National & International News
Turning a Louisville Tragedy Into Action
Thousands of cyclists have expressed outrage and shock over the death of Chips Cronen on July 3 while riding on the Clark Memorial Bridge between Kentucky and Indiana. Cronen’s brother-in-law, Ed Tonini, has shared a letter with the League that expressed the family’s gratitude for cyclists’ support, and shares his hope that some good will come out of this tragedy. Read the letter in its entirety here.
Oberstar Includes Bike Parking in FAA Bill
Reprinted from the Washington Post
Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) -- the bicyclist and powerful chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee -- recently inserted a bicycle provision into a hefty bill dealing with major airport and airplane projects. On page 13 of the 168-page bill needed to fund the Federal Aviation Administration and its next-generation air traffic control system, Oberstar ensured that bicyclists and their rides were being represented. The bill would allow airports to use federal funds -- which are usually tapped to build terminals and parking garages -- to construct bicycle storage facilities for passengers. This bill has even prompted calls for a bike ride from Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport to the National Bike Summit next March 5-7. Look for more information soon!
New York, Tulsa, Okla. and Paris: United by Bike
From July 7-11, New Yorkers enjoyed free 30-minute rides between the Storefront for Art and Architecture and a second bike-share station. Locations included the Hudson River Park, Washington Square Park, Williamsburg, City Hall, and SoHo. Visit nybikeshare.org for real-time text and video blogging of the New York Bike-Share Project as it happened, and to see what plans are for future free bike shares in New York City.
In Tulsa, free bikes are being funded by the Warren Medical Research Foundation. Although some of the colorful, 35-pound, single-gear bikes were delivered last week, the "Tulsa Townies" are not yet ready for public use. A public announcement will be made when the bikes are available at three “cycle stations.” The bikes, which will be free to users, are part of a pilot program designed to promote healthy lifestyles.
Paris, France joined several other European cities with its own program, Velib, which will launch on July 15. Trials are underway already, and reviews are estatic. The Web site expects to have English translations up soon.
Registration Open for Walk to School Day
Registration is now open for 2007 International Walk to School events in the USA. This October, communities around the country will join nearly 40 countries to celebrate walking and bicycling to school. Walk to School Day will take place October 3, 2007. To register an event, or to sign up as a resource person for Walk to School events, visit www.walktoschool.org/register. Registered events will be displayed on an interactive map on the Walk to School Web site, so that neighboring communities, media and other organizations will be able to view participating events. For more information, contact Jennifer Bonchak at 919-843-4859 or Nancy Pullen-Seufert at 919-962-7419.
Bicycle Mileage Up in Amsterdam
A new government study in Amsterdam shows that despite the increasing distances covered by the Dutch, the bicycle has retained its popularity, and is used for almost a quarter of all journeys. In fact for distances up to 7.5 km, the bicycle is the most popular means of transport. In 2005, 35% of all trips up to 7.5 km were made by bicycle. Bicycle use very much depends on the distance covered. As 70 percent of all journeys in the Netherlands are still shorter than 7.5 km, the strong position of the bicycle over short distances (35 percent) also extends into the total modality split (27 percent bicycle). At the same time, it is interesting to note that the bicycle is regularly chosen above 7.5 km: 15 percent of journeys in the category 7.5 to 15 km. To see the full report: click here.
U.N. Calls for Pedal Power
by AFP Staffwriters
More bicycle riding and other lifestyle changes are urgently needed to reduce climate-altering carbon emissions that are damaging Asia’s health and could also threaten the economy, the World Health Organization said last week. Climate change contributes directly or indirectly to about 77,000 deaths per year in the region, according to WHO estimates. Shigeru Omi, WHO’s regional director for the Western Pacific, proposed greater use of bicycles, the use of clean energy sources, and tax incentives to reduce carbon emissions. “… we have to adopt lifestyles that are not only healthy but also environment friendly such as reducing the use of private vehicles, walking more or riding bicycles,” he said in a speech.
14-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot on Bicycle
by the Associated Press
A 14-year-old riding his bicycle with friends was shot in broad daylight in an alleged case of road rage, police said. Tykeem Law, 14, was shot and killed near two of Philadelphia's most well-known cheesesteak stands after a car pulled up behind the boys and began honking for them to get out of the way. Charles Meyers, 18, was charged with murder and weapon violations. Police said he sped from the scene after Saturday's shooting, nearly striking several pedestrians, but was quickly captured by an off-duty police officer who saw what happened. The shooting occurred yards from two well-known cheesesteak stands, Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, in an area of South Philadelphia crowded round-the-clock with tourists and locals.
Awards & Recognition
Planet Bike Honored in Chicago
Planet Bike received the 2007 Mayor Daley Bicycle Advocacy Council award for being the corporation that most supports bicycling in the City of Chicago. The presentation was made on June 15 during Chicago’s Bike to Work Day rally in Daley Plaza. The City recognized Planet Bike’s work with grass roots advocacy organizations in the City, specifically the Chicago Bicycle Ambassadors. The Ambassadors and junior Ambassadors are the City of Chicago’s bicycle safety and public awareness outreach team. Last year alone, the program presented on bicycle safety to over 42,000 children and adults at Chicago Park District camps and various events. Planet Bike has been the program’s major product sponsor since 2002.
Good People Needed
SLO Regional Rideshare Needs Bike Coordinator
San Luis Obispo, Calif.’s Regional Rideshare is looking for a Bike Coordinator (intern) for a one year position with the ability to be extended. The salary will be $13-$15 DOE, and you must apply by August 20, 2007. To learn more, visit www.rideshare.org.
Bridging the Gap Needs Project Manager
Bridging The Gap in Kansas City, Mo., a nonprofit organization that works to protect the environment, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to serve as the project manager for their Clean Commute program. This program works to reduce air pollution by encouraging businesses and individuals to use alternative transportation options for work and utilitarian trips. Candidates interested in this position should submit a resume and cover letter via email to laura.klover@bridgingthegap.org or via regular mail to BTG, Attn. Laura Klover, 435 Westport Road, #23, Kansas City, MO 64111. Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled.
A Gentle Reminder
Reminder for Federal Employees: CFC #0194
Federal employees: Don’t forget to select the League as your beneficiary for the Combined Federal Campaign: We’re #0194.
