The MindRider Helmet can read your mind as you bike to work. That’s right–with the help of an EEG sensor that displays your stress levels, it tells you how your mind is reacting to your commute.

A sensor translates your mind’s engagement but lighting up from green to red and the results are linked up with your smartphone so you can see them on your MindRider app after you bike to work.

The app shows you red hotspots, where you’re most focused and when you’re the most relaxed via green “sweet spots” when you bike to work. It can give you all sorts of insights like where you need better bike lanes and where pot holes, tractor trailers, and road construction stressed you out in your morning commute.

“It indicates your mental state by flashing a visual vocabulary of traffic lights,” says MindRider inventor Arlene Ducao, reported in Wired. “Green is low stress, red is high stress and blinking lights indicate panic.”

The first MindRider was invented at MIT and since then the inventors have been working to come up with cool lightweight helmets that show how your mind reacts to your favorite activities. Their Kickstarter campaign is going on right now.

But the helmet isn’t just for your morning commute. You can use it in all sorts of other activities like rock climbing or skateboarding to see at which points you’re the most engaged. It can also be used to share your routes with friends to show the best bike routes in your city. The helmet uses Neurosky Mindset biosensor innovation in wearable technology to pick up ten types of brain waves. Ducao hopes the next step will be expanding the mental states that the helmet tracks.

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All over the world, bike powered energy is being used to burn calories and produce clean wattage.

Cycling is a massively popular pastime, means of transport, and sporting activity. Millions of people use two wheels to get around, have fun, and get a carbon-neutral adrenalin rush. Now, in places and spaces all the world, energy generated by pedaling is being turned into electricity to power leisure and entertainment equipment.

In the UK, pop-up carbon-free movie theaters are being powered by the audience. Open-air cycle-in cinemas are appearing at British festivals and art spaces promoting a “celluloid kills cellulite” type experience. One of the organizers of these cycle-led events is Magnificent Revolution, a collective of artists, musicians, designers, engineers and ecologists that run workshops about renewable technology and micro-power generation.

We all love to relax in front of the TV, but some places want you to pedal to earn your entertainment. The Cottage Lodge in New Forest, England, has introduced a bike-powered television for guests. Built from a reclaimed ship from the 17th century, the Cottage Lodge fuses sustainability and media very creatively.

At the other end of the “leisure time” scale, a prison in Phoenix, Arizona uses Pedal Vision, which is also a pedal-powered TV system. But there’s no choice for these guests: to watch their favorite shows, inmates have to cycle while positioned in front of the TV set. Some see it as unfair making the inmates cycle to watch the box, but the box-watching prisoners are undeniably fitter and healthier. If they slack off, the TV shuts down.

So, thinking logically, when you’re cycling for the sake of it, can’t that energy be harnessed too? Of course it can. While you’re pedalling at the gym – or running, or on the cross-trainer – the kinetic energy that was used can be re-used for a constructive, emission-cutting purpose. Florida company ReRev retro-fits workout equipment to generate electricity: 30 minutes’ exercise produces 50 watt-hours of clean electricity. The Universities of Arkansas, Florida, Montana, North Texas, and Oregon all use its system.

The trailblazer for pedal-powered exercise systems was the super-environmentally-friendly Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon, which was the U.S.’s first human-powered gym. The gym offers further incentives for using its electricity-generating machines, some of which are fitted with iPads: each half-hour workout earns you a voucher to use at local businesses. Encouraging support for neighborhood stores, as well as being carbon-neutral (they also use solar power): we like.

Photos: Mon Labiaga Ferrer, Magnificent Revolution, Cottage Lodge, Green Microgym

Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

The post Places & Spaces: Where Pedal Power Is The HVAC appeared first on EcoSalon.

10 bike-friendly infographics.

More and more, conscious women are embracing bikes as an energizing, empowering, and environmentally-friendly mode of transport. These ten infographics make even more of a case for the two-wheeler, providing statistics, routes, tools, and tips for life on the open road. Just don’t forget your helmet.

How Bikes Can Save Us: According to this infographic, cars are killing us, so we should all move to Portland and ride bikes.

Benefits of a Bicycle: In case you needed a visualization of how awesome bikes are, this cute graphic from C.I.C.L.E. provides one.

Biking + Walking in the Twin Cities: Minneapolis-St. Paul is doing an awesome job at encouraging biking and walking, even in the winter.

Which City Is Best for Biking?: A look at which cities have the highest percentage of bike commuters… and hey, there’s Portland again.

Biking By The Numbers: A quick round-up of biking statistics from the folks at Nau Clothing.

Mountain Biking in America: An overview of America’s best off-road trails.

Biking Safety & Courtesy Tips: A road map for cyclists, drivers, and walkers on ways to safely co-exist, from Bike Arlington.

Biking in San Francisco: A case for cycling in San Francisco, in animated graphics.

Bike Commuter Map: This infographic maps out the state of biking in the U.S., incorporating statistics on bike safety, bike spending, and urban commuters in major cities.

America Bikes: More than 80 percent of Americans want to either maintain or increase funding for sidewalks and bike lanes, says this survey.

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Check out more infographics here.

Image: Steve McDonald

The post 10 Infographics on Biking appeared first on EcoSalon.

Because legs look better on two wheels.

There’s no doubt about it, cycling is sexy.

It’s also healthy, eco friendly, empowering and fun. Whether you just love an afternoon riding in your sundress, or can’t get enough of the adrenaline that comes from racing, you know that life on two wheels does a body good. So if you’re trying to pick up a casual commuter or the more committed cyclist, these pick up lines will help you with your velo love.

1. I’m no hipster, but I’d ride a fixie for you.
2. Baby I noticed you have a new drive train… wanna test it out tonight?
3. Is that your kickstand, or are you just happy to see me?
4. You make my rain pants sweaty.
5. I’ve never seen a sleeker frame.
6. I would love to true your wheels.
7. When are we going to Amsterdam together?
8. This is just my commuter bike. How about I make you dinner and show you my other ones?
9. I bet we could do some good interval training together.
10. Want to plan a ride up [insert name of hill or mountain]. It feels great when you’re on top.
11. I’d buy a tandem just to ride with you.
12. I believe in riding with protection. [point to helmet]
13. Wanna come over and borrow my chain whip?
14. You know, I don’t need energy bars to keep me going.
15. Let’s watch the Tour de France together. We can live stream it in bed tomorrow morning.
16. Can I take you for a spin on my handlebars?
17. You’re so cute, you could be a feature on a Cycle Chic blog.
18. Can I make you a recovery drink? You’re going to need it.
19. Need a commuting partner? Because I am amazing in the bike lane.
20. I saw you getting dirty on the cyclocross course.
21. Want to lock our bikes together?
22. I’ll be your mechanic if you’ll be my ride.
23. Hey there, do you need to use my pump?
24. You make my spokes spin.
25. I love morning rides.

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Image: Anna Brones

The post 25 Pick Up Lines for Cyclists appeared first on EcoSalon.

CicLAvia reminds us what city streets would look like without all the cars.

In early October, 10 miles of roads in East Hollywood, Downtown L.A., East L.A. and in between were closed down for regular traffic. Instead of cars and SUVs, cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians took over the streets for a day of clean, fossil fuel-free fun. An estimated 130,000 people hit the streets for this third edition of CicLAvia, which has become a day of celebration for Angelenos from all walks of life. Even the city’s Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, put on his helmet and pedaled along, calling the event a good break for a city that’s “addicted to the single-passenger automobile.” All along the now-expanded course was music, food and games, like dodge ball and street chess. That certainly sounds like more fun than being stuck in traffic behind an angry SUV driver, don’t you think?

In a city so dependent on its ever-growing web of freeways CicLAvia serves as an important reminder what a future without cars may look like. Participants ranged from avid cyclists happy to be able to ride through their city without fearing for their lives to families who see it as an opportunity to have some fun-time together while getting some exercise. “This is so fun for us, being able to get out here on our bikes and enjoy the streets of our city without having to constantly be on the watch for cars and buses. The kids love it, and I feel good knowing that they’re safe,” said one father who was riding with his two kids.

I asked Joe Linton, Organizer for CicLAvia, why an event like this is important for the people of LA? “There are quite a few reasons,” he says. “Generally, CicLAvia is seen as promoting greener transportation choices and promoting public health through physical activity. It also promotes local business. The biggest reason is just getting folks to experience public space — bringing people together, where we can all look each other in the eye and interact with each other, all in the same egalitarian public realm.”

Joe also shared his best tip for Angelenos who are looking to use their bikes for transportation rather than pleasure: “Bicycling and walking, do both at once — it’s pleasure and transportation. I’d encourage beginner bicyclists to start small. Most of our trips are fairly short and very easy to bike — try biking a couple miles to get to a restaurant, a video store, or a movie theater.”

Speaking of walking, this event also marked the launch of CicLAvia Walks, a new initiative intended to “provide participants with opportunities to slow down and discover the many architectural, cultural, and culinary gems along the route.” Including walkers is a good step in the right direction, since it also involves people who may not have access to or be able to ride a bike. From the looks of the crowds yesterday, CicLAvia Walks seems like a welcome addition to the festivities.

So, were the streets being shut down or were they actually being opened up? That’s the big question here. I think we can guess what the 130,000 people who attended will say. Giving people access to the streets of their city is important not only to promote alternative forms of exhaust-free transportation, it also provides residents with a sense of community — well-needed in a city where most people spend a large part of their day alone in cars. What if every major city center was transformed into a car-free zone on weekends? “It’s already happening,” says Joe Linton. “Bogota, Quito, Guadalajara, Mexico City and others all do weekly events. Lots of cities in the U.S. and Canada are following suit.”

So what can we do to make that happen locally? “Get involved in your local open streets event — donate, volunteer, organize,” says Linton.

CicLAvia was inspired by the ciclovía (which means “bike path” in Spanish) movement in Bogota, Colombia, which began nearly 30 years ago and is now a weekly event with 80 miles of car-free streets. Los Angeles launched its first CicLAvia, which attracted an estimated 100,000 participants, exactly one year ago today. This third edition of the event was successfully crowd-funded through Kickstarter, which tells us that people are behind the car-free cities movement in a big way.

Bummed to miss it? The next CicLAvia event will be on April 15, 2012. Keep a look-out on CicLAvia’s events page for details and get those bikes ready.

Participant photos courtesty of CicLAvia’s Facebook page.

The post CicLAvia Gives Bikes & People the Right of Way for a Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

VideoCurb Appeal takes to the streets to show you what’s chic and unique with real women in real time.

What’s hot and haute across the pond? Be inspired by the most fresh and edgy looks snapped by Europe-based correspondent Abigail Wick biweekly. From the Left Bank to the former Eastern Bloc, EcoSalon’s exclusive Curb Appeal video series hones-in on what’s en vogue on city streets across the Atlantic. This week, Abigail hits the sidewalks of trendy, gritty East Berlin in search of bike fashion during the final, lush days of late summer.

The post Curb Appeal: Berlin Babes on Bikes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Baltimore burns its gritty bra and embraces an eco-revolution.

The gut reaction to hearing that Baltimore’s tourism nickname is “charm city,” for many is “Really, hon?” Charming isn’t necessarily the first adjective used to describe the gritty hometown of Jada Pinkett Smith, Frank Zappa, the Orioles, and the Ravens.

Popular culture certainly has inspired some intrigue though. Credit goes to director John Waters and HBO’s “The Wire” for putting Baltimore on the quirky and fascinating map for me. Waters’ movies showed the oddball charm of the city’s “hon” happy inhabitants. “The Wire” contributed five seasons of deep story lines, featuring well-painted portraits of very real characters. Those characters forced us fans to look differently and more openly at urban, blue-collar cities, and see back-stories vs. weathered and cracked out anonymous faces.

After reading about how eco-revolutionized the Maryland city had developed into, I decided to come down to check out just how charming Baltimore had become for myself.

Never a fan of traveling by Megabus, or, any long distance bus in the United States, I took the Amtrak from New York’s Penn Station down to Baltimore’s Penn. From the train station I transferred onto the Charm City Circulator, the free and green hybrid bus shuttle, and made my way to the Baltimore Harbor. The Inner Harbor has transformed over the last decade. Now it’s shiny and new with a revamped glittering skyline.

Amongst all the development are green spots like the Inn at the Black Olive, a LEED Platinum building replete with gourmet market and green roof/herb garden restaurant. The hotel is credited as being one of the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings in the world, with geothermal, photovoltaic and thermal solar, radiant heated floors, natural clay and limestone coatings, aerated autoclaved concrete, among other impressive innovations.

The eco love extends to the shopper with charming boutiques in the (sort of nearby) Hampden neighborhood. Earth Alley sells clothes crafted from recycled materials, garden sculptures made from old oil drums, and bowls made from telephone wires. Ma Petite Shoe carries an array of sustainable shoes like the ones made from repurposed tires.

Woodberry Kitchen, the popular, seasonal farm-to-table restaurant is quite possibly one the top restaurants I’ve eaten at anywhere in the world. A bit of a confusing drive from the Inner Harbor even with GPS, it’s best to take the light rail (another green transportation option). Dishes like the black rock peaches with cucumber, fennel radish, and quark, the Tilghman Island crab cakes and the 42-day, dry-aged liberty delight strip steak were epically epicurean. Dessert was beyond decadent with a raw rhubarb pie, and homemade ice creams with cool flavors like red-hot and basil. The mixologists behind-the-bar are fine artists. I had a Manhampden, a Maryland-style rye, with California sweet vermouth, old-fashioned bitters, Peychaud’s, and an orange twist that was so smooth; I ended up invincibly following that with a Sazerac. Everything was remarkable down to the coffee. I never drink coffee at night, but the waiter insisted. Those three little sips I took were so clean and not bitter, that my dedications for Manhattan’s Roasting Plant and Ninth Street Espresso cups of coffee maybe have been challenged.

If you bike, it’s easy to stay fit in Baltimore. The 3.2-mile Baltimore Heritage Walk is way more fun on wheels than simply hoofing it.  There are bike lanes all over the city and this particular trail is convenient—it connects the Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Jonestown and City Center neighborhoods, linking historic sites and museums. Rent with: Light Street Cycles.

And if there is but one museum of the almost two-dozen museums in Baltimore to devour, it is the American Visionary Art Museum, a cultural institution that absolutely can’t be missed. It featured one of the most creative and charming collections I’ve seen in a while. Labor Day marks the last weekend of the fantastic “What Makes Us Smile?” exhibit curated by “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and “Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse” artist, Gary Panter. Never have I been so thoroughly dazzled by every facet of a museum’s exhibit. Dubbed “the only museum in the country dedicated to works by untrained artists,” the said artists created fantastic displays like those in the “Toot Suite” a room that deconstructs the fart, with a collection of works by “fartistes.” There’s also an Alfred E. Neuman bedroom installation that gives tribute to Mad magazine, hilarious drawings by John Callahan, a quadriplegic humorist, and artist Gloria Garrett’s lipstick and eye shadow –painted pictures, among other seriously delightful gems.

Of course charm and appreciation can be fleeting. Baltimore is one of those towns that follows the one block is gentrified, fancy and clean, where the next is absolutely not rule. GPS was invented for cities like Baltimore. A wrong turn can result in witnessing a real life, in-person episode of “The Wire.”

The post From Zappa to The Wire, Baltimore Emerges As A Green City appeared first on EcoSalon.