BikeEd 2007
Register Today to Learn the Latest in BikeEd
The BikeEd 2007 Conference is the only national conference dedicated to the critical topic of bicycle safety and education: If you teach bicycle safety, you should be in Austin, June 14-16. The conference is a great opportunity to network with and learn from your peers and to brush up on your teaching techniques. The program includes informative workshops on sharing best practices, improving the marketing and appeal of BikeEd, reaching diverse audiences, and reaching educators in your community. Register today!
Presenting ... You!
The League is requesting that interested parties in the bicycling community assist in the development of presentation through a call for papers. Help us identify the critical issues currently facing the bicycling community. There will be several opportunities to integrate selected papers/presentation ideas into the conference. All proposals should include a 150-word abstract; a one- to two-page outline of the presentation; your contact information; proposed speakers; and the format for presentation and any a/v requirements. Please provide the materials no later than April 20, 2007. Send via e-mail to: education@bikeleague.org.
Become a League Cycling Instructor in 2007
Sign up today for a League Cycling Instructor class: We've got space available in Louisville, Ky., Albany, N.Y., Logan, Utah, and seven other upcoming classes. For more information, or to register, click here.
Outdoor Industry Association Statistics Released
Sixty million adult Americans bicycle each year. Bicycling offers sustainable growth for rural economies, produces more than $50 billion annually in retail sales and services, and supports nearly 1.1 million jobs in the United States. These facts are part of new research released by the Outdoor Industry Association about the economic impact of bicycling recreation. For more information and to see the bicycling data by region, click here. (Thanks to Bikes Belong for alerting us to this news).
Take Action for Trail Users
Your immediate action is needed to ensure proper health care benefits for trail enthusiasts everywhere! U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) recently introduced S. 616 and Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI) introduced H.R. 1076: "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act.” This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in recreational trail activities. Take Action now by making an appointment with your Congress members while they are at home on recess or by calling, emailing, or writing them.
Grants Available
Conservation Fund Accepting Grant Applications
The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program, a partnership project of the Eastman Kodak Company, the Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America. Awards will primarily go to local, regional, or statewide nonprofit organizations. Although public agencies may also apply, community organizations will receive preference. The maximum grant is $2,500, and most grants will range between $500 and $1,500. See the Conservation Fund site for complete program information and application procedures; the deadline is June 1, 2007.
Local Look
Sterling Heights, Mich. Lightens Up on Fines
In an effort to improve safety, the parks and police departments of Sterling Heights, Mich. drew up a proposed ordinance in March to regulate behavior and create a fine system for those who do not obey the rules. Several aspects of the first proposal drew harsh criticism from residents and bike enthusiasts. This week, however, council members gave preliminary approval to a series of ordinance changes that appeared to address some of those concerns. The new proposal reduces the fine amounts from a potential $150 to $10 for a first offense. Cyclists will no longer be prohibited from riding their bikes through parking areas. Riders will not be required to receive acknowledgement from pedestrians before passing. The new ordinance will have to get final approval from the council later this month before it can be enacted. [Excerpted from the Detroit News]