AMERICAN BICYCLIST EVERY BICYCLIST BIKES IN THE SOUTHERN COMFORT COUNTS BOARDROOM FOR CYCLISTS An effort to learn Major corporations Bicycling advocacy more about bicycling going heats up in the fatalities p. 18 friendly p. 24 South p.22

July - August 2014 WWW.BIKELEAGUE.ORG

AMERICAN BICYCLIST CONTENT July - August 2014

FROM THE SADDLE RIDING WITH WORLD BICYCLE 8 RELIEF IN ZAMBIA How transform the lives of students, patients and entrepreneurs FIVE INSPIRING WORDS In five words or less, describe what riding 16 a bike has done for your life PEDAL PROGRESS EVERY BICYCLIST COUNTS A year-long effort to learn more about 18 bicycling fatalities

Second place in the Bicycle Friendly America photo contest. THINK BIKE Photo by Mitchell Connell SOUTHERN COMFORT FOR CYCLISTS 22 IN EVERY ISSUE Bicycling advocacy heats up in the South 02 VIEWPOINT BFA WORKSTAND 03 INBOX BIKES IN THE BOARDROOM Major corporations going bicycle friendly 24 04 COGS&GEARS 14 INFOGRAPHIC WOMEN BIKE 28 BICYCLE SOLUTIONS GIRL SCOUTS ON WHEELS Six steps to getting your local Girl Scouts 26 pedaling

AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED AS A BENEFIT TO MEMBERS OF THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS. IF YOU’RE NOT A MEMBER, AND YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THIS MAGAZINE AND SUPPORT THE INNOVATIVE ADVOCACY DESCRIBED WITHIN, JOIN THE LEAGUE AT BIKELEAGUE.ORG/JOIN.

ON THE COVER: THE WINNER OF THE BFA PHOTO CONTEST. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHATCOM SMART TRIPS. IMAGE: GABRIEL BOONE PHOTOGRAPHY VIEWPOINT

REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN JAMES OBERSTAR We were terribly sad to learn of the pass- ing of Jim Oberstar in May. Our extend- ed League family expresses deepest con- dolences to Jim’s family and enormous gratitude for his extraordinary life and service. Jim Oberstar has been a friend, adviser and mentor to the entire bicycling com- munity for a quarter century and he will be sorely missed by us all. His service to the 8th Congressional District, the State of Minnesota and the nation was exem- plary and an inspiration. The first time I met Mr. Oberstar was late 1988, or early 1989. I had written to commiserate about his being “doored” and he not only replied but suggested I come in and discuss the upcoming trans- portation bill! His commitment to bicy- Jim Oberstar (left) and Andy Clarke. cling was clear even then — we had lunch in the Members dining room and I can back to his district. joined our board of directors in March. still see the faces of his staff as his sched- Jim tracked every mile he rode and so During his first board meeting he spoke ule for the day went out the window. He we were shocked to realize in early 2002 as eloquently and forcefully in support of wanted to talk about the opportunities that he had never ridden a century. Gary our equity goals as anyone, at the same to weave bicycling into that legislation ... Sjoquist at Quality Bicycle Products cre- time showing a deep respect for and and the rest is history! ated the Oberstar 100 in September of knowledge of our history as an organiza- On another occasion, we had a bike re- that year — coinciding with the Pro Walk tion. He was still talking about bicycling ception on the Hill and right next door Pro Bike conference in St. Paul — to put as “upcoming transportation” 25 years there was another event hosted by a Min- that issue straight. We rode an urban cen- on, with the same enthusiasm as in that nesota group. The Congressman came in tury around the Twin Cities using many first encounter. to our event, said a few words and went road and trail projects funded by the very His inspiration will carry us through, next door. I assumed that would be the programs he created. About 60 miles into and we will miss his advice, leadership last we’d see of him that evening. Fifteen the ride, I was alongside him and saw that and friendship. minutes later, I see him back in our room he was churning up the ramp from the chatting away with folks about bicycling Cedar Lake trail into downtown Minne- — in fact, that was the evening he con- apolis on the big chain ring. He had yet fessed how much he enjoyed putting to drop onto the small ring — 60 miles away work papers and pulling out his into the ride. He was a beast. copy of Bicycling magazine on the plane We were so honored when Oberstar Andy Clarke, League President

2 AMERICAN BICYCLIST INBOX

INBOX BIKE PEDICURES AND MORE tireless work you are doing. As a cyclist of APPRECIATING WOMEN BIKE 40 years, I recently switched over to a road Thanks to Caron Whitaker, League I cannot tell you how much value I get bike after a very serious mountain bike ac- Vice President of Government Rela- out of your Women Bike blog posts and cident and made the mistake of not know- tions, and Team (Earl) Blumenauer resources. I constantly use them when ing the situation. You’re doing great. for organizing such a great event at the I need a little extra gusto to help make - Robert Reynold, Stony Creek, CT Capitol on May 2. I know larger events good arguments for the type of bicy- often get more attention, but on behalf cling facilities women (and others!) like of the many overworked congressional to see. They also make me feel a little BUILDING COALITIONS staffers who haven’t had the time to treat less alone when I’m up against the old I just did the League Instructor their bikes to some much needed atten- guard of cycling who consistently see training in Simsbury with Steve Mitchell, tion (and bike pedicures!), thank YOU nothing wrong with our transportation Board of Trustees for the East Coast Gre- for helping us get ready to ride! infrastructure and that “taking the lane” enway, who opened his auto dealership - Andrea D. Martin, Senior Policy Advi- and is always the right as the training center (a first, I believe!). sor & Staff Counsel, Office of U.S. Rep. choice. I’ve continued to advocate for In the effort to connect the Atlantic Sea- André Carson (D-Indiana) positive changes here in North Carolina board, the East Coast Greenway has been and it’s exhausting without the support. the point organization on the advocacy ef- One day I hope to make it up to the fort to get bicycle facilities on the Susque- conference. Thanks for all that you do! hanna Bridge, working with Amtrak and - Kristy Dactyl, Chair, Oaks and Spokes the Maryland Department of Transporta- tion. The next step is to build a coalition to support this and, by sending an action MEMBERSHIP THANKS alert, the League has been a wonderful Initially I joined your association and partner in getting the word out about the made the mistake of confusing it with petition. With your support we received another and canceled my membership more than 7,500 supporters for the cause. because I mistakenly thought that it - Andrew Hamilton, Doylestown, PA was top-heavy and not truly doing what was advertised. I made a grave mistake in not investigating deeper. I have been CORRECTION reading all of your e-mails and publica- In the May-April issue of American Bi- tions — and will be renewing my mem- cyclist, Rock Hill, SC, was erroneously bership knowing that you are doing a omitted from the Bicycle Friendly Com- fantastic job. Please accept my apolo- munity listing. Rock Hill is a Bronze-lev- gies and know that you have a loyal el Bicycle Friendly Community and has a Andrea D. Martin supporter. Thank you very much for the population of 67,423.

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK Email your comments to [email protected]; send a letter to 1612 K St NW, Ste 308, Washington, DC 2006; or chime in on Facebook (facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists) or Twitter (@bikeleague).

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 3 COGS&GEARS

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Gravel Riding in the Shenandoah Valley

Gravel riding is growing in popularity among bike clubs and recreational rid- ers across the country. The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition in Virginia in- corporates gravel riding into many of its weekly rides, so we caught up with Kyle Lawrence of SVBC about the growth of these off-road rides.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY BICYCLE COALITION’S HISTORY. The SVBC was formed in 2008 with the merger of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Club (a road formed in 1982) and the Shenandoah Mountain Bike Club, which united the voice of cyclists in our community. The SVBC has helped shape Harrisonburg and the surrounding county as the Bike Capital of Virginia by growing all types of cycling through Riding in the Shenandoah Valley. Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition events, advocacy, and trail building. WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF GRAVEL RIDING? Once you TELL US ABOUT THE SVBC’S CAMPAIGN TO GET ACCESS FOR THE SVBC HOLDS THE HARRIS-ROUBAIX EVERY YEAR start riding gravel roads, you get hooked. BIKES ON SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK’S DIRT ROADS. — WHAT’S THE HISTORY OF THAT RACE? We’re for- Gravel roads almost always have less Many of the National Parks still prohib- tunate to have a plethora of unpaved traffic, take you places fewer people ven- it riding bikes on some roads and even dirt surface roads in the area but each ture and are more FUN. Often the gravel more so on trails. In Shenandoah Na- year more and more are lost to pave- road takes you deeper into the woods, tional Park, currently bicycles are only ment. The Harris-Roubaix is more than up and over the mountain, or into any allowed on the paved Skyline Drive and a race — it’s a celebration of dirt roads number of other places you never imag- not on the administrative roads, which and an opportunity to welcome spring ined you could ride a bicycle. Gravel could expand bicycle tourism opportu- in an idyllic setting. The event is more roads are also much more dynamic than nities in the Shenandoah Valley, connect than a decade old and is always held the pavement, drastically changing in char- communities on either side of the moun- same day as that other Roubaix-named acter depending on the weather and the tain, and provide a safe and traffic-free event in France. The dirt roads make season. As a result, the rider has to read space for children and families in the the event especially magical and acces- the road more attentively, looking for local communities to ride. We’ve begun sible. While the event is a race for some, potholes, brake bumps, and deep col- discussions with the park administration a much shorter ride for others on these lections of gravel. Changing conditions on this topic and the future looks bright dirt roads ensures that everyone can ex- keep riders more engaged and plenty of for legal bicycle access on dirt roads. perience the fun. people find it more exciting. LEARN MORE AT WWW.SVBCOALITION.ORG.

4 AMERICAN BICYCLIST COGS&GEARS

MEMBER SNAPSHOT: Dorothy Le. Photo by Dmitri Gudkov. Dorothy Le

Last year, the League launched its Equity color. Again, I noticed that even though underserved populations. From my one- Initiative, aimed at engaging more youth, my work tasks were addressing justices year position, I was able to create more women and people of color in bicycling. issues, I knew the work could be deeper equity-focused criteria for project priori- But what does bike equity look like on the and more direct. Once one of my in- tization. ground? In this member snapshot, Doro- terns, Allison Mannos, expressed an During the summer of 2013, I also thy Le, a member of the League’s Equity interest in working with the Spanish- worked with a group of diverse youth Advisory Committee, explains how eq- speaking day laborer cyclists in Los as program coordinator for the Local uity and inclusion has informed her work Angeles, I was very much in support of Spokes Youth Ambassadors Program, as a planner and advocate. this new initiative and became an active which gave me a grounding of the needs member in the burgeoning organiza- of youth in equity discussions. One of my first memories of equity as tion, City of Lights. From my observations on New York a concept was when I was in college at After LACBC, I attended gradu- City cycling, I also got involved with the the University of California - Los Ange- ate school for and Biking Public Project (BPP), which aims les and learned that pollution and other specifically chose Rutgers University to expand local discus- negative environmental externalities af- to obtain a more sions by reaching fected low-income communities of color diverse perspec- out to underrep- disproportionately. I also noticed that tive. Like LA, in “I hope to help encourage a more resented bicyclists most of the mainstream environmental New Brunswick, equitable bicycle network in including women, groups didn’t have members who were I noticed a La- people of color and people of color and that there was a rift tino worker cyclist Central New Jersey and beyond.” delivery cyclists. In between identity-based groups and en- population, riding just one year, BPP vironmental groups on campus. in unsafe bicycle conducted outreach I wanted to be part of a movement that infrastructure conditions. In New York and photography in order to understand would be able to address environmental City, I noticed delivery cyclists and and communicate the needs of diverse concerns from a lens of marginalized non-white cyclists riding, but not be- cyclists in New York City and also pub- peoples, working with student-of-color ing part of the main story that was the lished a zine to tell our story and poten- organizations and my own ecological success story for cycling. In graduate tially inspire other groups to participate group — E3: Ecology, Economy, Equity school, I focused on equity and plan- in the broader movement. — I helped to develop cross-program- ning, studying how equitable bicycle Now, I’m the campus bicycle and pe- ming and campaigns that addressed infrastructure was distributed across destrian planner for Rutgers University, both of our platforms. six cities across the nation and how to and in that capacity, I hope to help en- My first job out of college was with the create a more equitable bicycle network courage a more equitable bicycle net- Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, in New Brunswick. work in Central New Jersey and beyond. working on an environmental justice After graduate school, I took a one- With a range of experiences organizing, grant through the California Department year position with the National Park advocacy, and planning — in California, of Transportation (CalTrans), planning Service, developing ways to support New Jersey, and New York — inclusion bicycle- and -friendly access better infrastructure and program- and fairness have always been and remain to six transit stations which served pre- ming for urban national park systems, a strong and consistent thread in my bike dominantly low-income communities of in order to increase access to parks for advocacy work and beyond.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 5 COGS&GEARS

A+ FOR LEAGUE League ranks high in donation spending BY LILI AFKHAMI

At the League, we strive to be the best. You can see the League’s four-star in a way that supports our mission and Our mission, after all, is to lead the move- rating for yourself by visiting www. vision. And, according to Charity Navi- ment to create a Bicycle Friendly Amer- charitynavigator.org and searching for gator, we’ve been among the best in the ica for everyone. Leading a movement “League of American Bicyclists.” nation – for five straight years. requires excellence on all fronts. Charity Navigator is an independent We’ll continue to display our Four-Star Well, we’re proud to have once again organization that serves as a “guide to in- rating with pride and work to lead the earned a distinction that rates us as one telligent giving.” It rates charities on two movement to create a Bicycle Friendly of the best charities in the United States. broad areas of performance – financial America, one community at a time. None For the fifth consecutive year, the League health, and accountability and transpar- of this would be possible without you; has been rated a four-star charity by ency. In short, a Charity Navigator rating thank you for your continued support. Charity Navigator — and four stars is as provides a snapshot of an organization’s There are many ways to support the high as it gets. overall health and shows exactly how do- League: What exactly does that mean? It means nor dollars are spent. To join the League: www.bikeleague. that of the 1.9 million 501(c)(3) organi- Preserving this four-star rating contin- org/join zations registered with the Internal rev- ues to be a top priority for the League. To make a gift to the League: www. enue Service the League shares its top Without the support of our corporate bikeleague.org/give ranking with fewer than 2,300 organiza- sponsors, members and donors, we can’t Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) tions across the country. When it comes lead the movement. With nearly 2 million Number: 11563 to making sure our member and donor other organizations to choose from, the dollars are spent in the best possible way, fact that they choose us is a responsibil- For more information on Planned and the League is better than 99.9% of non- ity we take very seriously. It’s our obliga- Legacy Giving: [email protected] LILI profits in the nation. tion to ensure that every dollar is spent AFKHAMI IS THE LEAGUE’S DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.

The Every Bicyclist Counts report (see page infrastructure under any condition. LCI CORNER 18) is a great start to define what is happen- Our job as LCIs is not to tell them how ing on our streets. One of the questions I they should ride at any one time, because Every Bicyclist hear when League Cycling Instructors read conditions in every intersection and every the report is “How does this change the way length of roadway will vary minute to min- Counts; Every we, as LCIs, should teach?” ute and an intersection will never look the In the LCI Seminar we stress that an same way twice. Student is LCI’s job is to prepare all riders to operate We all know that controlling the lane, safely in the built environment — whatever until it is safer to give up control, is good Different conditions they encounter on the road. We practice. But just as there are many ways to need to give them the tools to handle any build a road, there are many different types

6 AMERICAN BICYCLIST COGS&GEARS

GIVING

Thank you to the following or- ganizations and individuals who contributed to the League, above and beyond membership dues, in March and April 2014.

ORGANIZATIONS $5,000+ Performance Bicycle SRAM LEAGUE Wells Fargo Home Mortgage SPENDING $2,500+ BREAKDOWN Sierra Nevada Brewing Company $1,000+ % PROGRAMS 79.9% Baltimore Bicycling Club 79.9 California Electric Bicycle Association ADMINISTRATIVE 17.4% $100+ FUNDRAISING 2.7% Arkansas Bicycle Club Bowling Green League of Bicyclists % Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club 17.4 Spring City Spinners Bicycle Club INDIVIDUALS $1,000+ Harry Brull % $500+ 2.7 Timothy Roche $100+ Susan Barrows Suzanne Behrendt Paul Epton John Flynn Edward Gent Havenga Family Scott MacRae of cyclist. And, yes, there are some, maybe David McKinley a large number, that will never be vehicular Deena & Frank Mitchell Edith Mooers cyclists through choice or lack of ability. Eric Schonenberg We need to make sure that all of our stu- Daniel Sharp & Family dents can make good decisions for them- Jamie Shea selves, whether it is to control the lane or Streng Family to use a separated bicycle facility. Educat- Chris Vasiloff ing cyclists to be safe on the road is our Paul Vyriotes only task and we should strive to do it well. Michael Ware - Preston Tyree, LCI #518

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 7 FROM THE SADDLE

RIDING WITH WORLD BICYCLE RELIEF IN ZAMBIA How bicycles transform the lives of students, patients and entrepreneurs BY KAREN JENKINS AND CYNDI STEINER

ambia is a long way to travel from representative in the northeast United to maintain because of the interchange- the United States to ride a bicycle. States, challenged us to join him in May able parts, powerful coaster brakes, lack But the physical distance of 7,500 on the WBR “Africa Rides” program in of gears, and the ability to build and re- miles and 30 hours of travel time Zambia. pair it with simple tools. Through aid were small in comparison to the Founded in 2005, WBR began by part- organizations in selected countries on Zpeople we met in Zambia and the les- nering with organizations in Sri Lanka to the continent of Africa, WBR provides sons we learned on our trip with World help with relief efforts after Bicycle Relief (WBR). the tsunami that devastated The participants in the “Africa Rides” communities in nations The participants in the Africa Rides program with WBR in May learned up along the coastline of the close and personal about the ability of a Indian Ocean. More than program learned about the ability of a bicycle to offer access to independence, 24,000 locally assembled bicycle to offer access to independence, education, and a livelihood for people in bicycles were distributed to developing countries and at home. displaced survivors. education, and a livelihood. In February, FK Day, president of Shortly after, WBR began WBR and co-founder of SRAM, ad- designing and assembling the dressed the 2014 New Jersey Bike & Walk rugged Buffalo Bicycle. Specifically de- bicycles to support education, healthcare Summit. Shortly after, Sandy Chapman, signed and built for developing countries, and micro-finance. president of Tifosi Sales and a SRAM the frame is heavy gauge steel and easier To date, more than 182,250 Buffalo

8 AMERICAN BICYCLIST FROM THE SADDLE

Author and League board member, Karen Jenkins

Bicycles have been distributed and sold middle of the bush, far from a town and in Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, paved roads,” he explained. Only by rid- Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South ing a Buffalo Bike in Zambia did every Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanza- participant on the “Africa Rides” program nia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Integral to understand the distance and difficult ter- the operation in each country is a train- rain. We rode bikes on dirt paths, which ing program for mechanics to ensure were often narrow and bumpy with rocks. skilled repairs and spare parts are easily There is no grading of the incalculable available. At the local WBR offices 949 paths throughout the country that con- workers have been trained as assemblers. nect thousands of villages far from urban This is especially important since most centers. Buffalo Bicycles are in rural areas where Brian went on to explain how getting the need for transportation is so high. children to school makes a difference in Brian Moonga, WBR’s Zambia Coun- the development of Zambia and the well- try Director, explained the importance being of citizens. “The bicycle is more of transportation in a country like Zam- than transportation,” he said. “It is also bia. “It is difficult for people to under- an item of wealth. It means a child moves stand that a child must walk as much from owning nothing to owning some- All photos by Sandy Chapman as 10 miles or more on a dirt path in the thing of value.”

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 9 FROM THE SADDLE

Brian spoke of a girl in his class named clock is ticking for these children.” Bikes, rushed from the field where they Elizabeth who lived quite a distance At the beginning of the week in Zam- were waiting and surrounded the riders, from the school. “Since my father was bia, each “Africa Rides” participant as- greeting each with wide smiles, vigorous a teacher, we lived at the school,” he ex- sembled a Buffalo Bicycle. Except for the handshakes, and tight hugs. plained. “Elizabeth would arrive late ev- spokes on the rims and tires, everyone The rousing bike distribution ceremo- ery morning. As she had to run through was faced with a box of parts, neatly laid ny was attended by the entire community tall, dew-covered grass every morning to on the ground. Then, under the some- — local chiefs, government officials, par- get to school, her clothes were wet and times amused gaze but always helpful at- ents, teachers from nearby schools, and she was shivering, shaking and tired. She tention of WBR staff, we all assembled representatives from World Vision, the would lean up against me to get warm. a Buffalo Bicycle within several hours program agency. Parents and students I said to myself many times, ‘How can using a screwdriver and a few wrenches. all had to sign contracts before claiming she be expected to take the same exam Sandy was the first to assemble his Buf- their bicycles. as me?’ Today, Elizabeth still lives in falo and take it for a test ride. After presenting a student with a Buf- that same village. She has seven children But nothing prepared Sandy, and the falo Bicycle, Sandy reflected on his ex- and, although she is the same age as me, other participants, for the reception the perience selling expensive bicycles and she looks like an old woman. Staying next day when the group rode six miles equipment in the United States. “I have a in school became too difficult for her, off the main road to the Muchuto Pri- new understanding of what a bicycle can so she dropped out at a young age and mary School — about 40 miles from mean,” he said. “The expensive bikes I became a mother. I am so committed to Lusaka, the capital. Like everyone in the sell for pleasure and recreation now seem helping these children that I don’t mind group, Sandy was overwhelmed when meaningless compared to what a $140 when work interferes on my evenings and more than 700 children who, on see- Buffalo Bicycle can mean to a young per- weekends. I take work calls any time. The ing the arrival of the group on Buffalo son in Zambia. It’s not the money that

10 AMERICAN BICYCLIST FROM THE SADDLE

America by Bicycle, Inc. 20 th Season !

the with t e Coa ! ide st t er R to Coast Lead Cross Country Challenge May 31st - July 22nd, 2014 - 3,850 mi CA to NH Across America North June 15th - Aug. 4th, 2014 - 3,680 mi OR to NH Ride the East Aug. 9th - Sept. 3rd, 2014 - 1,675 mi NH to FL Shenandoah-Blue Ridge Ramble Aug. 16th - Aug. 28th, 2014 - 690 mi VA Ride the West Sept. 6th - Sept. 29th, 2014 - 1,410 mi OR to CA Maine Foliage Tour Oct. 5th - Oct. 10th, 2014 - 226 mi Maine Fall Foliage Classic Oct. 11th - Oct. 18th, 2014 - 310 mi ME, NH, MA www.abbike.com 888-797-7057

Alaskabike!

Highest quality bicycle and makes the difference; it’s a bicycle.” gram (BEEP) is a bias toward giving bi- multi-sport tours in Alaska Then, WBR took the group on a 7-mile cycles to girls in keeping with the efforts and Canada’s Yukon ride along a dusty trail to the village of of the Zambian Ministry of Education to Paulina, a female recipient of a Buffalo alleviate gender disparities and improve Very inclusive packages include Bicycle. At several points, riders, who female retention in junior high schools. meals, lodging, Cannondale consider themselves competent on U.S. Brian, who majored in business at the bicycle rental. Since 1993. roads, had to dismount and walk due to University of Zambia, elaborated by tell- the steep and poor condition of the dirt ing participants about his experience Recommended by Frommers! path. Everyone was reminded there are as a student when he lived very close to no lights and in the mornings and eve- his school. “Children in my classes were Complete information on our nings children walk in darkness. smart and capable,” he said. “But too website at: Yet, as everyone rode with Paulina and many were unable to attend school on www.alaskabike.com her beaming friends, it became clear a bi- a regular basis or continue because dis- cycle can enable children to get to school tance imposes a hardship. It wasn’t aca- Alaskabike more quickly and on time. Recipients demic ability that held them back; it was of the bikes are chosen by a community distance which subtracted equality at the group using criteria that includes dis- start line. A bicycle offers every child a Request our Catalog! tance and need. Every child must agree chance to get to the starting line, which to bring several friends along the way to is the school door, every day.” 1-907-245 -2175 and from school on the back rack and top By building and integrating rigor- 1-866-683-2453 - toll free tube. Among the core tenets of the WBR ous assessments and evaluations into its [email protected] 3511 E. 84th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99507 Bicycle Education Empowerment Pro- work, WBR tracks the Buffalo Bicycles it

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 11 FROM THE SADDLE

distributes and carefully looks at the so- On a third day, the group rode to a rural cial and economic impact on its workers, health clinic in Mwembeshi with trained the mechanics who are trained and the community volunteers who, on bikes, recipients — school children, healthcare can each visit as many as 15 patients in a workers and small business entrepre- week instead of five or six on foot. Wear- neurs. ing his WBR overalls, a trained Buffalo Another day, the “Africa Rides” group Bike mechanic from the area was among visited dairy farmers at the Palabana the participants. After visiting the clinic, Milk Collection Center in the Chongwe the next ride was with a volunteer to her District. With a Buffalo Bicycle, obtained village and then to the village of one of under a micro-finance plan, a farmer can her patients. A few years ago, the patient carry two large canisters of milk to the expected to die of AIDS. He credited the processing plant, and do so twice each intervention and attention of his commu- morning and evening. Previously, it took nity health care worker with helping him two people, walking with one canister become healthy. It was the Buffalo Bi- to get to the processing plant and they cycle that enabled the healthcare volun- could only make one trip in the morning teer to visit her patient on a regular and and one in the evening. Once farmers frequent basis. He described how, once can transport milk by bicycle, the quality when he was ill, the healthcare volunteer is higher because it gets to the processing took him to the clinic on her bicycle. plant more quickly. Just as quickly, in- Toward the end of the 10 days in Zam- come for the local farmers begins rising bia, Brian indicated interest in making dramatically. Lusaka a Bicycle Friendly City and in-

Wh our eels t Y T e ur Bicycle G n in Adventure g Planning Kit

E NJ F OY RE Y E OU ISSU R E!

CYCLIN G RE SO TRAV URCES EL STOR INS IES PIRATIO N request your kit today:

TH OVE E RO adventurecycling.org/inquiry R AD KUNZ UM LA Ro 16 a GO d LDE OF B N CIRC C EA L FREE Adventure Cycling R E y S AN in c D BE E the lin R g 24 4TH ANN PHOT UAL O CON TEST Route Map Catalog 30 Nati FREE issue of ADVENTURE CYCLIST, Par America’s top bicycle travel magazine ks 8

Inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle.

12 AMERICAN BICYCLIST FROM THE SADDLE

quired if it is an international designa- ment of nearly one mile for a “I have been truly humbled by the tion by the League. “People are fearful and are now seeking support to clearly people I had the privilege of meeting of getting bashed by cars if they ride a mark it. Brian explained how he hopes who welcomed us into their schools, bicycle,” he said. “I hope WBR can help bicycles will be part of a national effort villages, healthcare centers and busi- people at all levels develop a bicycle to build 7,000 miles of tarred roads that nesses,” Sandy said, summing up the un- friendly mentality and the political will will link urban and rural areas. ;“Thou- forgettable experience. “I have witnessed to make it a reality. If it makes sense in sands of people already ride bicycles in humility and courage and have seen the and New York City, as well Zambia,” he said. “A new road network difference a bicycle can make.” as small cities and towns in New Jersey, that does not account for bicycles will in- Perhaps the most important lesson then it makes sense in Lusaka to incor- evitably force them to the margins of the of the visit to WBR in Zambia was the porate bicycle-friendly infrastructure. road and the thinking of motorists. The shared joy of assembling and riding a Now is the time to educate people about result will be many Zambians on bicycles Buffalo Bicycle. Artificial barriers of na- commuting wisely and economically. injured and killed.” tionality, race, class, gender and income We do not need to blindly let the auto- Zambia is a beautiful and peaceful were quickly forgotten when people mobile dictate how we get around. In a country of 14 million people in southern undertook an easily understood and country like Zambia, the money saved Africa. The friendliness of everyone the universal activity — riding bicycles to- on buying a car can go toward other es- “Africa Rides” group met was overwhelm- gether. KAREN JENKINS IS A MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE’S sential needs. The majority of Zambians ing and contagious. The well-organized BOARD OF DIRECTORS. CYNDI STEINER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR cannot afford a car but they can afford a WBR program in Zambia helped partici- OF THE NEW JERSEY BIKE & WALK COALITION. bicycle.” pants of “Africa Rides” understand their Brian and the deputy director of the connection to people no matter where United Nations Development Program they live or their personal and commu- (UNDP) in Zambia identified an ease- nity circumstances.

NOV. 5-8, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA NATIONAL BICYCLE REGISTRATION OPEN NOW TOURISM CONFERENCE WWW.BICYCLETOURNETWORK.ORG

BEST PRACTICES, INSPIRATION AND NETWORKING TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS • EARLY REGISTRATION (MARCH 31-JUNE 15): $250 • REGISTRATION AFTER JUNE 15: $300 • ONE-DAY REGISTRATION: $125

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 13 10 STEPS TOWARD BIKE EQUITY

he League’s Equity Initiative connects the bike movement’s longstanding fight for equal CONSIDER T access to safe streets with the growing mo- mentum to address health and wealth inequities OUTSIDE INPUT through grassroots and policy interventions. At the League, we believe that bike equity can be achieved through the inclusion of community The League convened an Equity voices in creating streets for diverse users. It Advisory Council to connect to community leaders who have means ensuring that more people can access the helped guide our work in a way many benefits of bicycling. Based on our work that reflects the insight and here at the League, here are 10 steps you can needs ofpopulations. underrepresented take to move toward equity in the bike move- ment in your community.

INCLUDE ALL ORGANIZATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS IN DEVELOPING A COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The League’s work has been developing for several years thanks to the interest of both individual THINK INTEGRATION staff and members of the board of directors. RATHER THAN SEPARATION

The League has focused on integration rather than a stand-alone equity program — and REMEMBER: EQUITY found that an equity focus can be a great driver of efficiency ADDS VALUE, NOT ANOTHER and innovationorganizational within an TASK, TO YOUR WORK structure. SET GOALS Working toward equity can reap a big return on investment, expanding your impact and At the League we’re making your organization more effective. aiming “to transform the organization’s strategic plan and programming so we support equitable bike outcomes that include diverse users.”

READ MORE ABOUT THE LEAGUE’S INTERNAL EQUITY ASSESSMENT AT BIKELEAGUE.ORG/EQUITY

14 AMERICAN BICYCLIST IDENTIFY PEER ORGANIZATIONS UNDERTAKING SIMILAR PROCESSES AND SHARE IDEAS

We’ve benefited from discussions with staff and board members of the Community Cycling Center,Easy Bike and East others. Bay, Bike IDENTIFY A TEAM LEADER

Even if you don’t have funding yet, assign a point-person to move your efforts forwards and ensure continuity.

INCORPORATE AN EQUITY ASSESSMENT INTO A STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

ENGAGE STAFF The League found that this OR STAKEHOLDERS can ensure equity is an integrated commitment rather thanstand-alone a tacked-on, At the League we’re working program. with each program director to identify the current state of our programs — and opportunities THINK INTEGRATION for changecommunities. to reach more RATHER THAN SEPARATION

The League has focused on integration rather than a stand-alone equity program — and found that an equity focus can WORDS AND be a great driver of efficiency and innovationorganizational within an IMAGES MATTER structure.

The League communications team prioritizes diversity in images and perspectives based on genuine relationships and integrates inclusive stories and experiences, not tagged as “equity,” but simply as an integral part of the bike movement.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 15 FROM THE SADDLE FIVE INSPIRING WORDS In five words or less, describe what riding a bike has done for your life

Photo by Pamela Palma

e asked the National Bike Challenge riders on Facebook a simple question: In five words or less, describe what riding a bike has done for your life. We were astounded by the hundreds of inspi- rational responses. From transportation to health to freedom, it’s clear bicycling means a lot of things to a lot of people — and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to foster with the Challenge. If W VISIT WWW.NATIONALBIKECHALLENGE.ORG. you’re not signed up for the Challenge yet, there’s still plenty of time!

16 AMERICAN BICYCLIST FROM THE SADDLE

LIFE IS BIKING: NEVER-ENDING ADVENTURE IT SETS ME FREE LIFE: SLEEP. EAT. RIDE. REPEAT. RIDE MORE AND WORRY LESS SAVES MY LIFE EVERY DAY MAKES ME A BETTER PERSON PUSHES ME TO TRY HARDER TROUBLES MELT AWAY I FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN JOY, PEACE, FITNESS, FRUGALITY, FREEDOM! 94 LBS LOST; GLAD TO BE ALIVE AGAIN MAKES ME SMILE MORE STRONGER LEGS, HEALTHIER HEART BROUGHT MY ENERGY BACK MANAGES MY STRESS PHYSICALLY FIT AT 66 PEACE OF MIND, HEART AND SOUL BIKING LIBERATES, INVIGORATES, ENCOURAGES DISCOVERY FALL, DUST OFF, KEEP RIDING

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 17 EVERY BICYCLIST COUNTS A year-long effort to learn more about bicycling fatalities BY ANDY CLARKE

LEARN MORE BIT.LY/EVERYBICYCLISTCOUNTS

18 AMERICAN BICYCLIST PEDAL PROGRESS

terrible string of fatal bike crashes higher percentage of fatal crashes than in the Tampa area in late 2011 and expected — 40% of fatal crashes with a early 2012 left the local bike com- reported collision type — were “hit from Amunity reeling. behind” incidents. That’s important to As they shared each awful tragedy with know for our education program. Not us, we too felt frustrated and powerless. surprisingly, high-speed urban and sub- We also realized how little we really urban arterial streets with no provisions knew about the circumstances of serious for bicyclists are an overrepresented lo- crashes between bikes and cars, and how cation for crashes — representing 56% woefully inadequate (and late) the avail- of all bicyclist fatalities. That’s good able data was at the national level. information to share with our Bicycle For a 12-month period, we set about Friendly Community partners. the grim task of tracking and document- The data suggest that both education ing every fatal traffic crash involving a and engineering solutions are necessary bicyclist captured by relevant internet to reduce the annual toll of bicyclist fa- search terms. We also wanted to offer a talities, and that pretending one or the place to remember the victims and raise other is the only solution is a mistake. the hope that their deaths would at least The League’s commitment to pro- inform efforts to prevent such tragedies viding valuable and relevant bicyclist in the future. education programs The result was through a network the Every Bicy- Bicycling isn’t dangerous. It’s a of trained instruc- clist Counts ini- healthy activity but it’s not without tors is stronger than ty and comfort, and dramatically increase tiative. ever as a result of the chances of someone getting on a bike We owe a huge risk. This report helps us understand compiling this re- in the first place. In some cases, especially debt of gratitude and manage those risks better. port. Bicyclists can on higher-speed, higher-volume roads, to Elizabeth Kik- dramatically reduce that’s going to mean protected bikeways. er for compiling their risks of being Rather than oppose these, as some vehic- much of this data and to the Ride of Si- in a crash (of any kind) by doing a few ular cyclists have been known to do, we lence and Ghost Bike programs that of- simple things right: following the rules, should ensure high-quality infrastructure fer so much comfort to the friends and being visible, riding with traffic, staying coupled with new training components families of bicyclists killed on the road off the sidewalk and out of the gutter. that teach people how to ride in these — and a vital outlet for the outrage felt Equally, we believe there are a lot of “new” facilities. by everyone that rides a bike when they engineering changes to our roadways Ironically, the EBC report suggests hear of these needless deaths. must be made to improve bicyclists’ safe- that perhaps the greatest improvements Over the course of the project we doc- umented 628 fatal bike crashes, a high percentage of the official number of such fatalities recorded by federal authorities. We wanted to explore how and why these crashes were happening, how they were reported, what was done as a result of the crashes, if blame was assigned, how the motorists were treated, and whether or not there were any consequences for their actions if they were deemed to be at fault in any way. The results are sobering, eye-opening, and critically helpful in informing the current debate about the need for a non- motorized traffic safety performance measure. We learned, for example, that a much

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 19 PEDAL PROGRESS

in safety for bicyclists have nothing to munities combine to make our streets mation about why crashes happen, how do with either bicyclist education or pro- and highways uncivilized and unforgiv- they are reported, and the scope of en- tected bikeways. Distracted driving (in ing places for bicyclists and forcement actions taken against motor- all its various forms), excessive speed, — not to mention the 30,000 motorists ists, including common felonies charged and continued tolerance of poor driving who die on our roads every year, as well. and average sentences for 77 convictions by the law enforcement and judicial com- We also found important new infor- related to bicyclist fatalities. Overwhelm-

EVERY BICYCLIST COUNTS

TRISH CUNNINGHAM FREDRICK JOHN MARTINEZ Killed August 21, 2013. Age 50. Annapolis, MD Killed March 19, 2013. Age 51. Flagler Beach, FL

Trish Cunningham was a force. The married mom of three coached track The oldest of six kids born and raised in Queens, NY, Freddy joined and field and cross country athletes at the Annapolis High School (in- the Navy right out of high school at age 18 and served for six years cluding her son Ben and daughter Avery), and field hockey and lacrosse traveling the world while on duty. His sister, Tami, described him as as part of St. Mary’s Recreational League. She also pushed herself ath- the definition of a “free spirit.” Always on the move, he attended 15 letically, often ranking in her running age group in the region and, in NFL Super Bowls, countless concerts and traveled the country. “We 2013 completed her first duathlon. “She inspired her team, her family, were all jealous of his lifestyle,” Tami said. “So carefree.” He finally put friends, and community to strive for excellence and live up to their po- down roots a in Flagler Beach, Fla., when he was tragically killed while tential,” her oldest daughter, Morgan, said. On August 21, 2013, she fin- riding his Avalon seven-speed bike home from the bank on the after- ished cross country practice and headed out for her usual 15-mile bike noon of March 19, 2013. A man driving a work van along the four-lane ride down Riva Road. As she began to crest a small hill, which is a no roadway said he sneezed suddenly, causing him to veer into the bike passing zone, a motorist fatally struck her from behind. The case was lane in which Freddy was riding. He was 51. The Navy veteran also left sent to a grand jury and the driver received just four modest traffic cita- behind his parents, five siblings and a 26-year-old daughter. “The only tions — for killing the community leader. The driver is now contesting comfort we take is that he did live his life to the fullest,” his sister said. these citations in court. Following her death, the phrase “Run Like Trish (RLT)” gained traction in Annapolis and the high school cross country team wore green “Trish” bracelets throughout the 2013 season. The tragedy also propelled advocacy to enforce Maryland’s 3-feet passing law and cyclists, runners and community members took to Anne Arundel County intersections in September 2013, holding signs that reminded motorists of the law. Trish is survived by her husband; children Morgan, Benjamin and Avery; four sisters and a brother; and her parents. “While the [driver] took her life,” Morgan said, “Trish Cunningham’s inspiration- al spirit lives on in the Annapolis community.”

20 AMERICAN BICYCLIST PEDAL PROGRESS

ingly, however, we were struck by the lack Congress and the federal agencies to spe- have to keep reporting a totally unaccept- of information, the lack of action, and cifically focus on these fatalities through able and unnecessary death toll on our the lack of a sense of outrage over these a non-motorized safety performance nation’s roadways. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT AT deaths, even in communities where this measure that significantly improves ac- HTTP://BIT.LY/EVERYBICYCLISTCOUNTS. kind of tragedy is relatively common. countability and data collection pro- That’s critical to know as we work with cesses for the future. Otherwise, we will

AARON COHEN KYLE KEEFE Killed February 16, 2012. Age 36. Miami, FL Killed September 26, 2012. Age 49. Canon City, CO

In Aaron Cohen’s death, there is hope for a better future. The Miami When Kyle Keefe was 12, he built his very own bicycle. That Fourth of businessman and husband was taken from his loving wife and two July, in 1976, he rode it in the local parade in Monument, Colo. “He children, Aiden and Lily, age one and three years old, when he was loved biking and the freedom it gave him,” his sister, Erin, said. Riding the victim of a hit-and-run while on his bike on February 15, 2012. The every day became his “source of tranquility,” she said, and also his 36-year-old was passionate about bicycles: He was seemingly always main means of exercise. While he preferred getting out on the rougher training for his next race or , said his cousin, Elyse. “Aaron terrain with his mountain bike, he also rode every day to and from his was everyone’s favorite something — he was my favorite cousin,” Elyse daily routine. He was also a gifted musician, often performing for his said. “He was the person who never missed a birthday, always made big family with six siblings and more than 35 cousins. “He had a way time for one-on-one activities and made you feel like you were the of making you feel great and could lift you up from the deepest sor- only person in the room that mattered when he talked to you.” On row,” Erin said. On his daily route on September 25, 2012, on sleepy February 15, Aaron and his friend Enda went for a bike ride, as they suburban streets, a motorist turned right into Kyle’s path in Canon did most Wednesday mornings. As they rode over a causeway, a car City, Colo., killing him. The motorist fled the scene, leaving Kyle on veered into the and hit both cyclists. The motorist drove off. the street. He died a day later in the hospital. The driver was found Enda had a broken ankle, but Aaron was several feet ahead, unmov- guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, criminally ing. He died in the hospital the next day. The motorist, who according negligent homicide and careless driving causing death — and was sen- to news reports was driving with a restricted license, turned himself tenced to only 90 days in jail, five years probation and a one-year in 12 hours later and ultimately served only 264 days in prison. There suspended license. “Kyle is forever missed by all of his family and is hope. Aaron’s family and friends formed a coalition to gather sup- friends,” his sister said. “We miss hearing him play his guitar and sing- port for a more stringent sentence for hit-and-run drivers. The Aaron ing his songs. We miss the love and hugs he freely offered. We miss his Cohen Life Protection Act proposes a minimum mandatory sentence smile and his laughter. We miss his eternal youth and playfulness. We of four years for leaving the scene of an accident in an attempt to miss his encouragement and his beautiful words of wisdom ... There ultimately save more lives. Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into was a greatness about him that can never be duplicated.” law at the end of June.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 21 THINK BIKE

SOUTHERN COMFORT FOR CYCLISTS Bicycling advocacy heats up in the South BY DARREN FLUSCHE

ith its favorable climate, beau- cycle Friendly State ranking — has leaders are stepping forward and being tiful landscapes, historic small been making progress at the state level. intentional about using the bicycle as a towns and “the best food “The Tennessee Department of Trans- tool for increasing economic develop- around for fueling bicycling portation established a $30 million, ment and health in Mississippi,” Moody adventures,” Brent Buice pre- multi-modal fund to pay for sidewalks, says. Wdicts a bicycling renaissance in America’s multi-use paths, bike lanes, and other Cities like New Orleans are bringing southern states. active-transportation infrastructure im- people together in the name of safer And the Executive Director of Geor- provements,” Siracusa says. Already, $11 streets for all. And the partnerships, pa- gia Bikes! isn’t alone. In many southern million in projects have been funded us- tience, and perseverance are paying off: states the bike movement is gaining ing this dedicated source of state fund- since Hurricane Katrina, the city has ground. Fort Worth, New Orleans, Chat- ing in the past 12 months. added 85 miles of bicycle facilities, with tanooga, Atlanta, Savannah and Charles- Mississippi is also seeing momentum more on the way. ton are all emerging as bicycling cities to toward better bicycling. Melody Moody, “All of this infrastructure is fantastic, watch, and many other southern commu- executive director of Bike Walk Missis- but ultimately our work is about people nities are following suit, Buice says. sippi, says the evidence is everywhere: and access,” says Naomi Doerner, execu- While many state-level officials have the robust attendance at Mississippi’s tive director of Bike Easy in New Orleans. yet to fully embrace bicycling and back first statewide Bike Summit this year, “Until all people have access to sidewalks it with supportive policies and resources, and energy from elected officials, ad- and bike lanes in their neighborhoods the growth of bicycling is being led by vocates, and transportation and health — especially where safety, access, and savvy advocates and forward-thinking professionals. “Throughout the state, public health are major concerns — Bike mayors who recognize that bike-friendly Easy and our allies will continue to grow communities are healthier and more ec- awareness and community capacities in onomically vibrant. Both are supported support of walking and bicycling.” by a new generation of transportation professionals, who are planning around REMAINING CHALLENGES health goals and using the latest infra- Despite progress, there are still plenty structure design guidance. of challenges particular to the more con- servative states. RECENT SUCCESS “On a cultural level, we face formida- Just look at Tennessee, a state coming off ble odds,” Buice acknowledges. “South- its successful state bike summit in May. erners, arguably more than other Ameri- As Anthony Siracusa, executive director cans, fetishize cars and trucks, and many of BikeWalk Tennessee, points out, every see bicycles as merely children’s toys, major city in Tennessee now has a bik- fancy sports equipment, or a pitiable ing and walking advocacy organization: transportation choice for the poor or Livable Memphis, Walk Bike Nashville, dissolute. It will take time to overcome Bike Walk Knoxville, and Bike Walk these ingrained beliefs, but we’re well on Chattanooga. our way to demonstrating that bicycles Thanks to their coordinated efforts, are a sensible and desirable transporta- Tennessee — which ranked second tion option.” among southern states in our 2014 Bi- Atlanta. Photo by Cameron Adams Robin Stallings, executive director

22 AMERICAN BICYCLIST THINK BIKE

San Antonio. Photo by Bike Texas of BikeTexas, agrees: “States across the cate the benefits of bicycling. south face a similar political climate that “Our messaging has to be very care- is not overly accepting of active trans- fully crafted when we’re talking outside portation, and may be outright hostile of large metropolitan areas,” Buice says. towards biking and walking.” “Sad as it is, we can’t sell bicycling as a solution to environmental issues… We COMING TOGETHER, MOVING FORWARD gain traction when we focus on eco- In March, full-time executive directors nomic development, effective use of tax from the statewide bicycle advocacy dollars, and the family-friendly nature of groups in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, bicycling improvements.” Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas According to Stallings, that’s true in gathered in Fort Worth following the Texas, as well. “Appealing to the eco- Mississippi. Photo by Carol Livingston Texas Trails and Active Transportation nomic benefits particularly works well conference (which itself drew 307 at- for helping conservative legislators un- “For many years, we’ve been held back tendees). For Stallings it made perfect derstand why they should care about ac- because the places with growing bike sense: “Who better to turn to for ideas tive transportation,” he says. networks and cultures were all in the and suggestions than the advocates who In Mississippi, Moody has also ze- north or the coasts, and it’s hard to get know the most about our region?” roed in on how bicycling boosts devel- a southern government official excited Brighid O’Keane of the Alliance for opment. “The concept of using the bi- about what Yankees are doing,” says Biking & Walking, one of the organizers cycle as a tool to revitalize communities Stallings with a laugh. “But victories in of the Southern States Regional Caucus, throughout Mississippi and as part of the South tend to be contagious. When says the event provided a much-needed the conversation toward increased qual- a southern city or state has a success, venue to develop shared language and ity of life and livable communities is other southern advocates can point to advocacy tactics. The group talked about catching on in the Deep South,” she says. that success as an example of why this everything from managing a small non- The future looks bright for the South will work in our state, too.” DARREN profit to federal advocacy, but one of the — and O’Keane says the stage has been FLUSCHE IS THE LEAGUE’S POLICY DIRECTOR. topics that generated the most interest set for future work with additional lead- was finding the right way to communi- ers in the South.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 23 BFA WORKSTAND

BIKES IN THE BOARDROOM Major corporations going bicycle friendly BY AMELIA NEPTUNE

pple. Microsoft. Target. 3M. ployees working at a single site, the im- ridership levels nationwide have gone What do they all have in com- pact is significant. up, large employers are facing increasing mon? They’re all Fortune 100 Employee recruitment and retention demand for facilities and programs to ac- A companies, and their headquar- is another common motivation. Being a commodate the rising ridership levels at ters are each designated as a Bicycle Bicycle Friendly Business helps compa- their workplaces. Friendly Business. nies attract and retain the very best and How are corporations bringing these In recent years, the Bicycle Friendly brightest — employees who are look- benefits to their workplace through bi- Business program has seen a new trend ing for convenient commutes, an active cycling? Although each Bicycle Friendly that bodes well for the growth of the bike lifestyle, and a vibrant, healthy commu- Business is unique, we’ve noticed some movement: corporate campuses are go- nity to live and work in — particularly recurring themes among corporate cam- ing bicycle-friendly. These are companies as peer companies around the country puses that add to their success as BFBs. that employ tens of thousands of people do the same. Of course, at some corpora- and touch the lives of millions every day tions, the efforts to become more bicycle DEDICATED STAFF: Larger companies through their products and services. And friendly are entirely employee-driven, often have the resources — and the need now they are making bicycling a priority or in response to employee demand. As — to hire a full-time staff person re- for their workplaces, and they’re seeking sponsible for bicycle initiatives. Among the Bicycle Friendly Business designa- corporate applicants we see full-time job tion to prove it. titles like Bike Infrastructure Manager What’s behind this trend in bicycle (Facebook, Platinum BFB), Transporta- friendly corporations? For some, becom- tion Program Manager (LinkedIn, Silver ing bicycle-friendly is a part of overall BFB), and Commute Program Manager corporate excellence: offering their em- (Apple, Silver BFB). Human Resources, ployees the very best in services and ame- wellness, sustainability, and corporate nities. For others, issues around health responsibility staff are also often respon- and sustainability are driving these ef- sible for these efforts as a part of their of- forts. More bicycle commuters lead to ficial job description for the corporation. lower healthcare costs, reduced rates of absenteeism, and a more active, alert, and BIKE SHARING: Because many of these productive workforce, not to mention re- corporate campuses contain several build- ducing the company’s environmental im- ings spread out over large areas, bike pact and carbon footprint. Of course, this sharing makes great sense for these larger is true for a Bicycle Friendly Business of workplaces. Whether to help employees any size, but when you have 5,000+ em- Facebook travel between buildings for meetings or al-

24 AMERICAN BICYCLIST BFA WORKSTAND

3M celebrates its bronze award

lowing them to take a leisurely ride during ACTIVE BIKE CLUB: Active participation subsidized tune-ups for bike commuters, lunch shared bicycles are a fantastic perk and input from employees who bike is a classes, incentives, and more. Dow Agro- and a good way to encourage new rider- critical component of a successful BFB, Sciences (Bronze BFB), in Indianapolis, ship. Facebook (Platinum BFB) has three particularly at larger companies. These offers a Guaranteed Ride Home program different bike fleets totaling almost 200 groups provide a support network to through Central Indiana’s Commuter bicycles for long- and short-term use by new cyclists, and a coordinated feedback Connect program, which allows for sim- employees. USAA (Silver BFB) offers bi- mechanism to communicate the needs of ple administration of this benefit for the cycles and to help their employees bike commuters with company decision company’s 1,400 employees. move from one end of their main building makers. At 3M headquarters (Bronze Perhaps most importantly, these cor- to the other. For corporations located in BFB), the employee-run Bicycle User porations have a huge impact on their urban areas, free access to existing public Group is open to any employee and has surrounding community, both in their bike share systems is more common. Tar- 1,500+ members in its internal online physical presence and the number of get headquarters (Platinum BFB), located community. Members of the group meet people they employ, not to mention the in downtown Minneapolis, not only spon- for lunch every other week and worked financial and political power they hold sored a dedicated NiceRide station on their together to complete the Bicycle Friendly locally and nationally. Partnerships that property but also offers 100 free annual Business application, as well as helping reach beyond the borders of their cam- subscriptions and 1,000 free day passes to to secure 3M’s financial support for and pus to benefit community groups and their 10,000 on-site employees. active participation in the National Bike advocacy efforts are a critical piece of Challenge. how these businesses become bicycle FACILITIES: More and more corporate friendly. Whether it’s supporting bicycle campuses offer indoor, secured bike stor- PARTNERSHIPS: Partnering with local outreach efforts in low-income commu- age for employees, often with free tools governments, advocacy organizations, nities (Target), donating land for the and work stands available for bike re- and outside vendors is critical for aspir- expansion of trails (Texas Instruments), pairs. These dedicated bike rooms also ing bicycle friendly corporate campuses. organizing employees to donate hun- provide a great space for regular main- Texas Instruments (Bronze BFB) in dreds of bikes to a community bike shop tenance and safety classes, bike buddy Plano, TX, worked with the North Cen- (3M), or partnering with the League on connections, and a permanent place to tral Texas Council of Governments on our programs (Kimberly-Clark, Gold share local bicycling information such as the Cottonwood Trail extension adjacent BFB), these corporations are helping bike maps and rules of the road. And not to their headquarters, a 35-mile trail that create a more Bicycle Friendly America, far from these bike rooms, you will fre- will enable employees to safely walk or for everyone. AMELIA NEPTUNE IS THE LEAGUE’S BI- quently find dedicated locker rooms for bike to work. Both Target and Micro- CYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA PROGRAM SPECIALIST. LEARN MORE ABOUT cyclists, sometimes with luxurious show- soft (Silver BFB) headquarters work THE BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS PROGRAM AT HTTP://BIKELEAGUE. ers and free towel service! with outside vendors to provide on-site, ORG/CONTENT/BUSINESSES.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 25 WOMEN BIKE

GIRL SCOUTS ON WHEELS Six steps to getting your local Girl Scouts pedaling BY KATIE MONROE

efore I was a bike advocate in Phila- don’t reinvent the wheel! Check out the flexible with how you pitch a bike pro- delphia, I was a Girl Scout for a full requirements, think about how you can gram – is your council focusing on health decade of my younger years. Last provide programming to help troops initiatives? Sports? Transportation and year, with the help of a Women earn it, and move forward from there. independence? There are a lot of angles B where bikes can fit. We got in the door Bike grant from the League, I was able to One day I hope to get this to be more of- combine these two passions and launch a ficial, but in the meantime, girls are get- “Girl Scouts on Wheels” bike patch here ting on bikes, and that’s what I really care in Philadelphia. about! The effort was part of the new Women Bike PHL initiative, a program I run at IF THERE ISN’T ALREADY A PATCH, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Phila- CREATE THE CURRICULUM FOR ONE. I de- delphia, and there’s been a lot of interest signed the curriculum to look like a for- in replicating this model in other places mal badge, and got my local Girl Scout around the United States. After all, Girl Council to give me the thumbs up to ad- Scouts are everywhere! vertise and distribute it. The curriculum If you, too, dream of getting your lo- includes five sections with three activ- cal Girl Scouts pedaling, here are a few ity options in each category: Know Your pointers from my experience. Bike, Safety Skills, Map it Out, Get Roll- ing, and A World of Biking. DONATE SOME RESEARCH. While there isn’t a national-level Girl Scout REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL GIRL bike badge on the books — if there were, SCOUT COUNCIL. The Council is the or- we wouldn’t be doing this! — some local ganizational structure that oversees all councils might already have a custom, lo- the individual troops that are active in cal one. Key vocabulary to know: a badge your area. For me, it was the Girl Scouts is an official, Girl-Scouts-sanctioned rec- of Eastern Pennsylvania. When you reach ognition at the national level. A patch is out, be patient. This process might take a far less formal: For instance, leaders can while. Girl Scouts is a big organization, get a bowling pin patch made to sig- and it took me a while to find an open nify their troop going to a bowling alley. ear in the organizational structure. Our These patches aren’t distributed by Girl local bike advocacy group had a former Scouts, and that’s actually the zone we’ve board member whose friend was on the been operating in. If there’s already some local Girl Scouts’ board. That helped. Be kind of local patch in existence already, Girl Scouts on wheels.

26 AMERICAN BICYCLIST WOMEN BIKE AMERICAN BICYCLIST

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 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 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 308, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; [email protected], fax: 202-822- 1334. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Diane Albert, [email protected] Steve Durrant, [email protected] Jay Ferm, [email protected] Alison Hill Graves, Secretary, [email protected] Tania Lo, [email protected] Rob Gusky, [email protected] Karen Jenkins, [email protected] Ann Rivers Mack, [email protected] Matt Moore, [email protected] Nicole Preston, Vice Chair, [email protected] because the council was planning a Girls’ Pennsylvania that does big, all-day John Siemiatkoski, Chair, [email protected] Triathlon and they thought a bike patch events where a bunch of local troops Gail Spann, [email protected] can come and earn several patches Eric Swanson, Treasurer, [email protected] could work well in conjunction with that Corinne Winter, [email protected] initiative. at once, all around a theme. We were honored to join a wellness-themed day, STAFF GET SOME FUNDING. There were a few and were able to reach many girls at Lili Afkhami, Development Officer once in this way. Andy Clarke, President things that required money. My expens- Steve Clark, BFC Program Specialist es: patch design and printing, staff time, »» All on their own: We had one troop Alison Dewey, National Bike Challenge Director transportation, and printing (bike safety earn this patch without me ever even Darren Flusche, Policy Director worksheets, etc). If you’re working out of meeting any of the girls. Their leader is Ariell Heacox, Membership and Education Assistant an avid cyclist, and took it upon herself Adonia Lugo, Equity Initiative Manager a bike advocacy organization, this type of Ken McLeod, Legal Specialist work fits well with women’s outreach and to design a three-meeting plan for how Elizabeth Murphy, Communications Manager also youth outreach, so get creative about her troop would earn it. I just sent her Amelia Neptune, BFA Program Specialist funding sources. the patches at the end! Bill Nesper, Vice President, Programs »» Some help: Some troop leaders will Alissa Simcox, Education Director Carolyn Szczepanski, Director, Communications GET THE WORD OUT. This was the reach out and express interest but not and Women Bike amazing part, for me – once we posted feel totally comfortable pulling it off Caron Whitaker, Vice President, Government Relations Scott Williams, Membership Director this “new patch opportunity” on the Bi- alone. In this case, depending on your capacity, you can offer whatever educa- Jakob Wolf-Barnett, Chief Operating Officer cycle Coalition blog, the emails started Nicole Wynands, Program Manager, Bicycle Friendly pouring in from interested local Girl tional resources you have to help out, Community & Bicycle Friendly State Scout leaders. Girl Scout leaders are ev- including activity books, or help orga- nizing a Bike Rodeo. AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE erywhere (including in the bike commu- Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski nity), and word travels fast among them, Designer: Carey Donnelly, Studio d Getting Girl Scouts on bikes has been so start with who you already know. American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is pub- one of the proudest moments of my bike lished six times yearly by the League of American Bicy- advocacy career, and my dream is to see clists, Inc. to help the organization achieve its mission of GIVE TROOPS OPTIONS FOR HOW TO educating the public and promoting public awareness of Girl Scout biking patches pop up in other bicycling issues. ©2014 League of American Bicyclists. EARN IT. I basically offered three paths places as well. If you have any questions Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is for troops to earn the patch. Be flexible prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to caro- or ideas about getting something like this [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, and see what works best for troops in started where you live, I’m happy to be a photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the mate- your area. resource: [email protected]. rial in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the »» Big event: We had a really successful material may be published without additional approval. KATIE MONROE IS THE FOUNDER OF WOMEN BIKE PHL AND WORKS AT Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not partnership with Girl Scouts at Penn, THE BICYCLE COALITION OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA. necessarily reflect the policies of the League. a student group at the University of

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 27 BICYCLE SOLUTIONS

LIVING BETTER WITH PARKINSONS DISEASE BY CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER

onnection between mind and marked tremors in his arms are gone body adds harmony and balance and he pedals at a consistent pace and to our lives. Science has shown with perfect balance and coordination. us there is an incredible connec- He cycles away from the camera, turns tion between riding a bike and around and cycles back, slowing, stop- Cthe human brain. In 2010, researchers ping and dismounting perfectly. Once published a dramatic case study in the dismounted, however, he is again inca- New England Journal of Medicine in pable of walking. which they examined patients afflicted I ride almost every day for recreation with Parkinson’s Disease. and transportation, as many of us do. One such patient, a 58-year-old man, So, it’s important to sometimes take a was incapable of walking to the extent step back and realize the profound ef- that he required visual guides to move fect that cycling can have that we have Every day activities like walking and holding a conversation are a struggle for Parkinsons patient one foot in front of the other. After a few barely even scratched the surface of. Larry Smith (pictured above with wife, Betty). He steps the patient would lose balance and The road to unlocking the mysteries uses a cane or walker for stability and pursues a vig- would require his wheelchair. of the brain may best be traveled on two orous speech therapy schedule. However, he can ride But he could still ride his bicycle. wheels. REP. BLUMENAUER (D) REPRESENTS THE 3RD a bike with no problem, despite the complications of Parkinson’s disease. For more information on Larry A video shows him cycling with DISTRICT OF OREGON Smith, visit ridewithlarrymovie.com. perfect movement and balance, the

28 AMERICAN BICYCLIST