Spotted this image in the “In Focus” photo series by The Atlantic, covering protests from around the world.  Might be a bit too much for the American sensibilities but the Spaniards are not bothered by all the skin on display.  Apparently, more than a hundred cyclists gathered in the Spanish capital as they took part in the city’s 10th Naked Bike Ride aimed at highlighting the dependency on oil and road safety issues for cyclists.  Here is one of them riding naked in a public fountain in front of the Royal Palace as others bathe in Madrid, on June 15, 2013. More pics (NSFW, obviousy) from the protest can be seen here.

Image Courtesy: AP Photo/Andres Kudacki – Naked Cyclist Protesting for better & safe biking infrastructure in Madrid, Spain

Image courtesy: AP Photo/Andres Kudacki via The Atlantic

Related articles

• Police fine 400 cyclists for ‘dangerous and irresponsible’ riding
• Madrid’s bin men told to wear cycle helmets
• Look Mum, no pants! The rise of naked bike ride protests

The idea for MTP is inspired by the annual Jagriti Yatra (www.jagritiyatra.com) on the Indian Railways, a trip that circumnavigates the continent, is sponsored by Dell and Google, and is almost universally recognized by the younger generation of Indians as an enviable opportunity. MTP has already obtained sponsorships from National Geographic Traveler magazine, NPR, the Associated Press, McKinsey & Company, Opportunity Nation, and Start-Up America.

In a country with nearly 300 million vehicles and an equal number (or more?) of mobile devices distracted is fast becoming a big issue.  this infographic by IFA Auto Insurance, designed to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, shows you how the extent of the problem, the consequences, etc.  Worth sharing with your peers.

Image Courtesy: IFA Auto Insurance via Business2Community.com

Source: business2community 

Image courtesy: USAJobs.gov

Deadline: Wednesday, July 03, 2013

The U.S. Department of Transportation is looking for a Program Management Analyst for the South Carolina Division office.  This position will provide technical assistance and coordination services to the Division office leadership, including the Division Administrator and Assistant Division Administrator, on a broad range of FHWA programs. These include, but are not limited to, data management and reporting, identifying and coordinating process reviews, performing and documenting risk assessments, developing, monitoring and reporting the annual Performance Plan, conducting internal performance improvement audits, assisting with organizational restructuring and advising the Division office leadership on policy/program issues as needed.  Assist Division office leadership to develop solutions to complex problems and assist in implementation.

The ideal candidate will be adaptive, decisive, and resourceful; a pro-active, hands-on leader and motivator who is very timely in the delivery of products; can anticipate customer’s needs; and is willing to volunteer your talents and skills to assist other employees.  You should also be proficient at analyzing requirements; conducting risk assessments, evaluating operations; developing improvements; and implementing effective programs to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance productivity and competitiveness.  This position is also good for a person with extensive knowledge and skills in maintaining organizational stability and operations; and is a proven leader in quality programs and improving efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.

Job Duties:

 Click here to learn more and to apply 

Image Courtesy: www.usajobs.gov

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for experienced Technology Policy Analysts to support the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center’s  Advanced Transportation Technologies Center.   RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  The positions are located in the Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Volpe Center seeks multiple Technology Policy Analysts, GS-0101-11/12 and GS-0101-13 in the Technology Innovation and Policy Division, (RVT-91) within the Advanced Transportation Technologies Technical Center.   This division provides the technical and analytical support for research initiatives and decision-making at all levels of government and industry supporting all modes of transportation.  The Technology Policy Analysts primary duty is to participate as a member of a team that conducts research and applies analytical methodologies on a broad set of topics as a means of developing, comparing, and evaluating policy options in support of successful transition of technologies (e.g., connected vehicles, automated vehicles, new transportation applications, or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, among others) from research into adoption and use.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in an environment with little policy precedence and where policy options have to be developed and created concurrently and iteratively with transportation related technology development.  This position is not focused on application of existing policies to IT or other systems, but is focused on the objective and rigorous development of new policies for new and emerging transportation technologies.

If you know someone interested in this position with relevant experience and a demonstrable record of proven results please encourage them to apply.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The announcement is posted to the Public and to Merit Promotion eligible applicants onhttp://www.usajobs.gov/.   Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

Application deadline:  July 11, 2013

GS-13-Open to Public:    https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346367000

GS-13 Open to Status: (Merit Promotion) https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346367700

GS-11/12 Open to Public:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346366700

GS-11/12 Open to Status: (Merit Promotion) https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346366200

Informational briefing: Friday, June 28, 2013, from 11:00-11:30  in conference room 1-4-33A at the Volpe Center, Cambridge MA (conference call no. 1-877-336-1839/access code 6481986).  Ryan Harrington, Chief, Technology Innovation and Policy Division will hold an information session at this time to describe the job and to answer any questions interested candidates may have.  Mary Hughes from Human Resources will be there to answer questions about the application process.

Please direct any questions to Mary Hughes, Volpe Human Resources, at 617-494-2526.

Here is some pretty cool hand drawn and animated stuff (from fellow Redditor NathanwPyle) to gently remind fellow bicyclists in NYC about a few things to do and watch out for while on the street riding a bike.  Oh, and some of these etiquettes are universal, not just applicable to NYC.  When you finish scrolling through the pics. remember to check out Nathan Pyle’s website too for more goodness.

Source: NathanwPyle via Imgur

What you sow is what you reap.. Sweet justice, SERVED!

Somewhere on Baylor University campus? via Reddit

Distracted Driving PSA for “cagers” via Reddit

via Reddit

The image below was posted on the Colorado Dept. of Transportation’s Facebook Page with the following note: “Did you know that Colorado experienced a 66% increase in pedestrian fatalities and a 63% increase in bicyclist fatalities from 2011 to 2012? Share the Road folks!”  After seeing the Facebook post, I got curious and paid a visit to the CDOT website and found out they have an awesome campaign “Share the Road, Friend”  underway to create  an awareness about the  shared responsibility for road safety among all road users. They got all kinds of promotional materials made available on the CDOT website and while you are there don’t forget to check out the campaign videos as well. Nicely done, CDOT.

Share the Road, Friend – via Colorado Dept. of Transportation

This is a laugh riot.. love the subtle jabs (and not so subtle at times) from Jon Stewart and his crew.. Apparently the pooer sections of the city seem to be more in love with the system than the upscale ones (i.e., uppity parts)

Despite the little negative publicity often encountered, the bike share system in NYC seems to be growing at a record pace. Here is a graphic from fellow Twitterati and NYC-er, Stephen Miller, that tells you how much the city loves the shiny blue bikes.

NYC’s CitiBike – Growth in Membership and Usage

Related articles

• Opinion:Rabinowitz Responds to the Bike Lobby
• “The Daily Show” on Citi Bike: “Doesn’t Anybody Have a Real Objection?”