Summit

National Bike Summit Follow-up is Critical

The League’s Advocacy Director, Walter Finch, reminds everyone that attended the National Bike Summit that their follow-up to Congressional meetings is essential. This week, Members of Congress are typically back in their home districts (Easter recess) – making it a perfect time to drop a note to the District office to set up that event, or follow-up visit that you talked about in DC.


If you weren’t at the Summit, a district meeting with your elected representatives is the ideal alternative! Remember, we are asking Representatives to sign on to the Bicycle Resolution, H. Con. Res. 305 and Senators to sign on to S.2686, the Complete Streets Act of 2008. More details at the League’s on-line advocacy center.

Bicycle Friendly Community Program

Record Number of BFC Applications

Bicycle Friendly Community program reviewers have the pleasant task of reviewing a record number of applications for recognition in the latest round of awards. Almost 40 communities have applied – 26 for the first time, 13 to get their earlier designation renewed or upgraded. “The only time we had more new applicants,” according to program director Bill Nesper, “was the very first round of applications for the revamped program in 2003 when we asked the more than 50 communities designated under the old program to re-apply.” The results will be announced before the kick-off of National Bike Month in May.

 

Staff Boost for BFC program

The League is delighted to welcome Alison Dewey and Jeff Peel to the BFC staff roster, and the contract services of industry media veteran Carson Stanwood (Carmichael Lynch Spong). Alison and Jeff join the team to provide technical assistance to communities, and to manage the development of a Bicycle Friendly Businesses and Bicycle Friendly States program respectively. Alison joins the team after many years in charge of marketing and outreach for Landry’s Bicycles, one of the nation’s best bike shops; Jeff spent several years at the Washington Area Bicyclists Association before spearheading Clear Channel Outdoors’ bike sharing program in DC.

Carson Stanwood brings years of experience promoting bicycling and a host of other activities, causes and products to the outreach program of the BFC. “It’s such a great program,” said Andy Clarke, “that it deserves greater recognition and exposure. Stanwood is the person to get that job done.”
Special thanks to Trek and Bikes Belong for their support of the program that has made this expansion possible.

Local

Shahum Editorial in SFO Paper Speaks Volumes for Cyclists

A high-profile debate about traffic safety has marked the aftermath of a terrible recent tragedy in San Francisco Bay area, in which two cyclists were killed by a Sherriff’s Deputy who lost control of his cruiser on popular local cycling route. Among the predictably polarized responses from motorists and cyclists came this excellent editorial today from Leah Shahum, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

 

Chicago Passes Ordinance to Protect Cyclists

Chicago cyclists are cheering passage of a significant local ordinance promising much greater protection from motorists. The legislation – endorsed by the Mayor and city Department of Transportation – was passed on March 12 and prohibits opening a door into moving traffic; sets a three-foot minimum passing distance; increases fines for parking in a bike lane or marked shared lane; and prohibits motorists from turning right in front of a bicyclist. The ordinance sets a minimum fine of $500 when these actions lead to a bicycle crash. The provision was a major goal of the 2015 Bike Plan, and was backed enthusiastically by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

 

Bowling Green Summit Features BFC’s Nesper

Bowling Green, KY is following in the tire tracks of Louisville and Lexington by hosting their own local bike summit, Friday April 4. The Louisville Mayor, Jerry Abramson, is keynoting the event, with Bill Nesper providing insights as to how the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community can help the city create a roadmap to a BFC designation.

 

Want to Cross the Delaware River? Leave Your Bike at Home.

Reconstruction of the Milford-Montague Bridge across the Delaware has failed to accommodate bicyclists, leaving local riders with a lengthy detour. The “oversight” by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has been getting worse: riders trying to cross in the travel lane have been harassed by Commission employees and a portable sign now warns that “no bicyclists are allowed” on the bridge. If you are in the area…give the Commission a call at 888-203-7690. And, even if you’re not…it could happen to a bridge near you sometime, so why not give them a call anyway?!

State & Local

Clarke to Keynote AZ Conference and El Tour de Phoenix .

League President Andy Clarke is the featured speaker at the second annual Arizona Statewide Bicycle Conference, Friday, April 4 in Mesa, Ariz. Clarke is joined on the program by LAB super-volunteer Richard Moeur – our representative to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD).

Clarke is also the Dedicatee of El Tour de Phoenix the following day. Clarke will be honored at a banquet, Thursday April 3, and will send riders on their way at the Saturday event. Modeled on the successful El Tour de Tucson, the Phoenix ride attracts 1,300 riders.

Seeking

Want a Job in Bicycling?

The City of Berkeley is seeking a qualified person to serve as an Associate Planner in the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department to carry out a variety of tasks primarily related to pedestrian and bicycle programs and planning. Applications will be accepted between March 17, 2008 and April 3, 2008 only. Submit applications to the City of Berkeley Human Resources Department. For information regarding the application process, call Human Resources at (510) 981-6888, or visit our website: www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hr.

The Michigan Fitness Foundation is searching for a Vice President of Active Communities – an executive level position to continue the leadership of local initiatives to improve health and physical activity levels in Michigan communities. Check out the MFF website or email mlieber@michiganfitness.org.

The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is seeking a talented full-time Safe Routes to Schools Program Manager.

And finally, the Cascade Bicycle Club is looking for someone to fill a newly created planning/advocacy staff position at the nation’s largest local cycling organization.