Issue No. 63: Navigating E-Bikes ⚡️🚲
Hey, Outsiders! Happy Tuesday and welcome to Outsider Insider Issue No. 63. It’s Halloween and we’ve been told it’s totally okay if you wear a costume to work but the big question is, is it okay if you wear one and work from home? 🤔
In today’s issue:
Dew Tour set to return for 20th run, autonomous sailboats are saving bats 🦇,
Orangethoery's new HQ is setting the standard for workplace health and wellness,
Outside showcases the changemakers diversifying the ski culture, US Fish and Wildlife Service gives $64M 💰
Construction is underway on a $2B recreational vehicle park and campground in Oklahoma…
…and a whole lot more.
Let’s go! 🏃🏼♀️
— Scott Crowder
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MICRO-MOBILITY & SAFETY:
⚙️ Balancing Innovation and Safety: The E-Bike Dilemma 🚲
In recent years, the popularity of e-bikes has surged, leading to a host of discussions and challenges regarding their safety, access, and regulation on public lands and in our cities. The evolving landscape of e-bikes presents a unique blend of opportunities and obstacles for both riders, land management agencies, and communities. Here, we delve into the intricacies of e-bike safety, the emergence of communication strategies, and the need for standardized certification.
📡 V2X Communication Strategy: The Coalition for Cyclist Safety is advocating for the adoption of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology as a means to enhance e-bike safety. Nineteen Auto, Bike & Tech Companies are behind the Coalition for Cyclist Safety and the push for V2X adoption. V2X enables vehicles and infrastructure to communicate, providing real-time information to riders about nearby vehicles and potential hazards. This technology aims to prevent accidents and improve road safety for all road users, including e-bike riders.
🌲 Public Lands Access and the E-Bike Conundrum: As e-bike use surges, land management agencies, including the Forest Service, face the challenging task of accommodating these vehicles on public lands while preserving natural resources and ensuring safety. The delicate balance between expanding access for e-bike enthusiasts and safeguarding fragile ecosystems underscores the need for clear regulations and guidelines. The Forest Service has banned e-bikes on non-motorized trails in national forests sparking debates over the appropriate level of access and the potential impact on the environment.
⛑ Safety Certification Calls: With the proliferation of e-bikes, questions about safety standards have arisen. Experts are calling for standardized safety certifications for e-bikes, similar to those used for traditional bicycles. Establishing clear safety criteria would help address concerns such as collision prevention, maintenance, and rider behavior. Certification would also provide consumers with the confidence that their e-bikes meet recognized safety standards.
E-bikes represent a dynamic shift in the world of cycling and outdoor recreation. With evolving communication strategies, standardized safety certifications, and ongoing debates about public land access, stakeholders must navigate a complex terrain. Balancing innovation, safety, and environmental preservation is key to ensuring that e-bikes continue to transform the way we explore the great outdoors while respecting the natural world.
Business, Industry, & Economy:
🏞️ REI Reopens Amid Labor Dispute: Maple Grove's REI store reopens its doors after workers engaged in a labor dispute and picketed the store. The reopening signifies ongoing discussions between workers and management about workplace conditions, reflecting the broader labor dynamics in the retail industry.
👟 Nike's Innovation Challenge: The Wall Street Journal takes a closer look at how Nike fell behind in the innovation race. Despite its historical dominance in sportswear, the company has faced increasing competition in recent years, and this article explores the factors contributing to its challenges in staying ahead in the market.
🏂 Dew Tour 2024 Announcement: Dew Tour announces its return to Copper Mountain in March 2024 for the 20th year of winter action sports competitions. This event marks a significant milestone in the world of snowboarding and skiing, highlighting the enduring popularity and growth of these sports.
🌟 Unlocking Profit through Purpose: Harvard Business Review explores how a company's social purpose can drive profitability. By aligning business goals with a meaningful social mission, organizations can not only make a positive impact but also enhance their financial performance.
🏞️ The Rising Value of Parks: Marketplace discusses the increasing importance of parks in urban areas and how their value is on the rise. Surprisingly, the costs associated with maintaining these parks are decreasing, highlighting the benefits of green spaces for communities and economies alike.
👟 Kanye West's Yeezy Impact: The New York Times delves into the partnership between Kanye West and Adidas, focusing on the Yeezy brand's success. This collaboration showcases the influence of celebrity endorsements and the fusion of fashion and pop culture in the sneaker industry but tells a cautionary tale of how it can all go wrong.
📣 Speaker Line up and Agenda Announced: The American Outdoors Conference and Outfitters Expo hosted in Phoenix, AZ December 5-8, 2023 will prioritize the importance of creating a culture of belonging within the outdoor industry. By addressing burnout, resilience, feedback normalization, inclusion, and improving outfitter training practices, the conference aims to enhance guest and staff experiences while staying updated on risk mitigation, marketing, and operations best practices. Check out the conference and expo agenda and the growing list of speakers.
🏞️ Exploring Outdoor Leadership: The new president of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is eager to foster innovation in outdoor education. With a focus on evolving teaching methods and expanding NOLS' reach, the institution aims to prepare the next generation of outdoor leaders for a changing world.
⛷️ Eldora Ski Patrollers Unionize: Eldora ski patrollers have joined a growing trend in the resort industry by unionizing. This move reflects a broader effort by workers in the sector to advocate for their rights and improve working conditions within the outdoor recreation industry.
🎶 Garth Brooks' Exclusive Album: Country music icon Garth Brooks has taken an unconventional route by releasing his new album exclusively through Bass Pro Shops. This unexpected collaboration between a music legend and an outdoor retail giant offers a unique twist in the entertainment and outdoor sectors.
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Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
🏔️ Ski Slope Dilemma: Euronews explores a ski slope with stunning Lake Como views and examines how its elevation and climate change might impact its future. This article sheds light on the challenges faced by ski resorts due to changing climate conditions and highlights the need for sustainable mountain tourism which some activists believe is the answer.
🦇 Bats vs. Wind Turbines: KCRA highlights the collaboration between a bat conservation group and autonomous sailing company Saildrone to address the issue of bat fatalities caused by offshore wind turbines. With hundreds of thousands of bats lost each year to active wind turbines in the United States, the partnership aims to protect these vital creatures.
🐢 Galapagos Giant Tortoises: Hakai Magazine explores the role of Galapagos giant tortoises as ecosystem engineers and their contributions to the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. This article showcases the importance of keystone species in maintaining ecological balance.
🌍 Setting Climate Goals: Forbes discusses the importance of setting intentional climate solution goals as a corporate leader. This article highlights the role of businesses in addressing climate change and provides insights into effective goal-setting strategies for sustainability initiatives.
🚣♀️ River Conservation: American Whitewater shares insights into the role of river conservation and the efforts to protect and restore rivers. This article emphasizes the importance of preserving waterways and the collaborative work of organizations dedicated to river conservation.
🐟 AI Salmon Monitoring: CBC News reports on the use of artificial intelligence in salmon monitoring in British Columbia. This innovative approach to conservation and fisheries management showcases the intersection of technology and environmental efforts to safeguard salmon populations.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
🤝 The Power of Friendship: NPR discusses the health benefits of maintaining friendships, particularly through meet-ups and social connections. This article draws on Pew Research and explores how friendships contribute to overall well-being and mental health, emphasizing the importance of social connections in our lives.
🏢 Office Wellness Trends: Fortune explores how companies like Orangetheory are introducing wellness programs into the workplace, including biohacking, massages, sleep support, and cold plunges. This article highlights the growing emphasis on employee well-being and the innovative approaches companies are taking to promote health in the office.
🌳 The Art of Forest Bathing: NPR provides a guide to "forest bathing," an ancient Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in nature to promote mental and physical well-being. This article explores the benefits of forest bathing and offers tips on how to experience the healing power of the forest. 🌲🚶♀️
😄 Nature's Gift to Happiness: Northern Express delves into why outdoor enthusiasts tend to be happier. It discusses the positive impact of spending time in nature on mental health and overall well-being, shedding light on the unique joys and benefits of outdoor activities.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
🎿 Diversifying Ski Culture: Outside Online introduces us to "The Visionaries," a group of individuals dedicated to diversifying ski culture and making winter sports more inclusive. This article highlights their efforts to break down barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented communities in the skiing world.
🌲 Closing the Nature Gap: Trade Only Today discusses the importance of "closing the nature gap," emphasizing the need to make outdoor activities and nature experiences more accessible to people from all backgrounds. It explores initiatives and strategies aimed at bridging this gap and fostering a deeper connection with the outdoors.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
🏞️ The Future of Public Lands Rule: Former Director of Colorado OREC, Nathan Fey provides insight into the BLM Rule which has received over 150,000 comments on its proposed public lands rule. As the BLM navigates this significant response, Fey discusses what might come next and the potential impact on public lands and their management. Fey is the Land & Water Stewardship Program Director for the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation.
🌍 Tribal Wildlife Grants Advancing Conservation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announces the allocation of over $64 million in Tribal Wildlife Grants, furthering conservation goals and cultural preservation efforts. This funding underscores the importance of collaboration with indigenous communities in environmental stewardship and wildlife protection.
🌿 Ducks Unlimited Canada's Government Support: Ducks Unlimited Canada celebrates the government's investment of $47.6 million in wetland conservation. This funding reinforces the importance of preserving wetlands for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience, highlighting the critical role organizations like Ducks Unlimited play in environmental sustainability.
🏙️ The Transition to Sustainability in NYC: Columbia University explores the realities of transitioning to an environmentally sustainable economy in New York City. This insightful analysis delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by urban areas striving to achieve sustainability goals, shedding light on the complex path towards a greener and more resilient future for cities.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🌿 Intrepid Acquires its First Ecolodge: Intrepid Travel's acquisition of the Daintree Ecolodge underscores its strategic shift towards diversifying its offerings beyond traditional tours. This move reflects the travel industry's evolving landscape, where companies are increasingly exploring new verticals and accommodation options to meet the changing preferences of travelers. Intrepid's investment in the boutique rainforest retreat aligns with its purpose-led approach, demonstrating a commitment to offering unique and sustainable travel experiences.
🏞️ Croatia's Outdoor Adventures: Lonely Planet showcases Croatia's growing popularity as an outdoor adventure destination highlighting the evolving preferences of travelers. With its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities, Croatia is attracting adventure enthusiasts seeking unique and active vacations. This trend reflects a shift towards experiential travel and the desire for immersive outdoor experiences.
🏞️ Largest RV Park and Campground Underway: American Heartland has commenced the construction of the largest recreational vehicle park and campground in mid-America, marking the first phase of a grand $2 billion theme park project. This monumental development, located near Vinita, Oklahoma, is set to include a massive RV park, theme park, hotel, indoor water park, and various amenities, promising a significant boost to local tourism and the entertainment industry. The Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, designed by ADG Blatt, will offer 750 RV spaces, 300 cabins, and a range of facilities, catering to both visitors of the upcoming American Heartland Theme Park and travelers along the Interstate 44 corridor. RV enthusiasts and adventure seekers can look forward to a spring 2025 opening for the RV Park, followed by the theme park and resort unveiling in fall 2026, setting the stage for an exciting new era in Oklahoma's recreational and tourism landscape.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
🚗 Electrify Travel Trailers: Bloomberg reports how Lightship and Pebble are sparking innovation in the travel industry with electric vehicle (EV) travel trailers equipped with solar panels. This development not only aligns with the global shift towards sustainable travel but also reflects the increasing integration of renewable energy sources in everyday life. It's a promising step towards eco-friendly road trips, reducing the carbon footprint of travel, and exemplifies how EV technology is expanding beyond cars.
🌞 Arcade x TGR Belt Collaboration: The collaboration between Arcade and Teton Gravity Research (TGR) brings style and functionality to outdoor enthusiasts. This partnership showcases the growing trend of outdoor brands teaming up with adventure-focused media outlets to create unique, adventure-ready products. It's a testament to the intersection of fashion and adventure, providing consumers with gear that not only looks good but also performs in the great outdoors.
🌬️ Cooling the Great Outdoors: Plano-based Zero Breeze is making waves in outdoor comfort with its new portable AC unit. This innovation is a game-changer for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering relief from sweltering conditions. With the rise in popularity of outdoor activities, Zero Breeze's solution meets a growing demand for comfort and convenience, transforming the way people experience the great outdoors.
🦍 Gorilla Brand's Conservation Clothing: Yahoo's behind-the-scenes look at Gorilla Brand reveals more than just trendy clothing. It showcases a brand that goes beyond fashion, putting conservation and environmental awareness at its core. Gorilla Brand's commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting sustainability through its products highlights a significant trend in the fashion industry, where consumers increasingly seek purpose-driven brands that align with their values.
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