July-August 2010 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.orgwww.bikeleague.org

League of American BicyclistsBicyclists WorkingWorking for a Bicycle-FriendlyBicycle-Friendly AmericaAmerica

Beautiful LIMITATIONS Music Touring by Bike p. 12

16 2009 ANNUAL REPORT and the League in 2010 and Beyond 22 DIVE IN! How to Become a BFC 28 VELO-CITY GLOBAL

contentJULY-AUGUST 2010

IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint ...... 2 Chairman’s Message ...... 3 InBox ...... 4 Cogs & Gears ...... 6 QuickStop ...... 28

ON THE 12 COVER! From the Saddle 12 Beautiful Limitations A Music Tour by Bicycle 22 Think Bike Bicycle Advocacy 9 Thanks DOT and Sec. Ray LaHood 10 Ready to Rumble: Making Sure Rumble Strips Don’t Ruin Your Ride Pedal Progress The Future of the League 16 The League in 2010 and Beyond

10 18 League 2009 Annual Report Bicycle Friendly America Workstand Working Toward a More Bicycle-friendly Nation 22 Dive In! How to Become a BFC 24 Let’s Ride The East Coast Greenway

cover photo courtesy of Ben Sollee 9 28

AmericanBicyclist 1 viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president]

Copenhagen is No Danish Fairy Tale

Copenhagen certainly lives up wide striped bike lane beside it to nient way of getting around. to its self-proclaimed title as the City handle the volume of bike traffic. 2. It’s about more than just infra- of Cyclists. Almost 4 out of 10 trips structure. There is, obviously, a in the Danish capital are made by bi- Headline News culture of cycling that permeates cycle — and the whole feel of the city Distilling the lessons from traffic safety from school kids to is transformed because of that simple, Copenhagen and a four-day confer- people learning to drive and con- and to the Danes, quite unremark- ence is going to be a challenge. User tinues among commercial drivers able truth. Rush hour doesn’t feel or groups and researchers shared expe- and all motorists. sound like rush hour at all; the city is riences with politicians and business 3. Copenhagen has taken 30-40 somehow made more civilized, 24/7, executives; planners and engineers years to develop what we see by the bicycle. from 60 countries discussed differ- today ... and while I used to think ent solutions to the same universal that saying this would ease the Color Me Impressed problems; and we all bemoaned the pain of those who question wheth- I was one of nearly 100 North lack of speedy progress towards being er such change is really possible, American delegates (out of a total of more like Copenhagen in our own I now realize that we don’t have more than 1,000) to the Velo-City communities. the luxury of waiting that length Global conference in Copenhagen at The headlines from the City of of time to transform our cities. the end of June. Although I’ve been Cyclists were: New York City and Seville (host of before and marveled at the infra- 1. Copenhagen works for cyclists the next Velo-City conference in structure for cyclists and the myriad because cycling is a priority and March 2011) are prime examples types of cyclists and selection of bikes because the details of the cycling of places that are changing much one sees there, I was impressed all infrastructure have been taken more rapidly — and that’s the new over again by the sheer volume of cy- care of — there are no (or very model we need to follow. clists. Fellow delegates took hours of few) places where the network video and shot thousands of pictures suddenly ends or where you are Our colleagues at the Danish as they roamed intersections where left to fend for yourself at tricky Cyclists Federation are in the fore- 36,000 cyclists a day pass through. intersections, just when you really front of efforts to keep Danish cities They rode the bridges, with not just a need help! Cycling really is the moving forward while exporting their 4-6 meter cycle track but an equally quickest, easiest, and most conve- expertise through the Danish Embassy of Cycling. After my Velo-City Global experience, I think they have created a thousand new ambassadors to the cause. RuRRush hour in Copenhagen doddoesn’t feel or sound like rush hhour at all. The city is, somehow, made more civilized by the bicycle. Andy Clarke League President

2 AmericanBicyclist chair’smessage [Hans van Naerssen]

Rock the Vote New changes have been made to the League’s election process to improve both member participation and Board representation.

oard elections are very signifi- cant in setting the direction and tone of an organization. This BDecember you will have the oopportunity to elect five League Board mmembers using a new preferential voting pprocess. With preferential voting, you rrank your choices. The accumulated rranking determines who is selected to ththe Board. Why the change? It provides a better rrepresentation of your interests. We also hhope it helps increase the number of mmembers who participate in our annual eelections. See the article on page 8 to get a bet- teter idea of how it works and to partici- ppate in a trial vote. We also increased the size of the Board from 12 members to 15. This helps broaden the representation of bicyclists’ interests and bring a broader set of skills to the Board. Of the 15 directors, eight are member elected and seven are Board elected, maintaining the member-elected majority. If you are interested in helping set the direction and strategy of the League, in performing the Board’s governance duties, and if you meet the eligibility criteria (visit www.bikeleague.org or see page 7 of this issue of American Bicy- clist), send us an application before August 1, 2010.

Hans van Naerssen League Chair

AmericanBicyclist 3 inbox [letters to the editor]

Tell Us ... Have you used the Bicycle Friendly America map or yearbook to decide where you would like to live or move? If so, tell us about it. QIn addition to our regular letters to the editor, we also want to know how you feel about specific topics. We’ll post a question in every new In Box. Share your answer by mail or e-mail. Please include your name and address and title your letter “In Box Q.” Send answers to [email protected]. We may edit letters for length and clarity.

FACEBOOK MESSAGE global-warming, traffic, obesity, air- BFF: In response to the TWEETED pollution, oil-use, federal debt, your League’s Facebook page Velo-City Global debt, oil-profits, spills, and more. becoming a Fan page: It’s nice to starts in a few I’m an 88 year-old woman and I know who your friends are. hours. Time for quick ride bike! With my 57 year-old daughter, I Dave Holland, June 9 with 30 to 40 of the U.S. ride a tandem recumbent trike to get and Canadian delegates to classes, groceries, dentist, senior FACEBOOK MESSAGE in the capable hands of center and sales. In response to “Counter Mr. Cycle Chic, Mikael - Nee Howard, 88, and Lauren Cooper, Cantor — Safe Routes to Colville. 57, Carlsbad, Calif. School,” a bikeleague.org/blog post Andybikes, June 22 about cutting funding for SRTS: How can a safe route to school be a waste of money? Don’t all parents want kids to get to school safely? Stop the Oil! TWEETED Beth Tobakos, June 14 We average citizens need to Pittsburgh named a stand up and take personal action Bronze Bike Friendly Community by the League of FACEBOOK MESSAGE to stop this oil madness. Don’t wait American Bicyclists. SWEET SIGN: The new 3 Feet for far-off solutions. Stop using a tdgpittsburghpa, June 21 Law sign designed by David 2,000-3,000 pound machine to travel Williams and the City of Ridgeland. within 12 miles of home – that’s 99 Josh L. Sullivan, June 23 percent inefficient. Only one solu- tion is immediate: cycling to work or school whenever possible. Only cycling reduces it all immediately:

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 800, Washington, D.C. 20006. Comment on facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists or twitter. com/bikeleague. Letters may be edited for style and length.

4 AmericanBicyclist FACEBOOK MESSAGE FACEBOOK MESSAGE BFB AHEAD: When it comes to In response to a bikeleague. the League’s Bicycle Friendly org/blog post about bike Business designation: lanes on Pennsylvania Ave.: Multi- Omaha, Neb. (7) modal transportation is a step in the Seattle, Wash. (3) right direction. Des Moines, Iowa (1) Barry Stuart, June 22 Kansas City, Mo. (0) You heard it here first ... that is about to change! RevolveKC.org, June 21 Bike lanes on America's Main Street From left to right, D.C. Council Members Tommy Wells and Jack Evans, Transporta- TWEETED tion Secretary Ray LaHood, D.C. Mayor Official handover of the Velo-City Conference to Seville; Adrian Fenty, and U.S.Congressmen Earl launch of the global ECS Network in “Cities for Cyclists.”” Blumenauer and James Oberstar cut the SourceWS_world, June 28 ribbon and take the inaugural ride on the new Pennsylvania Avenue bike lanes.

AmericanBicyclist 5 cogs&gears [League News] staffsnapshot Scott William, Director of Membership

I joined the League this spring, the saddle when I went for a weekend and was excited to be part of an orga- to Bethany Beach, Del. and borrowed nization that supports my method of a bike to ride up to Lewes for a ferry transportation. I am a bike commuter, ride to Cape May, N.J. It was a 50-mile so when I heard that the League was mile round trip and the catalyst to get looking for a Membership Director, I me to buy a bike and return to riding. jumped at the chance. Now I bike commute because I grew up riding a bicycle, with public transportation in my area can the kids in my neighborhood who set be unreliable. On a bike, my travel up jumps. My first memory of riding is time is much more predictable. Of having a bike wreck with my neigh- course, I love that I’m getting exer- bor Monty on one of these precarious cise while I commute, too. Over the obstacles. My friends and I also used past decade or so, I’ve ridden the to play chicken and bike polo in the seven miles to and from my various cul-de-sac, until our parents got wor- jobs a couple of times a week in the ried sick and had to fix our bikes all warm months. But lately I’ve become the time. After one collision, my front a 10-month-a-year biker. January and but if there was no traffic coming, wheel became taco-shaped. February are rough for me, so I I’d roll through stops and run red I did some riding in college at hibernate. lights. Working for the League, I now William and Mary, both for recreation The League has now influenced see the importance of behaving and transport, but didn’t bike for yet another stage in my cycling life. responsibly on the roads and have years after I graduated. I returned to I had always been a cautious rider reformed my riding.

FaceBook fan page The League is transitioning its Facebook Friends Page 2011 to a Fan Page so we can have more flexibility and fine tune the content. We already have connected the Bike National League Blog and Flickr accounts to the page for easy access to all League news and new photos. If you are Bike currently a Friend, please start following our Fan page. We don’t want you to miss out on our exciting updates. Summit Thanks for being our Friend, now please “Like” us at facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists. March 8-10, 2011 Washington, D.C.

6 AmericanBicyclist WANTED A Few Good Board Members

If you are interested in serving on the League Board of Direc- tors, or if you know someone who would be a good representative for cyclists, the League Governance Committee is soliciting rec- ommendations for candidates for the 2011 Board elections. The Board of Directors govern and set broad policy and direction for the League. Board members serve three-year terms. Starting this year, seven are elected nationally by all League members. The Board se- lects the remaining five seats. Four member-elected and one Board- appointed positions are open for this election. Three of these elected members, Harry Brull, Jeffrey Lynne, and Hans van Naerssen have decided to run again, and the fourth, Bill Hoffman, is undecided. In addition, the League’s Bylaws allow the Board the option to create up to five additional Board seats for a total that may range from the MOST POPULAR AT current 12 up to 17. To learn more about the qualifications to be a League board bikeleague.org member or to apply yourself, visit www.bikeleague.org. Completing the streets in Timing of the 2010/2011 elections: Michigan (6.24.10) September 1, 2010: Nominating Committee reports Counter Cantor — Support Safe to the Board, recommending a slate of candidates. Routes To Schools (6.14.10) October 15, 2010: Deadline for petitions to be sub- mitted (45 days prior to elections). bikeleague.org 100,000 visitors in June December 1, 2010: Elections open online. Bicycle Friendly America January 15, 2011: Online ballots closed 4,000 visitors in June

February 1, 2011: New board members announced Bicycle Friendly State 3,500 visitors in June March 8, 2011: New board members take seats at National Bike Summit Bicycle Friendly Community 3,300 visitors in June

Education 2,700 visitors in June

Updated Our Internal Database! This sounds boring, and the reality may What has notn be fascinating, but the results are fantastic. You can now login to the the Leaguege League’s site, register for classes, buy League materials, and renew your done for you lately? membership easily and quickly — a huge improvement over our antiquated system. Next up: A new Web site! Stay tuned …

AmericanBicyclist 7 cogs&gears [League News] who is the Giving...ng... Thanks to the following people best cyclist of all time? who have contributed at least $100 to the League in May 2010. he League is switching to preferential voting for the upcoming Board These contributions are above Elections. To test out our new system, we thought it would be fun to and beyond any dues payments. Tvote for the best cyclist of all time. This will be the same method we will use for the 2011 Board elections and allows each member to have their voice $1,000+ Dealers heard clearly — and ensures that our board members have the support of our Wheel & Sprocket, Inc. national audience. Individuals Alan Cannon $100 - $999 Individuals Tony Barrett 1 Noah Coccaro John Cotham Jacques Anquetil Lance Armstrong Gino Bartali Karen Davis Daniel De Bra Mitchell & Robin Evans Paul Goldstein George Hutchinson Susan Immelt Michael Kaiser Fausto Coppi Bernard Hinault Jeannie Longo Eddie Merckx Kathryn Lane Brian Montgomery James Oberstar Ralph Samuelson Tim Schottman 10 Stephen Strasburg George Strecker Francesco Moser Graeme Obree Marshall “Major” Taylorlor Corporations Team Estrogen, Inc. Here’s how it works: 1. A member votes on www.bikeleague.org, ranking all the cyclists in order Clubs of preference. BikeHouston 2. The cyclist with the least number of first votes is eliminated. Votes for that Conejo Valley Cyclists cyclist are redistributed according to the voters’ second choices. Golden Gate Cyclists 3. Once again, the cyclist with the least number of votes is eliminated, and those votes are then spread among the remaining cyclist by who the voter chose second (or third, if their second choice has already been elimi- American Bicyclist is printed with soy ink on nated). 30% post-consumer recycled paper certified 4. This process continues until there is just one cyclist remaining. by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Stay tuned to see who the best cyclist is – ever. We will post the results online and in the next issue of American Bicyclist.

8 AmericanBicyclist THINK BIKE (ADVOCACY)

D.C. Bike to Work Day commuters signed this Thanks poster to thank LaHood. DOT and Secretary

Ray LaHood By Darren Flusche

IN MARCH, THE U.S. SECRETARY ing and makes recommendations to lane.dot.gov). The advocacy group of Transportation Ray LaHood and state DOTs. BikeWalkLee was also motivated the U.S. Department of Transporta- In June, America Bikes, Trans- by LaHood’s policy statement and tion (USDOT) released an outstand- portation for America, and the Safe convinced the Municipal Planning ing policy statement saying that Routes to Schools National Partner- Organization (MPO) of Lee County, “walking and bicycling foster safer, ship, personally thanked LaHood for Fla. to pass a resolution endorsing the more livable, family-friendly commu- his commitment to active modes of policy. nities; promote physical activity and transportation. The League would like to see health; and reduce vehicle emissions Localities across the country are more local support like this. If you and fuel use.” The statement made speaking up in support of the state- would like to get involved, contact quite an impression on bicycling ment. An inspired city planner from your local advocacy group or club and Iadvocates, and now we are work- Tupelo, Miss. encouraged his mayor ask your local transportation agency ing to ensure that state DOTs follow to sign a proclamation in support to adopt a similar policy statement on through on LaHood’s vision. The of the policy statement. Tupelo was bicycle and pedestrian accommodation. statement reconfirms the USDOT’s then recognized on LaHood’s blog, Visit bikeleague.org/blog for commitment to bicycling and walk- Welcome to the FastLane (Fast- more information.

AmericanBicyclist 9 THINK BIKE (ADVOCACY)

Making sure rumble strips don’t ruin your ride By Darren Flusche Readyrumble to

In a recent survey of League-affiliated club

RUMBLE STRIPS ARE GROOVED “leaders, 80 percent said that rumble strips patterns in a road’s shoulder de- “ signed to alert drivers with noise and reduce the quality of shoulders for bicycling, vibrations when they are drifting forcing many to change routes. off the roadway. They help prevent run-off-the-road auto crashes. How- ever, they are virtually impossible to While rumble strips do not deter ally, many clubs reported that newly safely ride a bicycle over, and they car, truck or bus travel, they do have installed rumble strips in their region are becoming increasingly frequent a severe impact on bicycling travel did not comply with Federal Highway on America’s roads. They are at best and have ruined popular cycling Administration (FHWA) guidelines. Runcomfortable, even for a very short routes. In a recent survey of League- The League, partnering with the distance, and at worst can cause a cy- affiliated club leaders, 80 percent said Adventure Cycling Association and clist to lose control of their bike and that rumble strips reduce the quality the Alliance for Biking & Walking, is fall. They can damage bicycle wheels, of shoulders for bicycling, forcing working with the FHWA and coordi- cause flat tires, and shake lose parts many to change routes. Addition- nating with local clubs and advocacy off a bicycle.

10 AmericanBicyclist organizations across the country. In should not be installed indiscrimi- doing so, we hope state DOTs and nately; a careful traffic safety study road agencies will adopt and follow should be conducted to demonstrate bicycle-tolerable rumble strip policies. clear problems and project impact on Here are some of the biggest con- safety. cerns with rumble strips. In the event that rumble strips are appropriate, states should follow 1. Too wide – many rumble bicycle-tolerable practices that pro- strips are excessively wide, vide maximum clear shoulder space removing limited space on the for cyclists. Using an implementation shoulder for bicyclists to travel. checklist based on the above rumble strip practices, state agencies and 2. Too deep – most rumble local road authorities should closely strips are ground-in to depths monitor contractors to ensure that that are excessive and dramati- the policy is being followed. Finally, cally more dangerous for cyclists. agencies should work closely with 3. Continuous – rumble bicycling organizations to make sure strips without gaps in the strip do that the rumble strip policy will “ad- not allow a safe way for cyclists dress the safety and operational needs to cross, merge or turn without of all roadway users.” hitting rumble strips. Check out the Reports and Club Corner sections of bikeleague.org for 4. Placement – the lateral further information, including the re- placement in a shoulder can port, the club survey and notes from make a shoulder that was once a club and advocacy group call. very comfortable to a bicyclist unusable.

The FHWA guidance on Road- “ While there are way Shoulder Rumble Strips states that “rumble strips should only be safety benefits to installed when an adequate unob- rumble strips for structed width of paved surface drivers of motor remains available for bicycle use,” at least four feet, or five if there’s a vehicles, there guardrail. The guidance notes that are considerable 12-feet gaps should be placed period- drawbacks for ically in the strips, allowing cyclists to avoid debris and parked vehicles on cyclists who are the shoulder or safely pass over the vulnerable near “ strips. Agencies also should regularly sweep the entire shoulder along bike high-speed traffic. routes and high bike-traffic areas. While there are safety benefits to rumble strips for drivers of motor vehicles, there are considerable draw- backs for cyclists who are vulnerable near high-speed traffic. On routes used by bicyclists, rumble strips

AmericanBicyclist 11 FROM THE SADDLE Beautiful LIMITATIONS

A Music Tour by Bicycle By Ben Sollee, Musician and Bicycle Advocate

All photos courtesy of Ben Sollee unless otherwise noted. Photo courtesy of The State Journal

12 AmericanBicyclist THE ROMANCE OF THE ROAD I considered myself the subject was getting beat out of me. I was of a self-created experiment. Could playing cello and singing all over the someone with little bicycling experi- country with some amazing musi- ence, minimal physical preparation cians, but the pace was super-human. and no vehicle support just get on We hurdled ourselves through com- their bike and start riding? Biking munities (some I can hardly remem- through hilly terrain where bicycles ber) on planes, trains, and automo- are never expected was certainly a biles trying to grow our audience. It less than ideal condition. Moreover, all felt so out of place, like I wasn’t this, among other factors created a Tgetting a good look at the life I’d bigger issue — I couldn’t find anyone chosen. So, in early 2009, when I saw to ride with me. Thankfully, about a commercial for an Xtracycle cargo three weeks before the tour, I met bike, my mind spun into fantasy: the Katie Benson, an idealistic young road, a bike, my cello, and music to surfing instructor and law student in play. At that moment I saw the bike San Diego. as an offering of limitations, a tool Until that point, feedback on to re-humanize the pace of touring. the tour had been laden with skepti- And, with my 60 pounds of gear cism and disbelief. But, for some loaded onto a 40-pound cargo bike, crazy reason, Benson wanted a hand there were plenty of limitations. in it. She seemed to be intrigued by I was not a cyclist but I loved the challenge and, like myself, had a to ride. Although I had never rid- brewing sense of “Why not?” So, on den more than eight or nine miles, I a whim, she and her brother, Marty assembled a tour that covered more Benson, an aspiring filmmaker, flew than 350 miles in eight days from my to Kentucky to tour with me. hometown of Lexington, Ky. to the At the offset, everything seemed Bonnaroo Music Festival in Man- magical; the weather and terrain chester, Tenn. On the atlas, it didn’t presented a challenge but noth- seem so far away – and it ran south, ing too intense. On the fourth day, so it was “all downhill,” as my man- however, somewhere between Berea ager joked. Of course, I wasn’t that and Somerset in the “knobs region” nnaïve, but close.

of Photo courtesy of The State Journal nal

AmericanBicyclist 13

FROM THE SADDLE “

of Kentucky, I began to crack. My This was not just biking; this was trucking. right knee had sharp pains every “ second revolution, my hide was raw, and my upper body ached. We were my mind rather than a blur. I was tired given community. We settled on a averaging 40 to 50 miles a day with but felt strong. I was going to finish the portion of the East Coast Greenway a show each evening. We’d chosen ride. All I had to do was keep my own from Wilmington, N.C. to Jackson- the lower-traffic country roads, but cadence, no one else’s. ville, Fla. and prayed that it would their exaggerated grades with all Grounded, I climbed back on the stay warm enough in December. the equipment made for exhausting Xtracycle and rode into Bonnaroo Going into this second bike tour, climbs. On a few occasions, Katie with my strangers-turned-family bi- we’d proven to ourselves that we Benson, traveling on a lighter road cycling compadres. While the festival could ride and perform, but bringing bike, parked her bike at the top of was a whirlwind, I could not shake the rest of my business partners into a hill in order to run back down to the momentum and drive to get back the fold proved to be harder. Because help me push up my load. This was on the bike. the bicycle limits us to only riding not just biking; this was trucking. With lessons learned, Katie so many miles per day, we’re forced But it was in that most difficult, Benson and I set to work on build- to stop in smaller communities not painful, and sweat-drenched moment, ing our next tour. To create a more typically considered tour markets. that the aroma of the trees and the physically, financially, and musically The digging and research required coolness of the breeze focused me. I sustainable tour, we had to focus on to book shows and events in these realized how much this bicycle pace the terrain, the density of cities in a towns was threefold the work of a suited me, as I had not been so present region, the size and type of venues, for a tour in a long time. The details of and the strength of bicycling in a the days and the people were fresh in

We’re riding out this fall on a national tour by

“bike. We’ve found ourselves gauging the strength and bicycle-friendliness of a community“ as much as the economic value of the market.

Photo courtesy of Savannah Morning News

14 AmericanBicyclist traditional tour. My booking agent event bridged together what seemed We’re riding out this fall on a could only spend time on the larger like a magical mix of advocacy, com- national tour by bike. We’ve found markets, so my manager and Katie munity engagement, and shared arts. ourselves gauging the strength and Benson rolled up their sleeves and Within just a day, we felt like we had bicycle-friendliness of a community put together a string of shows and become a part of the community. as much as the economic value of the events that raised a lot of questions But, alas, Savannah was an island of market. By focusing on community- like, “Why waste the time riding? bicycle love. based touring, we can put our bikes Why not play one big show instead It was tough to put on communi- to work and run an effective business of multiple smaller events?” among ty-oriented shows in other towns, and with a positive societal impact. We’re others. Many of those questions were it was also a struggle to get to them. not looking for our touring by bike not answered until after the tour. There are lovely dedicated bike paths concept to be seen as kitsch or green. In many aspects, we were better along the east coast but with business We want to present a compelling prepared for the east coast December obligations at hand, there is rarely choice for other artists and businesses tour — my second biked tour. I had time for the recreational path. So, we to operate in a more sustainable been training with steady weight on were pushed on the high traffic roads fashion — physically, financially and my bike and Katie had developed a with little to no infrastructure. A nice environmentally. And from the eco- nose for community-oriented venues shoulder would emerge occasionally nomic perspective, we’re well aware and healthy bicycle organizations. and we would revel in its compara- that time is money. And it’s true; it Marty Benson had devised a number tive vastness. Often we were on the costs a lot of money to save time. of different bicycle-specific camera offense; riding in the road and taking Save the money, ride a bike. mounts for filming. We added per- cussionist Jordon Ellis to the mix, and Surly Bikes donated a Big Dummy “ It was in that most difficult, painful, and to haul the drums. With all that gear sweat-drenched moment, that the aroma of the trees between the two cargo bikes, a good and the coolness of the breeze focused me. I realized pack made all the difference. We “ obsessed over the pack, practically how much this bicycle pace suited me, as I had not getting it down to a science. Along been so present for a tour in a long time. the flat coastal terrain, we could cover more miles over the whole trip and make it into a few more markets with the lane to force the cars to pass. For Born and raised in Kentucky, Ben “proper” music venues. The local the most part, folks were patient but, Sollee fuses his love of Appalachia, media in the smaller towns couldn’t quite often, our nerves were on edge passion for bicycling, and social con- get enough of the group of musician as engines revved or semi trucks sciousness into his unique style of mu- bicyclists riding through in December. barely squeezed by us. The danger sic. A classically trained cellist, Sollee Although we were able to book presented by the lack of infrastruc- has performed all over the world. This more traditional shows on the De- ture along our route struck a chord in fall, he and Katie Benson with Fits cember tour, we found what would all of us on the tour. If we weren’t so Productions will ride more than 1,400 become our model event in Savan- stubborn about riding to these shows, miles to promote bicycling and ad- nah, Ga. We teamed up with the there’s no way we’d put ourselves in vocate for greater accessibility for the Savannah Bike Campaign to host an this position daily. We came out of bicycle. To listen to Sollee’s music and open-door fundraiser and show at that tour with an invigorated com- see where his tour takes him next, visit a local bicycle hotspot, kicking the mitment to bicycle advocacy and a www.bensollee.com. event off with an amazing night ride deep-seated appreciation for travel by through the historic streets. We were bicycle. With my music and commu- able to become a vehicle for the bike nity-oriented concerts we knew we group’s message, helping drive mem- could duplicate the Savannah event bership and getting great coverage and affect change on a larger, national in the Savannah Morning News. This scale.

AmericanBicyclist 15 PEDAL PROGRESS

The mission of the League is to promote and protect the rights of bicyclists, advocate for the interests of bicyclists, support bicycling skills education, and THE promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation. Every three years, we take that mission statement and develop a strategic plan around those four elements, and annually derive a workplan and budget from the strategic plan that – hopefully – moves us towards LEAGUE delivering on the mission.

The staff and board are revisiting the strategic plan this October, and will be adding a vision statement IN 2010 with a 20-year horizon to bridge the gap between the timeless goals of the mission – we will always need to promote and protect the rights of cyclists – and the more specific measures we put into the strategic plan AND and annual workplan. Meanwhile, we are now more than half way through an exciting 2010 and it is time to check in on our progress towards the more specific goals and objec- BEYOND tives we set ourselves for this year. By Andy Clarke

16 AmericanBicyclist 1. PROMOTING AND PROTECTING GOALL STRATEGYY ACTIONN THE RIGHTS OF CYCLISTS 1. PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF CYCLISTS The Bicycle Friendly States program does a lot oremore than create a League table or ranking of all 50 states andand • Remove discriminatory state and local laws their policies towards bicyclists. The data collectiona ndand • Maintain state-by-state inventory of sup- interaction with state advocacy groups and governmentent portive and discriminatory state laws agencies has enabled us to create a state-by-state inven-en- • Work with state/local advocates to pass tory of good, bad, and ugly laws affecting cyclists. eWe bicyclist-friendly legislation in up to 10 have worked with advocates in six targeted states (Florida,orida targeted states 1Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, and Vermont) to help pass safe passing and distracted driver bills and will be • Enshrine bicyclists’ legal right to the road in actively preparing for the 2011 legislative session this fall. federal law In addition to state laws, we have also responded to • Create legal defense program discriminatory local laws in Colorado, Kansas and Puerto Rico – where cyclists are either being banned entirely or severely restricted. GOALL STRATEGYY ACTIONN The need for a formal legal defense program, beyond the informal network of lawyers and legal resources on 2. ADVOCATE FOR THE INTERESTS our website, grows almost weekly and is a top priorityy for OF BICYCLISTS the second half of the year, depending on funding. • Participate in establishing national stan- dards and regulations 2. ADVOCATING FOR THE • Create a Bicycle Friendly America INTERESTS OF BICYCLISTS • Increase number of applicants for BFC, BFB and BFS programs The League maintains its membership in the Nationalional • Establish high League profile at four major Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. We await conferences publication of a new edition of the Guide for the Develop- • ment of Bicycle Facilities so we can quickly disseminate Publish 10 new technical assistance tools to the new material to our network of Bicycle Friendly Com- assist local advocates in adopting BFA poli- munities (and applicants) so the best possible infrastruc- cies and programs ture is provided on the ground. We have applied for a • Add video and social media features to major grant to facilitate this work. Web site to improve resources and increase 2 The Bicycle Friendly America programs go from knowledge exchange among BFCs and BFBs strength to strength. We received a record number of • Create BFA certification program to estab- applicants this spring in each of the State, Business and lish core knowledge base for local advocates Community programs, and we are reaching out to larger and professionals companies and cities that are not yet part of the program. • Our presence at major conferences and events has Secure $100,000 sponsor for BFB Program been heightened — at the Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference • Enrich and enhance National Bike Summit in September we will launch the Bicycle Friendly Colleges • Pass Complete Streets Act and Universities program. We have delivered presenta- • tions, workshops and training in more than a dozen cities Formalize partnerships with other groups and states already and are looking forward to pursuing continued on next page

AmericanAmericanBicyclistBicyclist 17 PEDAL PROGRESS

2. GOALL STRATEGYY ACTIONN additional sponsorships to provide even greater technical assistance. 2. ADVOCATE FOR THE INTERESTS Our Advocacy Advance partnership with SRAM OF BICYCLISTS (continued) Cycling Fund and the Alliance for Biking and Walking has generated a series of useful research papers and technical • Establish partnerships with two new major resources (all available online) to which we will continue organizations in health, environment, and to add in the remainder of the year. This program has also traffic safety helped us target specific advocacy campaigns. • Enhance national policy accomplishments The National Bike Summit exceeded expectations this and presence year and we’re moving into a bigger space for 2011. • Take national political asset management Our leadership role with the America Bikes, Com- training plete Streets, and Safe Routes to School national coalitions has enabled us to achieve many of our national policy • Maintain active dialog with new DOT leader- goals, particularly developing a good working relationship ship to establish bike-related performance with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Passage of a goals transportation bill – long overdue and badly needed – will • Demonstrate active leadership in America determine whether this progress turns into actual results! Bikes In the meantime, we are exploring new partnerships with AAA, the U.S. Green Building Council, Second Na- ture, and the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity to extend our influence into new areas.

GOALL STRATEGYY ACTIONN

3. SUPPORT BICYCLING SKILLS EDUCATION 3. SUPPORT BICYCLING SKILLS • Provide online self instruction EDUCATION • Completely rebrand the Smart Cycling program The emphasis this year is to build on the solid founda- tion of a good program with solid content and a grow- • Establish and test a benchmark of students ing network of instructors. Making the program more taught and the effectiveness of both the accessible through online classes, better materials, new instruction and instructor and more engaging formats is critical to seeing more students actually benefit from the Smart Cycling program. We have launched the basic Traffic Skills 101 online; are 3implementing the two-hour classes for kids and returning adults in bike shops; and eagerly await the second edition of our Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling in the fall. We are actively seeking sponsors for a 2011 Smart Cycling Conference – without which we will not proceed

18 AmericanBicyclist – and the wherewithal to actually measure the impact of GOALL STRATEGYY ACTIONN our programs for the first time. 4. PROMOTE BICYCLING FOR FUN, FITNESS AND TRANSPORTATION 4. PROMOTE BICYCLING FOR FUN, • Establish League presence at bicycling events FITNESS AND TRANSPORTATION • Expand National Bike Month The National Rally in Albuquerque was a great event for the relatively small number of people that made the trip — we are exploring other models for making our GOALL STRATEGYY ACTIONN presence known in the cycling community; and will have a presence at key industry events and selected major rides. 5. ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT National Bike Month this year attracted a record • Secure funding for membership growth and number of events and media coverage and is crying out development for a major national sponsor to capture the nationwide 4 • Increase number of members, affiliates attention and volunteer effort that goes into rides, Bike to Work Day, clinics and a host of other events every year. • Improve Club Services program • Increase number of members actively in- volved in League programs 5. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Secure Unrestricted Membership Income

While this doesn’t appear in the mission statement, it is obviously essential that we have the staff and resources to deliver and expand on these programs. Our member- ship remains absolutely critical in terms of both finan- cial support and the voices that you represent. We have replaced and significantly upgraded our membership database during the first half of the year and are look- ing forward to using the new features and capacity of the system to increase our membership and better serve you. 5 The success of the first two Club Leadership Seminars in Boca Raton and Milwaukee has filled us with optimism for the next two; we expect at least one of them to be in Southern California in the fall. The strong relationship we have with our affiliates is important to us, as are the many volunteers who work with us through clubs, the education program, the Bike Summit, on the board, and the new State Ambassador Program: our goals for the year are to serve them better with information, support, and com- munication.

AmericanBicyclist 19 PEDAL PROGRESS

2009 FINANCIAL REPORT

A FULL AUDIT of the League’s finances for calendar year 2009 has been completed. We are pleased to report that 92 percent of our income was applied to our critical advocacy and education programs, up from 88 percent the year before and the 13th straight year we have exceeded 80 percent. Despite the struggling national economy, we posted a surplus of $206,000 for the year. Strong support from Trek, SRAM and the Bikes Belong Coalition boosted our advocacy and membership programs; the National Bicycle Dealers Association completed their second year of support for our education program. The National Bike Summit broke attendance records again, and we deliv- ered more than 40 League Cycling Instructor certification seminars. However, the economic turmoil of 2009 did not leave us untouched. We saw a significant decline in the av- Aerage membership renewal amount and in contributions above and beyond dues payments. Therefore, for the second year in a row, income derived directly from our members fell well below the historical average of more than 50 percent. We now have a new membership database in place and are focused on restoring that revenue balance. Thank you for your support in 2009.

1%1% DonatedDoonna Services - $18,625

3%3 Other - $72,649 6% Management 2%2 & General Fundraising 1% Publications 24% $26,553 Membership Services $556,604 92% 40% Total Program Services Grants - $921,863 23% Programs - $517,940

8% Contributions $175,343

20 AmericanBicyclist CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES (For the year ended December 31, 2009)

Unrestricted Temporarily 2009 Total 2008 Total Restricted

REVENUE AND SUPPORT Membership dues $ 556,604 — $ 556,604 $ 576,508 Programs and rallies $ 517,940 — $ 517,940 $ 431,458 Contributions $ 175,343 — $ 175,343 $ 227,578 Grants (37,437) $ 959,300 $ 921,863 $ 596,278 Publications $ 26,553 — $ 26,553 $ 30,923 Donated services $ 18,625 — $ 18,625 $ 2,010 Interest and dividends $ 13,511 — $ 13,511 $ 17,137 Other $ 0 — $ 0 $ 0 Unrealized gain on investment 59,138 — $ 59,138 ($ 119,121) Realized gains on investment — — $ 0 $ 0

Net assets released from restriction: Satisfaction of program restrictions $ 603,671 ($ 603,671) $ 0 $ 0 Satisfaction of time restrictions $ 150,000 ($ 150,000) — — Total Revenue and Support $ 2,083,948 $ 205,629 $ 2,289,577 $ 1,762,771

EXPENSES Program Services: t

"EWPDBDZ $ 959,902 — $ 959,902 $ 841,479 t

.FNCFSTIJQ
"DUJWJUJFT $ 323,632 — $ 323,632 $ 257,014 t

1SPNPUJPO $ 253,810 — $ 253,810 $ 204,919 t

&EVDBUJPO $ 371,614 — $ 371,614 $ 310,723 Total Program Services $ 1,908,958 $ 0 $ 1,908,958 $ 1,614,135

Supporting Services: t

.BOBHFNFOU
BOE
HFOFSBM $ 124,074 — $ 124,074 $ 128,743 t

'VOESBJTJOH $ 50,517 — $ 50,517 $ 99,636 Total Supporting Services $ 174,591 $ 0 $ 174,591 $ 228,379

Total Expense $ 2,083,549 $ 0 $ 2,083,549 $ 1,842,514

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $ 399 $ 205,629 $ 206,028 ($ 79,743)

NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 277,514 $ 237,917 $ 515,431 $ 595,174

NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $ 277,913 $ 443,546 $ 721,459 $ 515,431

AmericanBicyclist 21 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

W

22 AmericanBicyclist dive in! How to Become a Bicycle Friendly Community By Bill Nesper, Director, Bicycle Friendly America Program Do we have to have Fully two-thirds of the com- a lot of bike lanes to get munities that apply for the designa- recognized? WE OFTEN GET CALLS FROM No. The BFC application is a commuters, club leaders, business tion don’t get it right away. We never publicize the results of applications broad measurement of the ways a owners and city officials who find community promotes and accom- jumping into the Bicycle Friendly unless the community is designated a BFC. Instead, we work with these modates bicycling. There are many Community program a bit daunting. ways to do this and the application Here are the answers to a handful of communities to make the improve- ments to get the designation with stretches across five categories known hurdles that communities sometimes as the Five Es: Engineering, Educa- see as they start their Bicycle Friendly good results. If fact, over the last year we have seen several communities tion, Encouragement, Enforcement, Community campaigns. and Evaluation/Planning. Of course, move from Honorable Mentions to How much does it cost? Bronze BFC Awards including Phila- the best Bicycle Friendly Communi- ties are strong in each category. W This is a common question with a delphia, Pa.; Rochester, Minn.: Ridge- simple answer. It doesn’t cost a thing land, Miss.; and Indianapolis, Ind. Learn more about what your to apply for the BFC designation. community can do to kick-start Are there any communities Thanks to the generous support of that are my size? your BFC effort on the BFC Getting BBikes Belong and Trek’s One World, There sure are! Check out which Started page on www.bikeleague.org. TTwo Wheels campaign we are able We look forward to partnering with tto offer the staff support, application ones have the same population as you on www.bikeleague.org and in you so please be in touch at 202-822- rreview, feedback, and technical as- 1333 or [email protected]. sistance for free. the annual Bicycle Friendly America Yearbook. Communities with popu- Can we get some help lations from 3,000 to 8,000,000 are Bill Nesper oversees the League’s without applying? actively welcoming bicycling in all Bicycle Friendly America program, which includes the Bicycle Friendly Our number one goal is to part- sorts of interesting ways. Community, Bicycle Friendly State ner with your community in creating What first step can and Bicycle Friendly Business a Bicycle Friendly Community, so the a community take recognition programs. answer is a resounding YES. While we encourage most communities to without applying? apply and get into the benchmarking Have the mayor or city council process in full, our staff offers best sign on to the Action Plan for Bicycle practices and hands-on technical as- Friendly Communities. Find it on our sistance to any community. website in the Bicycle Friendly Community section.

AmericanBicyclist 23 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

let’sThe East Coast Greenway

24 AmericanBicyclist THE EAST COAST GREENWAY off-road and more miles slated for A Nice Summer Ride on rideT(ECG) has recently been referred to completion this year, the ECG will be the East Coast Greenway as the new Appalachian Trail. This celebrating the opening of many new By Dennis Markatos-Soriano, one will link urban, suburban and sections of trail in the months ahead. Executive Director, East Coast rural settings for bicycling and all The ECG partners with the east coast Greenway Alliance non-motorized forms of transporta- state departments of transportation tion between Calais, Maine, near the and, collectively, all 15 states have AFTER MY FIRST 10 MONTHS AT Canadian border, and Key West, Fla. submitted more than 50 new ECG Athe East Coast Greenway Alliance It is a developing trail system, span- trail projects in the recently signed (ECGA), I’m lucky enough to have ning nearly 3,000 miles as it winds Federal Economic Stimulus legisla- enjoyed a bike ride or hike in most down the east coast, linking all the tion. The long-term goal is to com- of our 15 states and Washington, major cities of the eastern seaboard. plete a 100-percent off-road trail. D.C. Last November for instance, I Nearly 25 percent of the route is Even now, the entire route is ride-able took a group tour along the St Johns already on safe, traffic-free paths. with the on-road cue sheets until River-to-Sea Loop in Florida that One of the key attributes of the East the off-road sections can be built. In mixed rural and urban landscapes. In Coast Greenway is that it will be short, the ECG positively impacts October, I participated in the ECGA easily accessible by, and only a few public health, active transportation, hike enjoying the fall colors in the miles from, approximately 40 mil- economic development, urban plan- triangle region in my native state lion people. Most of the route will ning, and climate change mitigation. of North Carolina. But since it’s the be handicap accessible and conform The success of the greenway is summer, I want to emphasize to you to Americans With Disabilities Act due to the hard working ECG staff how wonderful one of our Connecti- specifications. When completed, the and local advocates. It takes all kinds cut sections is becoming. Greenway will be a collection of con- to encourage and influence local nected rail trails, canal tow-paths and leaders to fund and support bicycle- Yale-to-Simsbury other linear parks that will span the friendly projects. The ECG is no It’s not a coincidence that the entire eastern seaboard. different. Here, two very different ECGA Spring 2011 Trail Council With more than a quarter of the greenway advocates share their ECG meeting is planned to be held in 3,000 mile trail already completely story.

AmericanBicyclist 25 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

Simsbury, Conn. The town of Sims- wound northeast into Connecticut, I season (see our updated cue sheets of bury has been a leader in the ad- would already feel more relaxed than the corridor at greenway.org). vancement of the East Coast Green- bustling Manhattan allows. Arriv- The Yale-to-Simsbury ride is way throughout Connecticut thanks ing in New Haven, you can then bike growing in popularity and is spurring to our board member, Steve Mitch- about a mile and find yourself on one a growth of bike-friendly amenities ell, and the people he has inspired of the most spectacular campuses in along the trail that you will be able to throughout his local community. the country, Yale University. enjoy, from bike shops to restaurants The First Selectman (read: Mayor), People of all biking abilities can and the like. Mary Glassman, has been such an enjoy this ride, as most of it goes Almost as important as the ride, advocate for our project that she can along an old canal and rail corridor, are the accommodations post-ride. be seen riding the trail in photos on having the slow topography of a rail The Simsbury Inn is one of a number her campaign materials, especially trail. The stretch is more than half of overnight establishments in Sims- now that Simsbury became the first greenway, separated from car traf- bury that cater to cyclists. On my first Bicycle Friendly Community in the fic, and all paved. You don’t need big Yale-to-Simsbury Ride, immediately state. Simsbury is becoming a biking mountain bike tires, unless you want after setting my bike to the side at our destination. the extra workout. final destination, I ran and jumped My first week at ECGA, I got to The ride has urban sections, but into the pool — a normal occurrence experience this ride. The bicycle ride is mostly rural. The first couple of from exhausted riders. is 45-miles long – perfect for a long miles go through a low-income urban morning; a long afternoon; or in our area (which I love, giving safe access Ride the ECG case, a hot summer day, laid back to locals for our low-cost transport As we continue to work hard for morning and afternoon ride broken option). Then the greenway takes you safe and accessible bicycling routes up by lunch in the middle. through a mix of woods, marshlands, throughout the country, keep the

Given the need to slow global warming “and the increasing public health epidemics of diabetes and child obesity, we need more

greenways and non-motorized venues like the ECG — and“ ones that aren’t too far from where we live. - Dennis Markatos-Soriano, Executive Director, ECG

The Ride is Accessible and small towns that are unique to growing East Coast Greenway in From my former apartment in the New England experience. Some mind as a way to see America. From New York City at the time, I would pieces of the greenway are so shroud- thrilling rides next to the skyscrapers bike to the Metro North train (which ed by trees overhead that you forget of Manhattan and the national monu- allows bicycles as long as you pur- it’s summer. But then, like on many ments along the Mall in Washington, chase the expiration-free $5 permit long-distance rides, sections remain D.C. to relaxing rides in rural New online) at Grand Central Station where you ride with traffic and have England and communities through- or Harlem and take the 90-minute to be more careful. The ECG is mak- out the South, there are many rides ride to New Haven. When the train ing progress to close these gaps every you can enjoy whether you have just an afternoon or a whole summer to

26 AmericanBicyclist AMERICAN

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS do so. ECG Board member Stephen sador of the ECG. In the spring of The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as Mitchell will continue to lead other 2009 I joined the Board of Trustees the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling rides along the ECG in Connecticut of what I call “the most exciting for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. in the months ahead, and I encourage project in America today.” In the The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 you to join the fun. summer of 2009, Simsbury’s First million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 Selectman, Mary Glassman, asked affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 me if I remembered something about organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling An Unlikely East Coast to your community. Contact League officers, directors or Greenway Advocate “complete streets”.... or a designation staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, called “Bicycle Friendly Community.” Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; By Steven Mitchell, VP Mitchell Auto I had a vague memory and attended [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. Group and East Coast Greenway, a cabinet meeting for her with the Board of Directors BOARD OF DIRECTORS Directors of Public Works, Parks & Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] Recreation, and the Police Chief. I Gary Brustin, [email protected] I DON’TD REMEMBER EXACTLY pitched becoming a Bicycle Friendly Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected] howho it happened. I believe it must I Bill Hoffman, [email protected] Community (BFC) at that meeting have been around 2005 and there was and immediately got a few “Why is a Jeffrey Lynne, [email protected] this “rail-trail meeting” at our local car dealer telling us why we need to Mike Nix, [email protected] Eno Hall in Simsbury. I remember be bicycle-friendly?” looks. Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] Bill O’Neill giving a presentation I know that a BFC is more than John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] about a bike path that was going to just a trail. ECG Executive Director Gail Spann, [email protected] go from Key West, Fla. to Canada. I Dennis Markatos announced at our Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer thought, “This guy is crazy. We are spring 2010 Board Meeting that every Hans van Naerssen, Chair, having a problem completing our community on the East Coast Green- [email protected] greenway in Simsbury, Conn., and way should be a bicycle friendly com- Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] he is talking about a 2,800 mile bike munity. Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, [email protected] path? That Will Never Happen!” Then As an auto dealer, my message is O’Neill closed his presentation stat- STAFF that transportation needs to become Andy Clarke – President ing that this project was admittedly increasingly multi-modal — cycling Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President in sections. I was completely wowed Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications and walking need to be part of our and couldn’t let the idea of the ECG Alison Dewey – BFC Program Specialist national transportation system. In the go away. Walter Finch – Advocacy Director future, the entire east coast will be Darren Flusche – Policy Analyst I admit, I am an unlikely advo- connected by the ECG — 15 states, Lorna Green – Director of Operations cate for a greenway system. My broth- Katie Omberg – Membership and Events Assistant 25 major cities, and Washington D.C. er and I are third-generation auto Bill Nesper – Director, BFC Program Hopefully, Markatos’ dream of all Jeff Peel – State and Local Advocacy Coordinator dealers but are both active cyclists. At ECG cities becoming BFCs comes Carly Sieff – BFA Program Assistant the age of 20 in 1977 — the summer Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant true. I have to tell you it was a great the album Boston came out — I rode Preston Tyree – Education Director honor to stand with our town offi- Scott Williams – Membership Director my bicycle across the country from cials last week as John Siemiatkoski, New London, Conn. to Tillamook, AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Leauge Board Member, presented Ore. Perhaps the most amazing thing Editor: Meghan Cahill Simsbury as one of the newest BFCs. during this trip was that I was passed Art Director: Studio D Design The application in our town became a Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon a couple million cars and trucks and team effort, and we are very proud of I remained unscathed! However, in American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six the designation. times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2010 1988, the odds caught up to me and I The ECG will forge its way from League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in went backwards through the wind- part without permission is prohibited. Article queries should Maine to Florida, and in its wake shield of a car. be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of most every town will be transformed manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the I know I am a very lucky to be material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the forever. material may be published without additional approval. Opinions alive and have always felt that the expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect “Cycling Gods” had a different plan the policies of the League. for me, and so I became an Ambas-

AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop [before you hit the road] Velo-City Global

Jeff Peel

Andy Clarke

FOR ONE WEEK IN JUNE 2010, The U.S. delegation, comprised genzine, put it. The idea that we should Copenhagen’s Velo-City Global of more than 100 bike advocates, be planning our cities around people conference opened its doors to 1,000 included: League President Andy rather than cars has somehow escaped planners, engineers, advocates, Clarke, BFA Program Specialist Americans. When presented, it sounds academics, industry leaders, Alison Dewey, and State and Local obvious but in reality we have continued educators, environmentalists and Advocacy Coordinator Jeff Peel. to take space away from people ... health professionals from around Dewey kept a journal about her Cities need to again consider people the world who wanted to learn from experience on the Bike League Blog. when planning how to move them. Con- Copenhagen’s success. The League Here is an excerpt: sider their health, consider the air they traveled more the 4,000 miles to are breathing, consider their ability to share the League’s programs and our One of the overall themes from connect to their neighbors, and consider own home-grown cycling success Velo-City Global was that bicycling their quality of life. Bicycles are a solu- Fstories, while also learning best is about people. “I don’t give a (darn) tion to all of these issues and more, and practices in innovative designs, about bikes. I care about people on it really is about the people. Bikes would education and encouragement bikes,” was how Mikael Coleville- be nothing without people to propel programs from colleagues around the Anderson, Denmark’s National Bike them. globe. Ambassador and blogger of Copenha-

of all trips in Copenhagen are made by bike, and the 36% city’s goal is to increase that number to 50 percent.

28 AmericanBicyclist