REI Becomes Major Sponsor of BFC Program
The Bicycle Friendly Community program is moving into high gear! With generous sponsorship from Trek, the hiring of two new program specialists, and now, the support of Recreational Equipment, Inc., the program is set for huge expansion in 2008. REI has contributed $100,000 to the Bikes Belong Foundation for REI Bicycle Friendly Community Grants. These $5,000-$15,000 grants will be awarded to communities that have received the award and to also communities that are creatively working toward designation. Communities will be invited to apply by the League and Bikes Belong.
Making Cycling Irresistible
Professor John Pucher, Rutgers University’s renowned “car-free John” and National Bike Summit plenary speaker earlier this year has just authored a challenging comparison of cycling in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany versus our own rather sorry situation. The paper will be published in an august transportation journal sometime in the future…but you can get a sneak peek by clicking here.
Michigan DOT Receives Oberstar Award
The National Center for Safe Routes to School awarded the 2007 James L. Oberstar Award to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the exemplary establishment of the Michigan Safe Routes to School Program. “The National Center is very pleased to honor Michigan’s Department of Transportation and the hard work of countless partners to get the Michigan SRTS Program quickly up and running, and with processes in place to maximize sustained successes,” said Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. For more information on the James L. Oberstar Award, click here.
Support the League & Get a Cool Jersey
The League, in conjunction with Voler, has produced a new, bright, gorgeous jersey to keep you visible while you’re out on your next ride. We’ll all be wearing ours at this week’s annual League Rally, El Tour de Tucson. Buy your own jersey (in men’s and women’s sizes) and sign up for the rally (hurry!) today! Proceeds from the sale of the jersey will support to the League's advocacy and education work.
Park City, Utah Passes $15M Trail Bond
From the Deseret Morning News
Among the many bond issues and votes taken on Tuesday, November 6 was a proposal for Park City, Utah residents to approve a $15 million bond for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the city. Tuesday's vote tally came down to 1,018 for the bond and 833 against. Park City was awarded the bronze-level BFC designation earlier this year and is host to the IMBA World Mountain Bike Summit in June 2008. Community groups Share the Road, Coalition for Safe Streets and Mountain Trails Advocacy Group pitched in to get the bond passed. The city hired Salt Lake City-based Landmark Design to create a trail system to fit in with Park City's unique mountain/urban environment. The study found 105 projects for the city to consider, ranging from a pedestrian bridge to a sidewalk crossing. The city approved $1.9 million for upgrades last year in the council's budget — but activists wanted more. In August, the Park City Council gave the thumbs up to the $15 million bond.
Washington, D.C. Passes Bike Parking Bill
On November 6, the Bicycle Commuter and Parking Expansion Act of 2007 was unanimously passed by the D.C. Council. This bill faced significant challenges before passing. But thanks to the widespread support of local cyclists, and negotiations between the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and the DC Council, the final text of the bill received the approval of all Council members. The bill as passed increases the parking requirement in commercial garages from 5 percent to 10 percent of car parking, mandates one bike parking space for every three units in new residential developments (up from one for every four units), makes it easier for tenants to request bike parking in their buildings, and requires a detailed study of bike parking and bike access to D.C. government office buildings.
I Make the Most Important Decisions on a Bicycle
From Corriere della Sera (Milan) October 30, 2007
Translated from the Italian by Bob Nordvall
"I make the most important decisions of my life on a bicycle." These are the words of President of the Council Romano Prodi, interviewed by the daily free paper City for a special edition. He spoke of his rapport with a bicycle. "My first bike was a used Frejus with a single front chainring and three sprockets in back. It was a gift from my parents." Thus Prodi told of his "career" as a cyclist which included racing. "For example the Reggio-Casina race after a time trial up a mountain I remember that I arrived 12th or 13th above all because the winner was a promising young cyclist named Vittorio Adorni." What counts for the professor is not to win but to keep pedaling. "In my thoughts about cycling I unite two human elements, liberty and fatigue, and furthermore the moment for concentration. The most important decisions of my life, professional or not, I make during long rides.
Help Needed: Houston Bikeway Coordinator
Now that they’ve finally gotten bike racks on buses, Houston needs a person to help take them to the next bicycling level. This person will help plan, analyze, and coordinate the Houston Bikeway Program, as well as work with project engineers to track scope, design, and budget for bicycle and pedestrian projects. To see this listing and apply, click here and put the word "bicycle" in as a search keyword.
BikeWalk Virginia Hiring Executive Director
BikeWalk Virginia, a statewide educational and advocacy organization, is seeking a full-time Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and managing a wide range of programs designed to fulfill BikeWalk Virginia's mission: to promote biking, walking and trail use in order to create a more active, safe, clean and healthy Virginia. Specific duties include creating and supporting a network of local chapters, advocating for non-motorized transportation, conducting special programs and services, and building relationships across the state. This position will be located in Richmond, Va. and remain open until filled. Click here for a full job description.
Thunderhead Alliance Searching for Exec. Director
The Thunderhead Alliance is searching for an executive director. For more information, click here and download the complete job description.
