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BicycleFriendlyAmericaSM The Blueprint

contentJAN-FEB 2011

The Bicycle Friendly 2 Community Program Grows Up 6 Bicycle Friendly Community List 8 Bicycle Friendly Business List 13 Bicycle Friendly State List 64 What Can You Do?

14 engineering 50 enforcement 16 Complete Streets 52 Strong Laws 20 Building Bicycling into 54 Targeted Enforcement Transportation Networks 26 Including All Bicyclists 56 evaluation 58 Bike Master Plan 28 education 60 Bicycle Advisory Committee 30 Traffic Skills Training 62 Data Collection 32 Safe Routes to School & Work The articles in this magazine were 34 Educationg Engineers and Planners written by League staff including Andy Clarke, Meghan Cahill, Alison Dewey, Darren Flusche, Elizabeth 36 encouragement Kiker, Bill Nesper, Jeff Peel and Carly Sieff. Cover illustrations by Katie 38 Bike Month Omberg. 40 Leading Advocate 42 Advocacy Groups Copyright 2013, League of American Wheelmen, Inc. dba League of 45 Maps, Guides & Signage America Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW, 47 Game Changers Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006. The Bicycle Friendly Community Program

wice a year, a small group awarded communities – we’ve now state! There are a lot of elements to of League staff disappear reviewed more than 400 aspirants being “bicyclist-friendly” and every into a conference room and recognized 158 at the bronze or one of the questions in our detailed armed with a stack of higher level – and equally obviously application forms is there for a reason Tcommunity applications, and a pile the program has expanded to cover – and yet we know, after reviewing of comments from cycling leaders states, business and universities in ad- literally hundreds of applications in those communities. They spend dition to local communities. We have from small two-person businesses several hours on the phone with more staff and resources to manage to the great city of New York, that other national cycling experts and the program thanks to the ongoing there are some clear projects, policies, emerge with a list of cities and coun- support of Trek and Bikes Belong; the programs and plans that really seem ties that have made the coveted list Bicycle Friendly Business program to make a difference; that make up of “bicycle-friendly communities”… alone is growing exponentially now the foundation and building blocks of and those that haven’t quite made the that it has dedicated staff. We have bicycle friendliness. grade this time around. even been able to export the BFC What gives us this confidence? As True, there are no puffs of white program to Ontario – and hope that the program has unfolded since 2003, smoke emanating from the room before long we will see all of Canada we have seen the Bicycle Friendly when the decisions are made. But as involved. America program: we enter the ninth year of the pro- In the pages that follow, you’ll see • Set standards for what constitutes gram, we are acutely aware of the that as the program has grown up, so a real cycling culture and envi- seriousness with which communities our confidence has also grown – we ronment take the whole process, and of our now think we can identify the DNA responsibility to keep the program of a bicycle friendly community, busi- standards high, maintain consistency, ness, university and even an entire and provide meaningful feedback once the decisions have been made. The Bicycle Friendly America program has really grown up. Ob- viously the program has grown in terms of numbers of applicants and

2001 2005

2 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica • Affect decisions on how commu- how we compare to communities ment and evaluation; we raised the nities and businesses grow and businesses in other countries bar pretty dramatically. • Inspire action and involvement The new program and higher among people that want to im- Setting Standards standard worked – there were very prove conditions for bicyclists In 2003, with the guidance of a few complaints, even from those • Guide progress by acting as a national advisory group of experts, existing communities that tried and roadmap for what communities, we revamped and significantly ex- failed to make the new standard. businesses and states should do panded the Bicycle Friendly Com- Over the years, we have had to down- next munity program. We had to go back grade communities and take them off • Reward persistence as people to almost 60 communities that had the list and we have frequently given respond to feedback, make been designated under the old – and designations well below the expec- changes, and come back again much simpler – program and explain tations of those applying. We have and again to get recognition that many of them wouldn’t make the improved the questions and refined • Raise expectations as to what grade under the new program. We the review process, but have kept really is expected and involved in went from four “yes/no” questions essentially the same system in place becoming bicycle-friendly ... and to more than 70 detailed questions because it makes sense and is setting across the breadth of engineering, meaningful standards. encouragement, education, enforce- Affecting Decisions In that first round, the City of Palo Alto provided early proof that the program did indeed have the potential to influence important political and financial decisions in communities. During presentation of the Gold award to City Council, one of the members expressed shock that their pioneering bicycle-friendly

2011 what’s next?

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 3 John Burke, Trek, presents Jim Oberstar, former House member, with a map commemorating the Bicycle Friendly America campaign.

Baltimore, MD BFC Ceremony community was not getting the task force – and subsequent appli- highest, platinum, level of recogni- cations – included the city, county, tion. Later in that same meeting, as three neighboring communities, two they considered a major investment Native American nations, the re- in a bike/pedestrian underpass to gional planning agency and the state Guiding Progress complete a key connection in their Department of Transportation. Two The big gas price hikes of 2008 bikeway system several of the mem- years of intense work was rewarded changed things for the BFA pro- bers said “if we are ever going to be with a move to a gold designation grams. All of a sudden, community platinum this is what we need to be – definite progress! After two more leaders and business owners stopped doing.” That $5 million project is now years of hard work, some local ad- asking “why” they should do more open ... although the city still hasn’t vocates were clearly dispirited to see for bicyclists and started asking quite made platinum! the designation remain at Gold but “what” they should be doing. They the reality is that a leap from silver to discovered that the League’s pro- Inspiring Action platinum is a big one. A lot needs to grams provide a roadmap for what The last thing we want is for happen, especially in a region with they should be doing. Years before applicants to consider their bicycle- a relatively high number of cyclist the city of Louisville, Ky. had come to friendly designation as a reason to fatalities every year. this realization and wrote their first say “great, now we don’t have to do The Tucson region took a hard anything for bicyclists any more ...” look at traffic safety issues and is now The evaluation section of the applica- a pioneer in promoting education tion is forward-looking, seeking to and enforcement programs to key ensure that the plans, funding and audiences. Engaging the law enforce- NEXT STEPS programs are in place to continue ment community remains the weak- This coming year, as we make improvements for bicyclists. We est element of the entire program, so the first announcement of Bicycle require communities to renew their the lessons learned in Tucson will be Friendly Universities and see the application at least every four years of immense benefit to the country. BFC program expand into Canada, and submit an annual progress report Inspiration manifests itself in we are confident that we’ve got a or update. many ways. The Bicycle Friendly well-tested, effective program that We try to strike a balance be- State program, for example, has gen- helps communities, states, busi- tween motivation and discourage- erated a healthy competition between nesses and universities become ment when applicants don’t get Delaware and New Jersey for a spot more bike-friendly. the award they think they deserve. in the top ten. Recently, this inspired We have no shortage of pro- Tucson, Ariz. applied in 2004 and both states to pass complete streets posed bicycle-friendly somethings got a well-deserved silver designa- policies and identify specific actions – schools, national parks, Federal tion. Within five days, however, this they need to take to get ahead of the lands, transit systems/agencies – to spurred local cyclists into creating a other. tackle next, but at least in the im- “Platinum in ’06” task force, co- mediate future our focus will be on: chaired by the Mayor of Tucson and his counterpart at the county. The

4 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Rewarding Persistence Raising Expectations One of the unique features of the You would expect to see plenty BFA program is that every applicant written about places like Portland, gets feedback on their application. Davis and Boulder (our three plati- During the review process, we seek num communities) and companies in Bike Parking, Chicago, Ill. input from local cycling leaders (club the bike industry that are great em- president, bike shop owner, League ployers and improve their commu- Cycling Instructor) and weave their nity for biking – they continue to set bicycle plan around a timetable of comments into suggestions and next the standard for all of us. Beyond the achieving bronze through gold levels steps. While this isn’t an audit or a technical aspects of their programs, of the BFC program – they got to detailed plan, and while we are con- however, they have helped improve bronze a year ahead of schedule and stantly trying to improve the advice the BFA programs quite profoundly. are almost ready to progress to silver. we provide, people find it helpful and Criticism of both Portland and At the entry level, the BFA want to know specifically what they Boulder’s opportunities for single programs offer simple checklists and need to do to get to the next level – or track riding, for example, exposed a technical resources to get future- to any level at all. glaring lack of mountain bike-related applicants started. We have a series The city of Carmel, Ind., north questions in our applications and of training workshops and presenta- of Indianapolis, tried more than seriously challenged their status as tions on our programs and provide once before they received a bronze platinum communities. Davis, Calif. case studies and tools. The applica- designation. Each time we gave them has very high levels of bike use by tion forms, themselves, are packed feedback, they implemented things: U.S. standards but for many years did with links to practical resources a community bike ride, a safe routes little but watch as those levels fell and and examples. At the top end of the to school program, a League Cycling the community changed. They are program, even the best communities Instructor training course, on-road now aware that platinum isn’t a given, and businesses are learning from each connections to their primary trail, even for a city that has a bike as their other – sharing their applications and bike parking, and even passed a bond logo. And we know that none of these best practices. issue for more trails. U.S. cities can yet compare to Dutch or Danish cycling communities.

• Ensuring the existing programs cost-effective, popular, impact- things that we now know make the are having maximum impact ful and beneficial investments in biggest difference in getting people • Presenting the data we collect people and communities in these to ride, ride more, and ride safely. It’s for the Bicycle Friendly States tough economic times. not rocket science – we just need to program to better reflect changes get out there and say it more often and progress within a state – Above all, we will be focused on and more effectively. This issue of rather than only comparing states encouraging communities, business- American Bicyclist will help us do that. against one another es, states and universities to do the • Focusing the business program on non-bike industry companies, and more effectively showcasing the business case for getting more people on bikes • Positioning the BFA programs as a resource for making the most

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 5 Bicycle Friendly Communities

Davis, Calif. Bike Rodeo icycling is great for everyone involved – states, communities, businesses and people. It promotes active lifestyles, productive citizens and em- Bployees, reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality; and most importantly, bicycling creates fun and vibrant places to live and work. The following lists are of all current Bicycle Friendly Communities, Business and States (as of February 1, 2011). We hope they will serve as recognition for the existing members, inspiration for people just beginning the journey, and excitement for everyone watching our progress toward a Bicycle Friendly America. For more information on a particular community, business or state, visit www. bikeleague.org or email [email protected].

The Bicycle Friendly Community list is sorted by award level, alphabetized and includes the city’s population. For more info visit bikeleague.org/community.

6 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica communities became 33 BFCs in 2010.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 7 Bicycle Friendly Businesses

he Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program recognizes employers’ efforts to encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. TThe program honors innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides technical assistance and information to help companies and organizations become even better for BFB New Belgium Brewery Co. bicyclists. For the list below, each awarded business is categorized by designation level gives employees a new bike on and includes location and number of employees (listed last). their one-year anniversary.

KEY: BICYCLE INDUSTRY HOSPITALITY/RETAIL + MEDICAL/HEALTH N NON-PROFIT/GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MANUFACTURING/ RESEARCH

8 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Peace Coffee, Minneapolis, MN

Bike City Recyclery Inc., Fayetteville, AR | 2 The Hawley Company, Lexington, SC | 60 The Bike Lane, Burke, VA | 12 Just Coffee Cooperative, Madison, WI | 13 Bike Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA | 3 N Kimberly Clark, Neenah Sites, Neenah, WI | 3,065 Bike World, San Antonio, TX | 40 Kona Bicycles Co., Ferndale, WA | 20 BikeAthens, Athens, GA | 2 N KTU+A Planning + Landscape Architecture, The Burke Group, Rosemont, IL, Rosemont, IL | 220 San Diego, CA | 33 Camden Bicycle Center, Saint Marys, GA | 3 League of Michigan Bicyclists, Lansing, MI | 2 N Campbell Thomas & Co. Architects, Philadelphia, PA | 7 Liberty Bicycles, Asheville, NC | 18 Charleston Civic Design Center, Charleston, SC | 4 Mad Dog Cycles, Orem, UT | 15 City of Austin, Austin, TX | 11,000 N Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, IA | 3,200 City of Bloomington, Bloomington, IN | 150 N Mountain Gear, Spokane Valley, WA | 75 Community Cycles, Boulder, CO | 5 N National Park Service - National Mall and Memorial Parks, Corporate Executive Board, Arlington, VA | 1,803 N Washington, DC | 335 N Crystal City Business Improvement District, Olson, Bzdok & Howard, P.C., Traverse City, MI | 9 Arlington, VA | 5 N Out-Spoke’N Bike Shops, Inc., Lake Mary, FL | 7 Destination Sales & Marketing Group, Arlington, VA | 17 Palo Alto Bicycles, Palo Alto, CA | 18 EasyStreet Online Services, Beaverton, OR | 36 Peace Coffee, Minneapolis, MN | 20 Ecologic Design - Green Guru Gear, Boulder, CO | 8 Peckham & Wright Architects, Inc, Columbia, MO | 14 Ecology Action, Santa Cruz, CA | 48 N Penn Cycle, Bloomington, MN | 125 Family Bicycles, LLC, Kansas City, MO | 4 Phoenix Bikes, Arlington, VA | 4 N Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, Fort Wayne, IN | 11 Providence Portland Medical Center, Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center, Portland, OR | 2,700 + Aloha, OR | 2 N RDG Planning & Design, Omaha, NE | 173 Garver, North Little Rock, AR | 124 REI Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL | 60 Gearhead Outfitters, Jonesboro, AR | 7 REI Northbrook, IL, Northbrook, IL | 75 General Mills Albuquerque Plant, Revolution Cycles, Arlington, VA, Arlington, VA | 100 Albuquerque, NM | 185 Salt Lake City Bicycle Co., Salt Lake City, UT | 6

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 9 Bicycle Friendly Businesses

San Francisco Landscapes, San Francisco, CA | 5 Saturno Design, Portland, OR | 14 Sharebike.org, Roanoke, VA | 5 N Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA | 400 Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK | 1,400 + Sugar Cycles, Inc., Missouri City | 10 Toole Design Group, LLC, Hyattsville, MD | 18 Trek Bicycle Store of Columbus, Columbus, OH | 20 Trek Bicycle Stores of Madison, Madison, WI | 20 TriSports.com, Tucson, AZ | 45 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency HQ, Washington D.C. | 5,000 N University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY | 12,000 N Corporate Executive Board, Arlington, Va. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN | 18,000 N University of WI, Madison, Madison, WI | 23,000 N Urban Adventours, Boston, MA | 15 Birchwood Cafe, Minneapolis, MN |50 Whatcom Council of Governments, Bellingham, WA | 12 N Bloomington Cooperative Services, WheelHouse, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 N Bloomington, IN | 224 Wiebenson & Dorman Architects PC, Washington, DC | 2 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, World of Bikes, Iowa City, IA | 6 Eagan, MN | 4,100 Blue Wheel Bicycles, Charlottesville, VA | 4 Bronze Broken Spoke, Iowa City, IA | 2 California Giant Berry Farms, Watsonville, CA | 75 Advanced Micro Devices, Austin, TX | 2,800 Capella University, Minneapolis, MN | 2,000 N Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, Omaha, NE | 30 Carlson Hotels, Omaha, NE | 350 Alling Henning Associates, Vancouver, WA | 34 Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis, MN | 230 Ameriprise Financial, Corporate Headquarters, Chainwheel, Little Rock, AR | 11 Minneapolis, MN | 5,000 Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Arrow Bicycle, Hyattsville, MD | 5 Urbana, IL | 313 N Avtech Corporation, Seattle, WA | 240 Charlotte County Health Dept., Port Charlotte, FL | 50 + Banner Health, Mesa, AZ | 3,500 + Ciclismo Classico, Arlington, MA | 10 Berghammer Construction, Butler, WI | 30 City of Champaign, Champaign, IL | 205 N Bike Masters, Omaha, NE | 10 City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR | 753 N Bike Rack Cycling and Fitness, Omaha, NE | 20 Colle+McVoy, Minneapolis, MN | 170 Bike Tech, Cedar Falls, IA | 5 Dream Ride Projects, Lancaster, PA | 3 N Bikesport, Houston,TX | 7

KEY: BICYCLE INDUSTRY HOSPITALITY/RETAIL + MEDICAL/HEALTH N NON-PROFIT/GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MANUFACTURING/ RESEARCH

10 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica National Geographic, Washington, D.C. Kimberly-Clark Neenah, Wis.

Economic Research Service/USDA, Washington, DC | 400 N InterContinental Hotels Group, Salt Lake City, UT | 645 Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN | 120,000 IBM Rochester Site, Rochester, MN | 4,400 Engberg Anderson, Inc., Milwaukee, WI | 60 Java Shack, Arlington, VA | 7 EnviroFriendly Lawn Care, Fort Collins, CO | 2 Loris and Associates, Lafayette, CO | 12 Eppstein Uhen Architects, Milwaukee Office, Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg, SC | 8 N Milwaukee, WI | 100 Mast General Store Inc., Knoxville , TN | 47 Erik’s Bike Shop, Bloomington, MN | 130 Mel Trotter Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI | 125 N Fehr & Peers, San Francisco, CA | 230 Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles, St. Paul, MN | 3 Fein Violins, Ltd., St. Paul, MN | 6 National Geographic Society, Washington, DC | 1,600 N Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), Boise, ID | 550 N Washington, DC | 750 Old Spokes Home, Burlington, VT | 10 Fluor, Greenville, SC | 2,000 OTB Bicycle Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA | 15 Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Park Tool Co., Saint Paul, MN | 45 Fort Collins, CO | 23 + Parkersburg Bicycle, Parkersburg, WV | 3 Foth IE - Kansas City, Overland Park, KS | 6 PayPal, Inc., La Vista, NE | 3,000 Fresh Energy, St. Paul, MN | 20 N Pearl Izumi, Louisville, CO | 100 Friends Committee on National Legislation, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Washington, DC | 25 N Anchorage, AK | 3,169 + Gahanna YMCA of Central Ohio, Gahanna, OH | 100 N Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, WA | 2,400 + Golden Bear Bikes, Broomfield, CO | 6 Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Great River Energy, Maple Grove, MN | 875 N Portland, OR | 4,240 + Green Star Inc., Anchorage, AK | 3 N Race Pace Bicycles, Ellicot City, MD | 60 The Green Institute, Minneapolis, MN | 15 N Ramsey County, Saint Paul, MN | 4,000 N In-Situ Inc., Fort Collins, CO | 80 RCI, Carmel, IN | 1,200

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 11 Fluor, Greenville, S.C.

KEY: BICYCLE INDUSTRY HOSPITALITY/RETAIL + MEDICAL/HEALTH N NON-PROFIT/GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MANUFACTURING/ RESEARCH

12 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Bicycle Friendly States Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) promotes cycling through legislation, policies, programs, and by creating new places to ride, educating motorists and cyclists, and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. A The BFS program is two-fold: it ranks and recognizes states that actively support bicycling. First, states are ranked annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. Secondly, states apply for BFS recognition based on promotion of their efforts as well as feedback, technical assistance, training and further encouragement to improve their bicycling legislation, projects, and programs. The state’s 2010 and 2009 ranks are listed below (2009 rank is in parenthesis). The BFS awardees are indicated.

44 Oklahoma (48) 1 Washington S (1) 15 Massachusetts (19) 29 Rhode Island (35) 45 Arkansas (38) 2 Wisconsin S (2) 16 Michigan (15) 30 Hawaii (22) 46 New Mexico (46) 3 Maine (3) 17 Wyoming (11) 31 Mississippi (24) 47 West Virginia (42) 4 Minnesota B (5) 18 Virginia (23) 32 Ohio (39) 48 Montana (49) 5 Oregon S (4) 19 California (14) 33 South Carolina (26) 49 North Dakota (45) 6 New Hampshire (8) 20 Nevada (25) 34 Vermont (21) 50 Alabama (50) 7 Iowa (6) 21 Illinois (12) 35 Georgia (31) 8 New Jersey B (10) 22 Kentucky (27) 36 New York (41) B 23 Utah (18) 37 Louisiana (30) 9 Arizona (7) KEY: 10 Delaware B (9) 24 Tennessee (43) 38 South Dakota (28) 11 Maryland (16) 25 North Carolina (20) 39 Alaska (47) S SILVER BICYCLE FRIENDLY STATE 12 Florida (32) 26 Idaho (34) 40 Connecticut (44) 13 Kansas (33) 27 Indiana (29) 41 Texas (36) B BRONZE BICYCLE 14 Colorado (13) 28 Missouri (17) 42 Pennsylvania (40) FRIENDLY STATE 43 Nebraska (37)

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 13 he most visible, and perhaps most tangible evidence of a bicycle friendly community, business or state is the presence of an infrastructure that supports bicycling. Survey after survey shows the physical environment is a key determinant in whether people will get on their bike and ride. The BFA programs embrace the adoption of a Complete Streets policy as a critical indicator of a commitment to make every street, over time, safer, convenient and comfortable for cyclists of all abilities to ride on. For these policies to be effective, training (for planners and engineers) and adherence to the best available design standards and maintenance practices is equally important. The devil really is in the details when it comes to street design for bicyclists. The most bicycle-friendly communities have a wide range of accommodations for bicyclists – from signature trails and greenways through shoulders, bike lanes and boulevards to shared lane markings, signing and connected local roads where nothing much needs to be done to make them rideable. The successful blend of every available facility type ultimately makes up a connected network of on-street and off-street options. This is evident in the higher levels of the program, as are these Open Streets other key facility factors: St. Louis, Mo. • A high percentage of arterial or main roads with bike lanes, shoulders or parallel trails.

14 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica cies that increase the frequency and Few cities can compete with effectiveness of maintenance pro- Chicago’s installation of more than grams. 12,000 bike parking racks in recent Thanks to our growing collabora- years, New York City’s new policy on tion with the International Mountain bike parking in buildings, or Port- Bicycling Association, we have a land’s pioneering in-street parking • Good bike access to bridges, much better sense of the kind of en- corrals. The Long Beach Bikestation underpasses and other barrier- gineering and infrastructure that sup- ushered in an entire new genre of breaking roads. ports off-road and particularly single- parking/rental/repair facilities that are • A willingness to innovate and track riding. Pump tracks, urban jump popping up all over the country. Yet, embrace new techniques such as parks, and access to single track all the simple concept of a rack where cycle tracks, shared lane markings add to the opportunities for bicycling. you can lean and lock a bike is a con- and bike boxes. Hopefully, these resources are all accept that a lot of communities and cessible on bike-friendly roads so you employers forget. Trying to create a more bicycle- don’t have to drive to ride! Two final engineering factors friendly community without these Communities, states and univer- highlight the holistic nature of the elements, or by only providing trails sities clearly have control over the BFA programs. First, we recognize that or wide outside lanes, simply doesn’t streets on which bicyclists operate; urban bicycling is intricately con- work – or at least won’t get you more the same is not usually true for busi- nected with – or should be – transit than a bronze designation. nesses, unless they own and operate service (in those communities that Recent upgrades to the BFA ap- large campuses with internal road have it). Bicycle access to transit plication have increased the empha- networks. However, when it comes to includes safe routes to and from sis on maintaining this infrastructure. end-of-trip facilities – parking, lock- stations and stops, as well as secure Bike lanes and trails are quickly ers, showers, etc. – employers have a parking at those locations. The ability rendered useless when full of debris, much greater influence and opportu- to carry your bike on buses, trains, potholes, overhanging branches, nity to provide for cyclists. and ferries is now becoming the norm snow and ice, etc. We recognize agen- The straightforward question rather than the exception. of “are there places to park a bike” Second, recreational bicycling is considerably embellished with has to be part of an overall cycling additional questions searching for culture. Therefore, we look for evi- evidence of things such as: dence of the kind of infrastructure • Number of parking spaces per that supports social and recreational NYC protected bicycle lane employee/student/parking space. trips, as well as longer distance travel • Proximity of parking to buildings/ and tourism: signing and marking destinations. of long distance routes, programs to • Adherence to bicycle parking improve trail heads, and parking and guidelines developed by the bicycle-related services. In more rural Association of Pedestrian and areas, shoulders are more likely (and Bicycle Professionals appropriate) than bike lanes. • Short and long term parking options including security, protection and signing issues. • Policies to ensure new development includes bike parking. • Policies to ensure showers, lockers and other amenities are available in employment sites.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 15 engineering Complete Streets

he communities, businesses and states designated as bicycle-friendly are working to encourage active and Tlivable streets for all users including: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. A Complete Streets policy and guidance for implementation are vital Charlotte, N.C. to any bicycle-friendly effort and St. Louis, Mo. requires consideration of all modes of travel in every aspect of the transpor- for cars with little thought for cyclists one another. “Our draft policy was tation planning process. and pedestrians,” said Ken Tippette, primarily based on an ordinance Bicyclists are at the core of this bicycle coordinator for Charlotte, passed by Ferguson, Mo.,” said John movement because Complete Streets N.C. “With the policy change, we’re Kohler, the bicycle coordinator for St. mean more access, mobility and com- seeing a citywide culture shift across Louis, Mo. “We reviewed ordinances fort. Cities, states and business rally the board from elected leaders, city adopted by several cities throughout behind Complete Streets because staff, and ordinary citizens — every- the country and incorporated some they mean improvements in sustain- one.” Charlotte’s implementation of language into our draft ordinance.” ability, personal health and economic creative transportation options like Seattle Children’s Hospital, a development. Creating Complete a light rail and bike racks on buses bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Busi- Streets calls for broad partnerships, has energized constituents. The city ness, was a supporter of their city’s sets good standards and builds strong receives calls from citizens wanting to Complete Streets policy and went on communities. know when their area gets bike lanes. to adopt a similar measure when the hospital was planning to expand their Bicyclists Take the Lead It Takes the Whole Village campus. “Seattle Children’s Hospi- Bicyclists often lead the push for Complete Streets benefit cyclists, tal got the health and active living Complete Streets. “Their passion for pedestrians, transit users, people with benefits from bicycling,” says Barbara improvements for cycling has the disabilities, youth and older adults Culp, former Bicycle Program Lead extra benefit of making roads better through better connected networks. with the hospital. The hospital built for everyone,” said Barbara McCann, Implementing a Complete Streets trails and made connections inter- executive director of the Complete policy is best done by building part- nally and externally to enable people Streets Coalition. Complete Streets nerships with community partners. to move around the campus by foot policies are a great focal point for a Complete street policies are being or by bike. As a result they now see community to organize around. “Be- implemented nationwide as trans- lower healthcare costs. “We see the fore the policy went into place, it was portation agencies strive to improve. importance of looking at the built business as usual. Streets were built As numbers grow, policies build off

“With the policy change, we’re seeing a citywide culture shift across the board from elected leaders, city staff, and ordinary citizens. Every one.” Ken Tippette, Bicycle Coordinator, Charlotte, N.C.

16 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica “One of the goals of the complete streets movement Is about winning over the engineering profession, and Making them have a vision about streets for everyone.” Barbara McCann, Executive Director of the Complete Streets Coalition

eMenlo, Calif.

Mayor Ralph Becker at the Bicycle Friendly Community Ceremony, Salt Lake City, Utah environment and its role in achiev- Transportation and agency staff have allow for the strengths, needs and ing important wellness objectives. It’s organized regional workshops on character of the community to guide literally about building the connec- policies, as well as design, in coordi- the work. Tippette, of Charlotte, em- tions.” nation with metropolitan planning phasized that their Complete Streets A bit of healthy competition organizations. “As a result, we’ve Policy not only serves to further helps. “New Jersey has had a routine been averaging two municipalities acknowledge bicycling as transporta- accommodation policy since the a month passing resolutions,” said tion but it also “sets a design standard 1980s,” said Sheree Davis, state bi- Davis. “These communities see this as for their city’s streets and ensures cycle coordinator for the New Jersey a key building block to being desig- they are designed right the first time.” Department of Transportation. While nated a Bicycle Friendly Community.” Kohler, of St. Louis, Mo., said the attending the Delaware Bike Summit NJDOT is also planning on Complete purpose of their city’s policy is to “set in 2009, she learned that Delaware Streets training for all qualified con- forth guiding principles and practices passed a Complete Streets Policy. sultants and contractors in the state. to be considered in the design, opera- Knowing that Delaware had a higher tion, and maintenance of streets to Bicycle Friendly State ranking, Davis’ Set a Standard promote safe and convenient access competiveness kicked into action. “If Much like a Bicycle Friendly and travel for all users.” Delaware can do it, then why not us?” Community action plan, Complete said Davis. She returned to New Jer- Streets policies envision the commu- Find a Common Cause sey and worked up a draft to present nity’s transportation future. Rather Complete Streets policies are not to the NJDOT Commissioner, which than a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all that complicated. Yet, sometimes it was soon passed into law. strategy, complete streets policies can be a tough sell. Finding a com- Since New Jersey passed the state mon cause for concern can be an ex- policy, the Deputy Commissioner of

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 17 engineering Complete Streets

cellent way to start the conversation. Our Complete Streets policy has “been a big For Sheree Davis, of New Jersey, the focus was to reduce traffic fatalities. game changer for New Jersey.” “Averaging around 100 pedestrian - Sheree Davis, State Bicycle Coordinator for NJDOT and 20 cyclist deaths means something has to change, but how were we going to do it?” said Davis. “The tion of what they look like,” she said. recently completed a road diet that deaths woke our department up. This Good design guidance and training included the addition of bike lanes just makes sense.” is crucial. “Once it is explained how as part of a resurfacing project on some paint and small adjustments South Broadway, a major north-south Win Over Transportation can be inexpensive, safe solutions to arterial road running through down- Engineers the problem, they get it.” town. Cyclists were ecstatic about the “One of the goals of the Com- road and how it offered an improved plete Streets movement is about Not one-size-fits -all option to commute to work, exercise winning over the engineering profes- While there are lots of great ex- or visit downtown sites.” sion and showing them a vision of amples, there isn’t just one complete Charlotte uses a six-step planning streets for everyone,” said McCann street. For example, St. Louis’ Com- process in all of their road projects of the Complete Streets Coalition. plete Streets plan components include that defines current land and trans- Appealing to the problem-solving street and sidewalk lighting; pedes- portation use, as well as the planned side of engineers has yielded great trian and bicycle safety improve- future use and context. This process results. “In our workshops, there is at ments; access improvements, includ- has been so successful that it has been least one engineer sitting in the back ing compliance with the Americans integrated into the Complete Streets of the room, skeptical, with his arms with Disabilities Act; public transit Coalition training workshops. folded. Throughout the day you can facilities accommodation, including Many agencies enjoy the ex- see the light bulb go off, and by the pedestrian access improvement to panded toolbox that that Complete end, not only are they attentive, they transit stops and stations; street trees Streets gives them. “In Seattle, their are among the most engaged.” The and landscaping; drainage; and other ordinance is very well thought out. Institute of Transportation Engineers street amenities. City staff learns by doing, by experi- is supportive of Complete Streets. “Our policy is implemented in mentation, and then they codify what Davis has had similar experi- a project by project approach,” said works,” said Barbara McCann. ence in New Jersey. “In order to sell Kohler. During the planning phase, Such flexible approaches serve it, you need to bring in the experts the city will conduct a study and to alleviate transportation agencies’ that can lay out what complete streets analysis to see how best to integrate fears that their hands will be tied mean – there is often a misconcep- these elements into the project. “We to include all modes, regardless of need or of context. The most effective

What Businesses Can Do: Seattle Children’s Hospital

Seattle Children’s Hospital biggest commitment to Complete Streets came with the expansion of the hospital campus through their Major Institution Masterplan. The plan was sited along an arterial road but bordered a most- ly residential part of Seattle. Employee, client and visitor travel patterns were going to have a huge impact on the neighborhood. By doubling the size of the hospital, there was potential to double traffic – something that neighbors did not want and were prepared to fight against.

18 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Left: Buffered bike lane with experimental green intersection treatment, Austin, Texas.

Open Streets, St. Louis, Mo.

Policy, it was easy to claim the costs were too high and cut components Complete Streets policies are applied out of a project.” This issue disap- across the transportation network, peared when they updated their ensuring strong connectivity for all Complete Streets policy. “It’s been a modes throughout. Policies should big game changer for New Jersey.” also include a list of exceptions, like “Complete Streets policies when a mode is prohibited (think helped Charlotte move away from be- limited access highway), when costs ing an auto-centric community,” says are exceptionally disproportion to Tippette. “We are truly a transporta- the anticipated use or when there is a tion agency in the full sense of the Gilbert, Ariz. documented lack of current or future word.” Similarly, St. Louis is working need. These policies require high- on improving their BFC rating. The level agency sign off. city passed their Complete Streets constructing first class transportation “Our policy doesn’t give our policy over the summer and has facilities for all users. The Complete agency many outs,” says Davis. “Even begun investing in significant capi- Streets policy sets the framework for with our previous Accommodation tal improvements by designing and continued smart growth, well into the future. New Jersey’s Davis echoes the sentiment of many bicycling advo- “Complete Streets policies helped cates, “This is very timely for us. We Charlotte move away from being an auto- should have been doing it years ago.” centric community. We are truly a transpor- i For more information, visit tation agency in the full sense of the word.” completestreets.org or contact - Ken Tippette, Bicycle Coordinator for Charlotte, N.C. [email protected].

As a business, they had already invested heavily in borhood. “We paid the city $4 million in transportation mobility choices for their employee through bus passes improvements surrounding the campus. Half of that went and stipends for biking and walking. “This laid down the towards bicycle and pedestrian improvements,” says Culp. beginning. There was institutional recognition of the need Local advocates and hospital representatives then hosted to address multi-modal access to get our expansion plan a ride-about for city council to show where these improve- passed,” says Barbara Culp, former Bicycle Program Lead mentse are going and the impacts on the neighborhood. with the Hospital. “We needed to find a way to mitigate Without these efforts toward auto traffic mitigation, neigh- that impact, to be a good neighbor.” bors would have likely pushed the city council to reject the Bicycle Boulevards and connection to trails were already contentious plan. made a part of the plan and the Hospital made financial investments in multi-modal transportation in the neigh- i For more information, visit seattlechildrens.org. Contact Doug Burgesser at [email protected].

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 19 engineering building bicycling

where they go to be called bicycle- friendly routes. High-capacity urban roads, known as arterials, are important to bicyclists for the same reason as they are to everyone: they get you where you want to go. Several in- he impact of built environ- novative treatments to make arterials ment on physical activity is more accommodating for cyclists are well documented. So, how being added to the toolbox and go do we design our streets to beyond simple bike lanes and shoul- Tpromote bicycling? ders: bike boxes, bike signals, buff- Communities can encourage bi- ered bike lanes, colorized pavement, cycling by shaping the physical envi- contra-flow bike lanes, cycle tracks, ronment to give bicyclists confidence, and shared roadway markings. NYC Bike Parking. Photo credit NYCDOT comfort, and convenience. Focusing on three elements in particular can ROAD DIETS – COLFAX AVE., A few years ago, South Bend greatly enhance bicycling by con- SOUTH BEND, IND. started the Bicycle Friendly Commu- necting bicycling investments to the The signature bike project last nity process. They addressed routes entire transportation network: year in South Bend, Ind., was a road that would be important for bicy- • accommodations on arterial diet on Colfax Ave. The street’s four clists – routes with destinations, like streets. lanes were converted to two traffic schools, businesses, and parks. “We • a strong connection to transit. lanes with bike lanes on both sides looked for obvious arterial connec- • plentiful bike parking/end of trip in order to better manage traffic and tions,” Dressel said. facilities. provide designated space for cyclists. “We wanted to create a network Colfax is a significant east-west of roads for bicyclists and saw a need Arterial Streets arterial and designated truck route for a significant east-west connec- Most communities that the BFA through downtown. “We wanted to tion across the city,” said Dressel. program works with already have make it a Complete Street and make “We worked with the public works good networks of neighborhood it safer for cyclists,” said South Bend department and engineers to gauge streets that provide a comfortable Bike Coordinator Chris Dressel, “Any feasibility and determined that riding environment for almost any time we have a road project, we look there was excess capacity.” The city cyclist. These streets need little more for ways to make the street more ac- presented the proposal to various than knowing that they are there and commodating for bicyclists.” audiences, including property owners and businesses. The proposal built on what the East Bank neighborhood had wanted to support its arts-related “Any time we have a road project, we look for businesses. As a result, “We got good ways to make the street more accommodating feedback. It was one of the best- for bicyclists.” – South Bend Bicycle Coordinator Chris Dressel

20 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica received concepts I’ve ever seen at a public meeting,” Dressel recalled. The city planned the implementation to be completed in time for the inaugural “Bike the Bend” event in Bike to Work Week. The city observed significant use during Bike to Work Week and regular use for the rest of the season. Despite the fact that they removed traffic lanes to make space available for cyclists, they’ve heard no complaints from drivers. “The road had extra capacity, so we could make the change with no negative impact,” Dressel said. “We’re trying to find ways to make cycling a truly viable means of transportation within the city,” Dres- sel said, “The comments we received went from ‘Is anyone going to use these lanes?’ to ‘How do I deal with all of these cyclists?’ That’s progress.” i For more information, contact Chris Dressel at cdressel@southbendin. gov.

Separated Facilities, New York City From shared lane markings to high-visibility green bike lanes and protected paths, NYCDOT is engineering safer streets for everyone as it expands the citywide bike network. “While many may view protected bike lanes as a safety feature for cyclists, they lead to safety benefits for everyone who uses the street, and they are the anchors for traffic calming projects across the city,” said New York City Bicycle Program Coordina- tor Hayes Lord. “The street design retains parking and incorporates NYCDOT has installed protected bicycle lanes on the pedestrian islands, which provide a avenues to provide important north-south connec- protected space and decrease cross- ing distances for pedestrians.” Streets tions to business centers, communities and to ensure with bike lanes were 40 percent less the continuity of the bicycle network. deadly for pedestrians than other e AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 21 engineering building bicycling

streets, according to the city’s recent that make them ideal for riders of all 50 percent in the six months fol- Pedetrian Safety Study & Action Plan. abilities – from ages 7 to 70. Safety on lowing implementation. Manhattan’s avenues function the streets is off the chart as speeding both as arterials – they are wide and reckless driving plummet: Installing protected bike lanes on multi-lane streets with high traffic • On 9th Avenue, injuries to all Manhattan avenues has opened up volume – and de facto local streets. street users (not just cyclists) fell bike access to large portions of Man- They provide the only access to by more than 50 percent, com- hattan that were previously intimidat- many properties for both vehicles pared to the previous three years, ing for cyclists. The avenue bike lanes and bicycles. All of the north-south in the year following the 2007 provide safe and convenient bike ac- roadways in Manhattan’s core share implementation of protected cess to the core of Manhattan where these characteristics and there are bike lanes - including a 57 per- no alternate routes are available. On no “quiet” parallel routes. Therefore, cent drop for cyclists. The project 9th Avenue, the city’s first protected NYCDOT has installed protected bi- won the “Best Program Award” bike lane, daily cycling volumes grew cycle lanes on the avenues to provide from the Institute for Transporta- 69 percent from 2007 to 2010. On important north-south connections tion Engineers. Prospect Park West, bicycling has to business centers, communities and • On Broadway, where a protected tripled in one year. On Kent Av- to ensure the continuity of the bicycle bike lane and plaza treatments enue in Brooklyn, cycling volumes network. were installed from 42nd Street all but doubled from 2008 to 2010. Protected bicycle facilities pro- to 35th Street in 2008, injuries to On Grand Street in Soho, cycling vide a feeling of safety and protection all street users dropped by nearly volumes increased 56 percent from

When Main Street is a Highway: Maryland’s Design Guidance

The State of Maryland has areas, public services, recreation and steadily moved up the Bicycle transit.” Jon Cardin, the Maryland Friendly State rankings and received State Delegate for Baltimore County, an honorable mention in the BFS called the document “an effort to program in 2010. This is in part due to make towns more pedestrian-friendly policies that impact how bicycling is and bicycle-friendly,” saying, “This built into the transportation network. helps revitalize and rejuvenate small In 2003, the Maryland State Highway towns.” Administration published a handbook Delegate Cardin, who frequently for communities and designers called bikes from Baltimore to the state “When Main Street is a State High- capitol in Annapolis, said, “In the way” to make state highways through legislature, we’re always looking towns accommodating to all forms of for good ideas from people in the transportations. community who are living them. By In 2003, the Maryland SHA published a The guidance explicitly emphasiz- creating biking and walking friendly handbook called “When Main Street is a es the need for a connected bicycling communities, we reduce the need for State Highway” to make state highways network: “The bicycle network should suburban sprawl, make towns enjoy- through towns accommodating to all forms of transportations. For more information, visit connect to places people want to go. able places to live, and reduce the www.marylandroads.com or contact Michael The network should provide con- need for people to hop in a car to go Jackson at [email protected] tinuous direct routes and convenient half a mile. That improves quality of connections between destinations, life.” Maryland is home to Bronze BFC, including homes, schools, shopping Baltimore.

22 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica “There is a natural integration between BIKE TRANSIT CENTERS bicycling and transit. It’s just so easy to get There are eight bike transit cen- off the train, hop on your bike, and go where ters that provide secure bike park- you want to go.” – Salt Lake City Mayor, Ralph Becker ing, bike rentals, and other related services at public transportation 2008 to 2010. On Broadway, cycling he asked people what they’d like to hubs in cities across the country. increased 50 percent in one year. see the city do differently: make the “Communities are making enor- Each of these protected lanes was city safe and accessible for bicycling. mous investments in transit,” says supported by the local community That gave Mayor Becker what he Andréa White-Kjoss, President and boards, and several were requested called the “political confidence” to CEO of Bike Station, “To make them by the boards themselves. Project aggressively integrate bicycling into efficient you need to be able to draw teams and borough commissioners the city’s transportation network. passengers from a large area. The post project plans on-line, meet with “To have a successful transportation easiest way to do that is to make it individuals and local groups both system, you need to have choices,” easy to ride bikes to the stations.” before and after projects have been he said, “safe, convenient, accessible Sixty-five percent of the people implemented, and remain commit- choices for all modes of transportation.” that use Bike Stations are connect- ted to problem-solving on a virtual Salt Lake City and the surrounding to transit. On average 30 percent 24-7 basis. Hayes explains, “We have ing region have done this by integrat- of Bike Station users were previously worked closely with communities, ing bicycling with transit. “There is a driving. This share is as high as 65 and have worked with local business- natural integration between bicycling percent at some locations. es to accommodate loading and other and transit,” says Mayor Becker, “It’s Bike Stations are “a really effec- needs, and protected paths actually so easy to get off the train, hop on tive way of getting people to transit incorporate parking into the safety your bike, and go where you want and increasing bike ridership and design, enhancing safety on protected to go.” Last fall, Salt Lake City and getting people out of their cars,” path corridors.” the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) White-Kjoss explains. i For more information, visit opened the Bicycle Transit Center at According to White-Kjoss, to get www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/ the central train station, connecting a Bike Station in your community, bikemain.shtml or contact Bicycle bikes with intra- and intercity bus you need to have a strong champion Program Coordinator, Hayes Lord at and rail. The staffed facility provides of the concept, like a mayor or city [email protected]. secure storage and rents and repairs manager, and the ability to follow bikes. through. Transportation agencies Connection to Transit Bikes are allowed without time can apply to various public federal Connecting bicycling and transit restrictions on all urban buses and funding sources, such as Transporta- has many transportation benefits for trains. Many cyclists take a bus or the tion Enhancements and the Conges- bicyclists and transit agencies. It in- TRAX light rail system to get up the tion Mitigation and Air Quality Im- creases the number of people that can steep hill to the University of Utah. provement (CMAQ) Program, as well reach bus and train stations, gives bi- Along many routes, the hill has a 15- as state, regional, and local sources. cyclists the option to ride after dark, 20 percent grade. Commuters then i in poor weather, or through inacces- bike around campus or whiz back For more information, sible areas, and it reduces congestion home down the hill. visit bikesation.com. by reducing the need for car trips. Salt Lake City developed the green shared lane – a green-painted Integrating all modes, stripe on a road that would not fit Salt Lake City, Utah During Ralph Becker’s campaign for mayor of Salt Lake City, he heard one thing over and over again when Washington, D.C.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 23 engineering building bicycling

Dayton, Ohio

BIKE STATIONS: There are eight official Bikestations (bikestation.com) throughout the country and many other bike hubs and bike transit centers. BFCs in Dayton, Ohio and Chicago, Ill. are standouts. For more information on Chicago’s station visit www.chicagobikestation.com.

a bike lane, which gives bicyclists the mobility of the 40 percent of Plentiful Bike Parking priority, while sharing the space with Utah’s population that cannot drive End of Trip Facilities cars. The stripe parallels the TRAX due to age or ability – and everyone End of trip facilities are an im- light rail system along two streets in else. UTA envisions European-style portant element in creating a BFC. the downtown area. physically-separated cycle tracks and Cyclists need to know there will be In the works are bikeways con- bikeways connecting seamlessly to plenty of visible, accessible, easy to necting the airport to downtown, a transit throughout Salt Lake City and use, and convenient parking at their prototype bike boulevard, and a bike the region. destination; and, ideally, a place to share program. Any business can call Salt Lake City moved up to a change clothes. the city to request a bike rack, and Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Com- Salt Lake will install up to 10 bike munity in 2010. Bikes in Buildings, Bike Hub corrals next summer, by request. i For more information, contact and Bike Highways The transit agency is also pursu- Dan Bergenthal at dan.bergenthal@ Dayton, Ohio ing an active transportation initiative slcgov.com. The City of Dayton recognizes to construct a comprehensive walk- the importance of secure bike parking and biking network to improve ing to promote bicycling. In addition

Prime Bike Parking: General MIlls Plant, Albuquerque, N.M.

The General Mills plant in Albuquerque, N.M., which is located near biking trails and a short bike ride from a commuter rail station, had a group of employees who were really into cycling. A few years ago, they talked to a plant manager about providing secure bike lockers to encourage bike commuting. The manager liked the idea and decided to purchase lockers – then he found out about a program run by the city of Albuquerque that provides businesses with bike lockers for free. “We’ve got changing lockers and bike lockers. Our 30 bicycle lockers are the closest parking spaces to the office,” the plant’s John Saucedo said, “We put in the lockers two years ago. They have been permanently installed. Employees can sign out a key whenever they need it.” Now there is an uptick in bike commuting. Saucedo says, “People are more comfortable bringing their bike to work because of the lockers. Be- fore there were always four or six bikes in the hallway.” i For more contact John Saucedo at [email protected].

24 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Dayton became a Bronze Bicycle 100% ARTERIALS WITH Friendly Community in 2010. BIKE LANES: GILBERT, ARIZ. i For more information, contact Erica Burton at erica.burton.cityof- All of Gilbert’s arterial streets – dayton.org. major and minor – have 5.5 foot bike lanes. This policy is written into the Commuter Facilities city’s Public Works and Engineering Meredith Corporation, Standards and Details. Des Moines, Iowa “Thanks to far-sighted The media and marketing com- planning, residents and families pany Meredith Corporation promotes can get on a bicycle and ride to Meredith Corporation fitness center bicycling to work as part of a compre- our neighborhood park, the local hensive health wellness program. At grocery store, a library or a friend’s the worksite, they provide: home, and the nearby office – or just to the 135 bike parking space and • Indoor and outdoor secured to exercise on a nice day” said John 35 bike lockers in Dayton, the city bicycle parking. Lewis, Mayor of Gilbert. passed a zoning ordinance that re- • Locker rooms with showers and “It’s very important to our quires new buildings to provide mini- towels. community to be active. Bike lanes mum bike parking spaces within 60 • Direct access to local bike trails. encourage people to get out and feet of the building’s main entrance. about with their families, to go to The number of spaces to be provided Meredith built an onsite fit- the store or anywhere else,” Beth depends on the number of units or ness center and enhanced the locker Lucas, Gilbert’s public information bedrooms in the building. rooms in 2000. This has created a officer explained, “Just as there is Dayton sees its trail network as more bicycle-friendly workplace a standard width for a sidewalk, it bike highways, and its roads – which and has been well received among is the standard that arterial streets increasingly include shared lane employees and in the community. have bike lanes.” markings and bike lanes – are the Meredith also donated $1 million in Gilbert, AZ has been a Bronze arterials. Any good highway needs a 2004 to create the Meredith Trail to Bicycle Friendly Community since rest stop, so downtown Dayton’s Five connect Gray’s Lake to the downtown 2003. Rivers Metro Park opened its Bike area in Des Moines. Hub. It includes bike racks, a tire “Investing in wellness, including i For more information, contact pump, coin-operated lockers, public bicycle commuting, is clearly paying Greg Sveland at gregs.ci.gilbert.az.us restrooms, cycling accessories, food off for Meredith” says Jen Harken, concessions, bicycle rentals, and a Meredith’s Corporate Communica- secure area with lockers, restrooms, tions Manager, “and we have the and showers for Bike Hub members. attention of senior-level management “When you look at efforts to increase which is why we’re now able to devote bicycling, removing impediments more resources toward encouraging to bicycling is a no-brainer,” said bicycle commuting - and can provide Andy Williamson, Assistant Manager a financial incentive for employees.” of Outdoor Recreation at Five Riv- Additionally, Meredith allows for a ers Metro Park and League Cycling flexible work schedule so employees Instructor. can make arrangements with their According to City Commissioner supervisor to bike to and from work Nan Whaley, critics were skeptical if desired. the bike parking facilities would be i For more information, contact used, “They said, we didn’t believe [email protected]. Gilbert, Ariz. you when you said they would be used, but we see it happening.”

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 25 engineering including all bicyclists

Ore. don’t have to build parks to pro- Other BFBs have built their own vide this experience. They have the path systems to link their workplaces advantage because the park is their to the larger network like IBM’s in backyard.” Urban communities have Rochester, Minn. which includes uilding a network that ac- to be more innovative. “The key for nearly four miles of paths that con- commodates and welcomes an urban area is to provide different nect to the community and larger all bicyclists is a challenge. types of facilities to let people know state bicycling networks. Blurring the B There are different bicy- there are different types of bicycling lines between recreation and trans- clists to consider and many types such as bike parks, skate parks, and portation is part of building a com- of communities and business loca- on-road facilities,” adds Van Winkle. prehensive bicycle-friendly system. tions. An experienced bike com- A bike park is not as space demand- muter might prefer riding in traffic ing as you may think, “Typically you Considers all Types and sharing the lane with cars. A don’t need anything more than the of Bicyclists recreational cyclist may choose to size of a baseball field to allow for The Schuylkill River Trail Cam- ride on paths or off-road trails. A a bike park.” Build it, and they will paign in Philadelphia, Penn. is a truly bicycle-friendly environment, come. Several Bicycle Friendly Busi- popular trail system and sees more includes places to ride for every kind nesses have built recreational biking than 670,000 cyclists annually. “The of bicyclist. amenities at their locations, such as trail system has existed for decades platinum-level New Belgium Brewing but wasn’t often used as a holistic cor- Limit Abrupt Transitions Company’s on-site cyclo-cross track. ridor,” says Alex Doty, Executive Di- in the Network One should not have to drive to a destination to bike. Connecting all types of riding is a key to building a complete bicycling network. “The key is to limit abrupt transitions, go beyond the pathway, and to make easy transitions from one type of riding to another,” says Jill Van Winkle, IMBA Trail Specialist. “Integrating paths and trails connects bicyclists to other types of riders and rides.” The best off-road trails are the ones that are accessed through on-road facilities.

Seize the opportunities Tropical Cyclocross, Miami, Fla. Almost every community, business, and state has ways that it could “The key for an urban area is to provide encourage both on and off-road cycling. Communities should aim to different types of facilities to let people link park facilities with park ameni- know there are different types of bicycling ties. “Rural communities and smaller such as bike parks, skate parks, and on-road towns like Flagstaff, Ariz. or Bend, facilities.” - Jill Van Winkle, IMBA Trail Specialist

26 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica rector of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “The campaign was the result of our vision to have the trail system become a major transportation corridor for the city.” The Schuylkill River Trail has long been a back bone of activity and has ignited a regional effort to complete key connector areas and create an even broader network throughout the region. “One of the main reasons the Schuylkill River Trail U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM Campaign is such a compelling project is because it connects the southwest areas of The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a proposed the city, predominantly an underserved national network of bicycle routes which connect two or more area and where there is little green space, states, a state and an international border, or other U.S. Bicycle and reconnects these areas to the river.” Routes with the intent to link various types of riding facili- It encourages various types of bicycle use ties – urban, suburban, and rural. The system will use existing from commuting to recreational riding. infrastructure where possible to include roads, bike paths, and There are parts of the trail that are paved trails. If implemented as planned, the system will connect over and parts that are packed earth – exposing 50,000 miles of routes. cyclists to different surfaces. Having U.S. Bicycle Routes come through the commu- “The trail is a much loved regional nity is seen as an economic and health benefit for all types amenity of the city and the campaign is of communities. For small and rural communities, the USBRS a coordinated effort among will increase tourism to contribute to the local economy. The municipal entities, various Roanoke, Va. route designations will also serve as a method for encouraging advocacy groups, Business bicycling for the local population. Improvement Districts, and In larger communities and metropolitan areas, where ur- other advocacy groups,” ban networks are beginning to take shape, the USBRS is a way stated Doty. “The Bicycle for these systems to be a part of something larger. While urban Coalition of Greater Phila- networks are growing, the suburbs continue to be a challenge. delphia simply stepped in to The vision for the USBRS is to make an impact regionally. Cy- help build a coalition among clists will be able to travel from their homes or offices to rural these groups so that now all landscapes for more great riding. trail advocates are speaking There is no designated funding for the USBRS; however, together, which made us a much stronger most of the system will use existing facilities. In cases when force.” there is a need for bicycle accommodations, traditional Funding of the trail enhancements methods of funding are appropriate. There is an advantage to and extensions are also a cooperative having designation through your Department of Transporta- effort. The campaign will benefit from tion and American Association of State Highway and Trans- a USDOT TIGER Grant, county open portation Officials (AASHTO). As routes become established, space money, local money, state money a greater acknowledgement of bicyclist’s needs develop. For through Department of State and Natural example, when doing routine maintenance on a road that is Resources, a local match from the city, and designated as a USBR, the agency might consider adding more support from the William Penn Founda- shoulder or deciding not to rumble strip/stripe the roadway. tion. When completed the Schuylkill River i To find out more, visit adventurecycling.org. Trail will extend 128 miles. i For more information, visit http://www.bicyclecoalition.org.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 27 ne of the great conun- drums in promoting bicycling is the role of education. When asked, people rarely say that getting more bike education and training would encourage them to ride more ... and yet anyone that’s been through a Traffic Skills 101 (TS101) class knows how much confidence and enjoyment it generates; and it is very evident that both cyclists AND motorists need a lot of help individu- ally and to get them to share the road with each other! “Education” is relatively cheap and easy to do when compared to a major trail project or bike plan implementation ... yet it is actually quite labor intensive and has to be repeated year after year to have a permanent impact on a large number of people. There are just a handful of really critical messages to teach cyclists and drivers ... yet we can quickly get hung up trying to impart too much information, or argu- ing about who is more to blame for safety issues. The starting point for Bicycle Friendly America programs is the League’s own Smart Cycling education program. We are certifying up to 400 League Cycling Instructors a year thanks in large part to communities and businesses organizing seminars to Open Streets get their staff into the program. Hav- St. Louis, Mo. ing instructors is one thing: we also want to see them actually sharing the good information that’s in the program by teaching classes. In cities such as Tucson, San Francisco, Austin, Dallas

28 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica had to avoid broken glass and potholes, and seen the impact of different roadway designs on cyclists’ comfort. Varied Media Just as there is a target-rich environment for bike safety messages, Columbus, Ohio so there is no end of media to use to deliver those messages. We ask BFA program applicants to document the and Minneapolis, we are seeing quite classes, clubs, events and campus ways in which they are using print, significant volumes of students being bicycle shops. visual, electronic and social media to put through their Traffic Skills paces. In addition to the traditional TS101 spread the word. Among the options Successful implementation of a classes and the delivery of education we have seen and recommend are: broad education program depends on through schools, colleges and univer- • Inserts in utility bills – especially the accessibility of the material and the sities, the BFA programs really foster timed to coincide with major teachers. While the 9-hour TS101 class innovation and creativity in delivering events, National Bike Month etc is our standard offering, BFA applicants bike safety and education messages. • Newspaper and newsletter col- are also rewarded for finding creative The program has identified a series of umns, blogs, community newslet- ways of delivering that information in specific target audiences and a wide ters bite-sized pieces – lunch-time brown- variety of media that are being used to • Public Service Announcements bag presentations at work sites; 2-hour good effect around the country. (PSAs) on TV, radio, billboards, and skills classes at the local bike shop; pre- in print media ride briefings at bike club events, etc. Target Audiences • Company and government intra- The Safe Routes to Schools pro- Our dream of a bicycle-friendly net sites as well as websites and gram, which is obviously a lot bigger America envisages the day when there social media pages than just a bicycling initiative, is a are no fatal crashes between bicyclists • Bus wraps and adverts, transit proven way to increase the number of and motorists. To get to that point, and shelter posters kids riding bikes – we ask communi- in the places with the best traffic safety ties to tell us how many schools are records, we see professional drivers When the human touch can’t be participating in the program and we learning about safe interactions with beaten, we highly recommend estab- score the performance of States based bicyclists. Taxi and bus drivers, truckers, lishing a Bicycle Ambassador pro- on how much of the available Federal delivery van drivers, and even school gram – where people (often younger, funding for the program they are actu- bus operators have all been the focus seasonal workers) are hired to deliver ally spending. of effective education programs. Mo- safety talks, ride major trails and routes A best practice emerging from cit- torists (and bicyclists) who have been offering assistance, promote cycling ies such as Washington, D.C.; Philadel- ticketed for bad behavior are prime safety at events, festivals, fairs etc. They phia, Pa.; and Portland, Ore.; involves candidates for “diversion” classes to have even been used to diffuse tension the city hiring the local cyclists advo- reduce fines and remove points from where cyclists are running into prob- cacy group to take a fleet of bikes and their driving record. lems with motorists or pedestrians. teachers to area schools to systemati- We love to hear about our TS101 States have a unique ability to cally deliver bike education to thou- classes being adapted for specific affect motorist and cyclist education sands of schoolchildren. audiences. Traffic engineers and city through the training and education The Safe Routes program doesn’t planners gain a new appreciation for required of motorists. Every state pub- extend to colleges and universities the intricacies of street design after lishes a driver’s manual and establishes but there is clearly a need to educate they’ve been through a class – and bet- the standards expected of drivers to students. College towns and campuses ter understand what cyclists want out pass their drivers test – in both cases, are hotbeds of cycling activity and of the roadway system. Politicians gain information related to safe interaction there is a huge opportunity to teach a similarly keen insight into cyclists with bicyclists should be included. lifelong bicycling safety skills through behavior after they’ve taken the lane,

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 29 Education Traffic Skills Training

eaching cyclists to share the ary Commissioner of the New York road competently and cor- City Department of Transportation. rectly is a vital part of any The city has long been held back, education program. Motorists in cycling terms, because of its high Tsometimes seem almost completely crash rate. In 2006, the city under- unaware of what cyclists’ rights are, took an exhaustive research study to honking when we appropriately take document where and why the crashes the lane, or buzzing us even in states were happening. In 2007, with the with 3-feet passing laws on the books. results in hand, the city launched And cyclists can sometimes be our its Look campaign looknyc.org. The own worst enemies: running stop tagline, “The best protection a cyclist lights, riding the wrong way on one- has is our attention” is followed in way streets (“But it’s how my parents advertisements by – there’s one thing Washington, D.C. commuters taught me to ride!”), and flouting everyone can do: LOOK. traffic laws. The solution is better traffic Transportation Alternatives, a skills education, and more cyclists on New York City advocacy organiza- cyclist deaths (41 deaths in 2008 the road. The Bicycle Friendly America tion, also launched Biking Rules, down to 29 deaths in 2009). This kind program is working on both! a street code that teaches cyclists of citywide outreach campaign has responsible behavior and how to in- proven very effective. Education for Motorists & teract with pedestrians and motorists. Cyclists at a Citywide Level For more information, visit http:// Austin, Texas transalt.org. Training cyclists has been done New York CITY These campaigns, coupled with very effectively in Austin, through the New York City has been a whirl- the transformation of NYC’s streets Austin Cycling Association’s Safety wind of innovation and inspiration and trails, has contributed to a huge and Education Programs. Their Web over the past few years, thanks in part increase of commuters in New York site offers in-depth (and readable) to Janette Sadik-Kahn, the vision- City, coupled with a decrease in articles written by League Cycling

Teaching Employees to Commute: Dero, Minneapolis, Minn. Children need safe routes to school, and adults needs safe routes to work. Dero, a bike rack manufacturer based in Minneapolis, Minn. uses its many passionate commuters, including on-staff League Cycling Instructors, to train newcomers to the company. “We do have many commuters who are on staff,” said Mark Skoine, “who are more than happy to share information about how to commute, when to use studs [for your tires, in icy road conditions].” Dero also pays its employees $3 per day when they bike to work. This money, paid out quarterly, is $780 annually – an education in why biking to work makes fiscal sense! Bike safety education, route finding assistance, and information on sharing the road with bicyclists is emphasized in their company orientation.

i For more information visit dero.com.

30 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica “The best protection a cyclist has is our attention” – NYC’s LOOK Campaign

Instructors on everything from how funds to set up a Bicycle & Pedestrian to trigger a traffic signal when you Safety & Education program. With are stuck at a red light to when to $568,000 in federal, state and local leave the bike lane behind. There is funds, the program launched with a even an article on how far you have huge outreach component (radio, TV, to be to be clear of the door zone that bus shelter advertisements) as well TRAINING THE STATE: involves a funny digression into the as new bike lanes, enhanced police CALIFORNIA & width of a 1977 Ford Tornino when training, and free League-curricula- MASSACHUSETTS fully open (summary: Even a two- based bike classes for kids and adults. lane road wouldn’t be enough to clear In addition to the classes, ev- In October 2010, California, that particular door zone!). ery attendee receives a bike helmet, the Commission on Police Officer They also teach classes to chil- pump, U-lock, front and rear lights, Standards and Training approved dren and adults year-round. Their reflective tape, tire levers and more. a proposal by the Basic Training classes are all based on League cur- This ensures that cyclists have the Bureau to incorporate the rights ricula, and they go a step further, training and the materials they and provisions of bicyclists into working with League Director of need to actually start riding — the Vehicle Code training. This means Education Preston Tyree to create mayor of Tucson was one of the that effective July 1, 2011, all police new classes. Two years ago, with a first people to take the class! Fund- academies in California will be grant from the National Bicycle Deal- ing was renewed in 2008. Seventh mandated to include this topic in ers Association, the League devel- grade students throughout the region their Regular Basic Course. The stu- oped a new national program that are taught about safe bicycling and dent workbooks will be amended allows bike shop employees to teach walking practices, and the program to include this information. The children and adults how to bicycle. educates teachers and staff as well. outline for bicycle law instruction i will be edisseminated by the Basic The classes are much shorter than For more information contact other League courses, and allow a Gabe Thum at [email protected]. Training Bureau to the academy good overview for people just start- staff to use as a reference. ing out. They’ve been popular around Fort Collins, Colo. On the other side of the coun- the country, and it wouldn’t have In Fort Collins, Colo., the out- try, Massachusetts offers a Law been possible without the help of reach campaign is called Coexist, Officer’s Guide to Bicycle Safety, Austin-area advocates and the Austin and has dos and don’ts for motorists developed by MassBike with the Cycling Association. and cyclists on its popular posters. support of NHTSA, that serves as a i For more information, contact Messages encourage cyclists to obey national model. One of the police Annick Beaudet at annick.beaudet@ traffic signals, ride on the right, and officers from Illinois that took the ci.austin.tx.us. “Don’t be THAT guy,” about the frus- training said, “The course will be trations pedestrians feel when cyclists helpful in increasing public safety Tucson and Pima ride on the sidewalk. The posters because it helps train officers how Region, Ariz. also encourage drivers to avoid right to effectively ride, handle, and use Tucson and the Pima Region in hooks, share the road, and be ex- the bike to patrol the community Arizona have been leaders in bike ed- tra cautious when backing up. The they work in.” ucation since 2005 thanks to the able success of the campaign is based on leadership of Pima County Bike/Ped speaking to both cyclists and motor- i For more information, visit Program Manager Matt Zoll. That ists about how to behave better. MassBike.org. year, Zoll wrote an application for i For more information, contact federal transportation enhancement DK Kemp at dk.fcgov.com.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 31 Education Safe Routes to School & Work

Certification is designed for fourth sage through these teachers. That is and fifth grade students, and comes based on our survey that we’ve done in 15 discrete lessons, each at least several years in a row, and that num- 15 minutes in length. Teachers can ber seems to be pretty consistent,” she hen the last trans- become certified to teach it in three said. portation bill passed, or six hours (depending on the level Since 1999, the SafeCyclist in 2005, it included of certification), making it accessible program has certified 3,701 physical funding for a new, to most physical education teachers. education teachers and community W The classes break down into sev- youth workers. The program works nationwide safe routes to school program. The bill included money to eral categories, from strength training for teachers and students. As Jan- create safe routes to school, encour- to rules of the road, and the handouts ice Mangrum, a teacher at Fuentes age children to ride, and to teach kids are provided in Spanish and English. Elementary in Kyle, Texas, said, “We how to walk and bike to school. Some The topics are age-appropriate for 9 were all so glad to receive teacher states, like Texas, California and Alas- and 10 year olds, and include hel- training that was both meaningful ka, already had innovative programs met fit, how to repair a flat, and safe and relevant to our teaching field ... in place. The federal support helped cycling skills. The classes are taught Everyone got a lot of good ideas and turbo-charge these programs, which through interactive games, to pro- guidance from your training.” are now models for several other mote fun and active learning. i For more information, contact states. Since the program was re- [email protected]. launched in 2010, Oklahoma has Building Strong Cyclists bought it and started the program. A City Strengthens Cycling Statewide: Texas When Oklahoma bought it, they to School: Anchorage, The SafeCyclist Certification, in trained 20 field instructors thinking Alaska and Palo Alto, Calif. Texas, is headquartered at BikeTexas four or five would actually go out Anchorage, because of its loca- in Austin. The curriculum, formerly and teach. “We want them to be LCIs tion, faces very specific bike and known as the Texas SuperCyclist first,” said Brenda Chuleewah, Safe walk to school challenges. Namely: program, started more than 15 years Routes to School program manager It is very dark for much of the school ago, but was completely revised and for BikeTexas. year. Sometimes the sun is up for less relaunched in 2010. The new version About the overall success of the than six hours. The Safe Routes to can be adopted by any state, and is program since its inception, Chulee- School program has helped Anchor- very user friendly. The SafeCyclists wah was happy to report that they are age distribute reflective tape to more reaching hundreds of thousands of than 10,000 students (at no cost to students annually. “We conducted a the students) and more than 75,000 survey of our certified teachers, and bicycle helmets have been given 200,000 students in Texas each year away. The tape is used by students to are receiving the bicycle safety mes- create large (and visible) designs on

Safe Cyclist Certification The classes break down into several categories, from strength training to rules of the road, and the handouts are provided Springfield, Mo. in Spanish and English.

32 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Charlotte, N.C.

“200,000 students in Texas each year are receiving the bicycle safety message.” – Brenda Chuleewah, Safe Routes to School program manager for BikeTexas

the back of their jackets and coats, are working on an $80,000 planning On a sunnier side of the country, and the helmets are properly fitted grant to do 10 site-specific planning Palo Alto, Calif. has been working by the school nurses. Between the activities for Safe Routes to Schools.” to make it easier for kids to bike and first and second years of the reflec- Additionally, Anchorage recently walk to school since 1994. The team tive gear program, participation went approved a new bike plan. “We are in Palo Alto crosses many traditional up from 30 percent to 70 percent. working to make sure that more lines, ensuring greater success. The “We learned about the Safe Routes people realize that there are bicyclists. school district, police department, to Schools grant program a few years We want recognition and acknowl- city staff and PTA are on a Safe ago, and the municipality and the edgment,” said Lori Schanche, non- Routes Task Force. The creation of school district have applied for and motorized transportation coordinator this task force allows the group to le- for Anchorage. The Bicycle Com- verage assetse to create a truly bicycle- received funding from the program,” said Shane Locke, traffic engineering muters of Anchorage have also been friendly community. technician for Anchorage. “We set up working on training for children i Find out more at the Safe a GPS mapping system where we can and adults. Included in the plan is Routes Palo Alto Web site evaluate all the walking routes that language that says, “Promote bicycle www.saferoutes.paloaltopta.org. students take to school, and check safety for children of elementary and This site offers everything from a which ones need improvement.” middle school age, who are involved place to report problems on a stu- “The program also enabled An- in nearly 14 percent of all bicycle dent’s route to school to education chorage to implement a school cross- crashes in nonschool hours.” on how to walk and bike to school ing guard reflector and safety training i For more information on An- safely. Their community’s cohesion, program,” said Steve Kalmes, director chorage’s bicycle programs contact Lori is a good model to transform school of people transportation for the An- Schanche at [email protected]. commutes for children. chorage School District. “Now they

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 33 Education Educating Engineers and Planners

Educating the People Building the Roads:

he Advocacy Advance partnership, which is funded by SRAM, has made a T difference for bicyclists ev- erywhere, by funding research to help cyclists and offering grants to local advocates. One such grant, awarded to the League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB), helped teach planners and engineers in Illinois about the needs and requirements of cyclists. Execu- Dayton, Ohio tive Director Ed Barsotti and the LIB has been interested in educating planners and engineers for years, and found that the state’s engineers and to show interactions on the roadway.” planners lacked background training The state’s former bike-pedestrian on bicycle issues. LIB has been active coordinator also helped write the in the state, speaking at conferences curriculum, which added to the buy- and offering continuing workshops, in at the statewide level. Washington, D.C. but didn’t feel that they had really The courses were planned for 10 been successful at reaching this audi- locations around Illinois, and LIB ence. realistically hoped for 10 people to With the Advocacy Advance attend each course. They did public- to continuing education credits for grant in hand, Barsotti set out to ity to municipalities and engineering planners and engineers. It was expen- create a course that would educate and planning firms, mainly send- sive and extensive to earn the right to planners and engineers on the needs ing postcards speaking about the offer CEUs, but he feels strongly this of bicyclists. “I had done two years of courses. “When we got a total of 500 is why their attendance was so much a special topics course for the Univer- attendees at the 10 courses, it blew us higher than expected. For planners, sity of Illinois-Chicago, an introduc- away,” Barsotti said. More than 125 LIB worked with the American Plan- tion to bicycle planning course, and municipalities were represented, as ning Association to offer CEUs to the seminar was directly from that well as 80 engineering and planning people keeping up their AICP certi- course. It was much more than ‘here’s firms, the state department of trans- fication. For engineers, requirements a bike lane, here’s a sharrow.’ The portation, and some county highway vary state by state, and in Illinois it seminar started with a 15-minutes departments. simply requires that the person of- abridged Traffic Skills 101, teaching Barsotti believes that one of the fering the course be an “expert in the them some highlights of the course keys to their success was the access field.” 34 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica e At a show of hands early in the seminars, about 90 percent of the attendees said they had no college training in these issues, and 80 percent had not attended a seminar about it. It was clear from the attendance and the informal poll that these seminars were filling a need in Illinois.

Bike Rodeo, Bentonville, Ark.

The seminars provided great plete seminar, as well as a package from attendees,” Barsotti said. “It was outcomes for LIB and Illinois. The of the PowerPoints and presentation one of the highlights of my 10 years LIB was able to make a bit of money materials. in bicycle advocacy.” to continue advocating; state and lo- An additional tip? The class only i For more information, visit cal planners were able to learn about cost $25 to attend, and the League of www.bikelib.org or email Ed Barsotti bicycling; and at least two towns have Illinois Bicyclists offered attendees at [email protected]. issued bike plan RFPs that looked like the chance to also use that money very much inspired by the seminar. toward a membership in LIB. “As a The good news for other states is result of the seminars, we added 200 that the grant asked Illinois to create new members,” Barsotti said. something that can be used across This is an effective and important the country. LIB has made the entire audience for all 50 states to reach, course accessible, with a two-and-a- and Illinois offers an excellent model. half hour video online of the com- “The seminar got really high ratings e AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 35 San Antonio, Texas

36 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Encouragement activities are 2. Information-giving. People incredibly varied and disparate – and want to know where to ride; they more than any other area of the BFA need help with good routes to applications they highlight the critical work, nice recreational rides, reality that creating a cycling culture access to trails – and that’s often where people are encouraged to ride true even in their own communi- is something in which everyone in the ties. Programs that give people ommunities, businesses, community is involved. The most suc- this information through maps, states and universities all cessful bicycle friendly communities guides, on-line route mapping, have a critical role to play in have a strong and effective advocacy route signing, mentoring and simply encouraging people group; they have one or more active myriad other ways, really help to break down barriers. The Smart to ride – giving them the opportunity recreational bicycling clubs putting Trips or Travel Smart individual- and incentive to get out on a bike for on events and rides and activities; ized marketing programs are whatever reason they choose. they have a vibrant mountain bike inspirational examples of these in We know that signature events community; there are successful bike action. such as Bike to Work Day and National shops and bicycle-related businesses. 3. Comfort and company. People Bike Month make a difference – they Signature events create a buzz like to ride where there are provide a focus and framework for in the community about bicycling. other people, and where they clubs, advocacy groups, communi- The 15,000-person Houston to Austin can be totally comfortable riding ties and employers to put on events MS Ride hasn’t made Houston bike- without worrying about traffic. that get people out riding. Commuter friendly quite yet, but the people Events known as Ciclovia, Sunday challenges (among employers, for that ride the event who all go out on Parkways or Open Streets, where example), commuter races (between training rides ... they are the core con- a loop of streets are opened up a cyclist, driver, bus rider, walker stituency of change. El Tour de Tucson exclusively for people biking run- etc), and community rides all have is the catalyst for a lot of what hap- ning, walking, and doing other more impact when they are part of pens to make the Tucson area above forms of physical activity, are a coordinated national event – and average for cyclists. Racing events like dramatically effective in enabling while not every metropolitan area can the Tour of California inspire com- people to both enjoy themselves match the 25,000 riders that Denver’s munities to improve conditions for in the moment and envision a dif- bike to work day attracts, we know it cyclists year-round; and the culture ferent future ... all in the company only takes one Mayor or elected offi- that emanates from world-class of thousands of others doing the cial to get the event on the front page mountain biking in many Colorado same thing. of the newspaper. communities permeates small towns 4. Bikes. Turns out a lot of people We also recognize that these like Steamboat Springs and Durango. don’t ride because they don’t events have an impact whenever they As the BFA program has expand- have a bike, especially on the are staged – Denver’s bike to work ed from communities to businesses spur of the moment when they event is actually in June each year and beyond, we have seen the most need to get somewhere quickly. because of the vagaries of Colorado dramatic, game-changing encourage- Bike Sharing or large urban bike weather in May, and that’s OK. Ari- ment activities fall into four distinct rental programs – like those zona does their thing in March. categories: 1. Cold hard cash. Nothing chang- made famous by the cities of es behavior faster than financial Paris, Lyon, and London in recent incentives – like commuter years – have the potential to fill benefit programs; reward pro- that gap and give the general grams that offer bikes, clothing, public much better access to a and equipment for service and bike when and where they need performance. one ... the ultimate encouragement!

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 37 Encouragement Bike Month

ncouragement can be one of the most exciting efforts in Epromoting bicycling. This can be done through Bike Month events, community bike maps, route finding signage, rides and commuter incentives. Ultimately, though, it is important to rally around a leading advocate like your mayor. Those that make bicycling an easy and fun transportation option will influence potential riders. National Bike Month May is National Bike Month and the perfect opportunity to encour- Bike Rodeo age new and returning riders to bike Bentonville, Ark. commute. The League of American Bicyclists is the official national sponsor for Bike Month and promotes Bike to Work Day annually on the third Friday of the month. Bike to Work Week corresponds to that Bicycle riders participate in the area’s Volunteers Friday. events. It helps that 40 percent of the Part of San Francisco’s success Communities and businesses Bay Area’s population lives within five can be credited to volunteers. SVBC around the country have discovered miles of their job. “This is a distance and the San Francisco Bicycle Coali- that the fun and excitement that that is really ideal to ride a bike,” tion start their volunteer recruiting surrounds Bike Month and its events said Corinne Winter, president and efforts months in advance. They had inspires non-bike commuters to get executive director of the Silicon Val- more than 300 volunteers for BTWD on their bikes and ride. For help, use ley Bicycle Coalition. The city’s Bike 2010. the League’s step by step guide avail- to Work Day increased 34 percent in To organize, inform and attract able on bikeleague.org/bikemonth. 2010. Bike to Work Day is “a vision of the large group needed for pre- what the morning commute should BTWD prep, SVBC uses an online San Francisco, Calif. look like,” said Winter. form that displays BTWD volunteer San Francisco’s BTWD boasts opportunities. The online form logs having more than 100,000 Bay Area all volunteer information. The more volunteers you have, the more people “I was surprised by how many families rode in you have spreading the message. the Bike and Hike,” said Abramson. “I thought it “It sounds simple, because it is,” says Winter. If the 40 percent was going to be the usual suspects but once that lived within five miles to work the word got out, it grew to a genuine “ditched their cars on Bike to Work community event.” – Newly retired Louisville, Ky. Mayor Jerry Abramson Day alone, more than 60,000 vehicles

38 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica would be off the road, reducing tail- to two times a week.” Partnering with BIKE TO WORK MONTH pipe emissions by more than 150,000 the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, PLAN FOR SUCCESS pounds.” KC will open their mile tracking Web i Visit www.youcanbikethere.com site to the entire state of Wisconsin FEBRUARY – Plan for more information. for Bike to Work Week 2011. KC hopes to have a statewide challenge • set a timeline for the event and Kimberly-Clark and be able to record statewide data. marketing Encouragement from • get inspired by other cities the Ground Up Encourage your Employer • recruit volunteers determine what permits you need Kimberly-Clark has long en- to be Bike Friendly • plan your budget couraged work-life balance. Three 1. A few can make a difference: “It’s • years ago, bicycling was brought all volunteer. I’ve got a job; this is FEBRUARY TO MARCH – into the company’s culture thanks additional,” says Gusky. Build Partnerships to employee Rob Gusky and his Get 2. Partner with senior leadership: secure funders Up and Ride bike plan. He is now When you start to talk to people • have specific asks and plan for the Ambassador of Cycling under in your company about bike • each potential funder Kimberly-Clark’s Scott brand. The commuting, remember there is a program started at three locations in reason for everyone to buy into it. FEBRUARY TO MAY – Recruiting 2008 and has expanded to include 62 “It’s an easy sell,” says Gusky. and Working with Volunteers sites worldwide, half of them in the 3. It’s all in the approach: “Often, Brainstorm who can help: indi- U.S. The program sponsors a Web we outgrow our bike parking. In- • viduals, schools, businesses, etc. site for employees to track bike miles stead of demanding more racks, Know how to find them, work – the Web site is even smart phone we talk to maintenance and ask • with them, and recognize their compatible. what we can do. Then they are contributions like, ‘Oh; let’s get more!’” Bike Month Commuter 4. Figure out how biking will im- • Outline expectations, time and Challenge prove the company. tasks involved Schedule convenient and timely The Get Up and Ride program 5. Be patient. “It took years to make • meetings sponsors a five month commuter progress with the Get Up and challenge that kicks off during Bike Ride program,” says Gusky. MARCH TO MAY – Promotion to Work Week. “Asking your cubicle 6. Work with people. “It’s all about and Communications mates to join your commuter chal- relationships and how you treat identify key audiences lenge team is an effective means of people,” says Gusky. “When you • keep constants aware of Bike encouragement,” says Gusky. “Three are humble and don’t expect but • Month: use e-news, Web site and people on my team last year were ask, leadership responds posi- blog novice. Now they are all biking one tively.” • develop uniform marketing campaign with logo and theme • promo materials Start a Commuter Challenge at your Business • utilize social networking sites Use Kimberly-Clark’s Example: Read the whole guide at 1. Have an effective means for tracking miles that lets your employees bikeleague.org/bikemonth monitor and compare their progress. 2. Expanded cycling categories to include all types of riders: cycling for transport and cycling for sport. The sport category might consider biking to work. 3. Include novice riders by forming teams. 4. Encourage healthy competition. Kimberly-Clark has a trophy that travels the globe from winning campus to winning campus.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 39 Encouragement Leading Advocates

ike advocacy encourage This “summit” of 120 people is Abramson first stepped out of others to support bicycling. what started Louisville’s evolution. the “bike box” when he introduced Frequently, you need the The city began to develop bike lanes bike counters for the new bike lanes. Bhelp of a congressional office, local – they now have 55-plus lanes – and He realized this was not enough. He officials, or your place of employ- committed to a 120-mile bicycle loop wanted to attract youth to bicycling, ment to make progress. When you (27 miles are already done). The city so he introduced cyclecross to Lou- have one of these figures standing up also concentrated on signage and po- isville. “We built a cyclecross world for bicycling, make them the leading lice to develop an effective, long term championship course and are hosting bicycle advocate. enforcement policy. the 2012 and 2013 UCI champion- ships.” Lousiville, Ky. Create Community Interest Jerry Abramson was the long Abramson excelled in encour- The Legacy term mayor of Louisville, Ky. – he aging his town to get on their bikes You can ensure pro-bike poli- just retired – and was in office 15 and use the new facilities. He created cies will remain after you leave office. years before he became a champion buy-in through the Mayors Hike and “Louisville has built the infrastruc- of bicycling. “Bicycling triggered Bike ride. This ride remains tremen- ture in terms of advocates,” says my interest in energizing my com- dously successful and will hopefully Abramson. “The next mayor will have munity,” says Abramson. He was carry on with the next mayor – 1,500 no choice but to join the evolution of inspired by a family trip to Colorado participated in the first ride and 7,000 bicycling in Louisville. Bicycling is and “seeing all the bikeways, seeing participated in the 5th annual. “I was embedded into the DNA of our home all the people riding bikes. I thought, surprised by how many families rode town.” ‘WOW’ this is something I should be in the Bike and Hike,” said Abram- doing in my community.” son. “I thought it was going to be Leadership at the the usual suspects but once the word Business Level Making a Plan got it grew to a genuine community Mercy General Hospital, Abramson first focused on recre- event.” Sacramento, Calif. ational bicycling. He had started the Mercy General Hospital has been Healthy Hometown movement and The Message caring for patients in the downtown saw bicycling as an extension of this “The real focus is health when Sacramento, Calif. region for more health initiative, along with nutri- talking bikes with mayors,” says than a century. Their roots and city tion. “Bicycling just fits under the Abramson. “It all starts with recre- pride is reflected in their relationship health umbrella,” says Abramson. He ational riding and infrastructure. The with employees and the community. started reaching out to leaders and more people ride for fun, the more Mercy General’s leadership developed a master bike plan. “Five they are comfortable riding to the became a champion of bicycling years ago, we spent two days with drug store and to work.” Louisville with the help of Ron Kampling, the leaders, education professionals, and continually increases the amount of Mercy General’s Director of Guests bicycle enthusiasts. Out of that came bicyclists using multi-modal forms Services. “He knew the hospital had our master plan – a five, 10 and 20-yr of transportation. The city had a 31 a lack of parking because the hosipi- plan.” Abramson then took people percent gain from 2008 to 2009. tal’s proximity to a residential neigh- from that meeting and created an executive committee. Their purpose “WOW! This is something I should be doing in my was to ensure the plan moved for- comminuty!” - Jerry Abramson, Former Mayor of Louisville, Ky. ward.

40 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica “The next mayor will have no choice but to join the evolution of bicycling in Louisville. Bicycling is embedded into the DNA of our home town.”

-Former Mayor Jerry Abramson, Louisville, Ky.

borhood,” says David Brandeberry, To further promote a healthy life- Mercy General’s current Director of Guest Services for style, Mercy General is eliminating Bike-Friendly Future the hospital. “Bicycling seemed like a smoking on campus and converting Mercy General plans to imple- natural fit – the answer.” the smoking area into a bike garden. ment internal bike training for novice The facility will include eight to 12 riders and those new to the area or The Business of Bicycle bike lockers, a garden, tools to tune facilities. Brandeberry has advice Encouragement up and wash bikes, and air pumps. for those whose employer is not on Mercy General’s encourage- The bike garden will be centrally board with bicycle-friendliness: “Stay ment activities and incentives go located, giving people another safe consistent. It will take time. Try to beyond the Bike Month Calendar. place to park their bike. get shops and advocates involved to Mercy General is a gold-level Bicycle Bike Month is also a big deal for excite leadership and show there is a Friendly Business with several com- the hospital. “During May, we make support network.” mittees to keep bike commuting and a real big push for Bike Month,” says our program in the limelight,” says Brandeberry. “Everyone gets out of Brandeberry. their shell because we are a health The hospital hosts the Mercy Fall care facility that thrives on promot- Classic ride and supports the Mercy ing activities that promote a healthily Cycling Club. The club members even lifestyle.” Mercy General was fifth in have their own Web site mercycyclist. the region for the bike to work busi- com for news, events and resources. ness challenge. The hospital’s employ- Additionally, the hospital’s leadership ees biked more than 20,000 miles. instituted a program to pay employees if they bike to work and provides them with a meal voucher for a free Mayor Greg Ballard (2nd from left) and former lunch. Mayor Jerry Abramson (left), Bicycle Friendly Community Award Ceremony, Indianapolis, Ind.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 41 Encouragement Advocacy Groups

ocal advocacy groups are “2007 was a fantastic year around here. We the starting point for those won a legal challenge protecting the right who realize that there are of the county to protect one of the most used Lthings that need to be done to en- trails in country, the bicycle master plan was courage bicycling in their area. Sev- adopted, and hundreds of millions were com- eral local and state advocacy groups are fighting the good fight, improving mitted to bicycling projects. It was just a good the conditions for cycling, and setting year. The years have gotten better but there examples for other groups to learn were a lot of first in that year.” from. – Dave Douglas, Event Coordinator, Cascade Bicycle Club Cascade Bicycle Club Dave Douglas is the Event Coor- dinator for the Cascade Bicycle Club important to them. From a software of staff and volunteers. Our staff size (CBC) in Seattle, Wash. Originally standpoint they use Democracy is reflective of how many it takes to CBC was a meeting of recreational in Action and Salsa to tailor their get money raised.” riders who wanted an advocacy voice. advocacy alerts to the members that The CBC is now a three-part orga- want them. “We can have them sign Community and nization comprised of two 501(c)4s: up for what they are interested in, so Government Relations Bike Pac and Cascade Bicycle Club if they are really interested in vulner- Douglas sits on large advisory (C4), and their 501(c)3 the Education able user law but not county infor- committees for funding and trans- Fund. The fund is a repository for mation we do not overload them,” portation financing. He has also grants and a way to secure charitable says Douglas. “We try to keep people worked as co-chair for the bicycle donations. Bike to Work Day and effectively engaged.” advisory committee, for bridges… Month are operated under the Ed ”the list is too long,” says Douglas. Fund. The Ed Fund provides hun- Operations He adds that if you are appointed to a dreds of bicycles for classroom pro- CBC is operated by an 11-mem- committee, you will likely deal be on grams and teaches more than 10,000 ber volunteer Board of Directors, 22 a committee “where they don’t like students a year the basics of bicycling. professional staff, four AmeriCorps what you have to say but you have members, and thousands of vol- to remember you are the most well Action Alert unteers. “We’re a complicated and informed in the room.” This self- The CBC is also very unafraid of unique model,” says Douglas. The confidence has worked for the CBC, politics and elections. “We have been CBC started as an advocacy group, as evidenced in the numerous bike very successful at the ballet box,” says so events were not their original infrastructure improvements and Douglas. The CBC has grown into source of income. Originally, it was a 13,000 member organization and membership, grants and their 501c3 has mastered the art of keeping their Education Foundation that kept members engaged and active. “We them afloat. Their century, now the have a very robust approach to timely CBC’s biggest event, took 20 years action alerts, e-newsletters, alerts, to generate substantial revenue and and the web,” says Douglas. They has 20,000 riders. “To date, the lions offer direct face to face opportunities share of our income is our events,” to engage members in issues that are says Douglas. “Our events take a lot

42 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Advocacy groups create signature community programs, such as Ciclovia or Open Streets, that attract new riders.

three-year bicycle education and en- 20 percent from 2008 to 2009. “There COALITIONS couragement program – Bike Smart is a large part of the population that THE INSIDE SCOOP Seattle. wants to ride their bikes more, and The CBC has two invaluable when we provide them the means, Important: planners on staff to speed-up the they get back on their bikes,” says • Get in the door and have access often slow and bureaucratic govern- Douglas. • Understand the players ment process. For example says The CBC influences their mem- • Target the cause, i.e., transporta- Douglas, “We have a couple of blocks bers in all the ways we can make tion choices, land use in downtown that need of repairs. change: advocacy, partnering with • Connect to the community and A citizen calls and asks what to do. communities, employers, education, see who is already working on Our planners do a line drawing – we and encouragement. They then use your issues do geo special analysis, look at data, the most appropriate tool for the job. analyze the impact of plans, housing, “There is the inside game and the Advice: and employment – and decide how outside game – and then use legal,” • Get engaged to improve bike commuting in these says Douglas “For every step, we use • Be prepared to learn about land urban villages.” the tool available to us and the most use, engineering and funding Recently, the CBC has had suc- appropriate.” • Be credible cessful bike/ped counts. The numbers i Find out more at cascade.org. • Be prepared to listen show huge growth in areas that are • Find partners who can set the making the investments. In down- direction town Seattle, counts grew between by

PITTSBURGH’S CAR-FREE FRIDAYS 2010 PARTICIPANTS: 1,158 people participat- ACTIVITIES: 115 organizations SUPPORT: 15 funding organizations, ed in Car Free Fridays events and activi- and businesses supported 38 $54,950 of in-kind support, including ties. 795 people took the Car Free Friday activities in 8 neighborhoods raffle prizes worth $2,500. and municipalities. pledge. 178 signed up online. i Find out more at bike-pgh.org.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 43 Encouragement Advocacy Groups

HOW DOES BIKE PITTSBURGH GET FUNDING? • Memberships

• Selling bike racks

• Yearly fundraiser Bikefest, a 10-day bike festival.

Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor of • Events and Rides: Pool ride, Pittsburgh, Pa., at the ice cream rides, yoga for ribbon cutting for the cyclists, and at least one city’s first bike lane. free movie in the park that is bike themed

Bike Pittsburgh “We just decided to start providing • Foundations Bike Pittsburgh started in 2002 what we needed.” Bike Pittsburgh when David Hoffman got hit by a is nestled in a town with copious • Sponsorships car and decided to use the exposure amounts of foundations. They ap- to bring attention to bicycle safety. plied for grants and leveraged those At the same time Scott Bricker, now funds, and partnered with the city on the Executive Director of Bike projects. They took each win and got Pittsburgh, was starting a bicycle more people involved. “If you like half, they did half.” This is the first advocacy organization. Bricker had this stuff, join Bike Pittsburgh!” was time the city has provided bike racks spent time in San Francisco and was there motto. “You use your member- for the city. The same process is work- awed by the city and the bikes. “It ship to gain wins, use wins to get ing with bike lanes. Bike Pittsburgh wasn’t until I moved to Pittsburgh members,” says Bricker. pays for most of the engineering that I realized the conditions were The Bike Pittsburgh formula is work. If the city approves the work or- horrendous for bikes here, and that working. After the first five years of der, the government pays for the rest. everything behind San Francisco be- Bike Pittsburgh, the city hired a bike/ “We do the bike infrastructure design ing bike-friendly was because of the ped coordinator. Now the group for 50 to 70 percent of the city,” says San Francisco Bicycle Coalition,” says finds the funds for bicyclist, create Bricker. “The goal is to get the city to Bricker. Hoffman and Bricker joined community support and harness po- do this.” The city is making progress. forces. Bricker used the advice of litical will. “We just partnered with They are developing a transportation bicycle advocacy groups around the the city to place bike racks around plan that includes a bike/ped plan.” country, like Chicago Land and the town – 200,” says Bricker. “We did SFBC, to see how they got started and lessons learned. Within Bricker’s first “Without a doubt Pittsburgh has become a year in Pittsburgh, Bike Pittsburgh up was formed. Now the group is 1,500 better place to ride. Our numbers are strong. increasing, and the percentage of incidents At first, Bike Pittsburgh was is going down every year. We are expected simply trying to provide what bicy- to be seen on the streets, there is media clists needed in a limited amount of coverage, more racks and more bike lanes. time. “There was no one working on We have a long way to go but it is a lot better bike issues. No bike/ped coordina- than we first started Bike Pittsburgh.” tor, no map in 12 years,” says Bricker.

44 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Encouragement maps, guides & signage

aps, Guides and Signage encourage people to ride. Maps, guides and Msigns show them the way but signs also let bicyclists feel justified to be on the city’s streets. Signage validates their route. Seattle In the early 1980s, our now Gold BFC Seattle, Wash. had a few recreational bike routes around the city. Things have changed drastically since then.

Seattle Bicycle Map Seattle publishes a free bike map annually, distribution 40,000 to 60,000, and makes their map available in print and online. The SDOT contracts with the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, and the club distributes the maps to anyone who requests one. “The maps are so comprehensive even drivers use them,” says Virginia Coffman, Seattle Department of Transportation Annually, the SDOT does a comprehensive update of the map, since new bike facilities are Portland’s simple, clear and implemented ever year. To guarantee innovative signing system is now the map is accurate, the SDOT takes a model for other communities. requests on the map via a form on map, comments online and through their bike/walk hotline. “After listening to feedback from riders, we made the maps more intuitive and added additional information such as bike shops, schools, libraries, farmers 254 71 markets, and streetcar and light rail M I L E S M I L E S stations,” says Coffman. SEATTLE’S TOTAL TOTAL SIGNED PROPOSED SYSTEM OF ROUTES INSTALLED SIGNED ROUTES SINCE 2007

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 45 Encouragement maps, guides & signage

Seattle Signage Seattle’s bicycle sign system planning started years before the bicycle master plan process to work Development: out the signage details and the system The signage system Tips for communities they would define. Seattle’s system was developed for a user group of starting out the process relies on colloquial names of places people knowing landmarks but of developing a signed and routes rather than numbered who don’t necessarily know the best bicycle route system: routes Seattle used Chicago’s MUTCD streets to bike on. “The sign system signage model to help develop the is the face of our bicycle network, 1) Start early. The Seattle plan- system. “The signage changed a lot leading them through the structure,” ning process took 2 years. and is now consistent with the 2009 says Coffman. “It’s not necessarily 2) Define the user group. Are Manual on Uniform Traffic Control for tourists or for those entirely new users of the signs tourists Devices (MUTCD),” says Coffman. to cycling. It’s for those comfortable or city residents, novice or riding on a variety of systems” The experience bicyclists? This Funding: Seattle’s bicycle system is destination based and influences both the routes improvements are funded primarily indicates how far away users are from chosen for the signs and the through local dollars via a voter destinations, where the destination is, sign content. approved levy named Bridging the and the direction. Users have choices 3) Determine routes and route Gap. This nine-year levy dedicates at intersecting routes. Not everyone types. Have a network of funding for bicycle improvements uses all the info but it helps move routes already established at approximately $4 million per them through the system. For more before putting out signs. Once year. This funding supports new information on Seattle’s Bicycle Route a network is established, de- on-street bicycle facilities, as Signage and protocol, visit seattle. termine what signs will best well as maintenance. The levy is gov/transportation/docs/bmp/final/ serve the network. complemented by a commercial AppendixG.pdf. 4) Choose destinations wisely. If parking tax and an employee hours you’ve chosen a destination Visual Cues: tax. Seattle’s Bike Dots, based sign system, designate i For more information on pavement markings for signed destinations and organize this, visit seattle.gov/transportation/ bicycle routes, are a tool to provide them into a hierarchy. This BridgingtheGap.htm. wayfinding – graphic communication provides a sense of scale of clues to help users navigate the city. the project. The bike dots were adopted from 5) Learn from other cities. Many Portland ‘s Bicycle Boulevard and cities have drafted guidelines prove to be helpful on residential for sign implementation. streets. For routes that weave through Bike along other city’s signed neighborhood streets these “crumbs” routes. reduces sign clutter while helping 6) Do a challenging pilot proj- people transition from trails to streets ect. Implement signs in the to residential routes. Green bike lanes most difficult part of the city highlight areas where bicycles and first. The exercise made clear cars cross paths, reminding people to where our process could be stay alert. improved. 7) Have a maintenance plan.

Seattle, Wash.

46 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Encouragement Game Changers

Lexington, Ky. residents now enjoy 2nd Sunday events.

Ciclovia police escorted ride that city bicycle The event is also a platform to The word “ciclovia,” technically coordinator Kenzie Gleason likens to showcase community programs that a Spanish word meaning “bikepath,” “being at a really great concert where are positively affecting the commu- is now firmly associated with the the crowd is really into it and having nity’s health, economy and environ- Colombian city of Bogota. Thirty-five a good time, and what really stands ment and is proving an effective way years ago, the city started a tradition out is how diverse the crowd is every of building a compelling case for of temporarily opening a handful of year.” investment in trails, sidewalks, smart city streets up to runners, walkers and Once a year, 2nd Sunday goes streets and parks. cyclists on Sundays. Under Mayor statewide and encourages all forms Kentucky Governor Steven L. Enrique Penalosa the event grew in of physical activity within communi- Beshear says “for too long Kentucky size and international recognition – ties. On October 9, 2011 communi- has been labeled as one of the un- including several cities in the United ties across Kentucky plan simulta- healthiest states in the country but States. Known variously as Sunday neous open streets events from 2 now 2nd Sunday provides the state Parkways, Open Streets or CicLAvia p.m. - 6 p.m. so residents can bike, with an opportunity to become a (in Los Angeles, of course), these walk, run, play and enjoy all kinds national model for physical activity events are bringing thousands of of fun and healthy activities. “2nd by implementing low-cost measures people out to enjoy their community. Sunday is the catalyst for changing to improve the health of its citizens.” the health of our Commonwealth More than 20,000 people in 101 2nd Sunday and our country,” says Jay McChord, counties across the Commonwealth 2nd Sunday, a version of Ciclo- a council member in the Lexington- participated in the 2009 event. via in Lexington, Ky., is a monthly Fayette Urban County government.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 47 Encouragement Game Changers

Travel Smart International transportation consultants SocialData Gmbh pioneered the use of individualized marketing to give people the information they needed to be able to use transit, biking and walking for more of their everyday trips instead of always driving. Bicycle use in Portland soared with the introduction of their Smart- Trips program, which followed this model, and very effectively built on existing infrastructure and education programs.

BELLINGHAM, WASH. Smart Trips is a BFC Bellingham, Wash. program that encourages its citizens to commute other ways besides driving. Their motto Walk, Bellingham, Wash. bike, share a ride, or ride the bus. Make a difference anywhere you go, is their message to get community “The Whatcom everybodyBIKE team hosted 20 members out of their cars. Partici- bicycle rodeo skills courses in 2010, this pants record their Smart Trips on results in 3,281 Whatcom County children whatcomsmarttrips. com. Smart receiving bicycle safety training!” - Facebook quote Trips participants have prevented 43 tons of carbon monoxide from being emitted since June 1, 2006!

Whatcom Smart Trips began July 1, That’s 29,075,160 miles not driven Bike Share Programs 2006. As of February 2011, 12,241 and ... When the city of Paris launched Smart Trip makers have recorded: • 11,815.79 tons of carbon diox- the Velib’ program in the summer of • 332,355 walking trips ide pollution avoided 2007, Mayors around the world sat • 538,914 bus trips • 43.55 tons of hydrocarbons pol- up and took notice. No fewer than • 519,289 bicycling trips lution avoided 20,000 stylish and distinctive bikes • 458,517 ridesharing trips • 397.06 tons of carbon monox- were placed in over 1,000 docking ide pollution avoided stations across the city to provide a Confident 4111 Bakerview Spur Cycling is Fun and Functional Bike According to Traffic Laws Bellingham, WA 98226 Bicycling is a great way to get around town. Learn to share the road Bicycles are legally defined as vehicles. By obeying traffic laws, www.RideWTA.com City Cycling confidently and •safely with vehicles,30.42 pedestrians and other cycliststons cyclists of can avoid thenitrogen most serious bicycle/car crashes. Just oxides like unique bike transit system. Almost (360) 676-RIDE by reviewing the information in this brochure and by participating in motorists, cyclists who disobey traffic laws are subject to penalty everybodyBIKE educational activities. fines. Be sure to observe these key traffic laws for road cycling: Tips for safe cycling Find out about Bike Buddies, Bicycleavoided Skills Rodeos for kids, Com- • Ride in the same direction as motor traffic overnight, the city was transformed in Bellingham and munity Bike Rides, Full Cycle Classes, traffic laws, and more at • Stop at stop signs and traffic signals Whatcom County everybodyBIKE.com or call 671-BIKE. • Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and yield to people walking on trails • .17 tons of• Do notparticulate ride on sidewalks in Bellingham and Fairhaven businessmatter as thousands of trips a day were made Whatcom Smart Trips districts 314 East Champion Street • Do not use headphones or other electronic devices while cycling Bellingham, Washington 98225 on roads or trails www.WhatcomSmartTrips.org (PM10) avoided by ordinary Parisiens going about (360) 756-TRIP • 1,212,434 gallons of gasoline their business. Modeled on other saved successful programs, the Paris bike sharing program allows users to ride everybodyBIKE is the bicycle education program for Whatcom Smart Trips, helping you make more of your daily short trips by i bicycling, walking or sharing rides. For more information, visit info@ free for the first 30 minutes with esca- everybodyBIKE helps people of all ages to cycle comfortably, safely and more often. everybodybike.com. For more information, contact us at: lating charges for longer trips.

Whatcom Smart Trips 314 East Champion Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225 www.everybodyBIKE.com [email protected] (360) 671-BIKE Bellingham, Wash.

48 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica B-cycle launch, San Antonio, Texas

Bike Sharing in the U.S. In August 2008, the District of Columbia (a bronze BFC) became Capitol BikeShare, Washington, D.C. the first jurisdiction in North Amer- ica to launch a “large” bike-sharing system. Smart-Bike D.C. offered 120 “It is not only bikesharing, it is a new bike bikes at 10 stations in the business transportation network. The installation of district and 1,600 people joined dur- bike lanes, bike signals and now this bikeshare ing its two years of operation. Neigh- program will provide people with safer routes boring silver-level BFC Arlington County, Va. was working on its own throughout the city.” - Gabe Klein, Director, Washington, D.C. DOT plans for and in 2010 the two juris- dictions worked together to launch the Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) progam with more than 1,100 bikes and 114 stations available 24/7. “I really don’t San Antonio, Boston, New York City, Members must be over 16 years of think we can add stations fast enough Chicago and San Francisco are ready- age. When you join you receive a key. to match the demand and incredible ing for their launches. Montreal’s Before the key can unlock a bike, it enthusiasm for Capital Bikeshare,” Bixi system is the largest program in must be activated by logging in to according to Gabe Klein, director of North America. an account at CapitalBikeshare.com. the District Department of Transpor- For those without internet access, tation. “It is not only bikesharing, it is How it Works there is a hotline to purchase mem- a new bike transportation network,” The Capital Bikeshare stations bership. If users only want to use a says Klein. “The installation of bike are solar-powered and modular to Capital Bikeshare bike occasionally, lanes, bike signals and now this bike- allow for easy installation. Each sta- 24-hour membership are available for share program will provide people tion consists of a variable number of $5 by using the kiosk located at each with safer routes throughout the city docking ports of the bikes based on Capital Bikeshare station. The first 30 and into Arlington ” demand, plus a kiosk for the purchase minutes of each trip are free. After Large scale programs now of 24-hour memberships. There is the first 30 minutes, usage fees are exist on the ground in Minneapolis also a two-sided information panel charged. and Denver – two cities that hosted which displays a local and regional 1,000-bike systems during the map of the service and usage instruc- Republican and Democratic conven- tions. Captial Bikeshare offers an- tions in 2008 – and cities including nual or 30-day memberships online.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 49 50 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica zone, avoiding debris, potholes tions where a cyclist is considered and other obstructions), explic- to be “impeding traffic”. itly including those situations where it is appropriate to control With a good set of laws and the travel lane – for example, regulations in place, the next key when the travel lane is too nar- issue is enforcement. Law enforce- row to share with a motor vehicle ment officers must understand these • There should be no additional laws, know how to enforce them, and fter eight years of the BFC mandates on the part of the apply them equitably to ensure public program, we can quite roadway a cyclist should or safety. There are a limited number of categorically say that this should not use, or bans from training courses available to help with element of the program public roads (with the exception this, as well as the League’s own Traf- needs the greatest amount of im- of limited access roadways where fic Skills 101 classes that can be ben- provement at the state and local level. alternative routes are available) eficial for law enforcement personnel. In the application process, we are • Motorists must be required to Simple communication with looking for evidence that the entire pass a cyclist with a defined clear- law enforcement is also key. Having judicial system – from laws and regu- ance distance that reflects “due the participation of the police on a lations through law enforcement and care”. This distance may increase bicycle advisory committee or bicycle through the court system – achieves with higher speeds and motorists plan steering committee, for example, three important goals: should be able to cross the cen- helps increase awareness on both 1. Protecting the rights of cyclists to terline of a roadway to facilitate sides. Similarly, having police officers operate legally on the roads this safe passing (or be expected on bikes helps increase understand- 2. Protecting cyclists against care- to wait until it is safe to pass) ing of cyclists’ issues, even though it less, reckless or dangerous driv- • Penalties that establish a true isn’t done for purpose of traffic law ing, and deterrent should be established enforcement or bike safety. 3. Ensuring cyclists themselves fol- for careless, dangerous and reck- We have never shied away from low the rules and operate safely less driving that causes injury the appropriate enforcement of traffic or death to a cyclist. Deliberate laws on cyclists. There are a handful Ultimately, we want to reward harassment of cyclists should be a of critical behaviors that contribute those communities that treat cyclists specific offence mightily to motor vehicle/bicycle equitably and don’t discriminate • Equipment rules affecting lights, crashes and enforcement should play against people because they choose brakes, trailers and other attach- a part in reducing wrong way riding to ride – and we want to point every ments should reflect current (especially on the sidewalk), running state and community towards that technology and reality – hel- stop lights, and riding without lights goal. That process starts with having mets should not be mandatory; after dark. sound laws, regulations, ordinances registration programs are only One trend that we especially like and state/city codes that govern appropriate for recovery of stolen is the increasing use by the court cycling and motoring. State and lo- bikes, and system of traffic diversion programs. cal vehicle codes are so varied and • Regulations governing the Cyclists and motorists who have nuanced that we “judge” the legal smooth and safe flow of traffic committed moving violations can framework for cycling against a series should address cyclists’ issues be given a sentence that includes at- of key principles: (e.g. cars should not be allowed tending classes that teach them about • Cyclists should have the same to stop or park in bike lanes) and traffic and cyclist safety – sometimes legal status and basic rights and reflect the unique characteristics even a modified Traffic Skills 101 responsibilities as the operator of of bicyclists (i.e. allowing right class. a motor vehicle turn signal by extending the • Cyclists must be able to exercise right arm). This latter principle their reasonable judgment as to is particularly important when where it is safe to operate on the attempting to define those situa- roadway (i.e. outside the door

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 51 Enforcement Strong Laws

asic laws and regulations are necessary to govern bicycling and the rules of B the road that must then be backed up by enforcement. Maryland’s 2009 crash data revealed that 10 cyclists were killed and more than 650 bicyclists were injured that year. This data awoke Maryland’s lawmakers. They knew they needed to implement laws that would reaffirm the rights of cyclists. Carol Silldorff, the Executive Di- rector of Bike Maryland works on Maryland’s Legislative agenda with groups like Triple AAA, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 1000 Friends of “We are in the process of following up with Maryland, and the League of Conser- vation Voters. Together they passed police departments, including the state police, several new laws – effective October to ensure that the officers are aware of the 1, 2010 – to increase the safety, rights law and are comfortable with enforcing the and funding for bicyclists. These laws law. Bike Delaware sets up safety checkpoints promote further funding through a with the State Police and DelDOT to educate Transportation Transparency Bill, cyclists and motorists about bicycle-related establishment of a Blue Ribbon Com- laws.” - Amy Wilbrun, the Delaware Bicycle Council mission on Maryland Transportation Funding, and a Funding for Bike/Ped Access bill. They also passed a 3-foot the law. To maintain the legitimacy sible.” Bike Maryland maintains a passing law and the Shoulder Rule of the laws, Silldorff emphasizes the presence in Annapolis at the General Bill. importance in “finding leaders who Assembly where they can raise aware- i For more information, contact are willing to support change, meet- ness of the need for infrastructure Carol Silldorff at [email protected] ing with friends of elected officials to improvements, education and safety visit bikemd.org. make connections – especially with legislation. However, even after bills pass, ad- folks in opposition, and partnering vocates and groups must constantly with other groups whenever pos- challenge incorrect interpretations of

52 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica “In the US, 48% percent of fatalities are Bicycling Laws from people driving too fast. There’s a stark Delaware & the Steps difference between injuries that occur in a from Start to Finish crash at 20 mph and a crash at 30 mph.” - BTA blog. Delaware has a number of bills on the books to protect cyclists’ rights: the Vulnerable Users Bill; an updated cept is based around the exponential Vulnerable Road Users - statewide engineering guideline increase in fatalities that happens Oregon thanks to Bike Delaware; a Complete with an increase in speed beyond 20 According to Rob Sadowsky, the Streets policy for all road construc- mph. So with a legal change in the Executive Director of the Bicycle tion projects; and, soon, a Safe Pass- Oregon default speed limits from 25 Transportation Alliance, “Oregon ing Law. to 20 mph, infrastructure changes, in- has some of the strongest bicycle 1. To pass these bike bills, the Del- creased marketing and an education laws on the books.” Oregon was the aware Bicycle Council works effort, this campaign hopes to achieve first state to pass a Vulnerable Road with DelDOT to perfect the bill’s zero transportation-related fatalities. User Law in 2007. This law increased language. Sadowsky spoke proudly of Oregon’s penalties to motorists that caused 2. They find a legislator to Safe Distance Passing law, expanding serious injury or death to a bicyclist, champion the bill. The process on other states’ more common 3-foot pedestrian or other ‘vulnerable road continues as the Bike Council laws. For Oregon, “‘safe distance’ user.’ The law was successful because and attorney general follow the means a distance that is sufficient to it “started with a good concept that bill through committee, submit- prevent contact with the person op- can be defended by data,” explains ting letters of supports from erating the bicycle if the person were Scott Bricker, formerly of BTA and local bike clubs, and drawing on to fall into the driver’s lane of traffic.” now Campaign Manager at America advocates of the bill. The BTA is also working to imple- Walks. It targets careless driving 3. Open relationships with the ment a Fair Share for Safety, which crashes that were previously not police department. The local would require that states designate a prosecuted as crimes. There was departments create briefings to percentage of funding to bicycling that initial opposition from the district read at roll call. They also teach is proportional to the percent of traffic attorney and legislators about financ- officers how to enforce the new fatalities involving bicycles. In order ing, prison issues and the constitu- laws and awareness programs to help pass and campaign for these tionality of the bill. However, BTA for motorists and cyclists. bills, BTA partners with Willamette worked closely with the Department 4. Partner with the DMV. The Vul- Pedestrian Coalition, AAA, Oregon of Justice, a number of key legislators nerable User Bill created partner- truckers association, personal injury and committee staff to secure hear- ships with Delaware’s DMV. They attorneys and public health advocates ings, get votes, and overcome these are working to influence driver interested in injury prevention. obstacles. education courses and manuals i For more information, contact Sadowsky is leading BTA towards and to form a stronger relation- Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] or a less technical focus on Oregon ship with state police. enforcement to create momentum visit www.bta4bikes.org. around crash reduction. BTA is part- i For more information, visit nering with advocacy groups around deldot.gov/information/community_ the country to adopt a Vision Zero programs_and_services/bike. Strategy. This European-based con- e AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 53 Enforcement tARGETED eNFORCEMENT

Davis, California Targeted enforcement affects officers’ time and resources and is based on specific travel modes, locations or behaviors. This more focused targeting of discretions is intended to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities, especially involving vulnerable road users. Davis, Calif.’s police department has adopted this model of enforcement through educational programs, community involvement and crash statistics. “Fix-It tickets” have been a successful program where enforcement gives a warning ticket to cyclists, letting them know that they need to get a safety addition, such as a light or helmet, for their bike. These tickets can then be used at local bike shops Corvallis and Collegiate that can help narrow enforcement to get 10 percent off the needed item. Enforcement resources down to specific areas, As Tara Goddard, Davis’ Bicycle Co- With a 22 percent bicycle mode times and even discretions. The city ordinator confirms, “Davis enforce- share and almost 1/3 of the popula- has partnered with Safe Routes to ment’s emphasis on education has tion made up of students, Corvallis, School and the school district for been very important, and we consider Ore. deliberately uses targeted en- direct enforcement in school zones to it a success.” For instance, officers run forcement resources to keep cyclists protect student commuters and target bicycle stops that serve as educational in the city safe. Every September as multi-modal zones in the city. Wood tools, offering warnings to cyclists a new Oregon State University class believes it is the strong relationship that are committing discretions. The arrives on campus, the police have a between schools and enforcement city has also adopted an educational push to educate students on the rules that makes their police department campaign called Street Smarts to ad- of the road. Lieutenant Cord Wood so effective and, thus, Corvallis a safe dress traffic problems at their source. from the Corvallis Police Depart- place for cyclists. Street Smarts is a traffic calming ment believes the success of their i For more information, con- program with events and the citizen- enforcement program comes from tact Joe Whinnery at joe.whinnery@ based Pace Car program to calm their tracking system. Corvallis uses ci.corvallis.or.us or Lieutenant Cord traffic and instill the laws of the road. a “quarterly record of bicycle and Wood, [email protected] pedestrian crash statistics to analyze any spikes and designate enforcement resources accordingly,” says Wood. “Rather than framing the class as a punitive The city also keeps a direct patrol measure, we make it an informative and list generated weekly by commu- educational experience.” nity and police officer observation, - Sheila Foraker, Pima County Bike Ambassador Project Manager

54 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Davis also targets efforts in schools, “The biggest hurdle to getting a diversion including UC Davis, with the start of program is having the courts sign off on it and the school year as an opportune time informing ticketed cyclists of their right to to educate students, focusing on the take a class designed specifically for cy- most common discretions. clists. any community could offer a diversion i For more information, contact Tara Goddard at tgoddard@ program for ticketed cyclists.” cityofdavis.org or or David Takemoto- - Wes Robinson, Director of Education at the Austin Cycling Weerts at dltakemotoweerts@ucdavis. edu. Department, City Prosecutor and component and brief parking lot Diversion Program – local Legislature. They started this drills. The city, police department Pima County diversion program within the Tucson and advocacy groups kicked off their With nearly 200 students each and soon expanded it to all of Pima diversion program by offering share month, Pima County’s Diversion County, including the University the road material and promoting free program is quickly and effectively of Arizona campus. Sheila Foraker, Traffic Skills classes. The bicycle com- spreading the message of bicycle the Pima County Bike Ambassador munity ensured awareness through- safety and the importance of the Project Manager, emphasized the out the law enforcement community law. This educational program offers importance of using classes to teach by educating officers and finding a traffic offenders an alternative to students what their rights and ex- champion in the police department. i going through the court system. The pectations are as a cyclist in order to For more information, contact program began when Pima County’s adequately explain why they received Sheila Foraker, education@perimeter- Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordina- the ticket and how to not get ticketed bicycling.com or visit http://bikeped. tor started openly talking about bike again. pima.gov. enforcement with the Tucson Police The class is a modified 4-hour Traffic Skills 101, with a classroom

Diversion Program – Austin Austin began teaching one of the nation’s first monthly Defensive Cycling classes, developed by the Center for Cycling Education (CCE), this year in cooperation with the City of Austin Mu- nicipal Court. The course draws attention not only to the rules of the road but the importance in obeying these laws in order to develop a sense of responsibility in cyclists. They have been a success thus far – filling up all of the 15 student classes offered. Allan Dunlop, the Direc- tor of CCE, explains that the curriculum draws on the behavioral psychology of cyclists, and has even evoked the reaction “I’m glad I was ticketed.” A certificate from this course serves as dismissal from a bicycle citation. The course, taught by League Cycling Instructors, educates students on how to be a safe, defensive cyclist, emphasizing the importance of obeying traffic laws. The licensing and curriculum are being modified and spread to other communities around the country. Dunlop believes that “there’s an opportunity to not only provide cyclists throughout North America with a court diversion program option, but more importantly, to give them practical skills they can implement immediately to help make themselves safer on our roads.”

i For more information, contact Wes Robinson at [email protected] or visit www.biketexas.org.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 55 guiding principle of the BFA programs, from the outset, has been the desire to ensure that recipients of a designation didn’t simply take the accolade and stop what they have been doing to promote bicycling. That thinking is behind the bronze- silver-gold-platinum graded ratings, and it helps explain the importance we attach to the feedback we provide to every applicant. The other way in which we try to ensure continued forward progress is in the “evaluation” section of the program. Anyone who has read about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, or seen him in action, knows that he embodies the principle of being data-driven – this characteristic is the hallmark of successful businesses, non-profits, and governments. New York City established an ambitious target of getting 200 miles of bicycle infrastructure installed in a two-year time frame: they measured it and got it done. They dissected their bicyclist crash problem in a detailed study and started addressing the root problems – which also made life better for pedestrians and motorists, as it turns out! And they kept counts of how many people were cycling so they could see if they were continuing to make progress. These last two measurements – the number of cyclists out there and the incidence of crashes – are fundamental benchmarks for any entity wanting to be bicyclist-friendly.

56 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica Data on bicycle use and crashes and recreational riding, is essential for ... and always about building broader is, nonetheless, rather limited. The government agencies and universi- support for making bike-friendly US Census Bureau now has annual ties, and an equivalent strategic plan changes. journey to work data for many com- or sustainability plan can transform a We reserve a special place at munities, but we have been able business. the end of every BFA application to encourage a lot of communities Overseeing implementation of for applicants to say why they think to begin their own, more detailed, such a plan and all the activities that they deserve recognition and what travel surveys and counts to better make up a bicycle friendly commu- they think they need to do next to document what’s going on. Similarly, nity or entity is a key task of a Bicycle keep momentum going. That self- crash data from state and national Advisory Committee or task force. assessment provides a unique insight sources is very limited and focused on Identifying people who can take on into the mindset of the applicants fatalities – hence the need for more a challenge, oversee its implementa- and helps confirm for the review- in-depth local analyses crashes and tion, hold each other accountable, ers whether a business, community, crash trends that can reveal issues and balance the big picture with day state or university is sitting on past that need to be addressed. The Tuc- to day implementation is at the heart achievements, feeling entitled to the son region, for example, took to heart of such an advisory group and helps designation, or is committed to really their serious crash record and have overcome the common challenge pressing forward and improving con- studied it with the law enforcement faced by the one “bicycle contact” ditions for bicyclists and bicycling. community to develop an action plan who can’t possibly be responsible for that will propel them towards their all the elements of a comprehensive ultimate goal: platinum! bike-friendly program in one place or Another truism from the busi- company. ness world applies to the BFA: Peter Bicycling is a big and broad issue Drucker’s famous quote that “If you with a lot of different facets that need don’t know where you are going, to be pulled together and coordi- any plan will do!” The best bicycle- nated – the plan and the advisory friendly communities and businesses group can help make that happen. An have a plan and they know where advocacy group or movement helps they are headed. A master plan helps ensure the political pressure is there take stock of where a community when the difficult funding, planning is, lays out a vision for where they and policy decisions have to be made want to be, and identifies the steps by the decision-makers – politicians, necessary to get from here to there CEOs, Chancellors – and are heavily – including an assessment of who influenced by the media. Over the needs to be involved along the way. past two or three years, we’ve come That’s not rocket science and yet it to recognize the value at the state is a significant undertaking that can and local level of a Bike Summit: yield tremendous progress. Having sometimes focused on elected offi- a current, funded plan for on- and cials, other times more on the techni- off-road bicycling, for transportation cal and implementation side of things

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 57 Evaluation Bike Master Plan

Bike Master Plan (BMP) a 10-year transportation plan that is the foundation of a suc- addresses a full range of transporta- cessful Bicycle Friendly tion options and issues. One of the A Community, without it six components of the plan was for progress is difficult. It is a compre- the city to develop a bicycle master hensive planning document which plan. The actual drafting of the plan Minneapolis, Minn. typically sets a community on a five-, began in 2008 and is currently in its 10-, 20-, or 30-year course to develop draft phase undergoing public review goals, objectives, benchmarks, perfor- and will then be presented to the city mance measures and to identify re- council for approval. Don Pflaum, sponsible agencies for suggested bike Transportation Planner for the City BicycleMinneapolis, Advisory MN Committee (BAC). initiatives. A BMP may also suggest and chief organizer of the Master “The advocate community has a lot policy changes to help support bicy- Plan believes it will be complete and more buy-in because they were able cling. In the end, it is ideal to have all passed by the council by May 2011, to play a big role in its development, five Es addressed in the plan – engi- making it a two and a half year com- also making the plan more bal- neering, education, encouragement, mitment. “It’s all about making sure anced and appealing to the public.” enforcement and evaluation – so that we are covering all the different Es Pflaum emphasized the importance bicycling is consistently addressed as a – just as you have to have a well-bal- of working with the BAC, “We used safe and viable transportation option. anced diet to stay healthy, you have to the BAC as sort of a clearing house of the public comments. Cooperation, compromise and willingness to work “It’s all about making sure we are covering all with others is a key component of a the different E’s. you have to have a well- successful plan.” balanced plan to make a successful Bicycle The plan was organized by Friendly Community. Pflaum with much volunteer effort through the BAC – an excellent way - Don Pflaum, Minneapolis Transportation Planner and chief organizer of the BMP to keep costs down. The BAC was organized and has responded well to Communities throughout the have a well-balanced plan to make a the need for input and feedback, “the country are developing BMPs to help successful Bicycle Friendly Commu- Committee created subcommittees lay the foundation for bicycle infra- nity. It’s better to take a bit longer and to research and assist certain tasks,” structure and initiatives. It has proven get it right than having to do it again adds Murphy. Information was then to be a valuable resource to help build in another couple of years.” One of synthesized by Pflaum to create a relationships between community the key objectives is to create regional comprehensive look at current and organizations and local officials, equity – connecting various part of future bicycle infrastructure and encourage compromise, increase the city that typically get overlooked policy within Minneapolis. cooperation, build consensus, and and underfunded. Having a BMP enables a com- create a public and transparent pro- According to Shaun Murphy, the munity to effectively and efficiently cess for bicycle progress. The Min- Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot communicate the needs of bicyclists, neapolis Bike Master Plan is a model Coordinator for the City of Minneap- establish guidelines, and set priori- plan. The plan started with a recom- olis, one of the key factors in develop- ties. Each community is unique and mendation from Access Minneapolis, ing the plan was cooperation with the so too is their approach to creat-

58 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica MINNEAPOLIS BIKE MASTER PLAN

The draft Bicycle Master Plan for Minneapolis, Minn. covers it all and is on track to become one Washington, D.C. of the best. • 178-page document • Includes bicycle policy, existing conditions, a needs analysis, for Producing and Implementing a ing a BMP. Some hire independent prioritized projects and initia- Bicycle Master Plan (2009) in con- consultants to help create the plan tives, and funding strategies. junction with The National Center and determine what is needed for a • Organized into eight chapters. for Biking and Walking. Lagerway, comprehensive and accessible bicycle • Includes: now senior planner with Toole De- network; others use internal staff or • Intro sign, beautifully dissects the process volunteers such as a BAC. Still there • bicycling history of creating a BMP into three phases: are others that use a combination of • policy framework, goals/ before the Plan, developing the BMP, any of the three approaches. What is objectives/benchmarks and implementing the Plan. Included important when creating a BMP is • needs analysis, are photos from successful Bicycle that it results in a clear set of recom- • project identification/ pri- Friendly Communities across the mendations that will make your com- oritization country, a suggested timeline, tips on munity more bicycle-friendly. • funding Partnership is critical, if the BMP selecting the right consultant, and is not written in consultation with evaluation criteria for a BMP. Lager- i Read more at ci.minneapolis. way’s guide is available on-line and local government, transportation mn.us/bicycles/bicycle-plans.asp officials, local advocacy groups, and can be downloaded for free. other area stakeholders, the plan will While developing a BMP is a be of little use. The BMP end result is critical step in creating a roadmap for not only a valuable resource but the bicycle progress within your com- process of its creation is invaluable. munity, the more important step to Along the way there will be beneficial consider is its implementation. This partnerships created that will assist is where the value of the relationships throughout the implementation of and partnerships created between the plan and beyond. governing officials and bicycle-inter- There are many good Bike Master est groups come into play. Plans available to view on-line and this is a great place to start to become more familiar with what makes a Master Plan effective and successful. Another key resource is Peter Lagerway’s Creating a Roadmap e AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 59 Evaluation Bicycle Advisory Committee

with the city and county and pur- posefully wanted to remain autonomous of these governing entities to avoid conflict of interest. Oakland’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (often times bicycle and pedestrian efforts are combined) is now 15 years running and has had success working with the Bicycle Advisory Com- 3. To perform a watchdog role on mittee/Council (BAC) is city. They have helped the city devel- project and policy implementa- op design guidelines for way-finding a critical component of a tion. successful Bicycle Friendly signs, assisted with the city’s creation A of parking rack guidelines based on Community and can play an impor- One of the major issues confront- tant role in helping local officials cre- 12 to 14 years of data, helped create ing Madison in 2009 was the discon- an Oakland bikeways map, and an ate, implement, and prioritize bicycle nectedness among the greater Madi- programs, facilities, and policies. interactive Google map. son bicycle community. “We saw a i There are various ways a commu- For more information, visit huge opportunity to bring together oaklandpw.com/Page124.asps. nity can go about creating their BAC. representatives from all Madison-area Typically it is a citizen based organi- bicycling interests to keep everyone Bicycle Friendly Business zation rather than an extension of the updated on what the different groups Bike Coordinator local government, helping to create a were doing and figure out how we more autonomous organization im- Similar to a Bicycle Advisory can work in partnership,” said White. Committee/Council for a community mune to political changes. Since it is What resulted was the Greater typically not recognized as an official is the Bicycle Coordinator for a busi- Madison Bicycle Advisory Council, ness. The position can be a volunteer, member of the governing council, which has taken a regional approach the committee can act independent part-time, or full-time position; the and extended their scope beyond city more time a coordinator is able to of procedural requirements, have limits. “Planning can’t be done in a broader participation, and also act as dedicate to bicycle related programs vacuum, so we had to make it more and initiatives, the stronger the busi- a watchdog on governing policy and of a regional effort.” The group works project implementation. An effective BAC ensures an opportunity for public input into bicycle related projects, programs, and policy. According to Jason Patton, Bicy- cle and Pedestrian Program Manager for the city of Oakland, and Amanda White, Chair of the Greater Madison Bicycle Advisory Council and Associ- ate Director of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, there are three major roles a BAC plays in assisting local officials: 1. To provide a consensus building approach to public input on bicycle related programs, policies and projects. 2. To act as a review panel on Madison, Wis. bicycle-related proposals

60 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica ness’s bicycle community. Typically this role is designated to an employee in human resources, transportation management, or health and wellness; however, it is more advantageous to have a bicycle commuter fill this role than to force a non-commuter to accept the responsibilities. Most important is to have a coordinator who is already plugged into the bicycle Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Executive Director Kevin Hardman (center), ac- community and knows other cyclists companied by Trek Bicycle President John Burke (right) and State Representa- in the office. tive Spencer Black (D-Madison, left) at the Wisconsin Bicycle Summit. Dave Dusatko of PayPal, a Bronze level BFB, was approached by the human resources department to STATE BIKE SUMMITS ask if he was interested in organiz- Many states and communities are finding bike summits to be catalysts ing a bike commuter challenge run for pursuing a designation through the League’s Bicycle Friendly America by Activate Omaha, the local bike programs. In addition to receiving credit in the bicycle-friendly application advocacy organization. “HR knew I for these events, Bike Summits also act as a region-wide bicycle-friendly mo- was a known champion for bicycling tivator. “The bike summit is the best opportunity to pull everyone together, and I was happy to take the role of to take stock of what we have done and to chart how we move our state Bicycle Coordinator.” Although it is towards becoming one of the world’s best places to be on a bicycle.” Says a volunteer position, Dusatko feels Kevin Hardman of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. supported by the senior executives of They inspire community momentum and encourage states and commu- PayPal. “The company is very sup- nities to work towards a bicycle-friendly designation and/or move up award portive. Everyone from the security levels. Kevin McCurran, who was a lead organizer for Grand Rapids, Mich.’s administration, facilities depart- first Bike Summit in 2009, says, “Bike summits are really about organizing ment, and Green Team support the around your area’s larger bicycling goals and building movement around office bicyclists and they are very them. There is a lot of detailed work before the event but the affirmation of responsive to suggestions for im- interest and widespread value of these goals keeps the process moving.” provements.” Dusatko’s efforts have i For more information, visit the Wisconsin Bike Federation online at led to a major increase in commuter www.bfw.org. challenge mileage and participation, the first year 1,500 miles were ridden, GRAND RAPIDS BIKE SUMMIT only two years later PayPal racked up Grand Rapids’ Bike Summit brought in two keynote speakers – Bicycle 9,900 miles! Dusatko’s contributions Friendly America Program Director Bill Nesper and Alta Planning + Design extend well beyond the commuter Transportation Planner Ann Friewald for national perspectives. However, challenge; he has also helped organize they had plenty of space for local issues. City planners spoke about build- the PayPal Bike Club which in turn ing a bike plan, state bike coordinator spoke, and mountain bike advocates has provided in-house maintenance discussed what was going on with their community. on employee bikes, raffle drawings “There had been lots of events involving bicycling in Grand during Bike to Work, and increased Rapids, but this was the first one solely focusing on advocacy,” bike parking. “Cycling has quickly says Kevin McCurran, who was a lead organizer for Grand Rapids, become part of our corporate culture Michigan’s first Bike Summit in 2009. “We made sure to include at the Omaha, Neb. location.” as many issues and voices as we could.” i For more information, contact i For more information on Grand Rapid’s summit, visit Dave Dusatko at [email protected]. pedalgr.com/2009/04/28/first-gr-bike-summit-a-success.

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 61 Evaluation dATA cOLLECTION

n important consideration when developing your evaluation initiatives is Aa plan for data collection. The BFC application asks for the American Community Survey, Journey to Work Data, a number that represents a community’s percentage of citizens that use their bicycle as their primary mode of transportation to work. The most recently collected statistics was in 2009. Annual estimates are available for geographic areas with populations of 65,000 or more. Today, the percentage of Ameri- Alta Planning + Design staff created the National Bike and Pedestrian Documentation Program. cans biking to work is .55 percent. BFC designated cities have on average about twice the percentage of commuters as non-BFC cities. The Bicycle the available resources for bicycles using ECO Counter and MetroCount. Friendly Business application asks and create more? The simple answer “We realized we needed more data, what the commuter rate is within is that you have to justify your case – we needed to be able to justify the the business. We rely on businesses which means you need to know how facilities bicyclists need.” Arlington conducting their own bike counts to many people ride their bikes. initially used the National Bike and provide this answer. Arlington, Va., a Silver level Pedestrian Documentation Project, BFC, started doing bike counts two co-sponsored by Alta Planning + That Which Isn’t Counted, years ago and today is investing even Design, and the Institute of Transpor- Doesn’t Count more to continue and expand their tation Engineers (ITE) Pedestrian and Collecting baseline data is a key methods. David Patton, Bicycle & Bicycle Council (available on-line) component of the BFC and BFB Pedestrian Planner of Arlington to help organize and coordinate their Evaluation section. As we all know, County Division of Transportation, efforts. resources for bike projects can be organized Arlington’s first volunteer i For more information contact scarce, so how does a community or based bike counts in 2008 and has David Goodman at dgoodman@ business determine how to prioritize since invested in electronic counters arlingtonva.us. Greenville, SC did the same and also realized the benefit of using a “We realized we needed more data. nation-wide bike counting system We needed to be able to justify the that provides a consistent model of facilities bicyclists need.” data collection. Arlington and Green- - David Patton, Bicycle & Pedestrian Planner, Arlington Co. Division of Transportation ville solicited the help of volunteers.

62 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica MIT, Lincoln Lab Lincoln, Mass.

At a show of hands early in the seminars, about 90 percent of the attendees said they had no college training in these issues, and 80 percent had not attended a seminar about it. It was clear from the attendance and the informal poll that these seminars were filling a need in Illinois.

Workshops were organized to educate Using the Data being used the most by cyclists. This the volunteers and distribute material In Greenville, the city relates the has resulted in a $50,000 grant from for the counts. Volunteers observed bike count data to crash statistics. Green Link to improve bicycle facili- and counted cyclists in two hour “Overlap of high use rates and high ties around transit routes. stretches – locations included paths, e crash rates is a red flag that we need The Arlington bike count data streets with bike facilities, and streets to evaluate an area and improve showed that during a major snow without bike facilities. Weekday it,” said Meeker. Crash rates are an storm trail usage went down to zero counts were made from 7-9 am and important statistic to know and can because trails were not passable. weekend counts were conducted from be a tricky one to collect. Many times Patton is now armed with a wealth 10-12 am. This helped distinguish a crash is only reported if there is an of statistics to make the case that the commuters from recreational cyclists. injury, damage to a bike, or damage trial system is used as transportation Today Arlington is developing a da- to a car. Greenville has incorporated corridor and therefore should receive tabase to help process the counts into crash studies as a piece of their Mas- the same priority as streets in terms presentable tables, timelines, charts, ter Plan. They are coordinating with of snow removal, maintenance, and and graphs – tools to build a con- Greenville’s Department of Public funding. “The data has validated the vincing argument that bike facilities Safety and Department of Health and bicycle facilities,” adds Patton. The are needed. Andrew Meeker, Urban Environment. There will also be ad- county is responding well and has Designer for the city of Greenville, ditional training to the police depart- budgeted $100,000 to buy 14 addi- is thrilled with the counting system. ment and county sheriff on how to tional pieces of counter equipment “Our objective was to really nail properly record, log and report bike and pay for installation for the com- down the true mode share of bicycles, crash data. ing year. once we had that baseline data then Greenville’s transit agency Green i For more information we could start evaluating our efforts Link is now tracking bikes on buses contact Andrew Meeker at to increase bicycling.” to help determine what routes are [email protected].

AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica 63 AMERICAN What Can THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through You Do? advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 here is a lot that goes into making your community, business, state organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling or university a better place for bicyclists. In the preceding pages, to your community. Contact League officers, directors or we’ve documented what we believe are the most critical and influ- staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; Tential elements in that process. We have created the Bicycle Friendly America [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. programs to provide a blueprint for action, with on-line tools, resources and in-person technical assistance that is making a difference. In 2010 alone, we BOARD OF DIRECTORS provided assistance to more than 500 communities and businesses – and the Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] numbers keep on growing. Ongoing support from our members and industry Gary Brustin, [email protected] partners Trek and Bikes Belong have made this possible. Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected] One more inescapable truth is that every single community, state, univer- Bill Hoffman, [email protected] sity or business gets started and sustains their efforts by virtue of people like Jeffrey Lynne, [email protected] you asking for it to happen. No-one else is going to do it for us, and it really Mike Nix, [email protected] isn’t rocket science. So if you want to make a difference in your community Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] and don’t know where to start, we encourage you to use the BFA program as John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] a guide. Gail Spann, [email protected] Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer Hans van Naerssen, Chair, [email protected] Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, [email protected]

STAFF Andy Clarke – President Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications Alison Dewey – BFC Program Specialist Walter Finch – Advocacy Director Darren Flusche – Policy Analyst Lorna Green – Director of Operations RESOURCES: Katie Omberg – Membership and Events Assistant Bill Nesper – Director, BFC Program Bicycle Friendly Community - http://www.bikeleague.org/bfcresources Jeff Peel – State and Local Advocacy Coordinator Bicycle Friendly Business - http://www.bikeleague.org/bfbresources Carly Sieff – BFA Program Assistant Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant Bicycle Friendly States - http://www.bikeleague.org/bfsresources Preston Tyree – Education Director Bicycle Friendly University - http://www.bikeleague.org/bfuresources Scott Williams – Membership Director AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Editor: Meghan Cahill Art Director: Studio D Design Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon

American Bicyclist is printed with soy ink on 30% post-consumer American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2010 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published without additional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.

64 AmericanBicyclist | BicycleFriendlyAmerica

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