As Washington DC returns to work, the massive proposed economic recovery package is dominating the attention of Congress. Public works and infrastructure projects are high on the list of priorities for "shovel ready" projects that can quickly generate jobs and economic activity. The America Bikes coalition has identified more than $2.2billion of ready to go bicycle and pedestrian improvements, clearly demonstrating that whatever funding mechanism is used to get the money flowing must make non-motorized infrastructure an explicitly eligible activity. The America Bikes list of illustrative projects includes Safe Routes to School and Complete Streets projects, as well as on- and off-road improvements. For a list of proposed projects in your state, e-mail caron@americabikes.org.

 

 

In late 2008, America Bikes Coalition members approved key elements of their agenda for the 2009 authorization of the Federal transportation bill. Priorities include adoption of an enforceable national Complete Streets policy; adequate funding to complete bicycling networks in every metropolitan area in the country; access to a fair share of safety funding - in direct proportion to the percentage of fatalities suffered by bicyclists and pedestrians; and institutional changes at the US Department of Transportation to ensure bicycling and walking is treated more equitably as a mode of transportation alongside transit and motor vehicles. The platform forms the basic agenda of the 2009 National Bike Summit - keep checking the America Bikes and League websites for more details.

James L. Jones, Obama's appointed National Security Adviser and retired marine general, was quoted in the magazine
Stars and Stripes stating his favored choice of work transport.

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) is an outstanding and pretty unimpeachable source for consumer and technical information on bicycle helmets. Every year, Randy Swart of the BHSI, compiles a review of new and improved helmets, helmets designs etc., and the 2009 edition is now available. If you want a completely biased recommendation for a helmet, we suggest a Trek or a Fuji; both companies donate $1 of the purchase price to the League's programs.

 

The NYC Street Memorial Project joined forces with the Pedestrian Memorial Project on January 4th for the 4th Annual Memorial Ride and Walk for Cyclists and Pedestrians Killed in Traffic. Organized by the Street Memorial Project, the event includes bike rides across four boroughs to each white-painted "Ghost Bike" installed at the scene of a bicyclist fatality, and a Memorial Walk in honor of pedestrians killed last year. There were 14 known bicyclist fatalities and more than 100 pedestrian deaths in 2008. Since June 2005, 55 ghost bikes have been installed
Click here for press release.
Click here to for NYC Street Memorial Project information.

In a December 27th editorial about winter cyclists, St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Joe Soucheray wrote "GET OFF THE STREET, YOU MORONS!" and quoted a conversation with fellow journalist Patrick Reusse in which Reusse says, "Well, if they fall down in front of me, I will run over them in their snowmobile suits and squash them like a bug.'' To read about the issue, the facts, and what he should have said, visit the League's Trash Talking webpage.

The iConnect programme welcomes applications for their PhD studentships in public health research within the newly established Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), a UKCRC
funded Centre of Excellence in Public Health Research.
Click here for additional information.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) seeks an electronic communications specialist. IMBA creates, enhances and preserves great trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. Click here for job details.

The League Mission: To promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.