When I posted a picture of us on social media in front of the Tommy Waters campaign sign on our fence, I wanted to be thorough and explain why we support him over the incumbent Trevor Ozawa. It was such a long write-up that I realized it’s worth sharing here…
Author Archives: johnbravender
Synergy We Need: Biki and Beeline
One of the biggest drawbacks with bikeshare apps in every city we’ve been to is the lack of real time information while you’re riding. Sure, the apps update in real time, but there’s no way for you to know if the station you’re heading to has an open dock without stopping to look at your phone. However, there is a way to fix the problem using a fun little gadget called Beeline.
Just Sit and Look Around
Campus is starting to quiet down, late on a Friday afternoon. All the normal people have left or are actively leaving. Why am I still here?
What’s in a Name?
There has been a surprising amount of interest in Central Pacific tropical cyclone names recently, due entirely to Hurricane Walaka.
Helping Balance Biki – And Sometimes Not
After experiencing multiple bike share programs in various cities, we couldn’t wait to get one in Honolulu. Once Biki launched, we figured the least we could do (besides use it) was to help rebalance in our own little way, maybe walk an extra block or two to pick up at a full station or drop off at an empty one. However, I eventually realized we might be hurting myself long-term doing that–and now I don’t feel guilty for taking the last bike.
Walaka: Camera 1, Camera 2
Hurricane Walaka is located just east of 170°W. It’s still located closer to NOAA’s old GOES-West satellite than to JMA’s Himawari, but the newer satellite has the better resolution to make up for the distance.
Biki Expansion–Er, Relocation (for now)
Biki has been talking about expanding for a while now. This morning I thought I saw the first sign of it (a new station) but it turns out it was just a relocation of an existing one. Still, they relocated it to a decent location.
Reaching the End of the List
Tropical cyclones that form in the Central Pacific are named using four rotating lists of Hawaiian names. We may soon use the last name from the fourth list. What makes that notable is that it has never happened before.
Recycled (into) Bike Racks
Many organizations understand that it’s easier to get around a city on a bike than in a car and that accommodating people who bike is good for business. (Strangely enough, we tend to frequent those businesses.) Some even go the extra mile and install their own bike racks.
Synergy in City Projects
A proposal before the Honolulu City Council about neighborhood parking is the missing piece needed to allay one of the biggest concerns about a proposed pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Ala Wai canal.