Cyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Overnight in OKC

Color photo of police next to damaged bicycle.

58-year-old Joseph Edward Helmka was struck by a vehicle around 3:00 AM last night near the corner of NW 10th and MacArthur.  He was spotted by a passing motorist and was rushed to the hospital but he expired before arriving at the hospital.  Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crash to contact them at 405-235-7300.

ACOG Seeks Bicycle, Pedestrian Transportation Planner

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments is looking for a Transportation Planner for their bicycle, pedestrian and livability initiatives: The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS) area, seeks a highly motivated, skilled, self-starting professional to fill a key position within the Transportation & Planning Services (TPS) Division. This position requires excellent analytical, communication and problem‑solving abilities. Under the general supervision of the Program Coordinator, the Transportation Planner will be responsible for the planning and implementation of regional bicycle, pedestrian and livability initiatives within Central Oklahoma. [Read More]

Downtown Bicycle Tours in October

Downtown Bicycle Tours in October
Starting this Tuesday, Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. and Spokies Bike Share are organizing three downtown bicycle tours: Have you ever wondered what that crazy sculpture is called? Have you ever wanted to dazzle your friends with your intimate knowledge of our city’s rich history? Sign up for one of the Downtown OKC Bike Tours! It’s fun and it’s free. Sign up today for your opportunity to get a unique perspective of our city’s history, art and architecture. [Read More]

Bicycle Training this Weekend

Bicycle Training this Weekend
There is a cycling instruction course taking place this weekend, September 29th, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Metrolake Technology Centers in Oklahoma City. From the course website: Who should take this class: Any adult bicyclist, novice or experienced, will benefit from learning vehicular bicycling skills. Most adults are already automobile drivers. This course will help you apply your driving skills to driving your bicycle. What you’ll learn: The principals of vehicular cycling. [Read More]

Spencer Family Continues Search for Hit-and-Run Driver

Spencer Family Continues Search for Hit-and-Run Driver
It’s been two years since the Oklahoma cycling community was shocked by two bicycle fatalities in less than 48 hours both involving long time cyclists. One of those incidents involved the hit-and-run killing of Alan Spencer. The driver in that crash has never been identified and police now consider the case a cold one. As the anniversary of the crash approaches, the Spencer family repeats their plea for information in the case and for the driver of the car to come forward. [Read More]

AMBUCS to Donate Trikes to Disabled Children and Veterans

AMBUCS to Donate Trikes to Disabled Children and Veterans
AMBUCS, a nonprofit organization specializing in providing mobility solutions for children and adults with disabilities with transportation options, will be giving away 100 trikes to children and veterans on Saturday morning in downtown Oklahoma City. These bikes called AmTryke’s come available with hand and/or foot cranks to meet the requirements of the riders. There will be several other events for children and veterans held throughout the day: AMBUCS will donate about 100 bikes to children and veterans Saturday morning in downtown Oklahoma City during its AmTryke Celebration Day. [Read More]

Cafe Evoke Showing Tour de France Daily

Cafe Evoke Showing Tour de France Daily
I have had a few people ask me if there was a place to watch the Tour de France here in town for those of us without cable or a desire to fork over money to watch on our computers. Well Cafe Evoke (103 S. Broadway Ave., Edmond, OK 73034) is showing the Tour live every race day. Additionally, they are offering a $5.00 bottomless cup of drip coffee so you can watch the whole thing without emptying the pocket-book. [Read More]

17th Norman Conquest this Weekend

The 17th Norman Conquest ride will take place this Saturday staring at 7:30 AM from the J.D. McCarty Center at 2002 E Robinson St in Norman, OK. There are 10, 22, 46 and 64 mile routes (with lots of hills) and registration runs from $15-$35. Money raised will go to support Camp ClapHans summer camp scholarship endowment fund which helps children with developmental disabilities to attend this great summer camp. Full details can be found at: http://normanconquest. [Read More]

Fred Kamp Profiled by KFOR

Fred Kamp Profiled by KFOR
I’m a little late on this one, but last weekend was Fred Kamp Day in honor of the fearless leader of the OBS Donut Ride for the last 30 years. For those who didn’t get their first ride in on the donut ride, this short ride takes place every Saturday and is a great introduction to cycling for new riders and a great excuse for donuts for more experienced riders. [Read More]

Spokies Program Back Up and Running

Spokies Program Back Up and Running
I’m finally getting some time to get caught back up after my bicycle trek this year. I’m pleased to announce that Oklahoma City’s bike share program, Spokies, is back up and running after some problems with the software and with bike thefts: Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. and the City of Oklahoma City are proud to announce that the Spokies Bike Share program is up and running again! We corrected some software and credit card processing issues and welded the locks to the bikes so they can no longer be stripped from the docks and stolen. [Read More]