Transforming BikeEd
Register Today for BikeEd 07
Register today for the hottest ticket in bicycle education: BikeEd 2007. The conference, held in Austin, Texas this June 14-16, will offer networking, great bicycling, and the latest information on Bicycle Education. Topics will include: BikeEd for Traffic Engineers and Planners, Use of Interactive Videos; Reaching the Hard to Reach Adult, Getting Kids on Bikes, and best practices from Tucson, Bike Florida, and the National Multiple Sclerosis rides. Sign up today!
National Notes
Miles Driven Down!
For the first time in decades, the number of miles driven by Americans has actually leveled off! Read all about it at the League’s blog. To learn more about Amanda Eichstaedt, the League’s illustrious president, check out Paul Dorn’s blog, where he interviews her.
League Testifies Before Congress
On May 16, Andy Clarke, executive director of the League, encouraged Congress and the federal government, to adopt a series of measures to combat climate change and promote energy independence through increased bicycling and walking, urging members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee not to overlook these “simple, tried and tested, existing technologies.” Click here to read more.
Rescissions Slash Bike/Ped Spending
In 2006, states sent back to Washington DC more than $600 million in unspent transportation enhancements funds as part of a massive rescission of Federal transportation funds. During the National Bike Summit we warned you that this was happening again, and sure enough the numbers are in on the March 2007 rescission. The tables reflecting states’ responses to the FY 2007 rescission are posted here and a link has been added to the Notice here. According to our friends at the Rails to Trails Conservancy, “the bottom line nationally-- $200 million more cut from Transportation Enhancements (TE). Once again, 19 states did not touch TE. The situation looks especially stark in Alabama, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.” The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program was hit hard in this round of rescissions with more than $500 million sent back.
Word on the Street
Best Bike to Work Day Story ... With Prizes!
On Friday, did you ride a few miles out of your way to help a friend get started bicycle commuting? Did you ride despite rain and/or snow? Did you win an awesome prize at a Bike to Work Day Rally? Send us your stories (200 words or less, and include a photo) for a chance to win an awesome commuter backpack, sponsored by SealLine. Winners of last week’s contest were all women, and four were from California! Congratulations to Lisa Burris (California), Lauren Cooper (California), Sheryl Gill (California), Cathy Haagen-Smit (California), and Kate Stalker (Wisconsin). Check out their stories in the May/June issue of American Bicyclist. And, especially men and East Coasters, submit your story today! Deadline is May 25, 2007 by midnight.
Still Going Strong
Fifty-one years after Bike Month was launched, Bike to Work Day is still getting great coverage. From National Public Radio to Business Week (scroll down to see story), a podcast on the Associated Press to lots of Internet coverage (including a story on That’s Crispy), the gas prices and burgeoning obesity crisis have everyone convinced that bicycling is a fantastic alternative to driving. Bicycling advocate Ed Begley, Jr. was even profiled in the New York Times Magazine.
Ride of Silence
Growing in Prestige & Honoring Cyclists
The Ride of Silence happened in 272 communities around the world last Wednesday, more than doubling international participation since 2006. The ride is a 12-mile silent ride that honors cyclists who have been killed while riding. Gail Spann, ride director for the original Ride of Silence in Dallas, said “Reports of successful rides are pouring in from all across the world. A lot of people have stories about people whose family members were killed coming out and thanking the riders. There were more politicians involved than ever before, worldwide. Two hours prior to the ride, Texas Governor Rick Perry even wrote us a lovely letter about the importance of sharing the road.”
Word on the Street
BikeTown Giveaway 2007
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Bicycling magazine’s BikeTown USA will be giving away 300 Coasting bikes – 50 in each city – to selected participants in six cities. BikeTown USA has given away more than 2,000 bikes in towns all over the country in the past five years. Coasting bikes, using technology created by Shimano, are easy-to-ride, automatic shifting bikes designed for casual riding. Coasting bikes will be given away in six BikeTown cities: Boston, Mass., Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg, N.C., Madison, Wis., Minneapolis, Minn., Philadelphia, Pa., and San Diego, Calif.
