Spreading the Word
NHTSA 2006 Preliminary Crash Report Available
The 2006 NHTSA Preliminary Crash Report is now available on their Web site as a PDF (click the top link). Walking fatalities (total: 4,784) decreased 2.2 percent and bicycling fatalities (total: 773) decreased 1.7 percent. "This is, regretfully, not a significant change, " said League Executive Director Andy Clarke. "These statistics show we still have a long way to go."
A Personal Challenge: Beat Andy up Mt. Lemmon!
League Executive Director Andy Clarke has ridden in El Tour de Tucson three times in its 24-year history. This year, El Tour has teamed up with the League for its 2007 National Rally, Nov. 15-17, 2007. "I love the it's such a well-organized ride that every single rider seems to be enjoying it whether they finish in five hours or 10," Clarke said. Each time he went, he vowed to tackle Tucson's infamous Mount Lemmon the next time. This time, surrounded by League members, he's finally going to do it. On the Thursday and Friday prior to El Tour de Tucson, the fantastic people of the Perimeter Bicycling Association of America are hosting 11 rides (six one day, including Mt. Lemmon, five the next) just for attendees of the League rally. Don't let Andy get to the top of the 7,000-ft ascent alone! Sign up for the rally today (and also don't be intimidated -- there are lots of less stressful rides for the rest of us to choose from ... )
Aug. 5-7 is Stop on Red Week: This Means You!
National Stop on Red Week is dedicated to educating Americans about the dangers of running red lights. The success of this week depends on local efforts around the country -- and you. Visit the Web site to see 10 ways to help: And stop on red!
How Does Your Community Rank?
Find out how bicycle friendly your community is ... the next deadline to apply to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community is August 17. If your community is already recognized as a BFC, and are nearing renewal, we've made some changes. Instead of renewing every two years, communities are now asked to renew every four years and submit an annual update documenting their progress to the League. Contact Bill Nesper to find out more details.
FHWA Announces New Bike/Pedestrian Manager
Gabe Rousseau has been selected to be the FHWA and DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager in the Office of Natural and Human Environment. Gabe had been a transportation specialist in the Office of Safety with responsibility for older drivers, Safe Routes to School, and pedestrian safety efforts. He has authored articles for Public Roads, ITE Conference proceedings, and FHWA reports. Prior to joining the Safety Office in August of 2005, Gabe was with a member of the Human Centered System Team in FHWA’s Office of Safety Research and Development at Turner-Fairbank. He has a doctorate, and is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.
USA Today Features Complete Streets
John Ritter of USA Today wrote a thoughtful feature on Complete Streets and how they benefit communities. Including quotes from Barbara McCann and Randy Neufeld, Ritter told the Complete Streets story fairly and clearly. Read it for yourself!
Give Back to Bicycling
The League Is Looking for New Board Members
If you are interested in serving on the League Board of Directors, or if you know someone who would be a good representative for cyclists in your region, the Nominating Committee is now soliciting recommendations for candidates for the 2008 board elections.
Four seats will be filled by election in 2008: Region 2: (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV) Ellen Jones, who currently holds the seat, is running for re-election. Region 3: (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA) Don Sparks, who currently holds the seat, is running for re-election. Region 5: (AR, AZ, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) Harry Brull, who currently holds the seat, is running for re-election. At-Large: (elected by all Members, nationwide) Preston Tyree, who currently holds the seat, is running for re-election.
Awards & Recognition
Oberstar Safe Routes to School Award
Applications are now being accepted for the 2007 James L. Oberstar Safe Routes to School Award. Awarded annually by the National Center for Safe Routes to School (NCSRTS), the Oberstar Award will be given to a U.S. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program that has shown outstanding achievement in creating safer environments for walking and bicycling to school and encouraging children to walk and bicycle to school. In 2007, the award will recognize outstanding achievement by a State Department of Transportation (DOT) in establishing their SRTS program. The deadline for applications is August 24, 2007. To access the award application and criteria, click here.
Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging
Eligible candidates are invited to submit applications for Excellence in Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging. This award recognizes communities for their outstanding comprehensive approaches to implementing principles of smart growth, as well as strategies that support active aging. This award will be presented to communities with the best and most inclusive overall approach to implementing smart growth and active aging on a variety of fronts, at the neighborhood, tribe, city, county, and/or regional level. Additional info on Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging can be found here.
Good People Needed
Bicycle Federation of WI Seeks Deputy Director
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is looking for a deputy director to be based in Madison – a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community. The deputy director will help the Bike Fed make Wisconsin – and the Madison area – an even better place to bicycle. This is a management position that includes supervision of the staff located in the Madison office. To apply, send a cover letter and resume (e-mail is preferred) to : Jack E. Hirt, Executive Director, Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Chicagoland Hiring Director of Events
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is hiring a director of events. The goal of the hire is to invest in the improvement of their event production, including Bike the Drive, one of the nation’s largest recreational bicycle rides. They seek a person passionate about events and who has experience and expertise to back up their passion. No phone calls, please. Submit cover letter and resume by e-mail to ethan@biketraffic.org with the subject “Event Director Resume.”
Alta Planning + Design Hiring
Alta Planning and Design’s Portland, Ore. office has two openings. Program Administrator: This person will help manage Alta's numerous nationwide active living educational, marketing, and related programs such as Safe Routes to School, data collection and evaluation, outreach programs, and research. Senior Planner: This person will manage staff and projects for Alta's numerous bike, pedestrian, and trail planning activities nationwide. No calls please. To apply, send Mia Birk a resume, three references, and portfolio with relevant experience. These positions are open until the best candidate is selected.
