League News
John Burke to Speak at League Annual Meeting
On Wed., March 14 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the board and staff of the League of American Bicyclists invite you to attend the League's annual meeting at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Guest Speaker John Burke, president and CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation, will speak about the latest industry trends, his rides with President George W. Bush, and what he is doing personally to build a bicycle friendly America. League Executive Director Andy Clarke will also speak about our current and future activities. The meeting is a great opportunity to discover more about the League and to meet the board and staff. Non-members are welcome! Beverages and light appetizers provided. Speaking program begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the National Bike Summit.
Building Excitement about El Tour de Tucson
Due to editorial errors, the date of the 2007 League National Bicycle Rally, held in conjunction with the Perimeter Bicycling Association's El Tour de Tucson, was printed incorrectly in the Jan./Feb. 2007 issue of American Bicyclist. The event, which will be an incredible experience, will be held in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday, November 17, 2007. In addition to setting a new attendance record for El Tour, the ride is expected to have an economic impact of $2 million to $4 million in Pima County, raising El Tour’s total economic impact to well over $20 million.
Become a Bicycle Friendly Community!
The March/April 2007 issue of American Bicyclist magazine, which highlights the League's Bicycle Friendly Community program and spotlights the communities who recognize the importance of bicycling, will mail early next week. Make sure your community is included in the 2008 version by completing the application by the next deadline: March 23. For more information on the program, and applying, contact Bill Nesper. The BFC program is generously sponsored by Bikes Belong.
State News
Virginia Assembly Approves Red Light Cameras
The Virginia General Assembly will allow local governments to set up cameras to catch drivers who run red lights, renewing a program that safety advocates say reduces accidents and aggressive driving. The Senate voted 30 to 10 on Feb. 20 to approve a bill that would let towns, cities and counties with populations of 10,000 or more install photo-monitoring systems at intersections with traffic signals. The House has already approved the measure, and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has said he will sign it. Excerpted from the Washington Post.
Iowa Considering Complete Streets Bill
Three bills have been filed in the Iowa Senate that are of interest to the bicycling community. First, Iowa's Landmark Complete Streets Bill, SF244, was created to "establish policy guidelines to ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, freight haulers, and motor vehicle operators, are accommodated and balanced in all types of transportation and development projects and throughout all phases of a project so that even the most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, can travel safely within the public right-of-way." SF101 establishes a Share the Road license plate and funds from the sales supporting bicycling. SF29 establishes some new programs for trail connectivity, funding, and promotion. For more on these bills, and the work behind them, visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
Conferences
Walk/Bike California
The third biennial Walk/Bike California Conference will be held on Sept. 11 - Sept. 14, 2007 in Davis, Calif. The deadline for presentations, posters, sponsors, exhibits or awards is Friday, March 16. For information and submittal forms, click here. Walk/Bike California 2007 is hosted by the California Bicycle Coalition in association with California Walks. The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals Professional Development Seminar will be held concurrently.
Bicycling Careers
Indiana Bicycle Coalition
The Indiana Bicycle Coalition is looking for an executive director. As a growing non-profit group with more than 600 members and 10 years of successful work, they are looking for a talented, enthusiastic individual who wants to grow and lead the Coalition. The position is assisted by a part-time staff member and an enthusiastic board. This challenging, full time paid position is currently based in Indianapolis, Ind. Apply at Executive Director Search Committee, Indiana Bicycle Coalition, Inc., P.O. Box 20243, Indianapolis, IN 46220, or via e-mail to info@bicycleindiana.org.
Trail Updates
IMBA Releases New Book
What makes one trail a success, while another is unpopular or the source of conflict? Why do some trails last for decades with minimal maintenance, while others require expensive repairs? Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding gives solutions for these and dozens of other trail-related dilemmas. This 256-page book offers an essential collection of best practices for planning, designing, and managing successful trail networks and bike parks. More than 50 experts, including land managers, recreation ecologists, professional trailbuilders, and experienced advocates, contributed to Managing Mountain Biking, creating the most complete reference of its kind. For more information, or to buy your copy, click here.
