The League is currently hosting the 2013 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. — showing Congress that Bicycling Means Business.
Maybe you’re here in D.C. with us, defying the snowy weather. Maybe you weren’t able to make it — but you still want to be involved. Either way, make sure Congress hears bicyclists’ voices loud and clear today. (Image credit: Brian Palmer)
If you’re here at the Summit, we appreciate the time and energy you’re putting into Lobby Day today. For those of you at home, we want to make sure you’re in on the fun.
Tweet your representatives and let them know that, just because you can’t be in Washington, doesn’t mean you don’t care about bicycling.Find your elected officials’ Twitter handle at www.tweetcongress.org, and tell them to sign the letter for a performance measure for bicycle safety.Here are the official “ask” tweets you can use:
.[@RepresentativeX] Pls sign the letter to set bike safety goals #nbs13
.[@SenatorX] Pls support the confirmation of Sally Jewell for Sec of Interior #nbs13
(Don’t forget the period at the start, if you want the public to see. Without it, only your member will see the message.)
It may feel like one tweet to you, but it makes a big difference. Thank you for your help in advancing bike safety!
Liz Murphy Communications Manager
Ms. Murphy joined the League in January 2013. She previously worked as a reporter covering the Justice Department. Liz has journalism and women's studies degrees from Penn State University. She commutes to work on her bright red bike daily.
It all started with a short hashtag: #blackwomenbikeDC
From there, Veronica Davis helped form an organization to bring together black women in Washington, D.C., interested in cycling. That spurred a Facebook page, and then a Washington Post article. Now @BWBDC has more than 750 members and is at the center of a movement to empower black women to get on bicycles.
Veronica Davis gave an inspiring talk yesterday in one of four rapid-fire sessions yesterday at the 2013 National Bike Summit. Watch each of the their presentations below:
Creating an Advocacy Organization: Veronica O. Davis, P.E., co-founder, Black Women Bike DC
Marketing to the Culture Class: Active Healthy, Affluent and Aware Consumers: Howard Chang, President, and CEO, Top Drawer Creative
Driving Fast and Riding Slow: The Real Risks of Not Bicycling: Tom Bowden, Chair, BikeVirginia
A Quick Taste — The Boom in Bike Tourism and Business Districts: April Economides, President, Green Octopus Consulting; and Jim Sayer, President, Adventure Cycling Association
Liz Murphy Communications Manager
Ms. Murphy joined the League in January 2013. She previously worked as a reporter covering the Justice Department. Liz has journalism and women's studies degrees from Penn State University. She commutes to work on her bright red bike daily.
In 1896, the US military gathered a small group of soldiers to test a new military mode of transportation — the bicycle.
With a claim that “unlike a horse, a bike did not need to be fed and watered and rested, and would be less likely to collapse,” — they clearly never met my bike — the army selected a regiment to test the utility of the bicycle in service. Their choice for the job? The 25th Infantry Fort Missoula Buffalo Soldiers.
The Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who fought in segregated units after the Civil War. The newly formed bicycle unit consisted of eight enlisted men and their white commander, Lieutenant James A. Moss. The 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps at Fort Missoula, Mont. — or “Iron Riders” as they were known — rode 1,900 miles to St. Louis on brand new Spalding single gear bicycles, attracting great attention where ever they stopped and even their own riding press detail. After the test trip, Lt. Moss noted that, while the bike mounted soldiers may not replace the mounted cavalry, the bicycle corps would best serve as adjuncts to both cavalry and infantry.
While the Iron Riders were disbanded shortly after returning to Missoula, they continue to be a great symbol for the utility of the bicycle on almost any terrain and the innovation and bravery of Black Soldiers in the U.S. Army.
On this first day of Black History Month, we salute the Fort Missoula 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps. Want to find out more about the Iron Riders? Click here.
And take a gander at this PBS documentary on their epic 1,900 mile journey. (Bonus: There’s even a mention of some cycling organization called the League of American Wheelmen working to make roads better for cycling.)
Hamzat Sani Equity and Outreach Fellow
Hamzat joined the League in September 2012 after working with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. Before working in biking, Hamzat worked with Martin Luther King Jr.’s son as a Program Associate at The King Center in Atlanta. A founder of the Red, Bike and Green chapter in Atlanta, Hamzat sees biking as a hub for change on the communal level.
I traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, this past weekend to give a workshop as part of the Iowa Bike Summit. The state’s Summit was capped with the RAGBRAI announcement party that drew 1,200 people — yes, you read that right, the announcementof this year’s RAGBRAI route drew a massive, enthusiastic crowd.
Photo courtesy of the Des Moines Register
RAGBRAI is touted as the “world’s oldest, largest and longest two-wheeled recreation tour,” and it begins this year on July 21 in Council Bluffs. People made wagers on the starting city, finishing city and every town in between. Why the big to-do? Well, bicycling means business in Iowa — and RAGBRAI means tourism dollars for the cities along the way. Recreational bicycling is a huge economic driver for the state, generating $364.8 million in direct and indirect impacts to Iowa and saving the state $73.9 million in healthcare costs, according to a recent study.
Needless to say, I was blown away and inspired by the thought of this model spreading throughout the country.
“Believe it or not, one of the best celebrations of bicycling in America happens in Iowa during January,” said Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. ”The Iowa Bicycle Summit trained over 150 planners, engineers, and government officials on cutting edge bikeway design. More than 5,000 people turned out to the Iowa Bike Expo for the latest gear, bikes, trails, and destinations. And we raised more than $45,000 for Iowa bicycle advocacy in one weekend!”
At the Summit, I was fortunate to be joined by friends from Bicycle Friendly Business Rockwell Collins to lead a workshop on building bicycle-friendly communities and businesses.
That’s me in the middle with Rockwell Collins’ bicycling ambassadors Nikki Northrop Davidson and Richard Bradford
We were thrilled to share success stories from communities and businesses in our Bicycle Friendly America program, which encourages and incentivizes bicycle friendliness for towns and companies alike. We discussed communities that haven’t reached the Platinum-level heights of bike-friendliness of Portland, Boulder or Davis, but whose efforts have resulted in an 80 percent growth in bike commuting since 2000. We also looked at places like Pittsburgh, Pa., which has seen a greater than 200 percent growth in that same span.
We shared the story of company QBP, whose bicycle-friendly promotions have created a savings of $170,000 in employee health care costs and saved another $300,000 per year in lost productivity. Talk about music to the ears of business owners and community leaders eager for economic sustainability and attracting talent!
Rockwell Collins, one of seven Bicycle Friendly Businesses in Iowa, provided attendees with a common-sense approach to making it easier for people to bike, like offering employees more opportunities to get together to ride, improving bike parking options and offering flexible work hours, to name a few. I was also very happy to tell participants that communities of all shapes and sizes can get something out of participating in the BFC program: Sisters, Ore., the least populous BFC with 1,925 citizens, is a great story for those who think of BFCs as a strictly urban phenomenon.
Learn more about Iowa’s RAGBRAI here, and check out our ongoing work through the Bicycle Friendly America program here.
Bill Nesper League Vice President of Programs
Nesper directs the Bicycle Friendly America Program, which includes the Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly University and Bicycle Friendly Business recognition programs. Bill first joined the League as a Membership Assistant in 2002 and moved in 2005 to manage the League education programs and Bicycle Friendly Community Program.
After news hit that new White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough might have to park his bike for good during his new daily commute, the bicycling community responded with disappointment, calls to action and even advice for the impending zombie apocalypse.
President Barack Obama said McDonough, who was tapped last week, “probably isn’t allowed” to continue commuting to work on his bike.
Barbara Norris Duerk Says:Government works best when employees are on time and projects are on budget. Bicycling eliminates traffic jams and reduces fuel dpendency. Healthy lifestyle – go Denis!
RT Says:
Because it’s going to be hard to fit in a workout while working such crazy hours. He might as well get one in on his commute!
Coreen Frasier Says:
Everyone should be able to choose this method of transportation. It is healthy, easy,fun,and most of all would set an example for others who want to be and stay healthy!
Tomorrow check back for another post on how #letdenisride could help the White House achieve Bicycle Friendly Business status.
Liz Murphy Communications Manager
Ms. Murphy joined the League in January 2013. She previously worked as a reporter covering the Justice Department. Liz has journalism and women's studies degrees from Penn State University. She commutes to work on her bright red bike daily.
As a bike shop owner, your bottom line is high on your priority list. Keeping up sales means making sure you have great product, loyal customers and knowledgeable staff. It also means constantly working to build your customer base.
National Bike Summit attendees in 2012 enjoying the Anacostia Rive Trail in Washington, DC
So many folks across the U.S. are interested in biking but may not feel safe taking to the roads — at least, not at first. Without a bike trail or separated bike lane, they may not start biking at all. Without federal funds, those trails and facilities may not get built.
But one thing is for sure: Without the strong, united voice of advocates and bike shops participating in the National Bike Summit, our members of Congress won’t know the incredible impact those bike projects have in local communities.
The National Bike Summit is the premiere advocacy event of the year for bike shops and anyone else interested in securing funding for bike infrastructure. More than 800 retailers, advocates, and cycling enthusiasts of all kinds come together to tell Congress about the benefits of bicycling and make the case for federal funding and pro-bicycling policies. This year’s theme is Bicycling Means Business. That doesn’t just mean we’re serious about showing elected officials that bicycling is important. It also highlights what you already know: When more people bike, your business improves.
NBDA understands the close relationship between bike funding and the success of bicycle retailers. That’s why they are generously offering 24 scholarships to first-time Summit attendees who work at bike shops. Not only will this scholarship pay for your registration for the 2013 National Bike Summit, but it will also fund your travel and lodging (up to $625). One retailer who attended the Summit in 2012 remarked that, “with all of the things we are faced with as retailers, I feel this could be the most important event…[we] need to convince our peers to go to this event… this is important.”
Katie joined the League in April of 2010. For the two years prior, she worked at the Corcoran College of Art + Design as a programs coordinator. Katie has a BA in Religion from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. She enjoys biking to work.
This is an expanded version of the article that appeared in the September/October 2012 issue of American Bicyclist. We’ve since heard about another insurance package for cyclists, from Markel Insurance. If you have comments on this article or others from the September/October issue, please send your thoughts to our editor, Carolyn Szczepanski for inclusion in the next issue. Not getting American Bicyclist? It’s a membership benefit – join today!
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In my two years as the League’s membership director, I have gotten many questions about insurance for individual cyclists. Until recently, there has been nothing specific for cyclists, and the coverages that apply to cyclists come from a patchwork of different policies that can vary wildly by insurer.
My answer, until recently, has been “contact your insurer, and find out what coverage you have.” So in writing about the new insurance available to cyclists, I began by calling my own insurance agent to find out what coverage applies when I’m on my bike.
My homeowner’s policy is a robust one, offering $500,000 in liability coverage, should I be accused of causing harm to others while biking. I am covered for theft, but my deductible is $500 – which more than I paid for my commuter bike, back in 1994. Not much help there. The agent mentioned that I could schedule my bike under my insurance policy, to get theft coverage with a $0 deductible. Scheduling a bike is costly, however, and my agent knew of only a few cases where riders had scheduled their (expensive, custom) bikes.
Suddenly, there are four different insurance packages coming to market, offering cyclists the opportunity to unify their cycling-related coverage in single cycle-centric policy, and offering different combinations of enhanced medical, accident, liability, and theft /damage coverage.
As you assess whether any of the new policies is right for you, here’s where to look for your existing coverages as a cyclist:
Liability coverage pays for your legal defense and settlement should you be accused of causing injury or damage to property as a result of your on-bike actions. Liability coverage is typically available under homeowners or renters insurance.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers your bills if you are injured by a motorist with inadequate insurance. If you have auto insurance, you are covered as a cyclist, according to Bob Mionske. Mionske is a former professional bike racer and Olympian who advised the Spoke Insurance team on the types of coverage cyclists need. He recommends maximizing this coverage under your auto policy, adding that, until now, cyclists without autos have not had access to this type of coverage.
Theft/damage coverage is provided under homeowner’s/renter’s insurance, but the details of that coverage vary wildly from policy to policy and company to company.
Medical coverage – each of the bike-specific policies provides some sort of additional medical benefit, but generally as a supplement to traditional medical coverage, not a replacement.
Claims against any of your existing policies may result in an increase in premiums. In addition to providing supplemental coverage, filing bike-related claims under a bike-specific policy, rather than other existing policies, may protect you from rate increases, according to Craig Dawson of Spoke.
Why now?
Insurance companies are typically risk averse, and don’t like starting new policies without a proven track record with other companies. The new bike specific insurance policies resulted from the work of motivated individuals with deep ties to both the cycling community and the insurance business. Their passion has helped convince insurers of the need and market for these policies.
Here are the basic details of the new bike-specific insurance policies we know about. Please contact the insurers for specific details, limitations, and personalized quotes.
Williams joined the League in April 2010. For the four years prior, he worked providing technology consulting and solutions to nonprofit organizations with Community IT Innovators.
No, the League isn’t going to start ranking advocacy groups. But we are expanding our tradition of partnering with state and local advocacy groups on the Bicycle Friendly America program. These partnerships have already yielded some great local resources for cyclists – check out Bike Pittsburgh’s amazing commuter guide or Bike Minnesota’s technical assistance. Building on these existing successes, we’re very excited to work with Bike Walk Mississippi and Bike Maryland on upcoming campaigns.
Credit: MS Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Parks
Bike Walk Mississippi knows the state is currently ranked #38 in bicycle friendliness, and they’re going to change that. Taking both a state and local approach, BWMS is working with the League to offer “on the ground” assistance and resources to communities seeking Bicycle Friendly Community status. This includes:
Short- and long-term action plans in target communities – Pascagoula, Jackson, Greenwood and Starkville
Developing a Community Resource Tool-kit and “How-to” guide
Creating a statewide bicycle and pedestrian advisory coalition
Identifying BFA application best practices
and a lot more
It’s an impressive campaign recently supported with an Advocacy Advance grant. Want to help? They’re hiring!
Bike Maryland and the League have been partnering on BFC workshops for the past few months (Salisbury, Annapolis, Columbia). Before and after the workshops, BikeMD staff have provided technical and advocacy assistance to interested communities. “The BFC application process is key, especially with everything that a community can learn just by thinking about bicycling issues, as well as the League’s feedback,” says Anna Kelso, BikeMD’s Bicycle Friendly Maryland Program Coordinator. BikeMD will also be working to connect advocates where a local advocacy group may not exist to create a network across the state.
Awarding Baltimore’s BFC sign
This year the League made a few updates to our toolkit including the brand new Building a Bicycle Friendly America Booklet which is designed to give advocates, elected officials, business leaders, students, and university administrators a visual and written tour of the BFA program and includes a brief BFA self-assessment scorecard. Just send an email to bfa@bikeleague.org, call 202-822-1333 to request a copy or visit the BFA website for a printable electronic version. A standard BFA web model and new promotional presentations for partner organizations will be available online later this fall.
Elsewhere in cycling advocacy…
The City of Omaha, the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), Metro and the Pappio-Missouri River Natural Resources District cordially invite you to attend the Heartland Active Transportation Summit 2012 (HATS 2012). The Summit will take place on Friday, September 28th, 2012 at the Swanson Conference Center on the campus of the Metropolitan Community College – Fort Omaha Campus. For more information visit http://hats.mapacog.org/.
Matt Wempe League State and Local Advocacy Coordinator
Mr. Wempe joined the League in September 2011. For the three years prior, he worked as a transportation planner and Safe Routes to School Coordinator in Fort Collins, Colo. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
It’s been more than six months since the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updated its guidance for rumble stripes. While the original draft didn’t even mention bicyclists, the new guidance was helpful for addressing our needs. The League and Adventure Cycling are currently preparing an update to our rumble strip policy report, including a matrix of state policies and how they compare to the FHWA guidance. In the meantime, one Ohio advocate is making progress with the state Department of Transportation.
For bicyclists in Ohio, riding along the scenic Scioto River truly is a pleasure. Getting across the river is a bit more of a challenge, as there are only a few bridges in this area north of Columbus. Tricia Kovacs, with the Ohio Bicycle Federation, has been riding in this area for years and was dismayed when the State Route 42 bridge had rumble stripes installed. Luckily, some emails and a meeting later, she is hopeful that state engineers are starting to understand her and other cyclists’ concerns.
Credit: Ohio Bicycle Federation
Why is the bridge important for bicyclists?
Tricia Kovacs: I lead the Woodstock Bicycle Tour, hosted by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, and we’ve been using this bridge and road for a long time. This is the only way for bicyclists to cross the river unless you’re looking to go pretty far out of your way. Even then the next available road is a state route, so you could end up in the same situation with rumble stripes on a bridge. Besides every road being open for bicyclists, a lot of us like to ride in this area because it’s really beautiful.
What was the message you took to the ODOT traffic engineering administrator?
We had been corresponding via email up until this week, when we had our first in-person meeting. He told me that ODOT has been reaching out to motorcyclists on other road issues, and wanted to ensure they are working with bicyclists as well.
We came prepared to discuss the differences between the FHWA guidance and Ohio’s current policy. This included a lot of photos we’ve taken in Ohio of rumble stripes on roads with narrow shoulders, which really seemed to make an impression. We also discussed different types of bicycles (e.g. tandem, trike) and how the current rumble stripe gaps may not be long enough for these users. Lastly, we expressed our disappointment that every state road meeting their criteria of shoulder width and speed limit is going to be rumble striped when they are repaved.
What was his response?
I think we’ll find some positive ground on the exclusion of bridges from rumble striping in Ohio. He did commit to looking further at requiring a four-foot shoulder (instead of the current two feet). Given the positive conversation, I’m hopeful on that issue. We also got a commitment that he’ll share road resurfacing plans with us in the future so we’re not playing “catch up” and can provide input before a project begins. This will be a great opportunity for OBF to create more relationships at the state DOT on this and other issues.
What are some lessons you learned that are helpful for other advocates?
Our group still has a position of “no rumble stripes”, but we’re starting to learn when and how to work with ODOT to ensure the best possible accommodation for bicyclists (e.g. wider shoulders, gaps in the stripes, narrower and shallower stripes). ODOT also needs to ensure its policy is complying with the new FHWA guidance, which is there for a reason, and as a tool for advocates.
The devil is in the details. Bicycling advocates need to get involved in the application of a state’s rumble stripe policy. We first started working on the issue in 2010, when we lobbied to be sure that the TOSRV bike route (in its 51st year), the cross state bike routes and the Adventure Cycling routes were not rumble striped. Since then, we have had to continuously contact our MPOs, district engineers, and others to represent the needs of bicyclists (especially in rural areas). It’s also a good idea to let the upper management know when their district engineers are receptive to cyclists’ needs and to thank them for their efforts.
Matt Wempe League State and Local Advocacy Coordinator
Mr. Wempe joined the League in September 2011. For the three years prior, he worked as a transportation planner and Safe Routes to School Coordinator in Fort Collins, Colo. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 35 covers nearly 500 miles through Michigan, from its Canadian border all the way to Indiana. In Minnesota, USBR 45 stretches from the Twin Cities area to its southern border with Iowa, a total of 148 miles. Both routes take cyclists through a variety of settings — from quiet beach towns and scenic hideaways to metropolitan and cultural centers.
These recent additions were accompanied by improvements to the existing USBR 1 in North Carolina. This route, first designated in 1982, was realigned to avoid high traffic areas, maintaining a comfortable bicycling environment for both local and visiting cyclists.
For all three routes, the state departments of transportation provided invaluable support for the completion of the projects and dedication to the welfare of cyclists while Adventure Cycling provided technical assistance for the proper route implementation. The progress won’t end here. In Michigan, USBR 35 will continue south through Indiana all the way to Mississippi. The Minnesota DOT plans to see 800 miles of existing trail extend USBR 45, which will eventually reach south along the Mississippi River arriving in New Orleans, Louisiana.
By the time it’s complete, the system will cover more than 50,000 miles — the largest official network in the world. The system is often sold with its promise of tourism dollars, and so far these routes have delivered. Bicycle tourism is on the rise in places like Michigan and numbers in Minnesota and North Carolina show the same. This active and personal way to explore new regions as a visitor has something to offer the locals as well: safe and practical transportation with connections to a state’s most valuable treasures!
Even if you’re not from Mississippi or Maryland, you may know the names Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Thad Cochran (R-MS). The two U.S. Senators were instrumental in hammering out a bipartisan compromise that is the best hope for continued bicycle and pedestrian funding in the next federal transportation bill.
Right now, a special conference committee with members from both sides of the aisle is trying to negotiate a new bill before the latest extension expires at the end of June. The League and our partners at America Bikes are working hard to ensure the Cardin-Cochran compromise is included.
But what is the Cardin-Cochran amendment exactly? What would it do and why is it so important?
Mary Lauran Hall explains it all over on the America Bikes blog. Click here or the image below to learn more about the two words every bicyclist should know…
Carolyn Szczepanski Communications Director
Carolyn joined the League in March 2012, after two years at the Alliance for Biking & Walking. In addition to managing the League's blog, magazine and other communications, Carolyn organized the first National Women's Bicycling Summit and launched the League's newest program: Women Bike. Before she crossed over to advocacy, she was a professional journalist for nearly 10 years.
It’s a been a big week in the National Bike Challenge. We crossed the 1,000,000 mile mark last weekend, and several days this week set new records for miles entered into the system.
As of this glorious Bike to Work Day morning, we stand at 1.5 million miles logged, and over 36 million calories burned. One and half million miles is 3 round trips from the earth to the moon. But what does 36 million calories get you?
52,990 milkshakes
21,420 gallons of New Belgium Brewing’s Fat Tire ale, which can be conveniently hauled home in 1,392 kegs. I hope you brought your trailer.
182,818 donuts, which, stacked up, would become the highest point in the United States towering over Mount McKinley by 2,500 feet.
By our official calculations, Challenge riders have saved more than $358,000 in the three weeks of riding (this calculation includes only transport trips.) Once all the donuts are paid for, we’ll still have $267,000 left over. In somewhat more official calculations, U.S. bicyclists save $4.6 billion per year by riding instead of driving. That according to new data released today by the League of American Bicyclists, Sierra Club, and National Council of La Raza (NCLR).
I don’t mention New Belgium lightly — they’re one of two new prize sponsors, adding a bike, a case of beer, and a pair of socks to our prize list. We’ve also added prizes from the Better World Club, who will give 10 lucky winners Bicycle Roadside Assistance memberships. Look for an updated prize list on the Challenge site next week.
Looking at the leaderboards, not much has changed at the top since last week. While he hasn’t made the turn at Tranquility Base yet, Leonard Wright is still leading the personal challenge by a fair piece, and he’s the only rider so far to have attained platinum. There are more than 2,500 riders in easy striking distance of gold (500 points) by month’s end, making them eligible for the richest pot of monthly prizes.
Vermont is still leading the state challenge, but Wisconsin dominates the top 10 in the community (Madison at #1, and 5 more besides) and workplace (Trek at #1, Kimberly-Clark at #2, plus 3 more) categories. Trek Varsity leads the team competition. Scrolling down the state list a bit, Maryland, my Maryland, is struggling to stay in the top 20, and trailing Virgina by 2 spots.
The more interesting competition is in the comments, where it seems that each rider’s story is more inspiring than the last — people back on bikes for the first time in years, riding trips they would have taken by car, losing weight, and loving life. Fortunately, that’s a category where everyone wins.
Get up and ride, and get your friends involved — we still have a lot of recruiting to do if we’re to reach our goal of 50,000 riders.
Scott Williams League Director of Membership
Williams joined the League in April 2010. For the four years prior, he worked providing technology consulting and solutions to nonprofit organizations with Community IT Innovators.
I skipped the Capitol Hill press conference this morning to participate in the Takoma Park, Maryland, bike to school day with my daughter, Grace.
Grace and I ride to her school together several times a week. We’ve been doing so since she started Kindergarten in the fall of 2010, first riding together on a trail-a-bike, and, more recently with Grace on her own two wheels. We very rarely see other kids riding, or other bikes in the rack at her school.
Grace in her League t-shirt, one helmet adjustment away from riding to school.
This morning was very different — we saw a dozen kids on scooters or bikes on the Sligo Creek Trail. By the time the official two-block ride to school commenced, there were easily 100 kids on wheels.
In honor of Bike to School Day, I interviewed Grace, passing questions and answers back and forth on a piece of notebook paper.
What is the best part of biking to school?
Going down hills.
Do many kids bike to your school?
No! You’ve seen how the bike rack looks!
Why do you think that more kids don’t bike to school more often?
Because they are learning how to bike.
Based on the evidence from this morning, there are certainly plenty of kids who know how to ride, at least at Piney Branch Elementary, which houses grades 3-5 ( Grace’s school, Takoma Park Elementary runs from K-2.) Let’s hope that this morning’s event inspires more of those kids to ride more often.
Takoma Park’s first Bike to School Day. Safe Routes to School coordinator Lucy Neher (yellow shirt) and mayor Bruce Williams are at left.
Share your Bike to School Day photos with us on Facebook, or Twitter (tag them with #b2sd) or email them to carolyn@bikeleague.org and we may feature them on our blog.
Scott Williams League Director of Membership
Williams joined the League in April 2010. For the four years prior, he worked providing technology consulting and solutions to nonprofit organizations with Community IT Innovators.
The National Bike Challenge is a great motivational tool for riders returning to cycling. Some of those riders are posting their stories and goals in the home page comment feed, if you want an inspiring read. If you’re already riding regularly, logging your rides makes you eligible for some great prizes, and may inspire you to a few more miles or another trip each week.
But some cyclists I talk to say that cycling is already a major part of their lives, and they don’t need the motivation of the prizes to get them on the road. Why then should they bother to sign up, and take the time to log miles on a regular basis? Here are a few of the answers I give:
The National Bike Challenge is a great opportunity to make a statement about the impact of cycling nationwide. We’ve already logged nearly a million miles in the warm-up period. Our four-month Challenge goal is 10 million miles, which would be an awesome testament to the role of cycling in transportation and recreation, one that cycling advocates can use in advocating for better laws to protect cyclists, or new investments in infrastructure. If cycling is already a major part of your life, your miles will help us get to our goal more quickly, and make our case more forcefully.
We’ll also be tracking miles by state and community. Your miles logged for Springfield will help keep Shelbyville humble. (Here are a few real-life rivalries to watch — Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland, Georgia vs. South Carolina, and Wisconsin vs. all comers.)
Participating in the Challenge will reconnect you with the thrill you felt when you first started riding regularly. You can read the stories on the homepage, or follow other news arising from the challenge as we highlight people who are changing their lives one ride at a time. If you join the Challenge, then bring friends or co-workers on board, you can play a direct role in changing both individual lives and the transportation culture of your community. Think of it as Bike to Work Day extended to four months – enough time for lasting change in commuting habits to take hold.
You can use the Challenge leaderboard to connect with other cyclists at your level. You can see who has a similar number of points in your state or community, and connect through the Endomondo platform. You can then ride together or just trade stories about how you rode to 1500 points, or how you inspired three co-workers to become regular bike commuters.
So even if you don’t need any motivation to get up and ride, please join the Challenge and play a part in this four-month celebration of cycling.
Scott Williams League Director of Membership
Williams joined the League in April 2010. For the four years prior, he worked providing technology consulting and solutions to nonprofit organizations with Community IT Innovators.
By the end of the month, cycling fans can get their day started with a pair of star athletes: Matthew Busche, USA Cycling Professional Road National Champion, and track cyclist Dotsie Bausch!
This morning, Post Foods and USA Cycling announced a new USA Cycling-branded Grape-Nuts cereal box, with 7.5 million units set to hit grocery store shelves by the end of the month. Check it out!
And the good folks at Post and USA Cycling have some good advice: “May is National Bike Month and Grape-Nuts would like to invite you to find an event in your area and get out and ride,” they suggest in their press release. “A healthy lifestyle includes Grape-Nuts that fuels your bike to work or school every day.”
Carolyn joined the League in March 2012, after two years at the Alliance for Biking & Walking. In addition to managing the League's blog, magazine and other communications, Carolyn organized the first National Women's Bicycling Summit and launched the League's newest program: Women Bike. Before she crossed over to advocacy, she was a professional journalist for nearly 10 years.
For many of us who travel by bike, our daily commutes have happily become more crowded. When I leave the office in the evening, the cycletrack up 15th Street is full of fellow downtown employees, many of them young professionals. Just last week, a new report from the U.S. PIRG put solid numbers behind what many of us are seeing on the streets: Americans are driving less — especially young adults.
Even better news: The decline isn’t just a temporary means to escape high gas prices or save on transportation costs while times are tough. The trend is being driven by the next generation, which is choosing alternatives for a variety of reasons.
From 2001 and 2009, the average annual number of vehicle-miles traveled by young people (16 to 34-year-olds) decreased from 10,300 miles to 7,900 miles per capita – a drop of 23 percent. The trend away from steady growth in driving is likely to be long-lasting – even once the economy recovers. Young people are driving less for a host of reasons – higher gas prices, new licensing laws, improvements in technology that support alternative transportation, and changes in Generation Y’s values and preferences – all factors that are likely to have an impact for years to come.
And many members of Gen Y are choosing bicycles over automobiles. The report highlights that, in 2009, 16 to 34-year-olds as a whole took 24 percent more bike trips than they took in 2001, despite the age group actually shrinking in size by 2 percent.
With such a widespread — and lasting — shift in transportation preferences, the PIRG report urges policymakers to pay attention to what American really want as they craft the next federal transportation bill.
America has long created transportation policy under the assumption that driving will continue to increase at a rapid and steady rate. The changing transportation preferences of young people – and Americans overall – throw that assumption into doubt. Policy-makers and the public need to be aware that America’s current transportation policy – dominated by road building – is fundamentally out-of-step with the transportation patterns and expressed preferences of growing numbers of Americans. It is time for policy-makers to consider the implication of changes in driving habits for the nation’s transportation infrastructure decisions and funding practices, and consider a new vision for transportation policy that reflects the needs of 21st century America.
Carolyn joined the League in March 2012, after two years at the Alliance for Biking & Walking. In addition to managing the League's blog, magazine and other communications, Carolyn organized the first National Women's Bicycling Summit and launched the League's newest program: Women Bike. Before she crossed over to advocacy, she was a professional journalist for nearly 10 years.
We blogged about Pennsylvania’s four-foot safe passing law that went into effect last Monday. Already the law is having an impact in Bethlehem, PA where an attempted hit and run collision was caught on tape. Thanks to the quick thinking of city bus driver Richard Gubish, Jr. and another motorist, the offender was blocked from leaving the scene. Police arrested and charged the driver with multiple offenses, including violating Pennsylvania’s safe passing law.
Hat tip to the Bethlehem Police Department for posting this video and press release.
Matt Wempe League State and Local Advocacy Coordinator
Mr. Wempe joined the League in September 2011. For the three years prior, he worked as a transportation planner and Safe Routes to School Coordinator in Fort Collins, Colo. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Rob Gusky, the Bike Ambassador for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, led off the presentation with an introduction to the National Bike Challenge. The Challenge, which kicks off May 1, is a national outreach campaign that helps motivate people to bike more often and track their progress, alongside the progress of other riders across the country. Kimberly-Clark, the League, Bikes Belong, and Endomondo are the national sponsors of the 2012 Challenge.
Amanda White, Associate Director of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin then spoke about promoting the Challenge last year, when 4,500 riders logged 1.2 million miles in the Wisconsin Bike Challenge. Key outcomes for the Bike Fed were being able to highlight the number of miles logged as transportation, and the way the Challenge helped them reach outside their base. White’s top tip for a successful Bike to Work Week was to engage community businesses and organizations to sponsor commuter pit stops, with the sponsor staffing the station and providing the food and drink for riders.
Stephanie Frans talked about how Cascade Bicycle Club has built Bike Month into a month-long program of inter-related activities in Seattle. In particular, she talked about using diverse approaches to reach diverse audiences, including a kick-off breakfast, bike to school day, targeted rides for different types of riders, free classes and bike repair stations for commuters. Thirty seven percent of the riders in Cascade’s commuter challenge are women, much higher than the percentage of women in the general riding population. Frans felt that the opportunity to connect with other riders help motivate women to participate.
Julie Harris of Activate Omaha capped off the evening talking about Omaha’s commute challenge and Bike Month efforts. Harris also touted the value of the compiled data from their commute challenge, and the importance of a diverse approach to promotion.
Williams joined the League in April 2010. For the four years prior, he worked providing technology consulting and solutions to nonprofit organizations with Community IT Innovators.
Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m not a big cyclist. Now, don’t get me wrong, I ride my bike every day. I ride to work, I ride to the grocery store, I ride to friends’ houses. But I rarely ride “just for fun.” But last weekend, I found a great middle ground for my love of biking as transportation and being a tourist in my own city. I went on the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)’s “Down the Tubes” ride, a day-long bike and infrastructure love-fest coordinated by WABA in conjunction with DC Water.
As you can tell, I was pretty excited (photo by Washington Area Bicyclist Association)
The ride followed the topography of DC down from Fort Reno (a pump station at the far north-west border of the District) to a pump house in Poplar Point on the Anacostia River, with a few stops in between. I’ve always wanted to check out the Bryant Street Pumping Station, a beautiful Edwardian building near Howard University and our second stop of the day. It’s just incredible to think that such a refined looking building houses the pumps that send potable water all across the District.
This is ten times nicer than anywhere I've ever lived (photo from Wikipedia)
But if you think that that’s a fancy building for a mundane function, check this out:
(photo by Wasington Area Bicyclist Association)
This is the building where the sewage of the city begins its long journey back into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Can you believe it? I know I couldn’t, and a lot of us on the tour were surprised to see the swanky interior where the pumps are housed. Since the building is over 100 years old, the old pumps ran on steam. Once the building converted to electricity, the smaller electric pumps were installed in their stead.
“What’s the rent here again? The square footage is amazing!” (photo by Washington Area Bicyclist Association)
It was a long day of touring the city (about six hours in all with tours and talks and riding in between), but I wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way than by bike. I met a lot of interesting people on the ride, some urban planning wonks and some cycling fanatics. Being above ground, seeing the neighborhoods served by the underground sewer system we were learning about, was a great reminder of what all is happening in DC that I just don’t yet know about. And using bike infrastructure to see another form of civic infrastructure that we take for granted, well, that was awesome. I can’t wait for the day that we can take bike lanes for granted as much as we do the water we drink once we get to our destinations!
For another post detailing the ride, check out WABA’s blog.
Katie Omberg Events and Outreach Manager
Katie joined the League in April of 2010. For the two years prior, she worked at the Corcoran College of Art + Design as a programs coordinator. Katie has a BA in Religion from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. She enjoys biking to work.
May has long been the month of bicycle love. It started with the Cycle Trade Association, which designated American Bike Month in an effort to boost the sale of bicycles. In 1956, the League inaugurated National Bike Month with an expanded emphasis on advocacy and promotion. And it’s been growing every year since.
The high point of the month is Bike to Work Week — May 14-18 — which reaches a pinnacle with Bike to Work Day on May 18. Across the country, in cities and towns large and small, cyclists from all backgrounds ride together in commuter convoys; meet fellow pedalers and local advocates at pit stops; celebrate active transportation with pre- and post-work parties; and participate in all sorts of creative and fun bike-centric events. In 2011, hundreds of events were planned from coast to coast and this year promises to be bigger than ever.
I’ve already signed up for Bike to Work Day here in Washington, D.C. How are you celebrating Bike Month in your community?
Are you planning a Bike Month event? Get the word out by posting your events on the League’s Bike Month website.
Are you an bicycle advocate or club leader? Learn how to put together an event, or promote the event you’ve already planned on the League’s “Making the Most of Bike Month” webinar tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern. Register here.
Looking for new ways to engage your friends, family, co-workers and membership? New this year, the League is partnering on the National Bike Challenge, a fun and friendly competition that will allow riders to compete for prizes and be part of the largest social network of cyclists in the nation. The Challenge kicks off May 1, but already more than 1,000 people are getting warmed up on the interactive website. Sign up today!
And, of course, stay tuned to the League blog for more news, resources and updates in coming days and weeks.
Carolyn Szczepanski Communications Director
Carolyn joined the League in March 2012, after two years at the Alliance for Biking & Walking. In addition to managing the League's blog, magazine and other communications, Carolyn organized the first National Women's Bicycling Summit and launched the League's newest program: Women Bike. Before she crossed over to advocacy, she was a professional journalist for nearly 10 years.
Local control of federal bicycle and pedestrian funding means state advocates and support will be more important that ever. Summit attendees at the “How to Save Cycling at the State Level” session learned about successful state advocacy and ways to work with their governor, legislature, and agency staff to continue investing in bicycling and walking.
Shailen Bhatt, Delaware Secretary of Transportation spoke about how cycling is a key investment for DOTs, Dorian Grilley with Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota shared how states can become bicycle-friendly fast, and Robert Ping with Safe Routes to School National Partnership discussed how bicycling is about people, not just funding and infrastructure. Dan Grunig with Bicycle Colorado moderated and spoke of the importance of funding and support at all levels of government.
Advocates in the room were clearly energized and already thinking about . Here’s a quick summary of what we learned:
The majority of funding for bicycles and pedestrians comes from the state and local level
Elect a bicycle-friendly governor and legislators – invite them to your events so they can publicly share that support
Progressive DOTs are thinking of bicycles as a wise investment – “The way you run a DOT is ask ‘what’s my return on investment’”
Don’t reinvent the wheel – learn and borrow from others
Partner, partner, partner – public health departments, parent groups, local mayors, outdoor enthusiasts, and more
Talk about your values – traffic safety, children’s health, economic benefits, freedom of transportation choice
Make sure states spend their bicycle funding – only about half of available SRTS funding is currently being utilized
Matt Wempe League State and Local Advocacy Coordinator
Mr. Wempe joined the League in September 2011. For the three years prior, he worked as a transportation planner and Safe Routes to School Coordinator in Fort Collins, Colo. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Carolyn joined the League in March 2012, after two years at the Alliance for Biking & Walking. In addition to managing the League's blog, magazine and other communications, Carolyn organized the first National Women's Bicycling Summit and launched the League's newest program: Women Bike. Before she crossed over to advocacy, she was a professional journalist for nearly 10 years.
The 2012 National Bike Summit got off to an energizing start this morning with an opening session featuring high-powered members of Congress and the man Representative Earl Blumenauer called the best Transportation Secretary we’ve ever had: Ray LaHood.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (Credit: Chris Eichler)
No, the Secretary didn’t hop on the table like he did two years ago, but he did fire up the more than 800 attendees. In no uncertain terms, LaHood called for the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the lead of the U.S. Senate.
The bill passed by the Senate, he explained, is good for cycling. It’s good for livable, sustainable communities. It’s good in providing transportation options for all Americans. And, most immediately, it’s good for the economy.
“The transportation bill is a jobs bill; it’s that simple,” he emphasized. “We’re right on the eve of the spring construction season and… we need to put our friends and neighbors to work. The spin-offs that come from passing a transportation bill put thousands of people to work for two years.”
Later on his blog, the Secretary specifically commended the work of bicycle advocates to get that done.
“This week, nearly a thousand League members have come to Washington, DC, for the National Bike Summit,” he wrote. “The theme for this year is “Save Cycling,” and it’s an important task. This is a thrilling time for bicycling in America – there are now 57 million cyclists on the road, and we are truly building a transportation system that makes it easier, safer, and more convenient to ride your bike… At the Department of Transportation, we’re happy to support innovative policies to give more Americans the option to embrace cycling, and we’re working to end prejudices that treat riding and walking differently from other forms of transportation.
“The time has come to time to invest in a 21st century transportation network,” he continued. “This week the advocates from the National Bike Summit will be sharing a similar message with their legislators on Capitol Hill. I thank them for their effort–and for the warm welcome today–and I wish them well.”
Carolyn joined the League in March 2012, after two years at the Alliance for Biking & Walking. In addition to managing the League's blog, magazine and other communications, Carolyn organized the first National Women's Bicycling Summit and launched the League's newest program: Women Bike. Before she crossed over to advocacy, she was a professional journalist for nearly 10 years.
While Congress creates the framework, the most important decisions about the use of federal funds are made at the state and regional level. As the capacity of statewide bicycle advocacy groups has grown, many leaders have started to look beyond their long list of individual project victories and ask an important question: How can we use our limited resources to have a long-standing, wide-ranging impact in communities across the state?
One answer: Get involved in the process that determines the use of billions of dollars in federal funding.
Money is like water. It flows easiest through the well-worn grooves and established channels that have been carved over the years. When it comes to federal funding streams, the policies and process at the state and regional level determine whether bicycle and pedestrian projects sink or swim.
In recent years, organizations like Bike Delaware, the League of Illinois Bicyclists, and the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation have gotten involved in this critical process. In the latest report from Advocacy Advance — Improving the Process: How Statewide Organizations Are Winning Federal Funding for Bicycling and Walking Projects — Darren Flusche, League Policy Director, explores the success of those organizations and how statewide groups can have the biggest impact.
“There’s increasing interest among advocates to take on more complicated and potentially more impactful campaigns,” Darren explains. “Many are turning their attention to the ways federal funding is spent locally. Campaigns that focus on the policies and practices that influence federal spending can have lasting impact. Instead of enabling just one bicycling or walking project, it can set the stage for years of bicycle and/or pedestrian projects to be built.”
There’s clearly the need and interest for best practices for advocates at the state level. “Advocates at several statewide organizations approached us to ask about what statewide groups are doing well and how federal funding campaigns differ at the state level compared to cities and regions,” he adds.
Drawing on the models of Delaware, Illinois and Missouri, the four-page report highlights and explains steps organizations can take to get more involved and, ultimately, increase federal funding for bike/ped projects.
“The basics are the same at the regional and the state level,” Darren says. “You need to know who sets the policies and makes the project selection decisions. You need to know who influences those people, what to ask for, and when to ask for it. But operating at the state level gives advocates an opportunity to fix state DOT policies that impact every region. In addition, advocates can share best practices among all of the regions in the state. State organizations have the opportunity to make systematic change on a large scale.”
As Congress debates the transportation bill, there’s a lot of uncertainty about the future of transportation programs. But one thing is clear: Bicycling advocates will have to learn how to compete for scarce resources against all types of transportation projects. The examples and suggestions in this report, taken from real successes in the field, provide an essential guide. And, as always, the Advocacy Advance Team is available to offer more information and technical support.
The leadership of the Alliance for Biking & Walking, Bikes Belong, and the League of American Bicyclists has agreed that uniting the three organizations would dramatically improve their effectiveness in increasing bicycle use in U.S. communities. Leaders of the three groups issued a joint statement summarizing the outcome of their recent meeting in San Diego, February 13-14.
“We can transform communities across the United States and accelerate the creation of a more bicycle-friendly America by combining the programs, resources, and members of these three leading organizations,” said Chris Fortune, Chairman of the Bikes Belong board and member of the transition team empowered to facilitate unification of the three groups. The transition team comprises representatives of each organization and will be working with the boards, staff, and members of each group to implement the process.
“There is a lot of work ahead,” acknowledged Hans van Naerssen, Chair of the League’s board and a member of the transition team. “We must determine how to combine the diverse strengths of a powerful alliance of state and local organizations, a storied national user group, and a vibrant industry association in a way that preserves their unique attributes and realizes the game-changing potential of a single entity.”
“Our enthusiasm to take this momentous step for the movement is matched by a commitment to do this right,” said Noah Budnick, board Chair of the Alliance for Biking & Walking. The boards of all three organizations must ratify the agreement. Once (and if) that occurs, the transition team will work with a variety of board, staff, partners and advisors to determine the initial programs, membership structure, and staff needs of the new organization. “Changes will be implemented carefully and respectfully over time”, continued Budnick, “and it is important to say that all existing contractual agreements will be honored and the continuity of existing memberships is assured.”
Andy Clarke, President, League of American Bicyclists
202-822-1333 / andy@bikeleague.org
Jeffrey Miller, President/CEO, Alliance for Biking & Walking
202-445-4415 / jeff@PeoplePoweredMovement.org
Andy Clarke League President
Andy Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director. Before joining the League in February 2003, Clarke was on contract to provide technical assistance to the highly regarded Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center on site at the Federal Highway Administration. He is on the Board of Directors for America Bikes, and a member of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals.
Thank you for responding to another round of attacks on bicycling and walking. Your voices are being heard on Capitol Hill: House and Senate offices are hearing loud and clear that the current proposals for a new highway bill just aren’t acceptable. Both bills threaten to end 20 years of progress in promoting more walkable and bikeable communities.
Congress is about to eliminate infrastructure programs that demonstrably create jobs, improve safety, provide transportation choices, and promote the most energy-efficient of all travel modes: walking and bicycling. All of this without reducing the cost of the overall bill. The Senate bill reduces the small percentage of transportation funding currently targeted to bicycling and walking, and allows States to simply opt-out of bicycling and walking programs entirely – preventing local agencies from investing in these critical transportation safety projects.
Along with our colleagues in the America Bikes coalition, the League has issued an action alert urging Congress to reject entirely the proposed highway bill (H.R.7) in the House of Representatives, and to support the bipartisan Cardin-Cochran amendment to the Senate bill to preserve local control over transportation funds.
The Senate and House Bill are unprecedented attacks on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Take action today, pass the action alert to your friends and family, and register for the National Bike Summit this March 20-22 in Washington, D.C. This event is critical for bicycling, and we need cyclists to speak up and let their Members of Congress know how important bicycling is to them and their community. Contact your Senators and Representatives today – tell them that we bike, and we vote. Together we can save cycling!
Andy Clarke League President
Andy Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director. Before joining the League in February 2003, Clarke was on contract to provide technical assistance to the highly regarded Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center on site at the Federal Highway Administration. He is on the Board of Directors for America Bikes, and a member of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals.
Moments ago, Congressman John Mica (R-FL) announced the introduction of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act. The proposed bill eliminates dedicated funding for bicycling and walking as we feared, and it goes much further and systematically removes bicycling from the Federal transportation program. It basically eliminates our status and standing in the planning and design of our transportation system—a massive step backwards for individuals, communities and our nation. It’s a step back to a 1950s highway- and auto-only program that makes no sense in the 21st century.
• destroying Transportation Enhancements by making it optional;
• repealing the Safe Routes to School program, reversing years of progress in creating safe ways for kids to walk and ride bicycles to school;
• allowing states to build bridges without safe access for pedestrians and bicycles;
• eliminating bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state DOTs; and
• eliminating language that insures that rumble strips “do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians or the disabled.”
On Thursday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee will mark-up the bill and Representatives Petri (R-WI) and Johnson (R-IL) will sponsor an amendment that restores dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Representatives Petri and Johnson can only be successful if everyone with a stake in safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways contacts their representative today.
Because of these urgent new developments, and the vital importance of a HUGE turnout on Capitol Hill in March, the National Bike Summit early bird registration deadline has been extended to Feb 20. We need every single cyclist in Washington, D.C. that the city can hold (and that’s thousands …). Register today!
Andy Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director. Before joining the League in February 2003, Clarke was on contract to provide technical assistance to the highly regarded Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center on site at the Federal Highway Administration. He is on the Board of Directors for America Bikes, and a member of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals.
By Mary Lauran Hall, Communications Coordinator, America Bikes
For the past 20 years, the federal Transportation program has included dedicated funding for biking and walking. Over the course of twenty years and three federal transportation laws, federal support for bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure projects has slowly ticked upwards. As a result, more and more communities feature safe roads for people who travel on foot or by bicycle and more people are bicycling — there has been a 40% increase in bicycling from 2000 to 2009 and a surge in Bicycle Friendly Communities.
In 1992, Congress passed ISTEA, the first federal transportation bill to include funding for transit, biking, and walking. As each consecutive transportation bill passed and continued dedicated funding for biking and walking, funding increased from $23 million for 50 new projects in 1992 to $297 million dollars and 971 projects in 2000, to a record $1.2 billion dollars and 3010 projects in 2009.
However, recently there has been a drop in funding and projects — since 2009 — as a result of the decline in stimulus spending that was available for a limited period and uncertainty over the future of the programs. A similar phenomenon occurred between 1997 and 2005. Now, however, a new transportation bill threatens to eliminate federal support for biking and walking infrastructure all together.
Next Thursday, the House Transportation Committee will vote (see timeline) on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, a bill that eliminates crucial funds for biking and walking. Representatives on the Transportation Committee are key positions to save dedicated funding for biking and walking.
The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, the long awaited multi-year Transportation bill, eliminates the two largest programs that fund biking and walking infrastructure — Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Without these programs, communities all over the country will lose resources to build the sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways that make biking and walking safe and accessible in communities across the country.
We can’t let that happen – take action now and ask your elected officials to preserve biking and walking.
Biking and walking are essential parts of everyday transportation in the U.S., and turning off federal funding for projects that keep Americans safe would represent a significant step backwards.
Federal funding for biking and walking keeps people safe. Two out of three pedestrian deaths take place on roads built with federal funding, and new sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways help end preventable deaths and make roads safer for everyone. Moreover, biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips, but only 1.5 percent of all federal transportation funding.
America Bikes is working in conjunction with their partners to introduce an amendment that will preserve funding for biking and walking. During Thursday’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee vote in the House, Representatives will have the opportunity to pass this amendment to save biking and walking.
To learn more about this issue and keep up-to-date as the bill moves forward, visit americabikes.org. And please, don’t forget to take action and share the action alert to your fellow bicyclists.
Everyone at the League would like to wish our members, bicycle advocates, Bike League Blog readers and all the cyclists out there a happy holiday and New Year! We have enjoyed working diligently for bicycling and bringing you the latest in bicycling news this year. Andy Clarke, president of the League, would also like to personally thank you and wish you a happy holiday.
Thank you for all your continued support, especially when we needed you the most. We survived repeated attacks on bicycle funding due to all of you responding to our alerts and e-mails. You wrote your state and national politicians, and we have held on to bicycle funding — for now. We even are faced with the possibility of losing our rights to the road on federal lands. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we will be raring to go in 2012. We’re looking forward to the National Bike Summit, National Bike Month, educating new and returning bicyclists nationwide and well, saving cycling again and again.
And if you are searching for that perfect gift for your favorite cyclists this year, make a donation in their name or buy them a League membership — it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Have a wonderful holiday!
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
Today, we announced the winners of the League’s Peopleforbikes.org Pledge Contest. The goal of Peopleforbikes.org is to unite a million voices in support of a better future for bicycling in America; and so far, more than 420,000 people have signed their name to the cause. To raise awareness and signatures, the League challenged Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs), Bicycle Friendly Universities (BFUs) and recreation bike club members in some healthy competition to see who could gather the most PFB pledges. The result? People and organizations from across the country rallied around bicycling and signed the PFB pledge– everybody wins!
The University of Cincinnati (UC) won in both the overall and university competitions by collecting the most signatures. “UC is honored to have received recognition from the League of American Bicyclists. Participation in initiatives like this are important to enhancing the bike culture and bike infrastructure at UC and in the Cincinnati area,” said the UC President‘s Advisory Council on Environment and Sustainability. “It allows UC to connect with other like minded entities nationwide that are leading the way on bike policy and funding initiatives that will ultimately make it easier and safer for students and others to use their bikes on-campus and surrounding areas.”
The League’s affiliated clubs had an impressive showing too. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine won with the most pledges in the business/organization category as did the Mountain Top Cycling Club of Colorado in the bike club category. “All the individuals, businesses, clubs and universities who participated made a difference by both promoting and signing the Peopleforbikes.org pledge,” said Bill Nesper, director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America Program. “We hope that the pledge continues to grow in momentum and surpasses the 1 million mark.”
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
Blog
Maybe you’re here in D.C. with us, defying the snowy weather. Maybe you weren’t able to make it — but you still want to be involved. Either way, make sure Congress hears bicyclists’ voices loud and clear today. (Image credit: Brian Palmer)
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