I'm convinced all road users "disobey" the rules with similar rates regardless of mode. We yell about people on bikes because it's much more obvious. But the consequences are just exponentially more severe the heavier the vehicle the faster you're traveling.
August 9, 2025 at 11:23 AM
I'm convinced all road users "disobey" the rules with similar rates regardless of mode. We yell about people on bikes because it's much more obvious. But the consequences are just exponentially more severe the heavier the vehicle the faster you're traveling.
Reposted by Michael Barry
“Cyclists move like a swarm of sparrows,” he said. “There are thousands of them moving in chaos, but there are no collisions. They turn a little bit; they change their speed. You must do the same.”
In the bike-friendly Netherlands, cyclists speed down the road without fearing cars. For an American, the prospect is thrilling—and terrifying.
How I Learned to Cycle Like a Dutchman
In the bike-friendly Netherlands, cyclists speed down the road without fearing cars. For an American, the prospect is thrilling—and terrifying.
www.newyorker.com
August 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
“Cyclists move like a swarm of sparrows,” he said. “There are thousands of them moving in chaos, but there are no collisions. They turn a little bit; they change their speed. You must do the same.”
Reposted by Michael Barry
Paris urban biking DOUBLED in just one year.
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
Paris cycling numbers double in one year thanks to massive investment and it's not stopping
The report delves into the nuances of Parisian cycling culture, exploring the vibrant community of riders who navigate the city's streets
momentummag.com
July 19, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Paris urban biking DOUBLED in just one year.
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
A daily bike commute through the park is often a moment of meditation for me, preparing me for the day, and letting me wind down in the evening. I wrote about the therapy of the ride and how scientific study has explained why a spell in nature is what we all need: mariposabicycles.ca/blogs/featur...
The commute: Why a few minutes in nature can improve your day
By Michael Barry For much of his last month alive, my father was in hospital. Daily, I would pedal down towards the heart of the city, following the paths along rivers which are its arteries, and pas...
mariposabicycles.ca
July 25, 2025 at 12:26 PM
A daily bike commute through the park is often a moment of meditation for me, preparing me for the day, and letting me wind down in the evening. I wrote about the therapy of the ride and how scientific study has explained why a spell in nature is what we all need: mariposabicycles.ca/blogs/featur...
Reposted by Michael Barry
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.”
grist.org/biking/one-m...
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.”
grist.org/biking/one-m...
One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss
Copenhagen, the bicycle-friendliest place on the planet, publishes a biannual Bicycle Account, and buried in its pages is a rather astonishing fact.
grist.org
July 10, 2025 at 7:55 AM
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.”
grist.org/biking/one-m...
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.”
grist.org/biking/one-m...
In the early 70's there was an impressive outdoor velodrome in Woodbridge that attracted the best racers in the world: mariposabicycles.ca/2025/07/02/t...
The Concrete Bankings of Woodbridge. - Mariposa Bicycles
by Michael Barry In the early 1970’s Woodbridge Ontario, a suburb of Toronto, had its own outdoor velodrome. A 254 meter concrete oval, with 45 degree bankings large enough for…
mariposabicycles.ca
July 3, 2025 at 5:33 PM
In the early 70's there was an impressive outdoor velodrome in Woodbridge that attracted the best racers in the world: mariposabicycles.ca/2025/07/02/t...
Reposted by Michael Barry
Good news for those who may have missed the screening Monday of this terrific film
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
'Breakaway Femmes' back in theatres for another tour - Canadian Cycling Magazine
You can watch the film about the story of the Tour de France Féminin in select cities this May
cyclingmagazine.ca
April 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Good news for those who may have missed the screening Monday of this terrific film
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Reposted by Michael Barry
Watch new cycling film ‘Breakaway Femmes’ in Canadian theatres in April
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Watch new cycling film 'Breakaway Femmes' in Canadian theatres in April - Canadian Cycling Magazine
The doc about the women’s Tour de France in the '80s includes some notable Canadian pioneers of cycling
cyclingmagazine.ca
March 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Watch new cycling film ‘Breakaway Femmes’ in Canadian theatres in April
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Reposted by Michael Barry
Watch new cycling film ‘Breakaway Femmes’ in Canadian theatres in April
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Watch new cycling film 'Breakaway Femmes' in Canadian theatres in April - Canadian Cycling Magazine
The doc about the women’s Tour de France in the '80s includes some notable Canadian pioneers of cycling
cyclingmagazine.ca
March 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Watch new cycling film ‘Breakaway Femmes’ in Canadian theatres in April
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Improving racers' understanding of how their minds affect performance while also creating more holistic team environments will not only improve race performance but also riders' general happiness and health.
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
Michael Barry: Sports psychology does not play a big enough part in pro cycling - Canadian Cycling Magazine
The former pro weighs in on an important aspect in the sport that seems to be lacking
cyclingmagazine.ca
February 6, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Improving racers' understanding of how their minds affect performance while also creating more holistic team environments will not only improve race performance but also riders' general happiness and health.
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
Reposted by Michael Barry
As the technical and physical performance gains are maximized, teams will look to place more focus on mental well-being, which will also result in a healthier, happier peloton, @michaelibarry.bsky.social writes
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
Michael Barry: Is cycling still missing a key to improving performance and well-being? - Canadian Cycling Magazine
The former pro weighs in on an important aspect in the sport that seems to be lacking
cyclingmagazine.ca
February 5, 2025 at 6:42 PM
As the technical and physical performance gains are maximized, teams will look to place more focus on mental well-being, which will also result in a healthier, happier peloton, @michaelibarry.bsky.social writes
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/tra...
Reposted by Michael Barry
Think of what Seattle could have done here if we hadn't replaced our own elevated highway on the waterfront with a surface highway
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
‘Everyone thought it would cause gridlock’: the highway that Seoul turned into a stream
Cheonggyecheon stream in the South Korean capital has become an attraction – and helps with flood management, fighting air pollution and cooling the city
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Think of what Seattle could have done here if we hadn't replaced our own elevated highway on the waterfront with a surface highway
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
Top riders are calling for gear restrictions to slow speeds and make racing safer. That may or may not help. The greater story is that they fear for their health/safety and want change. Here is an article on why they want speeds to drop and how races can be safer: cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
January 10, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Top riders are calling for gear restrictions to slow speeds and make racing safer. That may or may not help. The greater story is that they fear for their health/safety and want change. Here is an article on why they want speeds to drop and how races can be safer: cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
In business, sport and entertainment, Ai is influencing process and outcome. Cycling is no different. Pro teams will increasingly use Ai to analyze competition, plan tactical scenarios, and find blind spots which will affect roles in teams and increase race speeds.
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
How will AI affect the directeur sportif’s role and value? - Canadian Cycling Magazine
AI is already shaping bike racing outcomes in various ways How will AI affect the directeur sportif’s role (and value)?
cyclingmagazine.ca
January 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM
In business, sport and entertainment, Ai is influencing process and outcome. Cycling is no different. Pro teams will increasingly use Ai to analyze competition, plan tactical scenarios, and find blind spots which will affect roles in teams and increase race speeds.
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...