so, you know how biking is really good for you, and for the environment, right? well there’s a new bike in town, public bikes, started by rob forbes, the same guy that started Design Within Reach, the company that brought high design to the general public. rob’s now created public — lightweight, steel framed bikes in fabulous colors, designed for city streets, along with some cute accessories, making bike culture even more stylish.

All of public bikes’ products can be picked up locally or ordered online (with 100% satisfaction guaranteed) and they can ship a bike to your door, or to your local bike store anywhere in the US. bay area locals can pick up a fully assembled public bike from their 123 South Park shop at no extra cost after they make a bike order, and they can also check out test ride locations to make an appointment. you can also visit public bikes’ blog for biking news; friend them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

have y’all noticed the bicycle fever taking place these days? everywhere i look, there’s some really sweet new bike designs popping up! not to mention the always fabulous 2009 tour de france is on! it’s a pretty great thing – good for the environment, and good for our fitness and health. I fixed up an old, vintage motobecane bicycle and i just love it. i even added cherries to my basket (my friends and i like to call it ‘pimping your ride’). amsterdam is a wonderful example of a city that gets around by bike and i was lucky enough to spend 48 hours there a few years back. even on cobbled stone roads, mums ride around with groceries in their baskets, and one or two children in tow. I was so impressed! here’s a glimpse of some shots i took there, and some great new bikes i’ve been seeing around the web, including mrs. french’s lovely bicycle round-up here on sfgirlbybay. happy cycling!

my bike – i’ve “pimped my ride”!

the sweetpea bicycle. so sweet, indeed!

I love this city road bike from handsome cycles.

Simple City bike from gary fisher (via apartment therapy newsletter).