Tagged: biking

With just a ten millimeter wrench and a screwdriver, Brian Simmons has built and sold more than 100 motorized bicycles in Oakland, CA, under the label Rebelbikes. The company has been around for three years. The two-man shop based out of the comfort of his living room.

Simmons’ two wheeled creations are motorized pedal assisted bicycles that can go up to 35 mph. His ultimate goal is to see bicycles replace cars, and while he knows it’s a stretch, he is taking his dream on one bike at a time.

This article was originally published on TurnstyleNews.com on May 14, 2012.

On today's show, we played a lot of top five bike lists – everything from the top five reasons it's great to bike in San Francisco to the top five tips for being an urban female biker. Listen to them all, plus a few extra, here.

Chris Hoff, KALW sound engineer

Top five bike gripes

5. San Francisco hills. These mighty obstacles have forced the strongest of us to dismount on occasion and walk our trusty steeds up their towering heights. Or, just go around them.

4. Drivers talking on their cell phones. Sweet Fancy Moses.

3. Potholes. Many a broken spoke and busted wheel have fallen victim to these diminutive demons.

2. Oblivious pedestrians. A close second: oblivious pedestrians talking on their cell phones.