National News
Congress Takes Big Strides for Bicyclists
As Congress breaks for Independence Day celebrations, bicyclists can look back on a productive start to the 110th Congress: The Bicycle Commuter Act (a tax benefit to bike commuters) has progressed further with more support than ever before. A report on Greening the Capitol promises dramatically improved conditions to encourage bike commuting to the Hill. Climate change proposals adopted by the House Transportation Committee have support for Complete Streets. Sign up to the advocacy center or e-news for updates.
More than 51,000 U.S. Buses Have Bike Racks
According to the 2007 Public Transportation Fact Book, 62.7 percent of buses in the U.S. have bike racks. There are a total of 82,027 buses, so 51,431 buses have external bike racks. An additional 574 buses have interior racks or storage space for bicycles. To learn more about this study, visit the American Public Transportation Association’s Web site.
League Featured in The Politico
The Politico, a weekly newspaper covering the politics of Capitol Hill and the business of Washington lobbying and advocacy, featured the League last week. Click on the link to learn more about our work for cyclists around the country.
Boulder, Colo. Launches Bike Mapping Service
As part of its 2007 Bike and Walk Week Celebrations, Go Bike Boulder (Colo.) launched an online service to help people get around by bike. GoBikeBoulder.net allows people, once they have completed a free registration, to get directions for bicycling between destinations, among many other cool features. League Executive Director Andy Clarke participated in the Go Boulder Celebrity Challenge (the cyclists won, of course -- all participants are pictured above).
Oregon Share the Road Plates Coming Soon
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Cycle Oregon, relatives of (late cyclist) Jane Higdon, and State Senator Floyd Prozanski and State Representative Tobias Read were on hand at a signing ceremony for SB 789, Oregon's Share the Road License Plate bill. The plate is approved, with a $5 per year fee. Proceeds will be split between Cycle Oregon and BTA. Way to go, Oregon!
New Mexico Enacts Strictest Helmet Law in U.S.
Starting July 1, New Mexico requires every bike rider and skateboarder under 18 to wear a helmet. The state is embarking on an ambitious campaign to get helmets on the heads of all young people — down to toddlers on tricycles — who are riding on public property on bikes, skateboards, skates or scooters. It’s the most comprehensive such state law in the nation, according to John McPhee, childhood injury prevention coordinator for the State Department of Health. Twenty other states, the District of Columbia and about 150 municipalities have some sort of helmet law for children, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. (by Deborah Baker, Associated Press)
League on Team to Transform Virginia Community
The Harvest Foundation and BikeWalk Virginia have announced an innovative three-year initiative designed to improve the quality of life and economic vitality in Martinsville/Henry County, Va. The $1.56-million initiative represents the largest investment by a foundation for this type of program, and the League is one of the grant recipients. "The League is delighted to be working with national, state and local partners in Martinsville and Henry County, Va., to showcase how a rural community can improve the health and vitality of its residents and economy by getting people walking and bicycling more often," said League executive director Andy Clarke.
Awards & Recognition
League Recognizes Educator of the Year
Regina Garcia, of Houston, Texas, is the 2007 Educator of the Year. The award is given by the League annually to a cyclist who has made a lasting and significant contribution to bicycling education in the U.S. As a bike advocate in Houston, Garcia taught at the Texas Bicycle Coalition for six years training teachers and college students in the Texas Supercyclist program. She helped form Bike Houston and works as a local organizer for BikeEd classes in the Houston area. She was also instrumental in developing the training program for the NMSS society Lone Star Chapter Ride. “Regina Garcia has made outstanding contributions to bike education in Texas, and we are grateful for her work,” said League Executive Director Andy Clarke. Also honored at the Bike Ed conference was 2006 recipient Bruce Mackey of Hanford, Calif. For more information on Garcia and Mackey and the work they have done on behalf of cyclists, check out the July/August issue of American Bicyclist.
Adventure Cycling Seeks Award Nominations
Adventure Cycling Association is accepting nominations for recipients of its four annual bicycle travel awards. Celebrating the heroes of bicycle travel in America, they include the Pacesetter Bicycle Travel Award, the June Curry Trail Angel Award, the Sam Braxton Bike Shop Award, and the Adventure Cycling Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations for 2007 awards will be accepted through Sept.30. For further details click here or email Becky Douglas at Adventure Cycling.
Good People Needed
East Coast Greenway Alliance Hiring
The East Coast Greenway Alliance needs a mature and highly motivated individual to serve as Trail Program Coordinator. This position carries system-wide responsibility for implementing the “Close the Gaps” Campaign – to get the Greenway substantially built, designated and signed by 2010. Hurry! Applications must be postmarked or dated no later than July 6.
Truckee Trails Foundation Needs Exec. Director
The Truckee Trails Foundation is looking for an energetic and strategic person to take on the Executive Director job. They are looking for someone with an unequivocal commitment to trails, bikeways, and alternative transportation, with preference given to those with a background in non-profit management and collaborative problem solving, proven fundraising skills, and familiarity with trails and bikeways issues. This position will initially be half-time. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: Truckee Trails Foundation, P.O. Box 1751, Truckee, CA 96160 or email pdfs to Info@truckeetrails.org.
