National News
Task Force Releases SRTS Final Report
The National Safe Routes to School Task Force has released its final report, Safe Routes to School: A Transportation Legacy. To access the full report, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/task_force. The Task Force was established by the U.S. Department of Transportation to study and develop a strategy for advancing programs that enable and encourage children to walk and bicycle to school. Among the recommendations made by the Task Force are to effectively spend current Federal SRTS funds, initiate innovative solutions to advance SRTS, and encourage support from SRTS stakeholders at the local, state and national level. The Task Force also recommends an increase in funding for the program at the Federal level. The report outlines the early successes of the Federal Safe Routes to School program. As of March 2008, states have committed to spending approximately $222 million on SRTS programs. Forty-two states have announced funding for local and/or statewide programs involving nearly 2,600 schools. The remaining states are either working to set up their programs or are in various stages of the first application cycle. The report also outlines the importance of advancing opportunities and addressing challenges that face Safe Routes to School. The Task Force recommends working on solutions to address issues that limit or prevent walking and bicycling such as liability concerns from schools, the design and location of school campuses and personal safety concerns among parents.
Bicycle Friendly Community & Business Deadline
Become a part of the success! The application deadline for Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly Community program is August 15, 2008. Applications submitted on or before the deadline will be considered for a September award. The Bicycle Friendly Business program is new to the League and honors innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides technical assistance to help companies and organizations across the U.S. become better for bicyclists. It complements the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community program, which has grown to more than 84 awarded communities in 32 states.
Locally Focused
Portland, Ore. Celebrates Platinum Status
This Thursday, August 7, Portland, Ore. is throwing a party to celebrate its designation as platinum in the League's Bicycle Friendly Community program. The party is free and open to the public, and will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave. The party will include a "Platinum fuel pump" dispensing root beer, a photography show, cake, and giving of awards. Ride your bike to the party and celebrate all that makes Portland a great community for cyclists.
Building a Better Houston for Cyclists ...
In September 2007, Harris County, Texas [which includes Houston] received an Economic Development Strategic Plan prepared by Angelou Economics of Austin, Texas. This report made a series of recommendations regarding (1) making the County the location of choice for businesses; (2) developing, retaining, and attracting a world-class workforce; and (3) improving the quality of life. After this report was widely publicized in March 2008, BikeHouston board members realized that many of Harris County's competitor metropolitan areas do a better job than Harris County in these three (and other) deficit areas precisely because they promote and encourage a more active, environmental, outdoors-oriented lifestyle with bicycling as a major element. The Board has now written a white paper that builds upon the Angelou Economics Harris County Economic Development Strategic Recommendations, presenting ideas for improving bicycling in the County which, if implemented, could help Harris County attain its economic development goals. When viewed as part of Harris County's overall strategic direction, cycling is no longer understood as an "amenity," "luxury," or "optional" ... but as an aspect of life which is essential to the health and growth of the County and its residents. BikeHouston's Cycling Strategy for Harris County, a 30-page full-color report, is available to the public as a free download here: http://www.bikehouston.org/files/dcihc01.pdf.
Jobs in the World of Bicycling
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Hiring Two People
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, a state-wide non-profit bicycle advocacy and education organization, is seeking a Bicycle Transportation Planner and a Business Manager. The Planner will serve as a project manager for all on-going planning contracts and securing future consulting based planning work. This position requires experience in bicycle/pedestrian planning and its connection to broad based transportation and urban/community planning. They are also seeking an outgoing and experienced person to manage office operations, membership and oversee bookkeeping duties. Attention to detail and office organization skills are a must. A passion for bicycling is helpful. To find out more, visit them on the Web at http://www.bfw.org/about/currentopenings.php.
San Antonio, Texas Hiring Senior Mgmt. Analyst
The position, under general direction, is responsible for coordinating, planning, and monitoring city and departmental projects related to implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan. They will conduct research, analyze complex statistical data, develop planning timetables, evaluate system policies and procedures, and make recommendations to achieve goals and objectives. This position is also responsible for coordination with interdepartmental and transportation agency contacts to further bicycle projects and initiatives. May exercise supervision over assigned professional and clerical staff. To learn more or apply, click here.
