League of American Bicyclists

Bike Traps Coming to a Road Near You

2005-06-10T08:46:00.000-04:00

Listen to the Broadcast from KSL NewsRadio 1160: "Five Utah police agencies will be participating in a state-sponsored crackdown on motorists who aren't sharing the roads with bicycles"

Bicyclists, state officials gather to honor Lucinda Means

2005-05-26T10:03:00.000-04:00

"Despite an unusually dry spring, a steady rain settled into Lansing on Thursday, coloring the day a respectful shade of gray.

In most circumstances, such weather would be far from perfect for a long bicycle procession and public ceremony.

But the honoree that day was Michigan's foremost proponent of bicycling, Lucinda Means, head of the League of Michican Bicyclists, who had died of a stroke at the age of 49 just two weeks before. To many of the participants, anything other than rain would have seemed frivolous." Read the article.

"The Early Show" Covers Bicycling

2005-05-25T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Early Show on CBS did an interesting spot on bicycling during their Consumer Watch segment. Check out the VideoCBS News | Bike Advice From The Big Wheels | May 20, 2005�12:00:18: "It is National Bike Month as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and May 16-20 is Bike to Work Week. But before you go out and purchase a bike, there are safety issues to consider."

Email from a League member...

2005-05-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

Greetings,
In an effort to show all the support I could the attached photos are the bikes I rode to work this week. My Saturday and Sunday bikes are a Record equipped Merlin Solis and a hot-rodded Trek Madone 5.9 SL! Should I seek therapy?
James Hessler
Cyclist at Large
p.s. these bikes are my therapy.

2005-05-25T10:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday a League member sent in an interesting email:

Try bicycling for a sense of outdoor freedom - May 13, 2005

2005-05-18T17:13:00.000-04:00

Try bicycling for a sense of outdoor freedom - May 13, 2005: "May is National Bike Month, and I can�t think of a better way to embrace its objectives and enjoy the outdoors than to cruise along on a bicycle. Rising gas prices and a national trend for carrying extra body weight might be the nudge you need to dust off the bicycle that has been sitting idle in your garage."

Sessions Amendment Threatens Core Bike Funding

2005-05-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is offering an amendment today, Monday May 16, which would slash funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the Senate transportation bill. Although the measure is not expected to pass, The League of American Bicyclists is urging its supporters to contact their Senators to ask them to oppose the Sessions Amendment (646).

A strong show of support for bicycle and pedestrian project funding will help us in the final stages of negotiation: the conference committee between House and Senate members that will convene after the Senate has passed its bill (SAFETEA). The Senate is expected to end debate on SAFETEA as early as Tuesday.

Action!
Contact your senator by e-mail, visit http://www.senate.gov/ and then go to your senator’s individual Web site to find contact information.

Background
Senator Sessions’ amendment seeks to reduce the overall funding level in the Senate transportation bill by $11bn (to bring it in line with the funding level approved by the Budget Committee on which Sessions serves) – and proposes to do it by slashing funding for two of the primary funding sources for bicycling and walking projects.

The amendment will cut funding for public transit by $5 billion, clean air improvements funded by the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program by $4 billion, community building and transportation options funded under the Transportation Enhancements program by $1.1 billion, and smart transportation strategies funded under the TCSP program by $100 million. These changes and some others total $10.7 billion.

The amendment singles out these funding programs from the dozens of programs in the proposed Senate legislation, and chooses this approach over across the board cuts. This gratuitous attack on some of the core transportation programs established by ISTEA in 1991 must be soundly rejected in order to send a message to members of Congress who will be negotiating the final bill in conference committee. They need to know that cutting these programs is simply not an option.

Cool Bicycling Ecouragement Spots from the Other Side of the Pond

2005-04-25T13:05:00.000-04:00

People aren't just biking in the U.S. Check out the new campaign "Transport for London" has launched in London, England!

League's Most Well-Known Member to Retire

2005-04-18T16:19:00.000-04:00

www.cyclingnews.com news and analysis: "Six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will retire on July 24, one day after the Tour de France. At a press conference in Atlanta, Georgia today, 33 year-old Armstrong announced that he would not be continuing for another year, confirming his statements earlier this year that 'four months, and it's over.'"

Bicycling Magazine Honors Ann Arbor

2005-04-14T10:56:00.000-04:00

Bicycling magazine honors Ann Arbor: "Detroit may be the Motor City, but its close cousin, Ann Arbor, is Bike Town.
The university city is one of 20 cities in the nation that have been named Bike Towns by the editors of Bicycling magazine.
And there's a prize in the designation for Ann Arborites.
Fifty residents will be selected to receive free Schwinn bicycles, based on essays of 50 words or less about what they would do with a free bike.
In addition to Schwinn bicycles, all 2005 Bike Town participants in Ann Arbor will receive Kryptonite bike locks, Bell helmets, CatEye headlights, rear flashers, cycle computers (to track speed and mileage) and other bicycling gear."

Errands for the Environment:Ride your bike to do errands you'd normally be doing in your car and save money!

2005-04-13T12:10:00.000-04:00

That's right, work hard and have fun while saving the planet and you can save money too. Pedal Pushers Online (www.pedalpushersonline.com) will offer a 10% discount off anything in their store to anyone who signs up for the EFE Program and does at least one errand per week, on a bicycle.To find out more about how you can help ::Click Here::Visit store.pedalpushersonline.net to shop!Email spdrecrd@pedalpushersonline.com to sign up!

A Cool Tool: Calorie Calculator

2005-04-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

Ever wondered how many calories you need a day for your height and weight (and even age)? Check out this cool tool I discovered.

Is your Bike Month Event Listed on BikeMonth.com?

2005-04-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

The Event Listing section of www.bikemonth.com contains event information on National Bike Month and Bike-to-Work Week/Day events from all over the country. Get your free listing posted today by visiting this resourceful section!"

NAMC Newswire - 5th Annual Bicycle Film Festival Rides Into NYC May 12-15 - More Than 1000 Cyclists Expected to Part

2005-04-11T12:50:00.000-04:00

NAMC Newswire - 5th Annual Bicycle Film Festival Rides Into NYC May 12-15 - More Than 1000 Cyclists Expected to Part: "The 5th Annual Bicycle Film Festival will kick off its 2005 tour next month, with a four-night stand at the Anthology Film Archives, May 12-15. In addition to screening 55 feature-length and short films that celebrate bicycles and urban bike culture, the festival will also host a bike-centric art show entitled �Street,� which will run throughout the festival, and a downtown parade on Saturday, May 14th, which is expected to draw hundreds of cyclists. Festival passes (good for all screenings and parties) are $40. Screenings will be $8 each if purchased separately (this will also include free admission in to a party that evening), There will be free valet parking available for all screenings, courtesy of volunteers from Transportation Alternatives. May is National Bike Month."

Fix it yourself DIY repair shops won't take you for a ride

2005-04-07T13:35:00.000-04:00

IMAGINE YOU'RE HAPPILY pedaling down Valencia Street when some obscure part of your bike gives out with a sudden, sickening clunk! If you're like most people, your immediate reaction (after brushing the dirt off your Lycra) is to pedal or push your not-so-trusty steed down to the nearest bike shop and feebly wave your credit card in the air until the mechanic agrees to fix whatever is wrong. Read on...

Photos from the Summit!

2005-04-05T10:15:00.000-04:00

We've posted several photo albums from the 2005 National Bike Summit. All photos are print-ready and high-resolution. Check 'em out!

2005-03-31T17:44:00.000-05:00

A flyer for the Bicycle Education Leaders Conference is available on www.bikemonth.com. Post it above your office's water cooler today!

Bicyclists File to Defend Bicyclists' Rights

2005-03-30T10:41:00.000-05:00

The League of American Bicyclists and leading bicycling clubs in Kentucky filed an Amicus brief in the Kentucky Supreme Court, March 28, 2005 to defend the rights of Kentucky bicyclists on the Commonwealth's roads. The case arose from a jury decision that a bicyclist seriously injured by a passing motorist (pulling two trailers) should not have been there and should have stopped and gotten out of the way while the motorist passed. The case was joined by the Louisville Bicycle Club, Ashland Cycling Enthusiasts, Bluegrass Cycling Club, Bowling Green League of Bicyclists and Chain Reaction Cycling Club in Paducah.

The filing was prepared by Victor Maddox, a member of the Louisville Bicycle Club and partner in the firm of Tachau Maddox Hovious & Dickens, PLC in Louisville. Click on either the Amici Curiae or Motion to File for your review. The brief was filed March 28. We do not yet know when the Supreme Court will hear the case."

Attention Webmasters: Online Graphics Available from League Media Center

2005-03-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Click here to check out cool graphics and advertisments you can put on your club or organization's site to support the League!

Bicycle Education Leaders Conference Early Bird Registration Ends Soon!

2005-03-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

Save $100 by registering before April 1st!

The League of American Bicyclists’ third Bicycle Education Leaders Conference brings together more than 250 national, state and local bicycle safety educators, government agency staff, volunteer instructors, and students. New York City promises to be an exciting backdrop for three days of workshops, plenary presentations, and on-bike training opportunities. Registration for BELC 2005 includes participation in Bike New York, the Five Boro Bike Tour, on Sunday, May 1. Upon registration for the conference you will be given the option to sign up for this wonderful cycling opportunity. To ensure that you are pre-registered for the ride, please be sure to sign up for the conference by Friday, April 1.

Head of South Carolina Dept. of Transportation Speaks

2005-03-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

Speech just given during the Closing Pleanry Session today by Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director, South Carolina DOT:

It is a great pleasure to be here with you today. I am honored you asked me to talk about the progress the South Carolina Department of Transportation has made in accommodating bicycles on our highways. First, I am going to tell you something that you may find disappointing – I do not ride a bicycle.

However I believe I would like to be with you out on the roads because some of the most interesting and well-rounded people are bicyclists.

I believe that is because when you are on a bicycle, you are open to nature. You can speak to people on their porches. You have the ability to see interesting situations – and stop and get a closer view.
These things don’t happen when you are speeding along a highway in a car, talking on a cell phone. .

Society today is craving the opportunity to experience a better quality of life, and cycling in the perfect answer to meet this need. That is why I want to be a bicycle rider. There is one thing that has been holding me back - I don’t want to die. In South Carolina that has been a very real concern, and SCDOT is tackling it with determination.

We are extremely troubled that there are more fatalities involving walkers and bicyclists on South Carolina routes than there are on South Carolina interstate highways. I believe there are three reasons for this.

First SCDOT has the responsibility for 42,000 miles of road, which is the 4th largest state, maintained highway system in the country; and we have the least funding per mile of all the states in the nation. About 25,000 of our miles are narrow two lane roads with no shoulders. Others are major highways and not enough of them have accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians. This creates a serious safety issue for all the road users.

The second reason is that many motorists do not want to share the road because they are in too much of a hurry to get somewhere.

The third is that the transportation culture has traditionally been geared toward moving cars and trucks, not cyclist and walkers.

We have found that there are two major strategies for addressing these issues - education and money.

Bicycling organizations are doing an excellent job educating the public about the benefits of cycling. You know these benefits so I don’t need to talk about them. What I would like to do is tell you why South Carolina began taking notice of the issues and what we have done to address funding and education.

As you know, Congress has stressed the importance of non-motorized transportation for the past twelve years in federal transportation bills.

These bills provide funding to states and set priorities for transportation in America. So Congress got the states’ attention with the great motivator – money.

Because of the Congressional action, SCDOT appointed a bicycle coordinator, who began meeting and working with cyclists.

About ten years ago the SC General Assembly passed the State Energy and Efficiency Act, which advocated more bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on major state highway projects, but did not attach any money for the effort. In fact it has been 18 years since South Carolina increased transportation funding. Since the Energy and Efficiency Act simply advocated action, and since there was no money, the concept was not fully appreciated by our agency.

In my opinion the epiphany occurred about seven years ago when SCDOT implemented our strategic plan that included goals and measurements, which were reported and discussed at leadership team meetings.
Two of those goals were, and still are, safety and customer service.

We saw the upward trend in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities. This alarmed us. In the area of customer service we began to look beyond what we thought we should be providing to the public, and began to listen to what our customers wanted. There were many significant situations where bicyclists made there needs known – but one that stands out for me is the campaign for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on the new bridge crossing the Cooper River in Charleston.

This bridge replacement project was needed for many decades but there simply was no funding. Finally a good portion of the funding was made available, but not enough for the bridge that everyone desired. SCDOT asked builders to propose a project they could build with the limited funding – and to also give us the price for the bridge that was desired. We asked that bicycle and pedestrian accommodations be priced separately as “add ons” or amenities. To make a long story short, the bicycling groups organized a huge campaign to make sure that bike lanes were not considered as “add ons” but as a necessary part of the project. They sent about thirty children to a Commission meeting – and they all wore little tee shirts that said, “Bike the Bridge”.

Because of these efforts, along with the efforts of the state and local governments, a funding package was put together that allowed us to sign a contract for the bridge that everyone wanted - bike lanes and all.

I am pleased to tell you that the Cooper River Bridge will be opening this coming June – and what is even more amazing, it is one year ahead of schedule and on budget.

I hope you get an opportunity to Bike the Bridge, which is longest cable stayed span bridge in he Western Hemisphere and which also happens to be on the East Coast Greenway route.

After the Bridge experience, we wanted to find a way to better communicate with the Bicycle community, so we established an Advisory Committee. The SCDOT Enhancement Liaison, Tesa Griffin leads that Committee. As the person linking the public and SCDOT Engineers on all Enhancement projects, Tesa works closely with the SCDOT bicycle coordinator, local governments and communities.
I am very pleased that Tesa could be with me here today. Tesa, stand up and wave so everyone see who you are.

The dialog and partnerships that came out of the Advisory Committee created the energy and momentum that was needed to begin to move bicycle accommodations from good intentions to real commitment.

I cannot emphasize enough the value of these partnerships. I would like to mention a few:

One partner is the Palmetto Cycling Coalition—this group provides us with bicyclist’s perspective on highway issues.

Their outstanding President, Dr. Paul LeFrancois and their dynamic Executive Director, Natalie Britt, are here at the Summit, and hopefully you have had the opportunity to meet them.

Another partner is the South Carolina Division of the Federal Highway Administration. Our Division Administrator, Bob Lee, and his staff are with us 100% on all issues, including bicycle acommodations.

We also partner with our Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Regional Councils of Governments. These two groups are very involved with SCDOT in highway planning and they are including bicycle accommodations in their project proposals.

Another support group, the South Carolina Legislature, has now formed a Bike and Pedestrian Caucus. This is the first such caucus in South Carolina, and I believe it came about in part due to the urgings of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition,

Also the SCDOT Commission adopted a resolution declaring that bicycling and walking accommodations would be included in every SCDOT project.

This was a major step in our commitment to change the agency culture from one that focused on moving cars and trucks – to a culture that considers all modes of transportation. To help accomplish the change we had to put bike lanes into the design assembly line.
They had to be shown in the standard drawings, and not as something that was added later. The Commission’s resolution gave the engineering staff and others a clear sense that we are serious about efforts to “Complete the Streets.”

Because of the SCDOT Commission action, the Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness, who is another one of our outstanding partners, selected SCDOT for their 2003 “Public Policy Award.”

SCDOT also made a major decision in 2002 to hold an annual Bicycle and Pedestrian Conference. This event brings together citizen advocates, elected officials, and planners to discuss ways to provide better facilities for cyclists.

Because we are committed to changing agency culture, we make sure that SCDOT employees from all disciplines attend the conferences. This allows them to learn first hand about the issues and concerns.

Different areas of the state are featured each year as the conference location move around the state. I hope you can join us on December 7, 8 and 9 at the 2005 Conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Tesa Griffin and the Advisory Committee are currently planning the sessions. In the past we have been fortunate to have nationally recognized speakers. For example Andy Clarke was one of our featured speakers in 2003 and Mele Williams, the League’s Governmental affairs representative spoke at the conference in 2004.

I am confident that the Hilton Head Conference will also be a success and that attendance will continue to grow.

Some results of SCDOT’s efforts can be seen in the hundreds of thousands of feet of bicycle lanes, sidewalks and wider shoulders that have been added to our highways.

And in 2004, we dedicated almost $3 million of our Transportation Enhancement funds to improving our statewide Bicycle Tour Routes.

We were very fortunate that SCDOT was the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Bikes Belong Coalition. We plan to use these funds for employee training and development SCDOT wants every employee to understand the benefits of Complete Streets.

We learned quite a few lessons about accommodating bicycles over the last few years and the advice we would offer to other states is simple:
Communicate a clear vision.
Form strong partnerships.
Make bicycle accommodations a routine part of highway projects - not optional. As an example, just as we don’t ask “Would you like drainage with this highway?” we should not ask “Would you like bike lanes?” Both are integral parts of any highway improvement project.

South Carolina still has much work to do in raising awareness of the benefits of accommodating bicycles on public roads. We still have work to do in changing agency culture, and we still need additional funding to meet our needs.
But we have come a long way thanks to help from our partners. In fact, we have come so far that I am seriously considering buying a bicycle and hitting the roads with all of you interesting and well rounded people.

I am so pleased that you invited me to join you at this important Summit. Congratulations to the League on 125 years as a leading advocate for improving American transportation. I wish you continued success for the next 125 years and beyond. Thank you.

####

2005-03-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

The Bicycle Museum was a hit! (Photo: Keith Barraclough)

2005-03-18T14:02:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for the Congressional Bike Caucus ride...(Photo: Keith Barraclough)

2005-03-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Elizabeth Mabry. (Photo: Keith Barraclough)

Great Hill Meeting Story

2005-03-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

Rose Lahti informed me of a great meeting she had today with Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and fellow Alaskan constituents. Rep. Young talked enthusiastically about bicycling during the meeting and reminisced about cycling as a youth. When the group brought up the topic of Safe Routes to School initiatives, Young said, "Everybody who lives within a mile and a half radius should walk to school." An excellent idea in my opinion!

Free Bicycle Museum Exhibit Tomorrow

2005-03-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

A traveling bicycle museum will be shown at Garfield Circle on the west side of the U. S. Capitol this Friday, March 18, 2005, 2:00 p.m. until sunset.

The theme is 200 years on 2 wheels. 24 antique bikes from the year 1817 to the present tell the exciting story of the modern bicycle, bicycle by bicycle.

A bicycle historian will give a lecture and answer questions. Admission is free!

Sunny Days are Here Again!

2005-03-17T10:58:00.000-05:00

Looks like the weather for tomorrow's bike ride is going to be great!

If you weren't able to attend the conference, but live in the Washington, DC area, you should come out for the Congressional Bike Caucus Ride! Here's the specifics:

What: Congressional Bike Caucus Ride
Where: Garfield Circle, US Capitol Building
When: Friday, March 18, 2005 @ 2pm
Who: You and all of your friends and local officials

National Bike Summit--Day 2: Capitol Hill

2005-03-17T09:01:00.001-05:00

Today is the day when we really make an impact en masse on Capitol Hill. League Executive Director Andy Clarke just finished psyching up conference attendees with a speech in the Rayburn House Office Building over a light breakfast. Summit participants were given last minute pointers before heading off to their appointments for the day.

This evening there will be a reception in the Russell Senate Office Building Caucus Room. The invitation-only event is always an exciting moment for conference goers since the results of the day's efforts are announced.

Mineta Says…

2005-03-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

“I look forward to working closely with the League of American Bicyclists and others in the coming months and years, to maintain and enhance the role that safe bicycle and pedestrian travel play in our Nation’s transportation system.”

Fact on Funding According to Secretary Mineta

2005-03-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

“…the amount of federal funding going to bicycling and walking projects and programs has increased from $23 million in 1992…to $413 million in 2004.”

Mineta Says…

2005-03-16T12:47:00.000-05:00

“Determination and perserverence seem to be common traits among bicyclists. Since 1880, the League has worked tirelessly to increase safety and access for bicycle riders nationwide”.

Bicycling is the "Grandfather"

2005-03-16T12:45:00.000-05:00

Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, is giving a speech right now:
“I think of it [bicycling] as one of the grandparents in our transportation network. It was, after all, a pair of bicyclists, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who gave birth to powered flight. And to this day, bicycling continues to grow in popularity.”

Introducing...

2005-03-16T12:43:00.000-05:00

Bill Fry (president/CEO of Bells Sports & President of the Bikes Belong Coalition) is introducing the Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta…

"Now is the Time To Start Thinking About TEA-4"

2005-03-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), addressed an ampitheatre filled with conference goers about the importance of bicycle advocacy work, the efficiency of the bicycle as a means of transportation, and the future of cycling legislation.

Blumnauer said, "Now is the time to start thinking about TEA-4". He encouraged all attendees, the bicycle industry and all partners involved to continue with "valuable and beneficial work".

National Bike Summit -- Day 1: Opening Plenary

2005-03-16T08:35:00.000-05:00

We got off to a great start today at 8am with Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League, welcoming everyone to the Summit. Andy talked about the history of the League, it's achievements and the challenges ahead. He introduced the League's president, Chris Kegel, who spoke about the importance of the cycling movement in the United States, and how the National Bike Summit is a "super charger" for advocates.

2005-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Conference attendees filter into the Ronald Reagan Building's ampitheatre for the opening plenary.

2005-03-15T19:24:00.000-05:00

League staff signs off names and registers conference early-birds.

National Bike Summit -- Day 0

2005-03-15T19:20:00.000-05:00

Pre-registration has just concluded and the League staff has already seen many smiling and familiar faces among Summit early arrivals. Looks like the bags donated by Timbuk2 to carry around conference and lobbying materials is a big hit. One advocate from Texas told me the red, silver, and blue courier bags look "sweet". Special thanks to Timbuk2 for hooking up the League with super gear!

In a few moments, an advocacy workshop entitled, "Advocacy Orientation: Inside the Beltway for Beginners", will begin. The workshop is for first-time cycling advocates. If Thursday will be the first time you will have lobbied on the Hill, you will definitely not want to miss this excellent training session led by Andy Clarke (League of course), Gary Sjoquist (Bikes Belong Coalition), and Jeff Miller (Bicycle Coalition of Maine).

Tomorrow's opening plenary starts at 8:00am. I can't wait!

Summit Delegates Head to Washington

2005-03-14T21:29:00.000-05:00

More than 300 participants from 47 states are heading to Washington this week for the 5th annual National Bike Summit®. The Summit officially kicks off Wednesday morning with the traditional welcome from Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and continues with a busy schedule of workshops. The luncheon keynote speaker is Norman J. Mineta, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

On Thursday, delegates take to the halls of Congress. To date, more than 200 Congressional Districts are covered, with more meetings being scheduled every day. View the Summit program, including the all-important issue papers, here.

Friday highlights include a plenary presentation from Ms. Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Transportation and a series of workshops that explore the future of the bicycle movement 15 years from now. The Summit ends with a Congressional Bike Caucus bike ride, Friday afternoon.

S.C. Man Plans International Bike Trek to Foster Cultural Awareness

2005-03-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

S.C. Man Plans International Bike Trek to Foster Cultural Awareness
By Elise Kleeman Sentinel Correspondent
March 13, 2005:

"Jamie Bianchini is bicycling around the world again, and this time he hopes to convince hundreds of people to join him."

Remember those Yellow Bracelets?

2005-03-10T17:46:00.000-05:00

Democrat & Chronicle: Mark Hare: "It's not about the money. "

Only 8 Days Left Until the National Bike Summit Begins!

2005-03-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

The League headquarters is a cyclone of activity as we get ready for the 2005 National Bike Summit®. I am particularly excited this year, as the League will be blogging from the Summit. Remember the DNC and RNC blogs during the 2004 presidential election? Yep, we're doing something quite similar! So, expect editorial and photos on the country's largest national bicycle advocacy conference, along with a few surprises!

Over the weekend I made sure I have everything we need to make live coverage of the conference possible:

Laptop……………………………… Check

Internet Access……………………Check

Digital Camera……………………Check

Cell Phone…………………………Check

If you won’t be able to attend the conference, the League’s blog will be your best bet for staying informed on the latest conference happenings. Stay tuned!

Interesting UK Report on Cost Effectiveness of Cutting Car Use

2005-03-04T23:58:00.000-05:00

An interesting report from the United Kingdom's Department for Transportation on the cost effectiveness of decreasing car use has been published recently. The findings of the report prove the benefits of using alternative forms of transportation. Transportation Departments, regardless of their country of representation should read this report to learn how effective alternative transportation impacts communities.

Here's a quick blurb about the report:

New research commissioned by the UK's Department for Transport called "Smarter Choices: Changing the Way We Travel" has found that 'soft transport measures' give a fantastic rate of return - a benefit of more than 10 pounds (1 GBP equals 1.4 EUR) for every 1 pound spent.
Soft measures aim at giving better information and opportunities to help drivers cut their car use while enhancing the appeal of alternatives.

These popular ideas include:

workplace and school travel plans;
personalised travel planning, travel awareness campaigns, and public transport information;
car clubs and car sharing schemes;
teleworking, teleconferencing and home shopping.

The public cost of reducing traffic by soft measures is estimated at 1.5 pence per car kilometre. The benefit of reduced traffic congestion is 15 pence per car kilometre removed, and more than 45 pence in congested urban conditions. Every 1 pound spent on well- designed soft measures brings at least 10 pounds of benefit in reduced congestion alone plus environmental improvements.

Estimations assume that no new vehicles use the road space created. Even if they do, a plan with a 1,000-4,500% return is good enough to be worth backing.
Yet the City of York plans to axe its travel awareness post, due to budget cuts.

Read the full report

Dirt Rag Covers the Bicycle Commuter Act

2005-03-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

Dirt Rag {Web Rag: News}: "With three weeks to go before the National Bike Summit (March 16-18) in Washington D.C., the bicycle agenda is thriving in Congress. The Bicycle Commuter Act has been reintroduced by Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Mark Foley (R-FL)."

Summit Hotels Are Selling Out!

2005-03-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

It's been brought to my attention that the two main hotels for the League's National Bike Summit are sold out. If you haven't booked a room yet for the three day conference there is still hope. Check out the League's FAQ for a list of other hotels that are nearby...

Clear Channel Radio Responds to Inappropriate DJ Behavior Against Cyclists

2005-03-02T14:05:00.000-05:00

Clear Channel Radio has issued a very strong statement to the League in response to inappropriate and insensitive remarks about bicyclists made on radio station KSTE in Sacramento on February 24. The broadcast personalities involved have expressed their deep regret on the air and been disciplined by the company. KSTE has already begun airing PSAs to promote bicycle safety and will undertake a number of other measures to promote bicycle safety, as described in the letter [PDF] from Omar Thompson, VP of Marketing & Communications, Clear Channel Radio.

Automobile Daytime Running Lights: Friend or Foe of Cyclists?

2005-03-02T13:19:00.000-05:00

A member wrote to us recently with the following:

"There is an issue I feel is being ignored by cyclists much to our peril. That is the use of Daytime Running Lights on automobiles. I can't think of anything that will reduce the visibility of cyclists on the road more than having lights shining everywhere. Not only do they reduce the ability to notice other objects they condition drivers to think that if they don't see lights there isn't anything there."

Check out www.lightsout.org for more information on the Internet-based organization's views.

What's your opinion on daytime running lights? Leave a comment!

Live Pain Free: Ride Your Bike!

2005-03-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

Spinning his wheels is a good thing: "Woodard is excited about being pain-free and more in touch with his body. He credits bike riding for his good blood pressure and resting heart rate. 'It keeps unfolding for me, getting healthy."

Ride of Silence: Florida

2005-02-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

Ride of Silence :: Florida: "On May 18, 2005 the Ride of Silence will roll across the country, starting at 7:00 PM. In more than 50 cities in the U.S. and Canada, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. "

Bike Disposal Fee: Yay or Nay?

2005-02-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

CA Assemblywoman Clarifies $7 Bike Surcharge, Welcomes Industry Comment: "Assemblywoman Betty Karnette recently introduced a bill into the California Assembly that would add a $7 disposal fee to every new bicycle sold in the state. Last evening she spoke with Bicycle Retailer and Industry News about the reasoning behind the bill, and also encouraged California retailers to contact her with questions."

From the 1,000,001 Bike Inventions Bin...

2005-02-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

Now charge your mobile while riding a bike: "If someone told you that you could charge your mobile phone while riding your bike you would have dubbed him crazy. But students from IIT-Delhi have made this possible"

Bicycle Commuter Act and Conserve By Bicycling Reintroduced in Congress

2005-02-25T13:33:00.000-05:00

The bicycling agenda is alive and well in the halls of Congress with less than three weeks to go before the National Bike Summit® (March 16-18 in Washington, DC). In addition to transportation reauthorization, bicycling commuter and conserve by bike legislation are once again being considered in the 109th Congress.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Mark Foley (R-FL) have reintroduced the Bicycle Commuter Act (H.R. 807). It is anticipated that Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) will reintroduce the Senate companion measure prior to the Summit. The Bicycle Commuter Act would allow an employer to add bicycling to the definition of transportation fringe benefit in the tax code. The transportation fringe benefit was added as an incentive to get more people to use alternative modes of transportation for commuting. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion, pollution and wear and tear on the roads. Under H.R. 807, employers could offer monthly cash reimbursement of up to $100 to an employee who commutes to work by bicycle, providing a tax benefit to the employer and helping defray commuting expenses for the bicyclist.

In addition, Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN) has introduced H.R. 722, the Securing Transportation Energy Efficiency for Tomorrow Act of 2005. This bill also includes language very similar to H.R. 807, but with a $75 a month cap. Furthermore, H.R. 722 includes conserve by bicycling language, comparable to the language in last year’s energy bill. This language would provide $10 million to establish a pilot program with up to 10 geographically dispersed projects to use education and marketing and provide facilities to convert motor vehicle trips to bike trips as an energy savings measure. For more information, visit http://www.bikeleague.org or http://thomas.loc.gov.

Keep Up the Good Work Louisville!

2005-02-25T10:41:00.000-05:00

Group to promote city cycling: "Remember how to ride that bike?
Barry Zalph thinks you do, and he has established a new nonprofit group that hopes to make it easier for you to get around. Bicycling for Louisville Inc.'s mission is to lobby government for changes that will make cycling better and safer, and to establish programs aimed at improving cycling in the city."

Minneapolis Expanding Bike Trails

2005-02-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

Minneapolis expanding bike trails: "As the construction season comes to a close, Minneapolis is working to complete several new bike paths around the city."

Riding Your Bike to Class Rules!

2005-02-25T10:35:00.000-05:00

A safer route to school makes children more likely to walk and bike: "A safer route to school makes children more likely to walk and bike"

You Know You're A Bicyclist When...

2005-02-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

1. You think that working on your bike is almost as much fun as riding it

2. At some point you caught yourself wondering if your bike might look good if you added fenders

3. You discover that you have forgotten to remove your reflective ankle straps hours after you have arrived somewhere by bicycle

4. You would recognize that threaded washer from a Presta valve stem anywhere

5. You KNOW what a Presta valve is

6. You make decisions about car purchases based on which one more easily accepts a rooftop bicycle rack

7. You skip that last beer because there is a group ride the next morning

8. You own any kind of purple annodized bicycle accessory

9. Colorado Cyclist sent you a Christmas card last year

10. Your bicycle(s) are worth more than your automobile

11. You know what the difference is between Ultrasensor, Core-Tech, and Microfiber jersey materials

12. "Once you try bibs, baby, you'll never go back!"

13. You can tell your significant other with a straight face that its too hot to mow the lawn then take off and ride a century.

14. Your bike rack and attachments are worth more than your car.

15. You pull up hard on the steering wheel trying to jump your car over a pot-hole

16, The first thing you ask when you regain consciousness is "How's my bike?"

17. You actually move farther from work so your bike commute will be longer.

18. You take a perverse pride in your mid-thigh and mid-bicep tan lines, and even more in that funny little circle on the back of your hand

19. Your learn you have some money left over after paying bills and the first thing you do is reach for the nearest bicycling catalog

20. Most of the tools you own are made by Park or Blackburn

21. Someone in a car asks for directions and you give them a route that bypasses freeways and busy surface streets

Cyclists peddle plan for city

2005-02-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

Cyclists peddle plan for city: "Objectives include network of paths, safety measures"

Folks all over the nation are using their fair share of the streets for the two-wheeled commute.

Advocacy, Education, and a Ride or Two

2005-02-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

I just finished posting a new section on bikeleague.org. Check out the new 125th anniversary section to learn what events will be going on throughout the year, how to go on a celebration ride, and purchase some sweet Official League gear.

125 Years Later, We're Having a Party

2005-02-09T09:35:00.000-05:00

This year, the League is celebrating its 125th birthday! We are planning a series of events and creating several commemorative programs—including collectable items—to celebrate bicycling, the League, and our work to build a bicycle-friendly America.

The events will include gala dinners for League members and important guests from all areas of the bicycling community, with exciting (but still secret!) speakers from the world of cycling and other entertainment. In partnership with League-affiliated bicycle clubs, we will offer rides of various distances and other activities around the dinners.

A number of League-affiliated bicycle clubs are already planning their own events to celebrate the League’s 125th anniversary. The Narragansett Bay Wheelmen (a club serving Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut and Southeastern Massachusetts) is holding its celebration the weekend of June 10-12. This event will include a series of rides, dinners, and local attractions and presentations.

The League is working with a major museum on creating a traveling exhibit of bicycling history, featuring the League and covering the impact of bicycling on a wide range of important social and economic developments over the last 125 years. The show could visit as many as ten major markets around the nation. We are also working with several collectors to create a “virtual” museum of the League’s history, including important members and events, such as Rallies and GEARS from the recent and distant past.

The fall issue of the League magazine, mailing October 7, will be a special commemorative edition, featuring stories and photos and artwork highlighting important people, places and events in the League’s long history.

National Bike MonthTM this May will provide a number of special opportunities to commemorate the League’s birthday. Events will be held in communities throughout the country and the League’s Bike Month Organizers’ Kit will feature a chapter offering different ideas for celebrating the 125th anniversary.

We are creating special, limited edition patches commemorating the League’s 125th anniversary that will be available to members who take part in any of the dozens of commemorative rides being organized around the nation by League-affiliated bicycle clubs. Members will also be able to order the commemorative patches directly from the League.

None of this can be done without your support. Help celebrate the League’s past and look forward to a brighter future by leading the way with a generous contribution of $125, $250 or $500 to the League’s 125th Gala Planning Committee. Your gift will help us pay for critical pre-celebration groundwork, such as planning gala dinners, a “virtual museum” of the history of the League and bicycling, commemorative patches, bicycle ride route planning, and more.

We welcome ideas for the celebration and we thank the many members of the League who have already made generous contributions to the League’s 125th Gala Planning Committee. If you have ideas for the celebration, please e-mail andy@bikeleague.org or call (202) 822-1333.

2005-02-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

Photo of the Day
Credit: BikesBelong Coalition

Opening Day

2005-02-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

In an on-going effort to reach out to it's membership and the general public, the League of American Bicyclists has created a blog. Blog visitors will be able to read up on the latest "inside news" about the League and gain access to information that is not available on the League's full website, www.bikeleague.org

Content will be posted on a daily/weekly basis depending on the latest developments concerning the League and the events it hosts.

Check back often or subscribe to the League blog via RSS feed.