By Mary Lauran Hall, Communications Coordinator, America Bikes
Just two months ago, the Senate passed a transportation bill that included the Cardin-Cochran agreement. This bipartisan compromise would ensure that local governments and school systems are able to access much-needed funds to make bicycling and walking safer and more accessible.
Mississippi advocates with Sen. Thad Cochran at the 2012 National Bike Summit (Credit: Chris Eichler)
Now, poll results show that an overwhelming majority of Americans support federal funding for biking and walking. In a Princeton survey, 83 percent of Americans said that they support maintaining or increasing funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike paths.
If most Americans support federal biking and walking funding, Congress should, too.
The Cardin-Cochran agreement ensures local control over a small portion of funds for biking and walking. The provision devolves decision-making on a small portion of funds from the states to local governments, whose leaders know the transportation needs of their communities best.
We’ve heard again and again from local elected officials across the country that local governments want and need federal funding to build sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike paths.
Without the Cardin-Cochran agreement, states could choose to direct these limited funds towards building more roads and highway lanes.
Will you help us get the message to Congress that the transportation bill conferees should preserve the Cardin-Cochran agreement?
For many communities advocacy plays a central role in becoming more bicycle friendly. From the beginning push to continuing motivation, advocacy groups can provide specialized insight needed for creative solutions and are dedicated to seeing the positive development of their communities.
In Durango, Colo., an advocacy partnership has been at the helm of the community’s progress, and initiated the city’s involvement with the Bicycle Friendly America program.
“Mary Oswald (now of Bicycle Friendly Durango) came running over to me at the Farmer’s Market in 2007 and said, ‘I have a great idea!’ and we worked together, with the infrastructure of Trails 2000, to form a working group called Bicycle Friendly Durango.
Trails 2000 was able to help [Durango’s BFC progress] thanks to the passion in the community for all of the things BFC stands for. Most successful nonprofits are based on a strong mission that resonates with their members and the community and we have a 3-pronged mission: 1) to build and maintain trails 2) to educate trail users and 3) to encourage connectivity on the roads, paths and trails.
The BFC is a perfect fit.
The culture of cycling in Durango may have started in 1896 with the Durango Wheel Club, but in 1990 Durango hosted the World Mountain Bike Championships and several Durangoans won gold. It was a ‘coming out’ of sorts for the strong biking culture that existed. Ned Overend, Juli Furtado, Daryl Price, Greg Herbold, Ruthie Mathes and others all called Durango home. Their dedication and passion to our community put Durango on the map.
Since then, community members have responded by continuing to live here and insuring our future success. Our community builds and maintains our trail network with over 3,500 hours of trailwork each and every season. DEVO, the mountain bike junior development program, has more than 300 kids enrolled — and they are the future.
Challenges have come up, mostly based on people just thinking about the here and now and not understanding that long-range plans require long-range thinking. A bike path takes 10-20 years to complete and you have to take advantage of funding sources as they come along. The best way for communities to overcome the challenges is to set out with a vision in the beginning: ‘Okay, this is where we want to go and we can hang in there.’ But, people come and go, leaders come and go, and we tend to think we were all here first.
On the subject of challenges and long range planning, we learned that retro accommodation of bike infrastructure is a bigger project than accommodating that infrastructure initially. Fortunately, as we come up with creative solutions to accommodate this infrastructure within existing transportation development, the community value on that infrastructure is so clear that bicycle friendly and multi-modal infrastructure is now integral with new development.
Our community certainly sees the many reasons cycling is important. It is an economic driver for tourism. One local realtor says 30% of his sales are based on where the trails are located. It is absolutely important for health and well-being. There are so many statistics about how bike-friendly communities are just more friendly communities in general: they care about the greater community.
Now that we’ve achieved Gold, Bicycle Friendly Durango is going to work hard to continue that forward momentum. Cycling advocacy will need to work together with city leaders to create that movement. There is no way to be effective in this BFC process without collaboration. Although, we are talking about Trails 2000 right now, it was truly the Bicycle Friendly Durango crew of Mary Oswald, Jenny Wrenn and others who made this absolutely a reality. I really want to thank our BFD crew for their hard work.
The idea of ‘connecting’ can only happen through these connections and collaborations.”
(Helen Ho is the co-founder of POW! People on Wheels and the Development Director for Recycle-A-Bicycle, in New York City.)
Helen Ho
I learned to ride my bike, like most New York City kids, on the sidewalk with my mom running up and down the street next to me. My first bike was a pink Ross with white flowers on the banana seat. My pink bike and I had some good times rolling up and down the sidewalk, but we were never allowed to cross the street because it was too dangerous.
Actually, a lot of things were dangerous for us in the neighborhood, so I spent a lot of time indoors watching TV and eating snacks. Not surprisingly, I was a chunky kid.
Picture a fat Asian kid with a perm and coke bottle glasses. That’s me.
Twenty years later, as an adult, I happened to stumble upon a group of bike advocates and for the first time allowed myself to “cross the street” with my bike. It’s totally scary the first time because you don’t really know what to expect. I gathered up all my courage one day in 2007 and rode my bike five miles to work from Astoria to Flushing, Queens. What a liberating feeling it is to propel yourself to your destination!
I took that same route many times and started to notice things — most notably that I was the only woman cycling on the road. There were lots of other men; men in spandex, men in suits, deliverymen; but curiously no women.
Then I starting going to bike meetings and events and noticed that I was frequently the only minority in the room and that no deliverymen ever came to our meetings.
I have met several others who share this same experience. During a visioning session at the 2nd Annual Youth Bike Summit(which was inspired by the National Bike Summit 2010!) on the third day, we were envisioning the future. I was in the diversity group. Someone mentioned that diversity was a topic that was frequently talked in the bicycle advocacy movement about but rarely did anything happen past the point of conversation. I can see why if there are other priorities in an organization whose mission is not explicitly about diversity. Also that people of color and immigrants and deliverymen may be a harder group of folks to reach for existing advocates.
But then I thought that it should be *someone’s* priority.
We all had to go around in a circle and say an “I will…” statement. Before fully realizing the impact of the words, I said, “I will start a minority bike coalition.”
While that statement was made just a few months back, I’ve since found some friends, advocates and students to form a new group called POW! which stands for People On Wheels. We’ve had a few meetings and decided that we would be a project-based group looking to expand the universe of cycling advocates to engage more women, minority and delivery cyclists in NYC.
POW!’s first foray will be a storytelling project, taking portraits of cyclists and celebrating the cyclists, who are often ignored by pedestrians, cars and even each other. We further seek to engage workers, residents, and commuters on a grassroots, local level to create a safe space so that women, minorities, immigrants and working cyclists can share their thoughts and ideas about how cycling, the neighborhood, and the street impacts their day to day life. Whether working with the underserved communities of Roosevelt Ave in Queens or the East New York neighborhood in Brooklyn, we seek to envision a more inclusive future for all cyclists and identify local resources to fill the gaps and support that vision.
We seek to create a dynamic, replicable model that can be integrated into cities across the U.S. Join us, “cross the street” and expand your cycling universes too! In the end, more advocates equals more voices to champion cycling and that’s a good thing, isn’t it?
We hope to bring what we will learn from this process to the National Bike Summit 2013. See you there! POW!
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Adding more excitement to Bike to Work Week, AAA has partnered with the League to produce a series of bicycle safety videos, designed to educate both motorists and bicyclists on the importance of sharing the road.
AAA’s newly redesigned ShareTheRoad.AAA.com offers bicycle and helmet fit guides, safety tips and riding skills advice.
“This year’s theme for Bike Month — One Ride, Many Reasons — recognizes that cycling enhances our lives in countless ways, from keeping us fit to giving us a fun way to get to work,” said League president Andy Clarke. “We’re excited about AAA’s strong support of Bike Month and commitment to educate motorists, so every ride is safe and comfortable for drivers and bicyclists alike.”
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.
Kicking off National Bike to Work Week, today the League announced the largest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) in the program’s history. While communities from California to Connecticut joined the ranks of BFCs, the Mountain West rose above the rest, including two new Gold Level BFCs in Durango, Colo., and Missoula, Mont.
BFA Program Director Bill Nesper taking a ride in Missoula, Mont. — a Gold BFC
“We aren’t surprised that this was the largest number of new and renewing applicants that we’ve ever had,” said League President Andy Clarke. “The popularity of this program is clear evidence that simple steps to make bicycling safe and comfortable pay huge dividends in civic, community and economic development.”
With this impressive round, there are now 214 BFCs in 47 states. By evaluating and recognizing investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies, the BFC program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate their quality of life.
A long history of strong advocates working with visionary policymakers to create a comprehensive bicycle network boosted Missoula to the Gold standard — a distinction reserved for just 16 communities nationwide. With the recent additions of protected bike lanes, path system signage and new bike parking, more than 7 percent of local residents commute by bike, making this city a model for the state and region.
“The City of Missoula, together with numerous citizen advocates, have worked hard for more than 30 years to integrate and promote bicycle commuting, and we’re proud that our extensive off-street bike/ped trail system, together with our miles of bike lanes, and bike education and encouragement programs, reflect that,” said Missoula Mayor John Engen. “It’s an honor to achieve the Gold standard.”
Durango, Colo., also joined the elite group of Gold BFCs. With 300 miles of mountain bike trails and a growing network of city bike lanes, bicycling has become integral to the town’s culture and identity. “The City has worked hard to expand the bicycle footprint in our community,” said Durango City Manager Ron LeBlanc. “We want everyone to know that people on bikes are given special status in our community.”
Also in Colorado, Aspen earned a Silver award on its very first application. Aspen’s network of bike paths, recent Comprehensive Bike Survey and increased enforcement of its Share the Road program have made cycling safe and comfortable. In Aspen, people choose to bike commute at roughly 10 times the national average — and the next generation of cyclists are offered bicycling safety education in all of Aspen’s schools.
“Obtaining this designation was a team effort,” said Aspen Mayor Michael Ireland. “Everyone rose to the challenge because establishing the proper bike infrastructure, safety mechanisms and education are efforts we all embrace. Getting the Silver award allows us to celebrate our accomplishments, continue to grow in our bike friendliness and achieve even more as a community.”
Click here for a list of the new and renewing awards, and honorable mentions, from the Spring 2012 round. Learn more about the program and view the full list of Bicycle Friendly Communities at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.
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.
When I was a kid, the bicycle was my main mode of transportation and it expanded the borders of my little world. These days I still love to use my bicycle for transportation, but less for exploration and more for appreciation of all of the characteristics of my community.
When I ride, it’s not just about arriving at my destination; I enjoy every bit of the route and all the additional sensory details. When I ride to the market, I enjoy the sound of kids playing when I pass the park. When I see a friend on the street, not only can we exchange a hello and actually hear each other, but it’s never a hassle to pull over and chat.
I love the smell of freshly cut grass or of fresh coffee and pastries as I pass the local cafe. If I stop in and grab a couple of cupcakes, I’m not a glutton… I’m refueling!
Sure, I could hop in a car and simply arrive at my destination, but there is too much lost when you close that door and cut yourself off from your community.
Get out, get going, and enjoy the ride.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
(Robin Bylenga is the founder of Pedal Chic, the nation’s first woman-owned, women-specific bike store, based in Greenville, South Carolina.)
Yes, there are crystal chandeliers in Robin Bylenga’s bike shop
Bike fashion … when I began cycling, that was a complete oxymoron.
Those were the days of awkward toe cages, heavy steel bikes, very few cyclists on the road (of any kind) and zero style on the bike. The choices for cyclists of every genre have finally (and thankfully) massively improved.
As an avid rider of city, road, triathlon and cruiser bikes, as well as a bike shop owner and self-proclaimed fashionista — I’m thrilled to experience first-hand the shift toward chic bike style. I thoroughly enjoy outfitting my customers in fashion-forward and cutting edge apparel, beautiful bikes and fabulous accessories.
I loved the day I watched my best friend cross the finish line of a race and the announcer proclaimed, “Congratulations Danette! You came in first and you’re wearing … a dress?” Thank you Sheila Moon for that memorable moment and your stylish, colorful cycling apparel!
At Pedal Chic, I encourage my clients to “bling your bike”…. personalize it. After all, your bicycle is an extension of your personality, so why not celebrate it?
On my Bianchi road bike, I color-coordinated my bar tape, cables, water bottle cage, put on a colorful seat bag and even a matching chain. Yes, it makes me look a bit “girly” but my bike is beautiful and I ride as strong as ever! On my city bike — a Linus Dutchie — I added a handwoven basket, headlamp, back light, an crystal “rock star” bell and my favorite Basil pannier. It’s so much fun to ride, and I feel elegant and sophisticated when I cruise around downtown running errands.
And I’m not the only one strutting my own style on two wheels.
One of my customers purchased the Nirve “Minx” bike — talk about a fashion piece and personality bike! This bike has leopard fenders, faux leopard suede saddle and matching handlebars. A matching bell and basket liner complete the ensemble – she even added a matching flask! The bike has garnered so much attention that she now has a toy box filled with additional accessories her friends have been sending her from all over the world. Hysterical and a fun story… but more importantly, she now loves getting on her bike and that’s what it’s all about!
Remember, Roadways are the new Runways! Enjoy Bike Month!!!
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
(Nino Pacini is a board member for Programs to Educate All Cyclists in Michigan and the founder of its 2×2 program, which allows people with visual impairments the opportunity to cycle regularly.)
Nino Pacini (right, blue helmet)
Cycling isn’t just a word to me.
When I think of “cycling,” immediately other words pop into my mind.
Words like, exercise, outdoors, relaxation, workout, and health come together to form the word “cycling.”
More specific words like freedom and equality are particularly important for me because, on the back of a tandem, my lack of vision doesn’t matter. Pedaling there I am just like everyone else.
So, the freedom to exercise my ability in an equal manner outdoors provides a fabulous relaxing workout and leads to a healthier life style!
All that in just one word!
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Just two weeks in, we’re already on track to far exceed our goal of 50,000 riders in the National Bike Challenge. And the team spirit is strong in the Endomondo virtual locker room, as pedalers across the country trade advice, share their stories and provide encouragement to their fellow cyclists.
Leonard Wright is still in the lead among individuals as he logged multiple century rides in a single week, leading some to wonder: Has the Florida retiree discovered the Fountain of Youth? Of course, he’s not alone: The “Retired” team is making waves, rising to third place among workplaces.
Joining Trek (still #1 among all workplaces), major corporations like Ingersoll Rand, Facebook, Texas Instruments and, of course, Kimberly-Clark are putting in impressive efforts that have landed them in the Top 10, too.
Universities are making a strong showing, as well, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Nebraska, Temple University, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Vermont all ranking among the Top 20 workplaces.
Speaking of Vermont, they’re still in the top spot among states, extending their lead over Wisconsin and Nebraska. And, at least this week, Georgia is edging out South Carolina in the friendly Georga-lina throw-down.
The Hawkeye State is also stretching its wings with cities like Iowa City, Ames and Council Bluffs creeping up the communities’ ladder thanks to inspiring individual efforts from Iowans like Jamie Shea from Cedar Rapids (who’s number #2, just behind Wright) and the leading female rider, Cindy Dodd, in Cedar Falls.
But more important than stats or scoreboards, the Challenge is creating community and providing encouragement.
As Michael L noted on the comments this week: This national challenge has been a godsend for me. Riding is all I think about. I’m so proud of myself for doing what I’ve done in these past 10 days and can’t wait to see where the next few months.
Keep on logging those miles!
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.
National Bike Month is in full effect and, as anticipated, the wheels are turning in communities from coast to coast.
Perhaps most notably, it was a big week in the Golden State as many cities celebrated Bike to Work Day yesterday. According to San Francisco organizers, a record number of cyclists took to the streets in the Bay City, boosting BTWD participation by a staggering 20 percent over 2011. And that’s saying a lot. Last year, more than 75 percent of traffic on Market Street the morning of BTWD was bicycles.
Across the nation, Governors continued to voice their support for bicycling by putting their official stamp of approval on National Bike Month. Governor Paul LePage of Maine, Governor Sean Parnell of Alaska, Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota, Governor Gary Herbert of Utah and Governor Bill Haslam of Tennessee are just a handful of state executives who have signed proclamations designating May as Bike Month within their borders.
School kids got in on the action this week, too. As Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood wrote on his blog, the inaugural National Bike to School Day was a tremendous success, with more than 700 schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia participating! (Go, Grace, go!)
Decidedly not for children: Up in the Northwest, Schooner Exact Brewing Company is partnering with the Bicycle Alliance of Washington on a special beer in honor of Bike Month: the Ale-Lliance IPA. Kegs of the limited edition beer are now available at select Puget Sound locations, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alliance’s work. Meanwhile, down in Jacksonville, Fla., Bike Month organizers are using film to encourage folks to start pedaling with a 5-minute film noire movie: The Convert.
Speaking of PSAs, the Michigan Department of Transportation unveiled a new Share the Road safety video in honor of Bike Month that asks motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance, even if it means a little extra noise from a centerline rumble strip.
The folks at timbuk2 (maker of great cycling bags) are celebrating with an exciting storytelling project: Women Who Ride. Meet Jessica Nguyen, their first showcased profile, and submit your own stories.
Major corporations are spreading the word this month, too. Retail giant Walmart has the Bike Month logo showcased on its national homepage and League Policy Director Darren Flusche was excited to see that, even the maker of his wife’s engagement ring, is hosting a bicycle charm give-away this May.
Last but not least, for your Moment of Bike Month Zen this week: A humorous story from Washington, D.C.
What bike events happened in your community this week? Share in the comments!
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.
(Natalie Ramsland is the founder and framebuilder behind Sweetpea Bicycles in Portland, Oregon.)
Inga Ramsland takes a ride in the time machine
My bike is a time machine.
It isn’t the sexy DeLorean sort of time machine that takes me back to some other time or place. Such as a time when I had no adorable baby, no beloved business to run, and could spend weekends riding without a care in the world… Nope. It’s better. My bike time machine is more like a bread machine of sci-fi mechanics, making a particular quality of time. Warm fluffy loaves of time to slice into.
Barely a year into parenthood, I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time driving a car. In the early months, the car was the only option available to us. But as my daughter Inga grew and we started using the bike trailer, I was choosing the bike sometimes and the car at other times. Often, it was the feeling of having too much to do in too little time that buckled us in. Driving had, for the first time in my life, become something of a habit.
One night, over dinner, my husband and I chatted about an interesting, timely tidbit of information: marketers know that the disruption of having a child is so great that it is the one of the best opportunities to change consumer habits, forge new brand loyalties, transform the way we spend our money. And so much of what is sold to new parents is the promise of more time. We’ve all seen it: kid-specific food that spares us time in the kitchen or Baby Einstein videos to buy us a moment of guilt-free relaxation. I’m not buying any of that, and yet I had to admit that I had been unwittingly buying fuel for the idea that I could save time behind the wheel of the car.
Reflecting on this conversation, I realized two things. First, that I missed my bike. Second, that I care less about saving time than I care about spending time well.
When I ride my bike, I can’t go everywhere and do everything that occurs to me. I have to choose what is the most important, and by choosing, I don’t end up doing a bunch of less-than-critical errands. I have to limit even “fun” obligations. But I have also noticed that the boundaries between work and leisure blur more on a bike. Recently I’ve begun inviting a friend of mine, with whom I typically ride the West Hills on the weekend, to join me on bike errands. While we pedaled more slowly and stopped more frequently, the joys are the same: great conversations and the suspension of time in play.
When I choose to go by bike, I leave myself open to an adventure that is different than what I had planned. I am more likely to make an impromptu stop, more likely to pause and say hello to somebody I know. More likely to see somebody I know. That might seem like it takes more time, and it does, but it also makes the time feel less task-driven.
I am not car-free. But I am choosing the bike as my default transportation on weekdays, when I most need the structural reminder that my time can be full – not of doing the endless tasks of work and family – but full of movement and breathing and physicality. In doing so, I choose to be immersed in the slower rhythm of the life that cycling creates.
My bike may not break any land speed records, but it makes (a) good time.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Grace Williams wasn’t the only happy bicyclist who participated in National Bike to School Day yesterday. From coast to coast, thousands of kids pedaled to class making the first ever event a huge success.
Here are just a few snapshots that captured the celebrations — big and small — across the country. Thanks to everyone who shared their photos!
A few blocks from Congress, schoolchildren and families prepare to ride to school in Washington, DC (Credit: Chris Eichler)
Biking to School in Savannah, Ga. (Credit: Savannah Bicycle Campaign)
Walk and roll parade in Savannah (Credit: Savannah Bicycle Campaign)
Duncan and Richard Moeur in Phoenix, Arizona (Credit: Suzanne Carlisle)
Students from Fienberg-Fisher K-8 in Miami, Florida (Credit: Guerby)
Matthew Wright and kids in Austin, TX (Credit: Darla Blackburn Wright)
Bike to School Day at Mary Bryant Elementary in Tampa, Florida (Credit: Harry P)
First time biking to school for this happy young lady in Columbus, Ohio (Credit: Consider Biking)
More than 530 kids biked to Bay Middle School in Northeast Ohio — that’s 65 percent of the student body! (Credit: Bike to School Challenge)
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.
(Carlos Morales is the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Omaha, Nebraska)
Carlos Morales
Like many others, I began my love affair with biking at an early age. I still remember the first time I experienced the thrill of riding down a hill and immediately transforming my tricycle into a full-on rocket ship (okay, so I was young and had a very lively imagination). Throughout the whole ride, I had the biggest smile on my face.
There are many reasons why I choose to ride now. But the reason that keeps me going is that it’s just plain fun! I never have a ride where I don’t enjoy every minute and have a smile on my face.
I started riding more seriously as a form of transportation while living in Los Angeles. I still remember the first time I started biking to graduate school and work in LA. Everyone I knew kept telling me that commuting by bike in Los Angeles was nearly impossible. But after trying a couple of different routes and finding out that it took less time to bike to my destinations than it took riding the bus, I quickly became what I like to call a bike addict.
I later took my addiction to my new job in Omaha, Nebraska where I am the first Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Omaha. I continue to ride primarily for transportation and as part of my daily life. Lately, I have started branching out to ride for recreation. With all the trails and all the rides taking place all the time it is hard not to ride for recreation in Omaha.
My commute is a lot more relaxed than the rides I would accomplish in the urban jungles of LA. Instead of gritting my teeth and fighting with traffic, my commute in Omaha now takes me through serene neighborhoods on a more leisurely pace.
A quiet commute
Although I have more hills to climb, I also have more thrilling descents which always brings a smile back on my face even during cold Nebraska winters. Keep riding and smiling this May, you know I will!
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
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.
Earlier today, America Bikes unveiled a new survey that shows overwhelming support to increase or maintain federal funding for biking and walking. Are you part of that 83 percent? Share this infographic with your friends — and elected officials!
Credit: America Bikes
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.
Just in time for National Bike to School Day, new survey results reveal overwhelming support for biking and walking, with more than 80 percent of Americans favoring increased or maintained federal funding for sidewalks and bike lanes.
The national survey, performed by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, asked 1,003 adults in the United States about their opinions on federal funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike paths. The results were astounding — and bipartisan:
83 percent of all respondents support maintaining or growing the federal funding streams that pay for sidewalks, bikeways, and bike paths.
80 percent of Republican respondents and 88 percent of Democrat respondents think Congress should maintain or increase federal funds for biking and walking.
91 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 support continuing or increasing biking and walking funds.
These results add critical perspective to a pressing national debate about transportation, as members of Congress conference to develop a consensus transportation bill — and some propose eliminating dedicated funding for biking and walking.
“Americans overwhelmingly support federal funding for sidewalks and bikeways, and any controversy over this is an inside-the-Beltway issue,” said Caron Whitaker, campaign director of America Bikes. “As more people choose to bike and walk for transportation, Americans want their communities to build the sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways that keep everyone safe. Cutting programs such as Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails doesn’t save money; it just makes it harder for local governments to make their streets safer and more accessible for children and adults.”
Members of Congress added their support , as well.
Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS): “It is important that communities continue to have access to federal resources to implement transportation improvements such as biking and pedestrian infrastructure that are meaningful to public safety, economic development and quality of life at the local level.”
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD): “Americans support federal investments that make biking and walking safer. These are essential investments in the quality and safety of our national transportation infrastructure. I was proud of the work I did with Senator Cochran to ensure that local governments’ access to bike, pedestrian, and trail funding was maintained in the transportation bill that passed the Senate. This bill is so critical to putting millions of Americans to work on infrastructure projects that will improve U.S. economic competitiveness, travel safety, and energy independence.”
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR): “This polling data clearly shows Americans want transportation options. Especially as gas prices increase, Americans want options that help them save money, spend time with their families, and burn calories instead of carbon. I hope that this new data will remind my colleagues that communities large and small support fully funding sidewalks, bike lanes, and other improvements to make biking and walking safer and more convenient.”
Representative Tom Petri (R-WI): “As we continue work on transportation legislation in the House, we should be careful to produce a balanced program which includes sidewalks, bike lanes and bike paths. The transportation and health benefits of biking and walking are important, and it would be a mistake to reverse the progress we have already made there.”
Visit America Bikes for survey data and the full report. Stay tuned for pictures from the press conference this afternoon!
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.
(Leslie Meehan is the Director of Healthy Communities for the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization)
Sean Meehan
My son Sean is three years old and, although he is too little to understand what bicycle and pedestrian planning or public policy are by name, he understands the impact they have on his life.
His favorite activity is to ride his bike. He bikes to daycare (with supervision) and notices everything: the ‘tunnel’ (overgrown bush) that he rides under, the hill he rides down fast, even the bump in the sidewalk he aims to ride over. He has a feeling of freedom and independence when riding his bicycle (the jackpot for a toddler), and he has a sense of belonging in his community.
Funny how those are the same things that I hear adults say they love about bicycling.
This is why I chose to be a bicycle and pedestrian planner — a career that can often be challenging, innovative and rewarding.
I chose this field because I see firsthand the impact that walkable and bikeable communities have on my family, and on the lives of others.
(Of course, my son always wears a helmet when he rides!)
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Sometime between dinner with a friend last night and waking up this morning, the back tire on my bike completely deflated. Sure, I know how to fix a flat, but it was early, I was groggy — and I needed to get out the door. Digging out my tire levers, rooting around for a spare tube and fighting with the super-tight bolts on my back wheel wasn’t the way I was hoping to start the day.
Luckily, I had another option.
Capital Bikeshare (Credit: goDCgo)
Within a one-block radius of my apartment in Southwest D.C. there were no fewer than three dozen ready-to-ride bikes just waiting to be unlocked with my little red Capital Bikeshare key. In less than two minutes, I was pedaling my way downtown — no tire maintenance required.
Across the country, bike sharing systems are dramatically growing the ranks of transportation cyclists, making it easy and convenient to pedal short trips or travel that last mile after a multi-modal commute. Already, we’re seeing more cyclists riding Capital Bikeshare here in D.C., and major cities like New York and Los Angeles are getting in the game later this year.
But as these systems proliferate, are they benefiting everyone who wants to ride? Are the stations distributed equitably or centralized in certain neighborhoods? Are the pricing structures and policies accessible to all residents, or do you have to have a credit card and a smartphone to find and pay for a ride?
How are bike share systems addressing these complex challenges? Last week, the Federal Transit Administration and the National Center for Transit Research hosted a webinar on “Social Equity and Bikesharing” to tackle these very questions.
Bikesharing systems are rolling out all over the country, attracting new riders to bicycling as transportation, and providing a convenient way to access other transit services. But a significant challenge for system planners and managers is ensuring that this new and exciting means of transportation can be accessed by a wide cross-section of the community. This webinar provided an overview of exciting and innovative ways that systems are pursuing social equity in bikesharing, and provide summaries and lessons learned from Capital Bikeshare in Arlington, VA, and Hubway in Boston, MA.
Great presentation; view the webinar or download the presenters’ slides here.
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.
(Girls Bike Club, a program of West Town Bikes, is a group inspired, created and run by young women in Chicago, Ill.)
Girls Bike Club represents at the Youth Bike Summit
Why do we ride?
We ride to get around. We ride because it feels good. We ride so we can encourage other young women to ride bikes. We ride because we like it. Girls’ Bike Club (GBC) rides because we care about the environment and our planet. We ride because we see how cycling has positively affected our community.
We ride because we recognize that if you want to get somewhere, the first step is to get moving.
The primary aim of Girls’ Bike Club is to offer young women the tools to safely and effectively use bicycles for transportation. GBC wants to get more young women on bikes, create a safe space for female-positive programming, and have fun.
GBC helps young women gain marketable job and interpersonal skills for continued professional development, to better understand their roles in their ability to affect and change not only their own realities, but also a larger context of the neighborhood, our city, the nation and our planet!
Young women in our neighborhood are not encouraged to get out and ride bikes. Who thought that riding bikes could be such a powerful statement? Especially when we wear our matching hot pink sweatshirts!
By riding in a group, or individually, we are empowering young women to recognize and remember that we may not have control of every aspect of our lives, but if you fix up a bicycle and get riding, you can get to where you want to go.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Rob Gusky is an engineering technical leader at Kimberly-Clark Corporation — and the idea man behind the National Bike Challenge.
Rob Gusky
For me, this all started in June 2008 when gas prices in Appleton, Wisc., topped $4 per gallon. I’m the kind of person who has to take action when confronted with a challenge. I wanted more control of my own destiny when it comes to how much I money I pay to simply drive the 17-mile roundtrip to work. When some friends started biking to work and keeping track of their rides on a whiteboard, I was in.
I kept at it through the fall as the days got shorter and temperature dropped. By December 2008, gas prices had plummeted below $1.75/gallon and my area of Wisconsin was experiencing the snowiest December on record with more than 45 inches. By that time, though, I was having a blast. I had lost weight and was feeling great.
I was hooked.
I work as an engineer at Kimberly-Clark, a global company with more than 50,000 employees. I did some research and determined that there were already bike commuting programs at KC’s locations in the UK and Korea. After some emails, we agreed to the basics of a bike challenge and the Get Up & Ride program was born.
The program grew and last year KC logged over 350,000 miles. Based on the success of the program, KC partnered with the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and Endomondo to develop an external pilot program and offer this free to all Wisconsin residents in 2011.
One of the most satisfying parts of the challenge is seeing the positive impact it’s had on other people at work and in my community. Aside from the obvious health and environmental benefits, it’s helped bring people together and form a broader community of cyclists. We started a bicycle advocacy group this past winter, working to improve cycling conditions in our area. It’s been fun to work together and plan some interesting events, including our Moonlight Ride coming up in May.
I hope everyone enjoys this year’s National Bike Challenge. If you haven’t registered yet, you can quickly do it at www.nationalbikechallenge.org.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
(Heather Andersen is the author of the award-winning memoir “I Never Intended to Be Brave: A Woman’s Bicycle Journey in Southern Africa.”)
Heather Anderson
When I signed up for my first bicycle tour as a teenager, I was simply looking for a fun way to spend part of a summer. Instead, I got my first taste of the joys of bicycle touring.
I loved getting places on my own power with everything I needed with me on my bike. I loved the rhythm of life on the road: days that revolved around simply seeing new places, having enough to eat and finding a place to camp. That first taste wasn’t nearly enough.
Over the years, while bicycle touring on five continents, I’ve realized that it’s the perfect pace to explore the world and really get to know a land and her people, whether that land is your home state or a foreign country. There’s something about bike touring. It exposes us to the world around us and leaves us vulnerable. But we bike travelers are generally met with warmth, interest, and openness; rarely with hostility or violence.
It never fails to restore my faith in humanity, in the goodness of our souls, and in the world around us.
Bike touring helps me see the universe as a friendly place rather than an unfriendly one. It connects me to people and places. Sixteen years after that first tour as a teenager, it gave me the courage to go on alone when I unexpectedly split up with my cycling partner in southern Zambia. And, having that strength, I was able to look lions in the eye, explore the red sand dunes of Namibia, and connect with the kindness of strangers in lands that many think are dangerous.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Dave Bennick is the founder/owner of RE-USE Consulting, based in Bellingham, Washington.
Dave (far left) at a de-construction site – with his bicycle
Commuting by bicycle is second nature to me. I’ve enjoyed riding and racing since I was a kid. Unfortunately, riding my bike to work is a bit more difficult these days since my consulting business, RE-USE Consulting, currently has clients in 41 states and three Canadian provinces.
I travel to consult on disassembling buildings instead of demolishing them in an effort to create jobs, assist lower-income homeowners, help the environment, and promote the use of reclaimed and historic building materials. My clients provide a rental car while I am in town, but I want to get back on the bike!
Whenever possible we buy a bicycle instead, usually for less than the cost of a rental car. The bike is purchased from a local bike shop to keep the money circulating in the community. I use the bike to get to and from the job site and around town for errands. When the job is completed, the bike is donated to a local family in need or charity chosen by the client.
In Youngstown, Ohio, we were told about Calvin Scott. He’s a high school student at Chaney H.S. and works part-time for the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. Calvin stands out because of his hard work and interests in farming and vacant land management. When not at school, he maintains vacant properties in his community, plays baseball, and even maintains his own hoop-house garden next to his home. Even though he’s still in high school, he is well on his way to improving the community he lives in.
Now, he has a (nearly!) new bike to get around.
Dave and Calvin
The ‘Completing the Cycle’ program is a sustainable business practice that helps people and the environment at the same time. Who doesn’t love a win-win scenario like that?
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
Can anyone keep up with Leonard Wright? That was the question at the end of the pre-season for the National Bike Challenge.
Leonard Wright: Catch him, if you can
By the time the flag went up on May 1, the Challenge had already drafted 12,000+ riders from more than 500 cities who logged a staggering 1 million miles. At the end of April, Wright was way out front of the rest of the pack, racking up more than 5,000 miles in less than three months. Will the 66-year-old from Florida continue to dominate, we wondered, as we rolled into the real-deal competition on Tuesday?
Well, Leonard is still on top, but a surge of new riders threw their helmets in the ring — and it’s anybody’s game.
Just four days in, the team is looking strong. If the NBC were the NFL we’ve already dashed past the 30 yard line, headed to the goal post of 50,000 riders. On Wednesday alone, more than 1,550 riders registered in a single day and, as we close the work week, we’re bumping up on 18,000 participants.
So who’s on top?
In the individual arena: Wright’s morning spin kept him atop the leaderboard today, but two competitors from Columbus, Ohio — Evan Schieber and Mike Grote — are right off his back wheel. Ohio is also on top when it comes to women riders: Katie Schanz from Cleveland is leading the ladies with more than 220 points.
Among teams: Trek Varsity is out front but the Kamikaze Squirrels are nipping at their toe cages, just 10 points behind as I write this post. And with teams like the Front Range Freaks, the Leg Breakers, and the Henry Street Pirates, it could get cut-throat.
In the race among states, some major surprises: Since the Bike Challenge made its pilot run in Wisconsin last year, the safe money in the national race was clearly on the Badger State. But, sharpen those teeth, cheese-lovers, because, right now, the Maple State is planted firmly in your path. Vermont has claimed the #1 spot among states. But the top two, better watch their backs. There’s another dark horse, galloping up the ranks. Nebraska isn’t far behind at #3.
For civic pride: The Cheese Heads take the cake. Six out of the top 10 communities are in Wisconsin, but there’s plenty of momentum building in cities across the country. Bike Pittsburgh, for one, is looking to paint the challenge black and yellow, rallying hundreds of riders for the Steel City. Which leaves us with another question as we close the first week: Can BikePGH get this guy to switch helmets and join their team?
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.
Looks like Andy was right: Bike Month 2012 is barely out of the gates and the events are coming fast and furious. From 50 events in Cleveland, Ohio, to more than 60 events in San Luis Obispo, Calif., the amount of activity is off-the-charts. We gave this year the tagline One Ride, Many Reasons because we know there are countless benefits and incentives that inspire folks to start pedaling. But, clearly, the theme also applies the countless ways communities, organizations and individuals are celebrating.
Here’s just a tiny taste of what’s been happening in Week 1.
Advocacy organizations from coast to coast are capitalizing on May’s bicycle buzz. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is holding a Bike Month Poster Contest for local middle school students — and the top five young artists will have the privilege of pedaling with the Mayor himself on Bike To Work Day.
On the West Coast, the Cascade Bicycle Club is curating a Bike Month Video Extravaganza, inviting local residents to be the eyes on the street and capture on film areas of Seattle infrastructure that need improvement for those on two wheels.
Also in the Emerald City, King County Transit just announced that, during Bike to Work Week, cyclists will ride free on area buses, encouraging folks who may not be able to pedal the full way to try a multi-modal commute.
In Austin, the women-led Yellow Bike Project is hosting a Bike-In-Book-Swap this weekend for riders to recycle their old reads, pick up new ones, get creative with free bike crafts and participate in other “fun surprises.”
Speaking of art, bike culture will be on exhibit at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History this weekend, too, featuring officials posters from Bike to Work Week over the past 25 years and an array of bike-inspired jewelry, photographs, prints, paintings and sculptures.
Down the road in Santa Barbara, Bike Month kicked off on the cat walk, with local celebrities and residents strutting their stuff in the Velo Vogue Bicycle Fashion Show and “The Bicycle Wears Prada” social ride.
There are some fresh faces and resources on the internet, too. In the Big Apple, advocates at Transportation Alternativesdebuted a new website — BikeNYC.org — that compiles events, bike-related deals and rider tips all in one place (curated by great folks like Shelma Jun and Susi Wunsch). And they’re not the only addition to the web this week: Kyle Wagenschutz kicked off a new bike-ped blog in Memphis, too.
But it wouldn’t be bike month without the chance to win (as my colleague Katie would say) sweet prizes. Looking for some first-rate bicycle parking? Saris is running a contest that will reward one worthy community with a free bike corral. Dream of traveling to Canada? Performance Bike will give one lucky cyclist the chance to visit Quebec and build a Devinci bike with their own two hands through its 2012 Tour Devinci & Build-a-Bike Giveaway.
Columnists and bloggers across the country are promoting cycling, and over on the Huffington Post, Tim Blumenthal, president of Bikes Belong, is helping “Bike Fever” go viral, highlighting the rapid rise in the number of people who ride and the reasons more folks are saddling up.
Even Fox News is promoting biking. “Leaving your car at home” came in at #2 on its 8 Tips to Better Credit and Better Health this week. “If you live within a short distance of your workplace,” Fox Business experts suggest, “ride a bike or even walk to work instead of driving. Use the money you save on gas and maintenance to pay down any credit card debt.” Great advice!
And, last but not least, your Bike Month Moment of Zen:
How did you spend the first week of National Bike Month? Share the happenings in your community in the comments!
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.
(A real-life bicycle love story from Rachael Kefalos-Bronson, executive director of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition in South Carolina.)
Rachael and Mike Bronson
Bike shops have always intimidated me. The neighborhood shop in my hometown also doubled as a skateboard business, which was staffed with nothing short of attractive, tanned young men with sculpted calves and big egos. As a meek and mild Southern teenager, visits to this shop in my youth took a lot of confidence and purpose.
But my story today is not about the hurdles that women like me face when it comes to bicycling, or how the bike industry is too male-dominated—it’s about how those super intimidating bike shop dudes might be your future husband.
My story is about bike love.
Exactly seven years ago, I mustered up the courage to visit Outspokin’ Bicycles in Columbia, South Carolina, where I had recently relocated to finish school. I was shopping for a new bike, and upon entering the shop, I was immediately greeted by a room full of those good-looking young men who seem to be pervasive at shops around the country. A hunk of a guy named Michael was the salesman on the floor that day, and he helped me pick out the perfect commuter bike for my trips around town. I didn’t make the purchase that day, though, because I had to return several more times (with girlfriends in tow) to ‘evaluate’ whether the bike was worth the investment. I was in my early twenties, and was not going to jump into this (the bike purchase or male pursuit) without doing my homework.
I eventually bought the bike that Michael recommended, and also managed to give him my phone number. Shortly thereafter, we started dating, and fast-forward six years, Michael and I got married. Our wedding day was nearly a year ago from the moment that I write this.
Bicycles have always been a part of our daily lives. Michael now works for Hawley LLC, a bicycle-parts distributor based in South Carolina, and I run our statewide bicycle advocacy organization, Palmetto Cycling Coalition. So, it was fitting that we incorporated bicycles into our wedding.
Unlike many women my age, however, I dreaded the wedding planning process. Having been to many weddings of friends and family, wedding planning seemed overrated, dull and pretty inconvenient. As I begrudgingly started to do my research, I was delighted to learn how bicycles were often used in other weddings these days. This inspired me to get my act together and allowed me to learn to enjoy every detail of planning our special day.
Our wedding was very simple and low-key, much like we are. Since bicycles brought Michael and me together, and are such a meaningful part of our daily lives, we wanted to incorporate them into our wedding day. We decided to make our entrance into our wedding reception—as just-married husband and wife—with me on the handlebars of Michael’s fat-tire bike, the Surly Pugsley. It was an entrance fitting of our personalities and humor: with my dress and petticoat gathered tightly around my legs, I took the very uncomfortable seat of Michael’s handlebars, he pedaled down the farm road, and I honked the obtrusive bike horn announcing our arrival.
We also incorporated the bicycle in other small ways throughout our wedding day. Michael’s mother, who creates ceramics art, made us a bicycle cake topper out of clay, with two sweet lovebirds on the handlebars. It was through these kinds of details that we were able to weave elements of our lives and ourselves, and make this day very special to us both.
My advice to those single women who also step into a bike shop with feelings of intimidation: remember, you might one day be walking out of the shop with much more than a bicycle. And my advice to those brides and grooms who are procrastinating their wedding planning: as long as you maintain the spirit and love that brought you together, you might find it to be much more fun and lovely than you ever imagined.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
When you see David Darlington’s byline, you know it’s going to be good.
A longtime contributor to Bicycling magazine, his heart-wrenching feature on cyclist fatalities earned a prestigious National Magazine Award in 2009. Now, in the June issue, Darlington digs into another important issue: Safe Routes to School.
Photo by Nathaniel Welch (Bicycling magazine)
In his in-depth investigation — Why Johnny Can’t Ride — Darlington introduces readers to a family in Saratoga Springs who defied an administrative ban on biking to the local middle school. He examines the many factors that have caused the number of kids who walk or bike to school to fall from nearly 50 percent in 1969 to just 13 percent in 2009. And, interviewing advocates like League president Andy Clarke, he makes the case for improved infrastructure, supportive local policies and continued federal funding for Safe Routes to School.
It’s a great segment and, as Robert Ping from the Safe Routes to School National Partnership points out, “With May being National Bike Month, it’s the perfect time to be talking about riding and walking to school.” With Safe Routes in the national headlines, Ping provides some additional resources for both longtime advocates and those new to the movement in his his follow-up blog post, including:
Safe Routes to School programs can increase walking and bicycling by as much as 200 percent and improve safety by 49 percent, and increased physical activity rates in children results in better cardiovascular fitness, including for those who actively commute to school. Find more facts about Safe Routes to School here.
Understanding all aspects of Safe Routes to School is key and by truly understanding liability issues, schools, nonprofits and parent groups can help students reap the health and academic benefits of Safe Routes to School programs while minimizing any risks. These two fact sheets can help your school address liability concerns.
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership doesn’t grant any federal dollars, but as a nonprofit we do lead the movement in advocating for a federal Safe Routes to School program and win the transportation dollars needed to build sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle paths, so that families can walk and ride safely to school. Join the cause and speak up for Safe Routes to School today.
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.
(Charles Riou lives in Austin, Texas, where he is the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the Texas Department of Transportation.)
I have enjoyed riding bikes my entire life and have a profound appreciation of cycling from my family history. My father grew up in France and lived though the German occupation in his late teens and early twenties. The bicycle was not only his primary means of transportation; it also played an important part in his survival.
Charles Riou’s father (left) in 1940s France
The war was a time of scarce resources. “We had bicycles but could not find any tires to buy,” my father explained in his memoir, “so we used old air hoses instead.” But his bike allowed him to evade being sent to forced labor camps. “We rode our bikes,” he wrote, “and if we perceived a light on the road, we hid in brush because only the Germans had cars.”
After the war there were happier bicycling times: “We went camping together, often on our bikes.” He rode to the beach, too, and used a rake with fine teeth and a long handle to gather small clams (pictured above). In fact, my father did not own or learn to drive a car until 1957 at age 33, seven years after moving to Texas.
Like many Americans, I grew up riding bikes to school as a kid but as an adult, saw bicycling as mainly a recreational pursuit. In the early nineties I became more aware of the transportation aspects of bicycling. I credit “Bike to Work Day” for that shift in thinking. I participated in Bike to Work Day with a group of co-workers at TxDOT as early as 1993 and I eventually made the commitment to bike to work daily.
Charles leads the way during a 1993 Bike to Work Day ride
Since then, I have estimated that I have logged well over 50,000 miles commuting in 20 years. As I like to say: “50,000 miles and unlimited smiles.” It’s an often joyful experience and I can honestly say that my daily bicycle commute is one of the best parts of my day. On my route I often see families walking or riding bikes to school and it gives me great hope for the future.
I began my tenure as the TxDOT State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator in September 2011. It’s been great working with all the great people who are striving to make our transportation system a better place to walk and bike. One of the highlights has been promoting cycling among our own staff though our wellness program with our partners at BikeTexas.
Charles today
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collections of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
One good thing to come out of the federal transportation bill is the incredible impact grassroots advocacy has had on our federal legislators. The National Bike Summit was the culmination of months of hard work, and it paid off big time (notice how the House didn’t even try to eliminate bike programs in their recent extension vote).
State advocates are now holding similar events in capitols across the country (Georgia and Colorado are two recent examples). Each of these events has been tailored to the needs of each state as they keep bicycling on the forefront of legislator’s thoughts.
Credit: Bike Delaware
Bike Delaware recently hosted the Walkable, Bikeable Delaware event focusing on the Governor’s proposal to spend $13 million on bicycle and pedestrian projects in 2013 (here are some of his ideas). Governor Markell has proposed this funding as part of his 2013 budget to make Delaware the “most walkable and bikeable state in the nation.” But Bike Delaware and Gov. Markell are quick to note that democracy requires participation.
After becoming governor in 2009, the Governor found out that he doesn’t automatically get everything that he wants in the budget. The Governor appealed to attendees, if $13 million in state walking and biking funding is important , go speak to your state legislator. It sounds simple, but as James Wilson, executive director of Bike Delaware notes, “it’s very powerful to have the chief executive make the pitch.”
Credit: Bike Delaware
Over 120 attendees, including several cabinet members and state senators and representatives, learned about the state’s efforts to support walking and biking and spoke with constituents. Representative Michael Mulrooney even took to the House floor and urged colleagues to attend. Meetings between legislators and advocates were done informally throughout the day in between sessions.
Credit: Bike Delaware
The main lesson learned for Bike Delaware: these events take plenty of time to plan, but they are definitely worth the effort. “It was very beneficial to have an event focused on advocacy, to give people time to make the case with their elected officials for more funding for walking and biking,” notes Wilson. To all the Delaware readers, there’s still time to give your input before the end of the 2012 legislative session.
Elsewhere in cycling advocacy…
The West Virginia Department of Transportation is currently preparing a statewide bicycle connectivity plan. This would update the current bike plan last adopted in 1997! WVDOT is hosting a series of meetings across the state in May to gather input from cyclist. For anyone who wants to see cycling improve in West Virginia, now’s the time.
Georgia Bikes! and the GA Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are providing seed grants for 10 local advocacy groups across the state. The funding comes from sales of the “share the road” license plates. A whole host of programs and activities will be funded to get more Georgians riding safely.
The inaugural Tennessee Bike Summit starts today in Chattanooga. I’ll be speaking on Friday morning at 9am about the Bicycle Friendly States program and the national bike sharing scene. Get ready for a summer full of Tennessee-related blog posts!
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.
(Lisa Rodriguez, 21, is a mechanic, instructor, and ride leader at Recycle-A-Bicycle; and a student at John Jay College.)
Lisa Rodriguez
I was born in 1990 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. When I was 6 years old, my mother gifted me with a purple Pacific mountain bike. My brother Anthony taught me to ride at the park in front of my building. In the projects, there’s a park in front of every building and I would go there everyday. At first, I was scared to ride a bike, scared I would fall. But after practicing and practicing, I became fearless. My bike gave me freedom; my bike was my friend.
When I was 16, my whole world opened up. I rediscovered my love of biking and pedaled my way beyond the barriers and familiarity of my neighborhood. I found favorite routes through the Village, 14th Street, Chelsea Piers, and up the West Side bike path. It was me, my bike, and the road. One day, I rode up to 59th Street, gazed west across the river, and looked at New Jersey. I remember feeling such peace to have brought myself to this quiet place in the middle of my big, loud city.
That summer was the first time I walked into Recycle-A-Bicycle. I’d never seen so many bikes in my whole life. There were all different kinds, too. I was excited to learn how to take them apart and get them running again. It’s been five years since my introduction to R-A-B and in that time, I’ve repaired thousands of bicycles, led bike rides for hundreds of kids, and I teach bike mechanics to teenagers that sometimes remind me of me.
Lisa at Recycle-A-Bicycle
I have learned that every bike has a story. I learn from their dents and the shapes they come in and the tales that their owners tell. Every bicycle has a lot to say. Everyday, these old bicycles teach me something new, as long as I am willing to listen.
May is National Bike Month and this year’s theme is One Ride, Many Reasons. To highlight and celebrate the many benefits of bicycling, throughout May we’ll bring you the personal reflections and inspirations of a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast with our daily 31 Days, 31 Reasons blog feature.
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.
This May, millions of Americans will participate in National Bike Month, showcasing the widespread desire to use bicycles as a healthy, affordable and efficient form of transportation. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and supported by the Sierra Club, the month will feature more than 450 events nationwide, highlighting the popularity of bicycling and the need for bike-friendly transportation policies.
But, while Americans want to ride their bikes, Congress is threatening to hit the brakes.
Already, Americans who ride bikes aren’t getting their fair share. Biking and walking account for 12 percent of all trips in the U.S. but receive just 1.6 percent of federal transportation spending. Still, some members of Congress want to eliminate those crucial dollars for biking and walking in the next federal transportation bill.
“It’s time for Congress to recognize the many benefits and rising popularity of cycling and stop shortchanging Americans who choose to travel by bike because it’s good for their health, saves them money and improves their community,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists.
Even the current miniscule federal investment has produced massive results, and benefits. Currently, less than 2 cents of every federal transportation dollar go to biking and walking, but the number of bicycle commuters grew 40 percent between 2000 and 2010. That growth was even more dramatic in Bicycle Friendly Communities that leveraged federal dollars to improve conditions for bicyclists, skyrocketing by 77 percent between 2000 and 2010.
“Bike month is about smart investments in transportation options,” said Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director. “More and more Americans are getting on their bike to get where they are going. They are saving money, getting exercise and making what might be the most radical act in America today-passing on the pump.”
By continuing to shortchange people who ride bikes, Congress is out of touch with the overwhelming majority of the U.S. population.
Americans are driving less: The average resident drove 6% less in 2011 than 2004.
The next generation wants to bike more: The number of bike trips for 16- to 34-year olds grew 24% between 2001 and 2009.
New polling data from America Bikes, to be released next week, shows that the vast majority of Americans support maintaining or increasing federal funding for sidewalks, bike lanes and trails.
National Bike Month events will showcase how Americans continue to embrace cycling and why Congress needs to invest in smart, healthy, safe transportation choices — like bicycling. Find data, events and information about National Bike Month at bikeleague.org/bikemonth.
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.
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