National News
Bicycle Commuter Act Follow Up
While the Bicycle Commuter Act’s passage has bicyclists across the U.S. celebrating, the League and its allies are working on Capitol Hill to finalize details about how the tax benefit will be implemented. Keep checking our site, www.bikeleague.org, as more information becomes available.
Quick Poll: Red Light Running
USA Today is running a quick poll with the following question: Should local governments be allowed to use cameras to detect traffic violations? We encourage all supporters of photo enforcement to vote using this link.
Support Health Performance in Transportation Bill
We encourage organizations to sign onto a letter to Congress that urges the inclusion of health performance outcomes in the next transportation bill. Currently, the U.S. government spends approximately $60 billion per year on transportation infrastructure. This outlay is dwarfed by the costs to our country resulting from the negative health impacts of transportation. Americans spend:
• $76 billion a year on health care costs related to physical inactivity, partly because many individuals cannot safely walk, bicycle, or access public transit;
• $164 billion a year on health care costs associated with traffic injuries and deaths; and
• Between $40 and $64 billion a year on health care costs associated with asthma and other health conditions related to high rates of air pollution.
Review the letter and follow the sign-on instructions here. The deadline for signing on is October 31, 2008.
State and Local
Complete Streets Becomes Law in California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed the Complete Streets Act (AB 1358). The bill, introduced in February 2007 by Assemblyman Mark Leno and cosponsored by AARP's California Chapter and the California Bicycle Coalition, passed the legislature in late August 2008. The full text of the bill is available online.
Chicago Bans Texting While Driving
Chicago’s City Council has banned text messaging while driving-- an important step to combat distracted driving on Chicago streets. “Distracted driving has no place on our roads. We must work to ensure the safety of all road users, from bicyclists to pedestrians to motorists,” said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. “We applaud the City Council for approving this important ordinance.” Offenders will be fined $75 for texting while driving and $200 when it results in a crash.
Charlotte, N.C. Passes Bike Plan
Charlotte cycling enthusiasts earned a major victory recently in making the city more “bicycle friendly.” The City Council voted 7-4 to approve a citywide bicycle master plan that would add more bike lanes, increase funding for the city's bicycle program and improve education of riding for kids and adults. Through public meetings and surveys started in October 2007, a plan was developed to counter the predicted population boom and that growth's effect on environmental health. The plan calls for an increase in total bike lane mileage from more than 50 miles now to 184 miles by 2015 and 613 miles by 2030. The city had zero bike lanes before 2000. Within two years, the plan calls for adding signs on existing bike routes and pursuing a partnership with the Safe Routes to School Program.
New Partners for Smart Growth
Online registration is now available for the 8th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities Conference, January 22-24, 2009, in Albuquerque, NM. The conference web site has more details about the program sessions, speakers, tours and special events.
League News
Kiker Promoted to League Vice President
Elizabeth Kiker is the League's new vice president, with primary responsibility for internal operations. Kiker has been with the League for three years as Communications Director and is “looking forward to a new challenge, to helping the League grow and deliver critical programs to promote and protect cyclists.”
Director of Communications at the League
The League of American Bicyclists is seeking an experienced communications and publications specialist to develop, manage, and direct the League’s communications activities. Responsibilities include managing the Web site; producing e-newsletters; and editing the bi-monthly membership magazine. Knowledge of Dreamweaver, html code, and bicycling/transportation issues are pluses. Complete benefits package offered. Send cover letter and resume to: Elizabeth Kiker.
Trails Planner Needed Near Greenville, N.C.
The project manager is responsible for conducting a community needs assessment, an inventory of natural and heritage resources, and coordinating trails and heritage projects, including implementation of existing senior center area trails plans, greenways and interpretation of natural, heritage and cultural resources. The project manager works directly with the executive director, Caswell County Recreation Commission, Caswell Trail Committee, local government officials, consultants, stakeholder groups and the public to assist with and coordinate the planning and execution of projects and programs. For the right candidate, this position has the potential to grow to include a broad range of responsibilities and larger sphere of influence, including the development of new programs and new constituencies to make a real difference in the Dan River region. To apply, e-mail cover letter, resume and salary history to drba.nc@danriver.org. Position open until filled.
Job Openings at Chicagoland
Education Specialist: Under the direct supervision of the Director of Programs, the Education Specialist will provide active transportation outreach to the 7-county Chicagoland region, communicate a variety of educational and encouragement messages to wide-ranging audiences and coordinate appearances at a variety of regional events. The job is based in downtown Chicago, but includes extensive travel throughout the Chicago metro region. Submit cover letter explaining the candidate's interest in the job, qualifications and resume to: melody@biketraffic.org.
Program Coordinator: The Program Coordinator is a full-time salaried position and is situated at the CDOT office. The Program Coordinator will report to the CBF Executive Director and the CDOT Bicycle Program Manager, and work in a team environment with the Training and Enforcement Coordinator and the Ambassador Coordinator. This position is open until filled, although we strongly encourage applicants to email resume and cover letter to Rob Sadowsky at rob@biketraffic.org by October 24, 2008. Please include “Program Coordinator, Bicycle Safety Initiative” in the subject line of your email.
Spokane, Wash. Hiring Bike-Ped Coordinator
Spokane, Wash. is hiring a bicycle/pedestrian coordinator. The person will coordinate the development and implementation of a City-wide pedestrian and bicycle program; and advocate for bike/ped mobility and safety. The job performs professional work in urban planning, programming, and community development, and reviews projects for compliance with City plans for non-motorized transportation. Compiles and analyzes planning and design data. Prepares and distributes educational information to the public. Seeks and prepares grant applications. Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and design related to bicycle and pedestrian facilities. For more information or to apply, call (509) 625-6160 or e-mail civilservice@spokanecity.org.
