BikeEd Wrap-Up
BikeEd Conference a Success in Austin, Texas
BikeEd 2007 was the biggest BikeEd conference in the League's history, featuring former Austin Mayor and current Texas State Senator Kirk Watson’s 10 rules for success to Risa Wilkerson’s inspiring speech on Safe Routes to School, BikeEd 2007 among many other fantastic presentations. More than 20 new instructors were certified at the pre-conference League Cycling Instructor seminar. There are now more than 1,000 LCIs! Podcasts of the sessions will be on sale soon.
Local, State, National Legislation
Speak Up for the Commuter Tax Benefit Act
Many of you have already taken the opportunity to contact your Congressional leaders to urge them to support the Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act, (H.R. 1498/S.858). In fact, since March of 2007, more than 6,900 messages have been sent through the League’s on-line advocacy center alone. Senator Wyden is planning to offer the bicycle commuter tax benefit bill as an amendment to the energy tax bill before the Senate Finance Committee. The Committee hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, in the morning. For those of you who have a Senator on the Finance Committee now is the time to Email and reconnect with your Senator to urge them to include S. 858 in the Energy Tax Bill. Senate Finance Committee members can be found here.
NJ Attempts to Outlaw Quick Releases!
Some bicycles with quick-release wheels couldn’t be sold in New Jersey under legislation approved Monday by the Assembly. The bikes allow wheels to be removed without tools so they can be quickly secured with a chain lock or transported in vehicles, but lawmakers contend they’re prone to accidents. The League opposes this legislation and knows that there are better solutions to improving bicyclist safety in New Jersey. The bill was approved 77-3, but hasn’t received Senate consideration. To have your voice heard, contact your New Jersey state representatives!
Word on the Street
Tulsa, Okla. to Have Automated Bike Rentals
QI Systems, a Canadian provider of contactless, access control, and tracking solutions, last week introduced an innovative RFID-based bicycle rental automation system that will allow the public to check out and return rental bikes from unattended bike racks. Dubbed Cyclestation, the system will be initially deployed in the Tulsa, Okla. metropolitan area.
Colorado Share the Road Plates: Pre-Order Today!
You can now pre-order a Colorado Share the Road license plate! State rules require at least 3,000 of these license plates to be ordered, or the legislation that created this plate will expire. Bicycle Colorado is asking locals to take three easy steps to help promote bicycle safety in Colorado: Pre-order your plates, e-mail your friends & bicycling buddies to encourage them to get their plates, and for extra credit: Blog & post - add this link and the plate image to your website or favorite blogs.
Ohio Man Gets 16 Years in Cyclist Deaths
Anthony Gerike was sentenced to 16 years in prison on May 31, 2007 for causing the deaths of two popular Cincinnati-area cyclists - Amy Gehring and Terry Walker - on July 16, 2006. Gerike's criminal case came to trial in April 2007. The evidence showed that Gerike was legally intoxicated and had cocaine and marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. Despite crashing into an object several minutes before the fatal crash, Gerike continued on, driving on the wrong side of a two-lane country road and crashing into a group of 10 riders. The jury found that drugs and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash, and found Gerike guilty of six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.
Good People & Papers Needed
SRTS National Partnership Seeking Nominations
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is accepting nominations for several Steering Committee positions. Each organization that holds a seat on the Steering Committee must appoint an individual representative to serve on behalf of his or her organization. Additional information, including the Call for Nominations and Nomination Form, is available at Steering Committee Nominations. Send this completed form and required attachments via email to kathy@saferoutespartnership.org by June 25, 2007.
TRB: Call for Papers
Authors interested in submitting papers to TRB for the 2008 Annual Meeting should review the Information for Authors. On the paper submission form please show the sponsoring committee name or the Call for Papers title. Please contact the Call organizer if you are submitting a paper or need additional information. NOTE: TRB has implemented dual paper submittal deadlines for 2008 Annual Meeting: Papers in non-PDF format must be submitted prior to midnight Friday, July 27, 2007; Papers in PDF format must be submitted prior to midnight Wednesday, August 1, 2007.
Local Government Commission : Call for Papers
The Local Government Commission is conducting a "Call for Program Ideas" for the 2008 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference program. The deadline for submitting session proposals is July 11th. The submittal review process will take place from mid-July through late-September 2007, and those selected for inclusion will be notified by late September.
Toole Design Hiring Senior Planner
There is an opening at Toole Design Group for a Senior Planner. They are looking for someone with leadership qualities who shares our commitment to producing high quality work in communities throughout the U.S.
Adventure Cycling Has IT Opening
If you know anyone who wants to blend bicycling and IT in the service of a quite excellent mission (plus living in Montana) – click here to find out about a job opening at Adventure Cycling.
