MAKES AMERICA GREAT! P. 10

July-August 2012 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America

RIGHT & LEFT AGREE: BICYCLING MAKES AMERICA 16 EVERY BICYCLIST GREAT! p. 10 COUNTS 22 TUCSON’S QUEST FOR PLATINUM 26 SoCal GOES CYCLE CHIC www.bikeleague.org/conferences/women contentJULY-AUG 2012

IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint...... 2 InBox...... 3 Cogs & Gears...... 4 10 QuickStop...... 28

ON THE COVER! Pedal Progress 10 Right & Left Agree: Bicycling Makes America Great We are a nation divided, except when it comes to cycling

16 Every Bicyclist Counts A new League effort to reduce cycling fatalities From the Saddle 18 Living and Riding Second by Second How one woman’s bike carried her through 18 cancer and beyond Bicycle Friendly America Workstand 22 Tucson Goes the Distance Overcoming auto-driven growth to become a Gold Bicycle Friendly Community

Think Bike 24 Safety in Any Language Advocates engage day laborers to 24 produce Spanish-language PSA campaign 26 SoCal Goes Cycle Chic A Q&A with Melissa Balmer of Women on Bikes SoCal

Cover by Liam Crotty Photography. Models: Kathryn Moore, South Florida Bike Coalition; Mary Jane Mark, Owner, Mack Cycle & Fitness; Dario Gonzalez, Board of Directors, Green Mobility Network and 26 Magic City Bicycle Collective; Guerby Mertil, Community Liaison, Deco Bike and Bike For Life Foundation. Photo Shoot Assistants: Charles Driza and Aaron Roy, Co-owners, Tropical Pedicabs; Rachel Mark, Mack Cycle & Fitness. Bicycles & accessories provided by Mack Cycle & Fitness. viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president]

NUM3ERS MATTER

Washington D.C. – and specifically finishing the Challenge with a a powerful endorsement Capitol Hill – has been a challenging bang in August, so if you haven’t of cycling policy at its an- place of late. If you follow our blog, get signed up, it’s not too late even now!) nual meeting in June. our action alerts, subscribe to the on- The Bicycle Friendly Community, As if that weren’t enough of a sig- line advocacy center or are friends with University and Business programs are nal to Congress to do the right thing, a us on Facebook, you know that, despite providing a valuable roadmap and poll commissioned by America Bikes all the benefits of bicycling, we’ve had blueprint for change for more and revealed overwhelming bipartisan a hard time convincing Congress to more people at the local level, and the support for federal funding for bik- preserve even the smallest percentage Bicycle Friendly State ranking in May ing and walking. Eighty-three percent of transportation funding for bikes. has inspired the formation of new of adults were in favor: a figure that Fortunately, pretty much every state groups, the introduction of pro- barely wavered across party lines or any other place you look, bicycling is bicycling legislation, and new funding geographic or demographic split. More thriving. The numbers for every event initiatives. than eight in 10 adults in the United Win National Bike Month were headed Mayors and top city officials con- States want Congress to maintain or upwards; Bike to School Day saw more tinue to champion bicycling. Six cities increase levels of federal funding for than 700 events in its first year; and the have joined in a unique collaboration biking and walking: that’s a big and National Bike Challenge secured more – the Green Lane Project – to speed the impressive number. Even though the than 25,000 riders who logged a stag- development of cycle tracks and more outcome of the transportation bill is a gering 3 million miles — in a single innovative infrastructure. Meanwhile, disappointment in the short term, we’re month. (We’re looking forward to the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted still in the game for the long-haul, and the numbers in support of our cause are compelling. Here at the League, we’re determined to spend the next two years making our case more effectively at the state and local level — and we’ll be back in 2014 to show Congress that bicycling is truly on the move. As always, thank you for your support and for raising your voice when it matters. Numbers do matter, but only if enough people – and the right people – hear them and see them!

Andy Clarke League President

2 AmericanBicyclist inbox [letters to the editor]

Life-Saving Hindsight bicycle, consult a map, or take a break. The letter from Steve Weeks in the Beginners and people riding danger- May-June issue of American Bicyclist ous streets worry about things going TWEETED reminded me of an organized ride wrong. They are unlikely to try cycling You can always tell when across Wisconsin that I remember on streets without sidewalks. I live in @BikeLeague is in town. vividly. I was watching a car in my rear Austin, Texas, where three-fourths – @caitcostello view mirror as it weaved back and forth of the sidewalk system is missing. across the road behind me. As it drew Although it is the necessary support nearer, I realized I couldn’t see a driver system for both bicycling and public and the right front tire of the car was transit, the sidewalk system is generally on the white painted line on the edge of ignored by both cycling and rail advo- the road where I was riding! I pedaled cates. Finishing the sidewalk system off the road into a ditch, but as the car would get more women on bicycles drove by, I did see that the driver was in Austin than any other conceivable leaning over looking at something on transportation improvement. the passenger side front seat. He never - Amy Babich, Austin, Texas down a driveway across the sidewalk, saw me, and probably would have hit or something causing a loss of control and possibly killed me if I hadn’t been Safe Seats? on a bike path and “meeting” a nearby wearing and using my rear view mirror. We talk about riding safely and tree. A friend once loaned me such Hindsight is essential for bikers, and I wearing protective equipment. It makes a child’s seat for me to use with my never ride without one. me shiver when I see an adult riding a children. Never once did I use it. The - Ron Retherford, New Berlin, Wis. bicycle with a child in a seat between potential consequences made me the adult and the handlebars/stem shudder. — as in the picture on page 12 of the - Rich Delombard, Huron, Ohio Correction In the May/June May-June issue of American Bicyclist. issue of American Bicyclist, a gift If (heaven forbid) an accident happens, Facebook in the $1,000-$4,999 category the adult’s body will crush the child In response to June 1 blog: was mistakenly attributed to Scot to the handlebars/stem. Accidents do Women on a Roll ... and on the Hartle. The gift was in fact from happen, whether it is losing control on cover of American Bicyclist! the Florida Freewheelers. We a rough road, a car pulling backwards Thanks for the coverage of the great appreciate this donation. work being done by Atlanta Bicycle Coalition! - Georgia Bikes!

The Critical Role of Sidewalks In response to June 5 blog: As “Women on a Roll” in the May- Small Decrease in Driving = June issue of American Bicyclist points Huge Decrease in Congestion out, women want to feel safe when rid- When I commute by bike, I really don’t ing bicycles for transportation. But it’s care whether there is traffic conges- hard for a cyclist to feel safe on streets tion or not because I’m not part of the that do not accommodate pedestrians. congestion. Plus, I’m having fun on my On a street without pedestrian space, way to/from work! there is no margin for error. There - Buzz Feldman is no room to fix a flat tire, walk a Safe seats for baby?

Thanks for your letters We eagerly await all of your comments — good and bad — on cycling, the League, our publications, and just about anything else you want to tell us about. E-mail [email protected] or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20006. Comment on facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists or twitter.com/bikeleague. Letters may be edited for style and length.

AmericanBicyclist 3 cogs&gears [League News]

GIVING Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who have contributed at least $100, above and beyond membership dues, from April 1 – May 31, 2012.

$1,000-$4,999 Leslie Arminski Tim Greener Peter Penseyres Kathy Seery & Family Organization Katherine Barrett Richard Griffith David Quist Richard Slaymaker Santa Rosa Cycling Paul Bartlett John Gronquist Robert & Patricia Porter Storey Club Thomas Bayard Molly Gurney Raburn Suri Bjerga Family Rainard Beer Diane Haltigan Robert Railey Swent Family Individuals Diane Bies Dan Hammerstrom Robert Randell Roger Thauland Alison & Jay Graves Barry Boyce Thomas Hauser Richard Reis Michael Throop David Madson William Branstrup Burnett Herrick Carol Richards & Carol Tremble Hans Van Naerssen Scott Burstein Diane Hess Family James Vance Janet & Russ Robert Hoel Ralph Robinson Steve Walther $100-$999 Buschert Richard L. Hughes & Rodney Rutherford David Warwick Bike Shop Louis Carson Family Robert Scari Steve Watson Earls Cyclery & Fitness Ann Cavazos Chen Alan Kailer Bill Wolf James Chapman Edward Kleinbard Organizations Jonathan Childs Amy Kristoff Evanston Bicycle Club David Clark Henry Lawrence Nashoba Valley Pedalers Thomas Cowles Simon Lewis Correction: In the May/June issue of Spring City Spinners James Duba Matthias Loeser American Bicyclist, a gift in the $1,000 - $4,999 Bicycle Club Frederick Eames Scott Luria & Family category was mistakenly attributed to Scot Hartle. Swanson, Thomas, Coon Jean Faddis Patrick Marek & Newton Attorneys Michael Flueckiger David McKinley The gift was in fact from the Florida Freewheelers. Cary Fox William Michie We appreciate this donation. Individuals Carol Friesen Edward Nicolson Karen Adam & Family Elliott Gartner Mike Nix Robert Aderhold Adil Godrej David O’Brien Diane Albert

What has With more than 1,300 of the nation’s largest cities The League worked with Mayor represented within its ranks, the U.S. Conference Paul Soglin, Madison, Wis., to craft the League of Mayors (UCSM) is a powerful organization a resolution urging Congress to done for you when it comes to sharing best practices and ad- protect federal funding for lately? vancing trends in good governance and commu- biking and walking programs. nity development. Just last month, the League worked with Mayor Paul Soglin, from Madison, Wisc., to craft a resolution highlighting the benefits of bicycling and urging Congress to protect federal funding for biking and walking programs — and the measure was passed by the full Conference at its annual meeting. But that wasn’t the only talk of bicycling at the important gathering: Along with League staff, Soglin also hosted a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coffee Exchange to discuss mayors’ efforts to build more bicycle-friendly infrastructure in their communities and to lay the groundwork for a May- ors’ Bicycle Meeting — the first of its kind — next spring.

4 AmericanBicyclist 2011 ANNUAL REPORT taking off the TRAINING WHEELS By Andy Clarke, League President

Mature may seem like an odd word way to predict how it would change nearly 30,000 messages to members of to use for a 132-year-old organization, the League, and the country, for the Congress telling them, in no-uncertain but for the League in 2011, it fits. This better. Offering technical assistance, terms: Bicycling matters! Thanks to was the year we took off our training evaluation and advice for communities, your participation, we lived to fight wheels and really started to ride. From universities, businesses and states, the another day. showing our power on Capitol Hill to program continues to exceed expecta- establishing a firm financial footing, tions with each application cycle. In Educating Everyone this was a year in which the League 2011 alone, we added 26 universities, The League’s new education direc- shone. 56 communities, and 166 businesses to tor dove into the education corner of ranks of Bicycle Friendly awardees. The www.bikeleague.org and quickly made Advocacy Advance team also held four Bicycle Friendly it more accessible and useful for all Thanks to a generous grant from America Strategy Sessions, asking local League Cycling Instructors. From writ- SRAM, the Advocacy Advance team and state advocates how the program ing lesson plans to creating marketing launched two new initiatives in 2011. could improve. What we learned is materials for LCIs to sell their classes, Rapid Response Grants supported im- already informing and improving our the overhaul of the League’s education mediate action to maintain or increase work in 2012 and beyond. program started successfully in 2011. bicycle funding and implement critical The League certified more than 300 in- campaigns in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Capitol Hill Hears Bicyclists structors last year, adding their names Oregon and New York. Meanwhile, we From the House appropriations to the roles of more than 1,000 active debuted the first round of Action 2020 committee to the Senate budget com- bike teachers. workshops in Tucson, Ariz.; Houston, mittee, 2011 was the year Capitol Texas; and Hartford, Conn., provid- Hill tried to stop federal funding for National Bike Summit ing advocates, officials and engineers bicycling. Again and again, funding for Every year, we can’t imagine sur- the knowledge and data they need to bicycling investments were labeled as passing the previous year’s Summit. Ev- justify and support funding for bicycle an “unnecessary luxury” or dismissed ery year, with your support, we do. In projects. Find out more at www.advo- as “not real transportation” by a hand- 2011, reeling from the loss of stalwart cacyadvance.org. ful of Senators and Representatives. Congressional supporter Jim Ober- The League gave bicyclists the micro- star, members stood up and veritably Bicycle Friendly America phone with 17 national alerts shouted, “Bicyclists count!” With 767 The Bicycle Friendly Com- that provoked an avalanche of attendees (a record!) and growing co- munity program started small in 2003, and there was no Riders at the 2011 National Bike Summit

AmericanBicyclist 5 cogs&gears [League News]

alition of drivers, transit professionals and more, the 2011 Summit was a huge success. Thanks to our partners at Bikes Belong, and sponsors as varied as AAA and the Federal Highway Administra- tion, this powerful gathering continues to be a vital event for bicyclists to make their presence felt in Washington, D.C.

State and Local Advocacy Supporting local advocacy groups and clubs remains a top priority of the League, and we showed that with more The first Action 2020 workshop was Sprocketman is one reason Stanford than 80 action alerts sent out in 2011 held in Tucson, Ariz. in 2011. University is Bicycle Friendly. on behalf of local affiliates. In addition to 12 Bicycle Friendly Workshops in the continued support of members like renewed major donor program, and cities like Omaha, Neb., and Madison, you. In 2010, we posted our first loss in from renewing corporate supporters Wis., we were reminded of how incred- several years, mainly due to the timing such as Trek, SRAM and Bikes Belong. ible our members are and how fantastic of grant income and expenditures for The financial support of individual bicycling is by riding with club mem- a new membership database. In 2011, members remains crucial to our work, bers in Arkansas and California — just we were back in surplus for the year accounting for some 40 percent of the to name two highlights! and have finally been able to retire a League’s total income. significant debt that was incurred after We know we must earn this in- Zealously Counting Our a terrible financial year in 2004. come every single year by delivering Pennies Recovery has been possible be- on our programs and promises, and by The past few years have seen tough cause of careful attention to expenses creating a more bicycle-friendly Amer- economic challenges, as well as political and more successful fundraising. In ica. With members like you behind us, threats — and we successfully weath- 2011, we secured several large multi- we’ll have tailwinds for the entire year. ered the storms again in 2011 thanks to year gifts and pledges as part of a

1% OTHER 1% DONATED SERVICES 3% 2% PUBLICATIONS FUNDRAISING 25% 6% MEMBERSHIP DUES MANAGEMENT 33% & GENERAL GRANTS 15% 92% PROGRAMS TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES 22% CONTRIBUTIONS

2011 EXPENSES 2011 REVENUE

6 AmericanBicyclist CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES (For the year ended December 31, 2011)

Unrestricted Temporarily 2011 Total 2010 Total Restricted

REVENUE AND SUPPORT Membership dues $ 595,862 — $ 595,862 $ 562,283 Programs and rallies $ 373,341 — $ 373,341 $ 350,945 Contributions $ 530,866 — $ 530,866 $ 220,436 Grants $ 75,725 $ 721,526 $ 797,251 $ 990,222 Publication $ 64,224 — $ 64,224 $ 48,298 Donated services $ 33,919 — $ 33,919 $ 2,070 Interest and dividends $ 12,543 — $ 12,543 $ 13,927 Other $ 5,250 — $ 5,250 $ 2,487 Unrealized gain on investment ($ 3,526) — ($ 3,526) $ 40,166 Realized gains on investment — — $ 0 $ 0

Net assets released from restriction: Satisfaction of program restrictions $ 748,243 ($ 748,243) — — Total Revenue and Support $ 2,436,447 ($ 26,717) $ 2,409,730 $2,230,834

EXPENSES Program Services: • Advocacy $ 1,107,252 — $ 1,107,252 $ 1,211,517 • Membership Activities $ $336,788 — $ 336,788 $ 370,552 • Promotion $ 230,895 — $ 230,895 $ 242,771 • Education $ 324,103 — $ 324,103 $ 320,519 Total Program Services $ 1,999,038 $ 0 $ 1,999,038 $2,145,359

Supporting Services: • Management and general $ 132,952 — $ 132,952 $ 137,270 • Fundraising $ 44,998 — $ 44,998 $ 38,511 Total Supporting Services $ 177,950 $ 0 $ 177,950 $ 175,781

Total Expense $ 2,176,988 $ 0 $ 2,176,988 $2,321,140

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $ 259,459 ($ 26,717) $ 232,742 ($ 90,306)

NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 211,355 $ 419,798 $ 631,153 $ 721,459

NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $ 470,814 $ 393,081 $ 863,895 $ 631,153

AmericanBicyclist 7 cogs&gears [League News] URGENCY ETERNITY Consequences of an ethical response& to car-centric consumerism

By Bill Wilson

Growing up in the Washington, metropolis, I learned how to pene- the gym or D.C. suburbs in the 1950s, I was free to trate the barriers and was soon biking grocery store. play anywhere in our neighborhood. all over town. But the recession I soon discovered that biking could In 1990, I stopped driving my car closed the gym, where for 20 years get me all over town — and beyond. as a moral imperative stemming from intense dance workouts to loud music Boy Scouts taught survival skills that my tepid support for the Gulf War as had wiped away all my stress, leav- launched many later vagabond trips a purely defensive action. However, ing a clear mind open to scientific of 200 to 2,000 miles. almost everyone around me clearly insights. The therapeutic zumba and At college in Richmond, Ind., I supported the war as a means to kickboxing workouts moved to dis- explored the countryside from Day- protect the oil interests critical to our tant gyms. Suddenly I was confronted ton to Indianapolis with a one-speed car-centered economy. I gave away with 5- to 20-mile detours during bike. On one unplanned ride, a strong my car. As scientific evidence for evening rush hour. New research tailwind blew me to Detroit. Without human-induced climate change be- priorities added yet more trips. any identification, I biked unimpeded came increasingly compelling during Scary bike lanes that almost no across the river to the University of the mid 1990s, I dramatically reduced one uses took me part of the way. Windsor, found our math textbook my electricity consumption by totally But time constraints and the need to in the library, dutifully mailed in my relinquishing air conditioning and hot cross two or three freeways required homework from Canada, and took a water. Further reducing my carbon riding partially on major streets. train back to Dayton. Who needs a car, footprint, I stopped riding in cars Slower riders are usually hounded off even for international travel? altogether. busy streets, but motorists here are In 1982, I moved to Houston from My mobility thus became highly somewhat more tolerant of fast riders. Albuquerque, where for a decade dependent on biking. Walking, run- So I decided to ride fast – always on I had biked thousands of miles a ning, or using public transit would the big chain ring, hands on the drops year. The transition was frightening be unacceptably slow – turning a 30- – with two DiNotte taillights (burning because of heavy traffic, narrow lanes, minute bike trip into an exhausting day and night) that give motorists and impatient drivers. The many two-hour ordeal. The bicycle became ample warning to change lanes. I try freeways, railroad tracks, and bayous my magic carpet. Before 2008 I mostly to avoid conflicts by riding far to the seemed like insurmountable barriers. used neighborhood streets for my right on major streets and by pulling Gradually adapting to life in this wild daily commute, including stops at off the road when I see a pack of cars

8 AmericanBicyclist approaching from behind. A critical is the mitigation of climate change. safety device is my motorcycle mirror. However, most environmental orga- LEAVE THE My vintage mountain/com- nizations promote electric cars and muter bike has transported com- biofuels, which will exacerbate global LEAGUE A puter monitors, 50-pound bags of food shortages, obesity, and other grain, 40-pound tubs of tahini, and a ill effects of our addiction to car- futon across town. But now the bike centered consumerism. The League LEGACY more often carries precious research simply promotes bicycling, the most The League has formed a new samples at all hours of day and night efficient form of transportation recognition society, the Legacy to a large analytical instrument (NMR) known. And cycling often inspires a Circle, to honor individuals across town. Although this is the less-is-more lifestyle, the antithesis of who include us in their estate best NMR instrument in a city with rampant consumerism. plans. Members of the new the largest medical/research com- The quality of life has deterio- society include several League plex in the world, I am often the only rated markedly during my lifetime. board members, as well as user — in part because the facility is I no longer bike or walk recreation- long-term supporters. hard to access by car. Biking there is ally – it’s just too dangerous. No one faster, and parking is much easier. Is seems to notice or care that we have If you have included the bicycling too mundane for scientists sold our souls to affluence and high League in your estate plans, immersed in lucrative fantasies of sav- technology. My hope for any rescue we encourage you to add your ing the world with the next high-tech of our lethargic, misguided culture is name to the growing roster breakthrough? faint. But after an hour with energetic of members of the Legacy Far from mundane, biking all over zumba aficionados at an ethnically Circle. Please send an e-mail Houston constantly showers me with diverse gym, this pessimistic outlook to [email protected] precious memories: carrying NMR vanishes. to let us know your plans. samples at 2 a.m. on the bayou bike Youthful enthusiasm, scientific We don’t need the details, trail past homeless camps, finding knowledge, efficient technology, just your indication that the (and returning) a fat undamaged philosophical wisdom, and bicycles: League will be remembered in wallet in the middle of a busy street, What global disaster might assemble your estate. and jumping my bike out of a left- these parts into a sustainable civili- turn lane onto the median to wave zation that can endure on our dam- For most donors, a simple an ambulance through a congested aged planet? Meanwhile, confronting bequest in your will is the intersection (the driver waved back). death every day on the roadways im- easiest way to make an estate From a historical perspective of bues my life with a blend of urgency gift. You can also name the human values, it’s hard to escape and eternity. League as the beneficiary of a the conclusion that our car-centered life insurance policy. Please use consumerism is deeply and broadly Bill Wilson recently identified the the League’s tax identification wrong. How can we tolerate a society League as a beneficiary of his estate number in any documents. where children cannot walk safely to — a gift that will ensure we can con- That number is 36-6206225. school or play freely outside? How can tinue to speak up for all cyclists in the we justify oil wars and a transporta- future, as we do today. tion system that fosters obesity and heart disease? On a personal level, how will I explain supporting oil wars with my taxes? For the past decade, my pay rate has been close to minimum wage, American Bicyclist is printed with soy ink and I further reduce taxes by donating on 30% post-consumer recycled paper half my income to charitable organi- certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. zations. My top priority for donations

AmericanBicyclist 9 PEDALSMART PROGRESS CYCLING

CONGRESS IS BEHIND THE CURVE, BUT BICYCLING IS GAINING WIDE SUPPORT FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA photo by Liam Crotty by photo 10 AmericanBicyclist RIGHT LEFT AGREE: BICYCLING MAKES AMERICA GREAT WE ARE A NATION DIVIDED, EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO CYCLING

The debate in Congress about the next federal transportation bill TAX CUTS AND was long ... and frustrating. For months and months, you got our ECONOMIC e-mails with “Urgent: Take Action Today!” in the subject line. You GROWTH: lit up the switchboards on Capitol Hill with your calls and flooded The Conservative Perspective By Tom Bowden the inboxes of your members of Congress urging them to preserve critical federal funding for biking and walking in your community. n 2010, Ted Johnson invited me to write an article. In my comments Unfortunately, at the end of June, Congress cut many of the popular on his site — Commute By Bike — programs that have built the foundation of a more Bicycle Friendly I referenced my generally conservative inclination, and Ted thought I might America. But there’s good news. The battle over the transportation have something more extensive to say bill clearly revealed the wide bipartisan support for biking in com- about conservatives and cycling. What followed was totally unexpected. munities from coast to coast. Mayors and governors, Republicans The article, How to Talk about and Democrats, more than 70 national organizations united behind Cycling to a Conservative, touched a nerve. The piece went viral and most of bicycling as a means to make America great. Here are just two per- the reaction was positive. Overwhelm- spectives ... from both sides of the aisle. ingly, the responses were along the lines of “Yeah, I’m conservative, too, and I ride a bike!” Turns out conservatives — 80 percent or more according to a recent poll — support cycling. And why not? After all, there are more than enough reasons for a good conservative to support cycling, even if they choose not to ride themselves. Let’s start with the economics of cycling. First off, cycling infrastructure is flat out cheaper than building more

AmericanBicyclist 11 PEDALSMART PROGRESS CYCLING

roads. The more cyclists, the more Most cyclists need no financial cent is related to getting to work, while room for cars on existing roads. The incentive to ride, but even if every 90 percent of all trips are less than more cyclists, the less concrete we existing bicycle commuter received the two miles. Enabling just 10 percent of need to pour. The less concrete, the commuter tax credit the total annual even those short trips to be on a bike more money for deficit reduction, tax cost to the treasury would be only or on foot can make a real reduction cuts — or for bike projects in the home about $175 million. In contrast, subsi- in demand for oil imports. Let’s Move! districts of conservative and liberal dies to drivers and transit users: total (Oh wait, that’s Michelle’s slogan! Sorry representatives. roughly $84.4 billion. Tax cuts anyone? Mitt!) Cycling represents $133 billion Each year, we of our annual gross domestic product incur $166 billion (GDP) of roughly $15 trillion. That’s on health care costs a little less than 1 percent — but that associated with traffic also means that if every cyclist could injuries and deaths get just one friend to start riding with — caused by cars. Re- them in the next 12 months, we could placing short vehicle (in theory) instantly add a almost a full trips with “utility cy- percentage point to our GDP growth. cling” can cut into the Given the relatively low participation $56 billion per year in rate for cycling, that seems very doable health care costs as- — much more likely than getting the sociated with asthma same effect in other sectors where par- and air pollution. And ticipation rates are already very high. you don’t have to race Properties located near bike paths to reap the fitness are valued up to 14 percent more than benefits of cycling. A similar properties without such facili- few miles a day can ties. Wouldn’t it be great to boost home take you a long way. values instead of bailing out banks? Cycling can The bicycling industry also sup- make a serious dent ports 1.1 million jobs and generates in our dependence $17.7 billion in tax revenues each year, on foreign oil, too. A and there is lots of room for growth. huge portion of all Double cycling and create a million petroleum fuels go to jobs? Sounds like a plan to me! automobile transportation. Only 15 per- photo by Allan Crawford

BIKES HELP MAKE AMERICA GREAT by Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI)

e all know that far too many also know that a necessary part of of health, bikes help make America WAmericans are far too heavy. any plan to get and stay fit involves great. In fact, more than one-third of U.S. getting out there and moving We all know that many of our adults (35.7 percent!) are over- around. highways are clogged with traffic — weight. We all know that obesity- Bike riding is a great way to with cars and trucks pumping out related conditions include heart exercise, to increase stamina, to lose exhaust as they inch forward. And we disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and fat and to tone muscles. It’s a great also know that when bike lanes and certain types of cancer — some of way to lower your doctor’s bills and other reasonable accommodations the leading causes of death. And we the nation’s health care costs by are made, kids will bike to school, avoiding chronic disease. In terms adults will bike to work, and many will

12 AmericanBicyclist It seems that when fun — and real conservatives, despite “cycling infrastructure” what some might think, love to have is up for debate as part of fun. Really, we do! “national transportation policy” there is often a Liberals speak up >>> backlash born of misin- formed fiscal conserva- tism. Businesses don’t like being told by D.C. bureaucrats that their streets will be modified, or that parking places will have to give way for bike racks and bike lanes. But let one business install a free, locally made bike rack, or start photo by Allan Crawford providing cargo bikes for its employees to use, and suddenly everyone wants in on the act. Before you know it, you’ve got a Bicycle Friendly Business Tom Bowden is Chairman of BikeVir- District with people on bikes spending ginia, a board member of the Virginia more locally, and businesses outdo- Bicycling Federation, counsel to Rich- ing one another to be bike friendly. mond 2015 (organizing committee for No wonder then that small business the 2015 World Road Cycling Cham- owners, who tend toward a conserva- pionships) and a daily bike commuter tive point of view, can be some of the in Richmond, Va. Tom practices law in strongest supporters of cycling. Richmond where he counsels business There are lots more good rea- owners and management on a wide sons for conservatives of all stripes to variety of legal issues including finance, support cycling, but maybe the most regulatory compliance and legal strategy. important reason is the simplest — photo by Allan Crawford cycling is just good old All-American

Rep. Tom Petri bike to get around. But unfortunate- more people to ride for exercise and ly, safe and convenient accommo- transportation, it’s also important dations for bicycle riders are a long to note that bikes are fun. When we way away from reaching their poten- can help people to be happier while tial. In terms of providing affordable also being healthier and providing transportation options, bike friendly more transportation options, that’s policies help make America great. something we should act on because Ultimately, as we work to im- a high quality of life helps to make prove bike facilities and encourage America great.

AmericanBicyclist 13 PEDALSMART PROGRESS CYCLING

A CLEANER, SAFER, MORE EQUITABLE AMERICA: A Liberal Perspective By Kathryn Reid Moore

t’s hard to think of something more all-American than bicycling. What other activity inspires feelings of Ifreedom, can-do spirit and unity, like going for a bike ride? Ask any group of people — young or old, rich or poor, urban or suburban — what bicycling means to them and photo by Allan Crawford you’ll hear a single chorus: “Freedom.” (I’m serious; try it!) There’s something about self-propelled, people-powered mayor’s office promoting sustainable and across America, people die in car movement that fills you with a sense initiatives and, before I knew it, I had crashes at an astonishing rate. Core to of confidence, a rush that races up acquired an old mountain bike, some the Democratic Party platform is health your spine and blossoms into a smile. road riding training and a passion for care for everyone. Bicycling is a great Whatever your political persuasion, Critical Mass. I found pro-bicycling first step. Even for those who drive to fundamentally, we ride because it’s fun. policies had positive impacts across the work, biking to the grocery store, the And that’s great news for America, be- spectrum, from reducing greenhouse movies, or to meet up with friends is cause bicycling can make this country gas emissions to promoting local busi- a big boost to body and mind. We can cleaner, safer, and more equitable. ness, from reducing crime to boosting prevent a lot of trips to the hospital for It’s also why so many Democrats, community health. heart attacks and complications from liberals and progressives have em- Fundamentally, bicycling supports diabetes with a simple diagnosis: More braced two wheels — or should. the kind of positive, unified commu- bicycling! Prime example? Me! Despite a nity that any person would want. Democrats are not a one-issue real wariness of bikes (“Biking? On First of all, bikes offer a safe and party, of course. Fundamental to their the street? Are you crazy!?“), I learned sustainable alternative to cars. Too support for health care, I believe, is a how to adjust a bike seat just a couple many automobiles pollute our public deeply rooted motivation to create a of years ago. I was working in the spaces with global-warming gases, more equitable country. More than 10

HOW BICYCLING BENEFITS COMMUNITIES by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)

ommunities across the country rate biking into Americans’ daily lives. bike pedals. In my hometown of Port- Care realizing the importance of Even many of those who primar- land, Oregon, for the cost of one mile of biking for the health of their citizens, ily drive now will often make the freeway, we created 274 miles of bike the environment, and the eco- switch to cycling if it is safe and con- lanes, more than doubled the amount nomic strength of the community venient. Investing in bikeable com- of people who commute by bike, and itself. Since half of the trips taken in munities is a great way to grow jobs provided well over 1,000 jobs. the United States today are within and increase transportation choices, Portland is not an isolated ex- a 20-minute bicycle ride, there are encouraging people take their feet off ample, but simply part of a sea change plenty of opportunities to incorpo- the gas pedal and put them on the in how we live, play, work, and travel.

14 AmericanBicyclist Currently, I’m the assis- described liberals or Democrats the tant administrator of a small most inclined to embrace the need non-profit retirement home, for national support of bicycling for and when Democrats talk transportation. However, more and about what they can do for more conservatives and Republicans small business, I tell them they are getting involved in this movement would be wise to incorporate and that can only be a good thing. investment in bicycling infra- Whatever your political persua- structure, education and in- sion, when Americans take care of our centives. It’s not just the liberal greatest assets — our people, our land or the cyclist in me — I know and our free spirits — there are no lim- that this makes our streets its to this country’s greatness. Bicycling safer for me, my co-workers is great for America ... and America is photo by Leslie Bloom and the elderly (pedestrians) better by bike. we serve. What if more Americans percent of households in the largest 100 did ride their bikes to work or school? U.S. cities do not have access to a pri- Studies in the Netherlands show that vate vehicle. Not everyone can afford to these people would be happier, more own or keep a car running, but nearly productive, and less likely to call in everyone can ride a bike (or a tricycle!). sick. It makes sense when you think Generally speaking, folks of all ages, about it, especially if you suffer from abilities and economic backgrounds the average American car commute. can pump up their tires, tighten their One study, by the Dutch economic brakes and get rolling with little more think tank TNO, demonstrated that than an old bike and very basic skills. increasing commuting to work by bi- After all, bicycling intuits a simple cycle by just 1 percent could save their feeling of safe, carefree living. It’s why country’s employers approximately our bikes are so often used as props in $34 million in lost productivity from Kathryn Reid Moore lives in Miami and advertising for everything from banks absenteeism. That’s assuming a work- volunteers as board director of the South to furniture stores. The image of a bi- force of 7.1 million people. The U.S. Florida Bike Coalition, a non-profit that cycle conjures fond memories for most has more than 154 million people in its aims to increase bicycling by promot- of us — regardless of where we grew up workforce. ing collaboration among individuals, or what tax bracket we’re in. In my experience as a part-time policymakers, clubs and non-bicycling bicycling advocate, I have found self- groups, too.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer

As we transition to this new way of People everywhere I travel are thinking about how we get around, clamoring for more bike lanes, more and start burning calories instead of bike-sharing programs, and greater fossil fuel, we are going to see enor- commitment from local, state, and mous tangible improvements in the federal governments to meet those health, livability, and sustainability needs. It is far past time that elected of our communities. This, in turn, will officials answered those calls and make the country as a whole stron- made the necessary investments to ger and greener as we head into the create a truly bikeable future. future.

AmericanBicyclist 15 PEDALSMART PROGRESS CYCLING

cyclists, filling us in on the tragedy and picking up cyclists who were too heart- A NEW LEAGUE EFFORT TO REDUCE CYCLING FATALITIES broken to continue riding. Bill Cook, a fellow rider, talked to By Elizabeth Kiker his wife that night and he recorded part of their conversation on his blog: “My wonderfully sensible wife told me on There are many reasons to ride year-old child in a rear child safety seat. the phone that some activities we really your bike across the country. In 2006, [She] admitted fault: braking only after want to do merit taking clear risks. mine was to escape my life for a bit. impact, she never saw the cyclists.” Otherwise, she said, ‘life’s not worth Aided by a boss willing to give me Several cyclists on the ride were living.’” unpaid leave and a new Adventure Cy- gathered at a sunny gazebo chatting I felt especially impotent as a cling tour that promised a short (seven- and eating lunch. A car pulled up and League employee. I work in bicycle week) journey coupled with full-service asked if we were with a group. Leery of advocacy; this is my job. If I can’t assistance, I and 40 others set out from talking to strangers, we sent our most prevent cyclists deaths, at the very least Seattle, Wash. outgoing member, a church pastor, there should be something I could do It didn’t go as planned. to see what they wanted. And thus he to honor Mr. Smith, to note how tragic On the fifth day of our trip, June heard the news first, that they had seen and useless his passing was. At the 25, 2006, Philip Smith was killed. As a body next to a bike by the side of the time, there wasn’t. many cycling tragedies are, it was road. That the body was covered by a In the years since that 2006 crash, Tcompletely without explanation: A sheet. That it was probably someone on the League has continued to support bright, cloudless day; a wide shoulder; our tour. the Ride of Silence. We’ve saluted the little to no traffic on the road; and he The rest of us, after some discus- volunteers who put up Ghost Bikes. was wearing a helmet and a reflective sion, decided to ride on. Not even We’ve had a small memorial site on triangle. Quoting from the legal case knowing who had been killed, we our web site. What we haven’t had is a (still pending in court) available online: decided we didn’t really have any way to track the fatalities, to uncover “[the driver’s] attention had been other options. The rest of the ride, ride the reasons behind the death, and to diverted from the road to her three- leaders were ferrying between all the compile the data into a useful format.

The riders on my cross country trip before we pedaled out of Seattle: Smith is in the front row center (aqua shorts).

16 AmericanBicyclist Now we do. With the launch With photos, obituaries, and comments of Every Bicyclist Counts (www. from friends and relatives, this memo- everybicyclistcounts.org), the League rial gives mourners a place to turn is harnessing our staff resources to while also providing concrete numbers capture a real-time, in-depth picture of and statistics. cyclist deaths in the U.S. Starting from You and I know that every single January 1, 2012, League staff is entering bicyclist counts. This Web site is going every single death into an online to help educate everyone else of this database. Staff analysts are working vital fact. behind the scenes to decipher patterns. The creation of this site was sup- We are doing this to decrease cy- ported with generous donations from clist deaths from crashes. From a map Sonya Marsden, wife of Dave Marsden, showing precisely where each death who died in a crash in Vienna, Va. in occurs to data on how each crash is 2005 and from George Esahak-Gage of occurring, this Web site is going to be the Gage Safer Streets Foundation. a deep resource for cycling advocates Learn more about Every Bicyclist and traffic engineers across the United Counts on the League blog at States. blog.bikeleague.org or e-mail me Marilyn Chimes (L), Norm Kokol (R) and In addition to data collection, the ([email protected]) with any me moments before the crash. site serves as an online memorial to questions. cyclists who have died on their bikes.

HONORING FALLEN CYCLISTS The Every Bicyclist Counts Web site is joined in memorializing cyclists by two established organizations—the Ride of Silence and the Ghost Bike Project.

RIDE OF SILENCE The first-ever Ride of Silence at White Rock Lake in Dallas in 2003 drew 1,000 cyclists through word of mouth and e-mail communication in just 10 days. There was no registration and no fees. Chris Phelan, the organizer, had just lost a dear friend to a horrific crash, and launched this as a one-time event. However, as word got out other cyclists began to contact him with a desire to do the same thing in their own communities. In the nine years since, the Ride of Silence has grown to a worldwide event held every year on the third Wednesday in May. In 2012, there were 318 events held worldwide. For more information, visit rideofsilence.org.

GHOST BIKES By New York City Ghost Bike Project Ghost Bikes are dignified and somber memorials for bicyclists killed on the streets. A bicycle painted all white is locked near the crash site accompanied by a small plaque. Each installation is meant to be a reminder of a tragedy that occurred on an otherwise anonymous street corner and a quiet statement in support of cyclists’ right to safe travel. The first bike memorials were created in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003, and the idea has since spread to over 180 locations throughout the world. For more information, visit ghostbikes.org.

AmericanBicyclist 17 FROM THE SADDLE

LIVING AND RIDING SECOND BY SECOND

18 AmericanBicyclistBicyclist How my bike carried me through cancer to an unexpected win and treasured year

By Emily Gresh

During a 50-performance run of settled gently, a swan’s nest within me The Nutcracker, Boston’s snow-covered was ready to hold the two parts of the Beacon Hill held a timeless quiet evening warmly in my mind. within its cobblestone streets. As I rode Perhaps it was that night that LIVING home on my bicycle each night after bicycling began setting down words those performances, the streets took within me. Dancing was always a first me in, unnoticed and anonymously, language; cycling became a second. after performing on stage in front of an The body is the pen and paper with AND audience of 3,000 people. The neigh- which we originally write our memo- borhood offered brick and grey colors, ries. Laughter, tears, sweat: These are muted tones, and a glow of lighted all first inscribed in physical text. We windows, while my life at the theater are always writing, much of the time RIDING for those holiday weeks was a blur of unaware. We carry our bodies with us in the hospital bright confections: tutus, stage makeup, throughout our lives, whether Dand sparkling tiaras. we like them or not, whether It wasn’t only during December we love and care for them or SECOND that I biked home through the streets don’t, whether or not others of Beacon Hill. Throughout the year, tell us what wonderful instru- my days as a professional ballet dancer ments they are. Our bodies were awash in hours of rehearsals and are marked by time and are BY performances with other dancers. nearly perfect keepers of time. We faced the daily rigor of class. We The clocks within them tick pushed our bodies to their limits. We on independent of the stories kept formality within every inch of our we think we have written for SECOND movement. But, as intense as dancing ourselves. Little did I know was, every time I threw my leg over then that the connections my bike at the end of a long day, I was and interpreting being done cycling friends reminded of the permeability between between my body, self, and bi- work, life, and art. Bicycling kept things cycle would provide me with a real in a world built on imagery and pathway out of an excruciating time. Yet living, surviving, would require illusion. Clock ticking, eighteen days after change. One night, toward the end of my my 39th birthday, I was diagnosed with I started looking for a soft landing, first year as a professional dancer, after breast cancer. a refuge that would bring down the a performance of Swan Lake in which I thought that the way I knew deafening clamor of illness, and take I danced in the corps de ballet, I rode and pushed my body would be gone me to some semblance of a neighbor- my bike home through Boston Com- forever. I was sure that my body’s hood in which I could find respite mon and stopped at midnight to watch way of speaking within me would be again. At the hospital, I thought of the actual swans in Frog Pond. Their permanently silenced. Under the threat Beacon Hill and swans, as pen marks presence at that hour, late in May and of cancer, I realized just how much I were drawn on my skin to line the in the middle of a busy city, brought loved the body I had, how dear it was, path surgeons would follow. I said an me face to face with a simpler beauty, and how I did not want it changed or inner good-bye to my body as I had removed from pointe shoes and the damaged by any hand. known it. It didn’t answer me back. A next day’s performance. The contrast sad silence went pulsing through my

AmericanBicyclist 19 19 FROM THE SADDLE

veins. A few minutes later, I was on the mass-produced ones. As they spoke operating table and then unconscious about custom bike frames, I thought for seven hours. about tutus that had been built for me, That surgery was followed by a how bodices had been shaped and cos- second ... which was followed by many tumes fit exactly to me, just as bikes are minor procedures and months of rest. fit to riders. I thought of dancers’ shoes, As I recovered, I told my friend James Capezio’s, which come from a factory, that I wanted to ride in a charity ride and Freed’s, which are marked with a for young survivors of breast cancer — maker’s stamp. Translations between the Young Survival Coalition’s Tour de body, bicycle and dancing began to tear Pink. I told him the ride would take across pages again. Being around the me 200 miles in three days and I’d have friends I met through cycling felt like to start training. He replied simply: Beacon Hill or that midnight stop by “You can do it.” Despite my doubts, I the Frog Pond—a familiar place that knew he was right. I always wanted to ride through, even James introduced me to Cedric, in the dark, even in winter, even at the Brian, Jeff, Steve, Adam, Paul, Bill, and twelfth hour. Jason. They all helped me train. They Except for James, these riding gave me a nickname, occasionally friends had no idea that I was recover- calling me “Swan,” and I felt my body ing from cancer. As I took longer and run its pen over that name and under- longer rides with them and learned score it. I heard from them that cyclists more about their generosity — and the “For every Avail carry their shoes on the airplane when fact that my first road bike was heavy they travel to big races. It sounded like and had the rear brake dragging — I Inspire bike out in the hospital dancers who are sure to keep two pairs could put aside for awhile that cancer there, there are of pointe shoes with them when they had ever happened to me. I found thousands of stories are touring. myself laughing again, even as my of hardship, great From these new friends, I learned rides began to stretch over 50 and 60 about handmade bicycles and legends miles. As the Tour de Pink closed in, my love, and recovery. Dario Pegoretti and Richard Sachs, and friends made sure that the trip would go Mine is but one, the differences between those bikes and smoothly. They assured me that I could among many.” ride 200 miles in three days, that such a thing was no problem for me. And then I did. open to cancer survivors, sponsored by With that big ride of my Giant Bicycles and the Young Survival first Tour de Pink behind me, Coalition. I kept on biking, listening, and With the contest in mind, I sat in discovering the daily strengths a coffee shop near Yale-New Haven of my body, alongside these Hospital, where I had been treated, new friends. I took rides on and began to sketch out ideas. I used my own, as well, watching the colored pencils to shade in a drawing colors of late September give and carefully wrote the word “inspire” way to early October. As the in deliberate text on the bicycle’s down year took a deeper curve into tube. For all of the writing-on-the-wall October, I set my sights on a details about my body, I decided to put new challenge: a design contest language on my bicycle. Inspire comes from the phrase “to breathe in.” This notion of inspire includes breathing in Emily won a bicycle design contest open to the most difficult, along with the most cancer survivors, sponsored by Giant Bicycles satisfying, to truly take in all that life and the Young Survival Coalition. brings, down to the depths of every

20 AmericanBicyclist ticking part of you. ago and the quiet anonymity that I The design I created subsequently craved and found on those December won the contest and today I ride that nights. But, recovering from cancer bicycle. When I received the call from I discovered that soft landing is still Giant about winning the contest, I felt there for me on my bike: one ticking the richness of neighborhoods I love second to the next, body being pushed, and the corner of York and Elm Streets pen madly scribbling away within me. where I was standing. I was bathed in a tremendous sense of humility and appreciation for the struggles of others. Every time I ride my bike I find myself thinking about the difficult year behind me and the intensely grateful living that I have done in the year that followed. For every Avail Inspire bike out there, there are thousands of stories of hardship, great love, and recovery. Mine is but one, among many. I found the respite I was seeking when I was first diagnosed with cancer. My bicycle has become a place where cycling and dancing can settle in like lifelong swan mates; where cancer can in the hospitallead to a greater willingness to trust in and enjoy one’s strength; where friend- ship is built on toughness as well as laughter; and where the good and the challenging find their way in. I may have left Beacon Hill long

AmericanBicyclist 21 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

TUCSON GOES THE DISTANCE Overcoming auto-driven growth to become a Gold Bicycle Friendly Community By Ann Chanecka

When you look at the list of Gold Bicycle Friendly Communities, Tucson stands out. After all, the Tucson-East Pima County Region isn’t a compact, mountain town like Breckenridge, or Fort Collins, Colo. We’re not a dense, urban metropolis like Minneapolis, Minn., or San Francisco, Calif. Our region’s auto-driven growth pattern has expanded the city into residential areas of more than 2,000 Wsquare miles. Like many U.S. cities, suburban sprawl and corresponding disinvestment in Tucson’s downtown core make for longer trip distances Kiddical Mass and higher speed roads. Despite these limitations, though, Tucson’s bicycle commute rate is five times the national Protected bike lanes average, and it has become a major des- tination for national and international cyclists. We’ve achieved the Gold stan- established to counsel the city and dard — and we’re aiming for Platinum. county on bicycle issues. How did we do it? Unfortunately, Around the same time, the Greater elements in urban transportation proj- there isn’t a clear recipe for success. Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA) ects. Today, the UA Area Bicycle and There isn’t one particular person, riding club gained momentum, and, Pedestrian Plan is guiding new projects investment or policy that propelled the when Richard DeBernardis became in Tucson’s urban core. region to where it is today. But Tucson’s the organization’s president in 1983, The combination of these critical commitment to bicycling can serve as El Tour de Tucson was born. El Tour factors resulted in two key decisions inspiration for cities with similar land quickly gained national attention and that institutionalized bicycle plan- use challenges. became a catalyst for many of the re- ning in the region: the Mayor and The first secret to Tucson’s success: gion’s bicycle friendly investments. “As Council of Tucson requiring bike lane We started early. In the 1970s, the re- El Tour brought in more participants installation in roadway construction gional planning agency, now Pima As- and more money,” DeBernardis says, projects (1986) and the creation of a sociation of Governments (PAG), took “it helped make bike improvements a city staff position dedicated to bicycle a lead role in bike planning. The first priority.” and pedestrian planning (1989). That Regional Bicycle Plan was adopted in Another asset came from the groundwork set the stage for greater 1975, and in 1977 PAG released a Bike academic research and student popula- expansion. The region began routinely Route Network Plan that identified the tion of the University of Arizona (UA). installing bicycle lanes and routes backbone of the current network. In In the mid-‘80s, two UA architects and throughout the community. the early ‘80s, the Tucson-Pima County planners worked with local govern- The bicycle program received a Bike Advisory Committee (BAC) was ments to create more multi-modal boost from federal funding, too. In the

22 AmericanBicyclist early ‘90s, Tucson was found in viola- When the League rolled out its popularity and organizers plan on ex- tion of federal ozone standards and Bicycle Friendly Community program panding to two events in 2013. An ac- the region created programs to reduce in 2004, the City of Tucson was given a tive and effective new advocacy group, driving through promoting alternate Silver rating. Determined to guide the Living Streets Alliance (LSA), rallied modes of transportation. The clean entire Tucson region to a top rating, for stronger bicycle parking standards, air program sparked the region’s Bike cycling advocates immediately initiated organized Bike Fest and launched sev- Fest, an annual celebration of bicycling a Platinum Task Force. PAG coordi- eral campaigns that promote bicycling transportation. Similarly, the off-street nates the 21-member Task Force that as a viable transportation option — in river path system was developed as part is made up of both government staff just its first year. of a project to reduce flooding through and interested citizens, who consider For more than 40 years, Tucson riverbank protection. League feedback, identify goals, and has made significant progress as a Of course, as the bike system and help influence regional leaders to sup- bicycle friendly community. To join the encouragement programs expanded, port the bicycle friendly efforts. The Platinum ranks, we know we need to so did safety concerns, especially on region was first awarded a Gold rating build on the current efforts to increase major arterial streets. The need for in 2006. ridership and improve safety. We know safe crossings at key locations inspired The League award program has this will take even more passionate and the installation of major underpasses been a strong motivating factor to committed individuals. But, based on to the university and two iconic Tucson continually improve bicycling condi- the dynamic history of Tucson’s bicycle bridges: Snake Bridge and Basket tions. In 2008, our assessment stated: friendliness, we know we’ll make it Bridge. The high cost of those facilities “Perhaps the biggest single thing to happen. sparked an innovative Tucson engineer, focus on is to increase bicycle use in Richard Nassi, to design and build the region.” While Tucson has long had Ann Chanecka is a senior transporta- signalized crossings for bicycles and a relatively high commute rate com- tion planner for the Pima Association of pedestrians. pared to the rest of the country, it still Governments. In more recent years, bikeway lags behind the Platinum-rated cities. mileage has dramatically increased and And while bike lane mileage increased additional signals have been installed dramatically over the past decade, the through the Regional Transportation commute rate stayed static. In an ef- Authority (RTA). The region’s bike net- fort to attract new riders, we recently work mileage is nearly 1,000 miles with launched a major initiative to build more bike lanes than any other city in 180-miles of bicycle boulevards. The the U.S. Those facilities are enhanced county’s top bike facility focus is also a by model education programs. In 2011, lower-stress type of facility, a 52-mile more than 3,000 students in 32 schools shared-use path known as “The Loop.” were taught cycling skills through the Over the past few years, several region’s Safe Routes to School program. non-government initiatives have also In 2010-11, the Bicycle Ambassador provided the bicycle culture a huge program, which pays League Certified boost. Mike McKisson began report- Instructors to teach cycling skills and ing daily on bicycle issues on his blog, do outreach in the community, taught TucsonVelo, adding a new level of 216 classes to nearly 2,000 adults, transparency and accountability. Cyclo- including diversion classes for ticketed via Tucson, an event that temporarily bicyclists. closes the streets to cars, is growing in

“In 2004 when the League rolled out the Bicycle Friendly Community Program, Tucson was awarded a silver-level. Determined to guide the entire Tucson region to a top rating, cycling advocates immediately initiated a Platinum Task Force ... the 21-member Task Force is made up of both government staff and interested citizens.”

AmericanBicyclist 23 THINK BIKE

SSAFETYAFETY ININ ANYANY LANGUAGELANGUAGE Advocates in Los Angeles engage day laborers to produce Spanish-language PSA campaign By Andy Rodriguez and JJ Hoffman

In Los Angeles, many Latino cy- les. The Los Angeles County Bicycle to see some of the day laborers take clists, especially day labor cyclists, use a Coalition created City of Lights in leadership in developing and shaping bicycle as their sole means of transpor- 2008 to provide needed resources to the slogans, despite the fact that none tation. But while there is a large share low-income cyclists and build bridges of them had any previous experience of Spanish-speaking cyclists who use between the bicycle, immigrant rights, doing this type of work. We were all their bicycles as a necessity, there has and social justice movements. Through moved by their creativity and ingenu- been a lack of Spanish-language public these efforts, we have empowered ity, and some of the most challenging education around bicycling. The City Latino cyclists to build community in a aspects of the process were narrowing of Lights program and its day labor fun and relevant way. down the messages — from 50 pos- volunteers were motivated to create a For the PSA campaign, it was sibilities to five finalists — since the Spanish-language public service an- important for us to have day laborers workers generated so many great ideas. nouncement campaign to remedy that. themselves develop the messages, since We resolved this by asking the City of Lights is a program that they are usually the most marginalized workers: What message is most im- empowers, educates, and advocates cyclists who lack adequate bilingual portant to the Latino community: the Ilow-income cyclists in Los Ange- safety resources and bicycle infrastruc- environment, safety, or health? Does ture. Working with cyclists this message target both cyclists and from Instituto de Edu- motorists? With those questions in cación Popular del Sur de mind, we worked and reworded some California (IDEPSCA) and of the slogans to make them clear and CARECEN day labor cen- concise — perfect to feature on posters ters, we facilitated a round around the city. table discussion with day “Overall, the process was fun, laborer cyclists on how to creative, and engaging,” said Guillermo shape and develop mes- Areola, a day laborer and participant. sages that would resonate “This was our first time making slogans with the Latino population. for a bus ad and we felt really honored Over the course of to have been part of City of Lights’ 8 months, we met seven campaign.” times to come up with the In the end, the advertisement com- message and refine the fi- municated the need for motorist to be nal design. We were inten- alert and slow down. It emphasized tional about not inhibiting that bicyclists are people you know — anyone’s ideas, and creating people of all ages and genders, who an atmosphere in which could be your own family. Hence, the everyone felt comfortable slogan: “Precaución: Tu Familia Tam- speaking freely. It was great bién Usa La Biciccleta.” In English: “Be

“[This poster] was our favorite because it was catchy and beautifully designed. The colors were very in touch with the Latino community and we were very proud of that, too,” said Rafael Guerrero, a day laborer who participated in the process.

24 AmericanBicyclist Careful, Your Family Rides a Bicycle, these ads everywhere and it is satisfy- too.” The bus ad is currently in 1,000 ing to know that they are taking into bus kiosks throughout Los Angeles consideration that cyclists are also County and will enhance cyclist safety part of traffic and that they should be by helping motorists to develop more friendly and courteous to those who are considerate driving behaviors and to making the air cleaner, reducing conges- share the road safely. tion, and making it more live-able in our “Some great minds came together communities.” in creating and shaping the slogans,” In addition to the day laborers, said Rafael Guerrero, another day the success of the PSA was built on the laborer who participated in the pro- support of critical partners, like REI, cess. “The slogan ‘PRECAUCIÓN: Tu the Los Angeles Department of Trans- Familia También Usa La Bicicleta’ was portation (LADOT), and Melograna our favorite because it was catchy and Productions. For example, without the beautifully designed. The colors were support of the LADOT, we wouldn’t very in touch with the Latino communi- have been able to cover the high print- ty and we were very proud of that, too!” ing costs for the bus ads. Without We knew ahead of time that the the passion and pro-bono services of bus ad would generate a lot of public- filmmaker Jordan Melograna and artist ity, so we developed a video PSA, too. Aaron Kuehn the PSA video wouldn’t We felt it was important to have a video have been possible either. Working version because the Latino commu- together created strong, new relation- nity tends to get their news through ships between the groups and agencies, television and radio, rather than web and set the stage for future grassroots media. The video was made to target Spanish-language projects. the Spanish-speaking population, but By highlighting the need for designed to be flexible enough to be Spanish-language programming and shown in English language media, as engaging the community as well as well. Currently, City of Lights and the government agencies, City of Lights LACBC are working to get it show- is creating an entirely new model for cased on major Spanish and English community-driven bicycle safety edu- television networks. cation. Learn more at www. But the campaign is making a mark ciudaddeluces.wordpress.com/ already. “Knowing that I was part of the Andy Rodriguez is the former Bilingual process makes me really proud and Bicycle Safety Coordinator at LACBC happy every time I see the ‘Tu Familia’ and JJ Hoffman is LACBC’s Develop- bus ads,” said City of Light volunteer, ment and Events Director. Miguel Ramos. “Motorists are seeing

Participants who worked on the campaign.

AmericanBicyclist 25 THINK BIKE SoCalc ygoescle chic | A Q&A with Melissa Balmer of Women on Bikes SoCal | By Carolyn Szczepanski

The May-June issue of American so I was worried I just wasn’t in good Bicyclist highlighted how women are enough shape. In 2009, I met Charlie on a roll in the bicycle movement. No Gandy when he moved here to become place is that progress more evident Mobility Coordinator. During the than in Long Beach, Calif. — thanks, holidays that year he invited me to ride in part, to the energy and inspiration of in our local historic Belmont Shore Melissa Balmer. The founder of Women Christmas parade and I had the time of on Bikes SoCal, Balmer isn’t just work- my life. It was such a joy I’ve been riding to double the number of women ing again ever since. and girls who ride in her community through education and awareness cam- Q What inspired you to start paigns. She’s also partnering with the Women on Bikes SoCal? League on the National Women’s Bicy- Tcling Summit at the Pro Walk Pro Bike A I have a background in art and conference this September and hosting fashion and know they are powerful the city’s first Cycle Chic Fashion Show. tools. I had always been so impressed with both Andréa White-Kjoss the Georgia Case and Q When and why did you adopt President and COO of Bikestation and Melissa Balmer a cycling lifestyle? Long Beach Vice Mayor Suja Lowen- (photo: Charlie Gandy) thal and their ability to be both very A I decided to give up my car five professional as business women and years ago for financial, health and bicycle advocates, and yet also fashion ship program a few years earlier and no-parking-in-my-neighborhood savvy. To be honest, I realized that two recommended that I take the idea and reasons. I began to really notice Long of the most stylish and compelling run with it. It was important to me that Beach’s blooming bike culture gazing women in bicycle advocacy were right the new Women On Bikes SoCal initia- out of the bus window. I was intrigued under my nose. Andréa had already tive marries both advocacy for those and thought it looked like fun. But I created a local Long Beach Women On who truly need safe and healthy mobil- hadn’t been on a bike for over 20 years Bikes bicycle safety and bike scholar- ity options with fun and fashion.

Join us in Long Beach! On September 13, 2012, the League and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals will host the first National Women’s Bicycling Summit in Long Beach, Calif. In partnership with Women on Bikes SoCal and Pro Walk Pro Bike, the half-day event will provide a unique opportunity for everyday cyclists and bicycle professionals to network, share knowledge and develop action steps to close the gender gap. It will feature targeted break- out sessions, a keynote address and plenary discussion, and, of course the Cycle Chic Fashion Show. Learn more at bikeleague.org/conferences/women. Pictured: Long Beach Council Member Robert Garcia and Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal in Long Beach’s separated bike lanes. (photo: Allan Crawford)

26 AmericanBicyclist AMERICAN

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 guest. As for my vision: I’d like this to as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes Q You’ve established an ambi- bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and tious campaign to “Double the be one of the hottest fashion events of works through advocacy and education for a Number of Women and Girls Who the Southern California fall season! I bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the Ride Bikes” in Southern California; want it to be fun and celebratory and interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. With a how do you hope to get there? an event not to be missed! current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your How do style and advocacy A With the diabetes and obesity Q community. Contact League officers, directors intersect when it comes to cycling? or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K epidemic we are faced with, we have to Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006-2850, do this. This is where my background 202-822-1333; [email protected], fax: in marketing and media relations A If used wisely I see them as a very 202-822-1334. comes in. I feel we can double the powerful combination. Bikes are hot number of women — even quadruple right now. They are style and design BOARD OF DIRECTORS darlings. Right now bikes are showing Diane Albert, [email protected] the number of women — by harness- Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] ing the power of fashion and lifestyle up in all kinds of lifestyle and fashion Gary Brustin, [email protected] media. Imagine what would happen if media as “must have” items to buy, Steve Durrant, [email protected] next May five well known women and or props in ads and editorial fashion. Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] We in bicycle advocacy need to place Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] five well known men appeared on the David Madson, [email protected] covers of ten top magazines all at once. stories that will move and motivate Matt Moore, [email protected] Imagine being at the grocery store and people. When I began to create the Mike Nix, [email protected] seeing Oprah on a bike on the cover website for Women On Bikes SoCal, I John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] asked Long Beach’s Bicycle Coordina- Gail Spann, [email protected] of her magazine with Ellen Degeneres. Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer Imagine going to the newsstand and tor and fellow Bikeable Communities Hans van Naerssen, Chair, noticing that George Clooney, the member Allan Crawford to go on an [email protected] First Lady, Gwen Stefani, Chris Rock, adventure with me. He’s a passionate Corinne Winter, [email protected] road cyclist and excellent sports pho- Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] Martha Stewart and Cameron Diaz Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, were all riding bikes on the covers of tographer. I asked him if he was up for [email protected] magazines? What if bicycling became trying his hand at a more fashion look a cover story on Time and Newsweek? and he jumped in with amazing enthu- STAFF siasm. I couldn’t have asked for a better Andy Clarke - President If we work together, we can make this Alison Dewey - BFA Program Specialist happen. creative partner. We are a labor of love, Walter Finch - Vice President, Advocacy but these beautiful images are making Darren Flusche - Policy Director connections and opening doors for us Lorna Green - Director of Operations that wouldn’t have happened so quickly Bill Nesper - Vice President, Programs Q Tell us about the Cycle Chic Elizabeth Kiker - Executive Vice President Fashion Show: How did it come otherwise. That is the power of fashion Katie Omberg - Membership and Events Associate about and what’s your vision for and style to connect. Alissa Simcox - Education Director this event? Carolyn Szczepanski - Communications Director Sharon Thorne - Administrative Assistant Matt Wempe - State and Local Advocacy Coordinator A I found Mikael Colville- Scott Williams - Membership Director Andersen’s Copenhagenize.com via Nicole Wynands - BFA Program Specialist Twitter two years ago and became AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE totally enchanted with his images and Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski philosophy. During the first steering Art Director: Studio D Design committee for the Pro Walk Pro Bike Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon conference I piped up and said I’d love American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published to have him come as a keynote – and six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. Andy Clarke thought the same thing ©2012 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Article and decided the League would make it queries should be addressed to [email protected]. happen. From there it felt like a natural Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, progression to do a Cycle Chic show Joseph Bradley and Nicole Maltz will is your warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published here and ask Mikael to be our special model in the Cycle Chic fashion show. without additional approval. Opinions expressed by writers (photo: Allan Crawford) are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.

AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop

In honor of National Bike Month, the League collected a series of personal reflections and inspirations from a diverse collection of bicyclists from coast to coast. Read all 31 of the engaging Why I Ride posts at blog.bikeleague.org. WHY I RIDE Parry Burnap shares Dave Bennick (far left) doesn’t the joys of the best job need a rental car for his consulting ever ... bike share! trips ... a bike is better.

Inga Ramsland takes a ride in her mom’s time machine.

Advocate and visionary Ellen Fletcher reflects on a lifetime of cycling. (photo by Richard Masoner) After many miles in Kenya, Winnie learns to ride the streets of Minneapolis. (photo by Angela Lundberg) Delaware DOT Director Shailen Bhatt rides for transportation choices ... and Amish apple pie. (photo by DelDOT)

28 AmericanBicyclist

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