AMERICAN BICYCLIST URBAN REVIVAL BICI CULTURA IN CULTIVATING A THROUGH BIKING SANTA BARBARA BIKE CULTURE How and Bringing cultures A women’s bike club culture connect to together through is changing the scene bring cities to life p. 12 bicycling p. 16 in the Big Easy p. 22

May - June 2014 WWW.BIKELEAGUE.ORG

AMERICAN BICYCLIST CONTENT May - June 2014

THINK BIKE TRANSPORTATION CULTURE CLASH A challenge for bike advocates 10

BFA WORKSTAND 12 URBAN REVIVAL THROUGH BIKING How cycling and culture connect to bring cities to life PEDAL PROGRESS 16 RED TILES & SPOKES: BICI CULTURA IN SANTA BARBARA Bringing cultures together through bicycling

WOMEN BIKE The monthly Bike Moves ride in Santa Barbara, Calif. 22 Photo by Christine Burgeois CULTIVATING A WOMEN BIKE CULTURE NOLA Women on Bikes is changing the IN EVERY ISSUE scene in the Big Easy 02 VIEWPOINT BIKES ALIVE IN TRANSYLVANIA How two women made cycling part of 24 03 INBOX Transy campus culture 04 COGS&GEARS 14 INFOGRAPHIC 28 QUICKSTOP

AMERICAN BICYCLIST IS PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON 30% POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PAPER CERTIFIED BY RAINFOREST ALLIANCE TO THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL™ STANDARDS.

ON THE COVER: PHOTOS BY ROBIN GAUTHIER VIEWPOINT

THE BEAUTY OF BIKE CULTURE Gaudy green bike lanes, shiny new bike the cops on bikes program that started sharing systems and the newest Dan- in 1993 and has more than 300 trained ish cycle track designs are all the rage as officers. A big step towards a BMX park U.S. communities strive to become more was taken the day I was there and more bike-friendly. Creating safe, convenient than 75 people showed up for an inspir- infrastructure is, of course, critical to get- ing evening bike summit headlined by ting more people on bikes — but what the mayor. about that more elusive thing called bike True, Cincinnati has a long way to go culture? to become a truly great bicycling city – Bike culture is hard to measure or but the building blocks and that intan- manufacture, and is definitely one of gible thing we call bike culture are most those “you’ll know it when you see it” definitely there. Things are starting to things that defies an easy explanation or change: bike sharing is on the way, pro- template for action. Bike culture is also tected lanes are under construction, and different from one community to the the mayor has a vision to become that next AND is changing in front of our great bicycling community in just five eyes. years! A couple of months ago, I visited Cin- With an active, engaged and effective cinnati and found a community with a local bike community, in tandem with burgeoning bike culture spanning the visionary city leaders and more than ca- generations. There’s an energy, enthusi- pable city staff, anything is possible. And asm and constructive desire for change bike culture ... well, it just sort of appears that’s infusing young, energetic advo- Advocates like Frank Henson are building bike along the way and is beautiful to behold. cates as well as old-school club riders. culture in Cincinnati. In this issue we celebrate the many Advocates from Queen City Bikes and ways bike culture unfolds — and encour- the Cincinnati Cycle Club work along- plan an extensive National Bike Month age you to share your bike culture with us. side the MoBo bike co-op and a local program in May, as well as relying on the Tweet us a picture @bikeleague or post it dealers association, each playing local advocacy groups to show up at com- on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ their role and able to work constructively munity meetings, events and city coun- leagueamericanbicyclists. with each other and the city. cil to generate support for bike-friendly City staff is well informed about Com- projects and programs. plete Streets, the latest bikeway designs Without even being asked, the Parks and value of the public realm in creating and Recreation folks are teaching bike the kind of quality of life their elected of- classes and getting seniors out on their ficials are demanding. They work closely fleet of bikes. Our tour of the city was with the community and local media to joined by a police officer, who’s part of Andy Clarke, League President

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INBOX APPRECIATING EQUITY mittee last week. As you noted, this SUMMIT SUCCESS topic – how states spend and report We’re excited and grateful for the This year’s Summit was the first I at- funding use through STIPs – is be- League’s equity/diversity efforts – defi- tended and I was greatly impressed with coming more relevant, as state agen- nitely a fit with Major Taylor’s Legacy how the League prepared attendees be- cies recognize the need to invest in and our mission. forehand, and with the Summit itself. biking, and transit facili- - Lynne Tolman, President, Major I learned far more than I expected and ties. I hope we can continue to col- Taylor Association met some wonderful peers. I especially laborate to make these investments appreciated the focus on women and more prevalent – and their report- equity, and the preparation for lobbying COMPLETING OUR STREETS ing more transparent – in the future. day. I am now inspired and prepared to On behalf of the National Complete - Roger Millar, Director, National be more of an activist at home. Streets Coalition, thank you for pre- Complete Streets Coalition senting at our March Com- - Rebecca Roush, Seattle, WA

FROM INSTAGRAM

“Why Equity, Why Now?” This is what the My best friend @lalitadynamite is a bike advocate! Great day on Capitol Hill. Good meetings and the conversation looks like. Photo by @tania_lo onsite And so am I!!!! #nbs14 #webiketodc #webikenyc sun came out. #nbs14 @adventurecycling at National Bike Summit for #momentummag @womenbike @bikeleague #nbs14 #bikes4all

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

MEMBER SNAPSHOT: Taliah Lempert

Blending bikes and culture, Taliah Lem- marketed as an early . It pert is a New York City-based artist was tremendous. Huge. Riding it through known widely for her bicycle paintings the city was wonderful. I was captivated. that showcase the spirit and personality When I’d return to my bike, locked to a of the diverse bikes that bring us such joy pole, it looked so great, I could see the and utility. In this interview she shares painting already. how she fell in love with bicycling and married that passion with painting. HOW HAVE YOUR BICYCLE PAINTINGS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS? When I look back at my work, it’s WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START RIDING? Bikes were like a journal: Different bikes and friends’ a big part of family life growing up, bikes through the years. The drawing has more as recreation than transportation. gotten more accurate and I spend longer We rode a lot, but I didn’t bring a bike on each piece. I’ve gone through periods with me when I left home for college where I focus on different aspects, be it in and I didn’t think about it much for a Lempert in her studio. Photo by Shannon Taggart painting or about the bike. long while. Years after I finished school and moved to New York, I bought a WHAT’S YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND — HOW AND WHEN WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY IN YOUR PAINTINGS? I bike on a whim — it just caught my eye DID YOU GET INTO PAINTING? WAS BICYCLING YOUR want to convey the beauty in people and while I was walking down the street. I FIRST CREATIVE MUSE OR LATER INSPIRATION? I got bikes. I love how cycling is such an up- immediately got on and rode across the into painting when I was about 16. It lifting thing, that we harness our own Brooklyn Bridge to work in Manhattan too was kind of a whim. I took an art energy to move forward. It’s a powerful and have been commuting by bike ever class as an elective in high school and symbol, not just for riding a bike but for since. I think that was 1996 or 1997. then, suddenly, one day I knew it was living well. I love that each bike I paint what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a is unique and exists in its current form WHAT’S YOUR BIKE STYLE — COMMUTING, RACING, painter. I’ve never thought twice about because of a specific person — and that LONG LEISURELY RIDES ON THE WEEKEND…? I got it. Before I painted groups of it’s also a universal icon. all those kinds of style. My bike is my people and still life mostly. I still keep transportation, with rare exception. I do a sketch book and work regularly from IT MUST BE SUCH A JOY TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING a lot of commuting. Sometimes I ride the figure, make pictures of my family DOING WHAT YOU LOVE — A DREAM FOR SO MANY OF US. I my fast street bike and it’s pretty racy. and draw still lives. My painting, print- feel very lucky and happy that my paint- A lot of times, I’ll ride a more sensible making and the work in my studio is all ing supports me. Cycling, and especially bike that has fenders and racks. My rac- bicycles. the time I spent at the track, inspired the ing days may be over, but I was a regular way I do business. To come up with a plan at Kissena track from 1999 to 2007. I’m HOW DID BICYCLING AND ART FIRST INTERSECT FOR and go with it, with conviction. To define usually up for a long ride on the week- YOU? WAS THERE A SPECIFIC BIKE THAT WAS YOUR FIRST my faults and work to overcome them. end or days off, either headed up the LOVE? The bike that really got it started Practicing to improve both painting and Hudson, to Prospect Park or out to the was a big Schwinn cruiser called the business. SEE TALIAH’S WORK AT BICYCLEPAINTINGS.COM Rockaways. Klunker 5. It was a bike that Schwinn

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CLUB SNAPSHOT: Kidical Mass Philadelphia BY DENA DRISCOLL

The Philadelphia branch of Kidical Mass (KMPHL) was founded in August 2012. The organization was borne out of a de- sire to feel safer on Philadelphia streets with my son, but has grown into a lively movement of Philadelphia families who are working together through rides and events to promote safe shared streets for all ages. Philadelphia is home to a supportive bicycling community, but as parents of young children (most of our little riders are under 8 years old, with an average age of 3 years old) and many transportation cyclists, we may not fit in to many of the group rides that take place. KMPHL is a judgment-free zone where we ride bicycles as families at an average speed of 4 miles per hour and carry kids’ potties on our bikes. We try to be as approachable as pos- sible to all potential family bicyclists, as well as veterans. Our posters are bright and friendly and aren’t relegated to bike shops — we want to reach new audienc- es so they are placed in family-friendly Kidical Mass Philadelphia ride. Photo by James G. Mundie coffee shops and pubs, parks, grocery stores and children’s shops around doz- — supporting local businesses wherever get families the equipment they need. ens of neighborhoods. We reach out to we go. Our rides regularly start a bit af- Our Facebook group is also home to parent groups through Facebook and e- ter the posted time, accommodating the a second-hand market for outgrown mail chains, too. ever-late parents we all swore we would equipment. The start and finish locations of our not become! KMPHL is literally a growing move- rides are family friendly with amenities KMPHL works hard to make bicy- ment (babies are born all the time!) so nearby that families need, like bath- cling with kids as easy as possible, be- we continue to strive to keep bicycling a rooms, food, parking for cargo bikes cause once you have kids nothing seems normal part of families’ lives. The more and trailers, and a space for children to easy anymore! We not only host monthly family bicyclists on the street, the more run around and burn off some energy. In rides that give families the opportunity positivity we can generate towards bicy- the summer, we aim for sprinkle parks; to get comfortable on city streets but cling here. After all, who can dislike a in the winter indoor locations like cafes also organize events at shops, so we can smiling kid on a bike?

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 5 COGS&GEARS 5 REASONS TO LOVE THE NEW NATIONAL BIKE CHALLENGE BY ALISON DEWEY

We’re off to an exciting start with the Challenge users can log miles as eas- best possible tools to promote bicycling new-and-improved 2014 National Bike ily as possible — while still providing a at the community level. The website Challenge! dynamic website for folks entering their gives local groups more space to tailor For months, we’ve been working dili- rides manually. their message, promote their group and gently behind the scenes to create a bet- showcase their local partners, while still ter website that offers our users an intui- 2 Each of the apps — Endomondo, collecting valuable information about tive, functional and inspiring experience. MapMyRide, and Moves — offer dis- ridership in their community. We truly appreciated riders’ understanding tinct tracking tools, unique interfaces and and constructive feedback as we phased in accommodate a variety of riders. The new 4 Businesses also have the ability to of- functionality and completed development. website also allows us to integrate more fer internal competitions across multiple Many of you asked, “Why the change?” apps in the future. By making it easy and office locations. Now, U.S.-based com- Well, it’s a multi-faceted answer so we allowing the Challenge to evolve with the panies with worksites across the globe wanted to take the time to provide the times, we envision reaching monumental are can be united in their Challenge. A answers and share with you our vision for numbers so that bicycling becomes ev- company can enter an unlimited num- what’s to come. eryone’s first choice for recreation, trans- ber of worksites to compete collectively portation, commuting — whatever the as a workplace, while maintaining each 1 We want the National Bike Challenge reason! worksite’s unique employee make-up and to be accessible for ALL users — so we allowing for a friendly internal competi- developed an independent website that 3 The new site also provides a larger fo- tion. This year, workplaces will compete integrates multiple apps. With the rise cus on Local Challenges. At the League, based on their total number of employ- of smartphones, we wanted to make sure we want to offer our local partners the

LCI CORNER Pedaling Forward with Learn to Ride BY JASON TANZMAN AND HANNAH GEIL-NEUFELD

It’s 8 a.m. on a Wednesday morning when a Cycles for Change staff member arrives at Logan Park in northeast . She recognizes Em’s* purple bike and bright red helmet from across the park.

6 AMERICAN BICYCLIST COGS&GEARS

ees, but will be ranked by points/1,000 employees — so everyone has a level playing field.

5 The comments section has always been a vibrant part of the National Bike Challenge — we love hearing from you! Share information with the community about your morning ride, what inspires you, and why you ride. Ask for tips or of- fer advice. We realize this is an important part of the Challenge, so we’ve dedicated a full page to it on the website, under “News Feeds.” We encourage you to be a positive and supportive voice for your local and national community. Not registered yet? Sign up today at www.nationalbikechallenge.org and make every mile count! ALISON DEWEY IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BIKE CHALLENGE

She’s in the normal meeting spot: a quiet up for the Bike Library program not many students talk about the tangible section of the path with a slight incline knowing how to ride a bike. “Since I was health and economic benefits of learn- that’s perfect for learning to ride. Em little, my dream has been to ride a bike,” ing to ride a bike, a lot of students also pushes off down the slope, coasts for a she says. In fact, 43 out of the 44 Learn talk about the learning experience being moment before losing her balance and to Ride students in 2013 were women, empowering in and of itself. “Learning to falling off to one side. She jumps away with Latina and East African immigrant pedal a bike and balance marks a change from the bike, laughs for a moment, then women making up the majority. These in your life,” Em said. “Each time I take prepares to mount her bicycle once more. classes were customized to meet partici- up something new, I think like I’m get- Em connected with Cycles for Change pant needs, providing small group and ting onto a bike to pedal. And each time through the Community Partners Bike one-to-one instruction at convenient I pedal I go a little farther ... It’s beautiful Library, an innovative, federally funded locations near to where they lived or to learn to pedal because you discover a program supporting traditionally under- worked. marvelous potential within yourself.” represented community members with After one of our lessons toward the end *Pseudonym used at the student’s request. access to a bicycle, plus the training to of the summer, Em unbuckled her helmet ride safely and confidently. Em signed and put on her philosopher’s hat. While

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 7 COGS&GEARS

2014 National Bike Summit SUCCESS: BY THE NUMBERS In March, we were astounded and humbled by the tremendous efforts many of you undertook to get TOTAL SUMMIT INCHES OF to Washington, D.C. for the National Bike Summit 724 REGISTRANTS 5 SNOW IN D.C. and National Women’s Bicycling Forum. Despite the snow, government closure and cancelled flight schedules, nearly 700 participants joined us for the CONGRESSIONAL SPONSORS OF BIKE premier bike advocacy event of the year. 65 FRIENDLY BILLS (SINCE THE SUMMIT) And it was one for the books! The new U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, made his first visit to the Summit; we heard inspiring PERCENTAGE OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS WHO words from the president of the National Organi- WOULD RECOMMEND THE SUMMIT TO OTHERS zation for Women, Terry O’Neill; and attendees 99% new and old came together to talk about how we continue the momentum of the bicycle movement. But numbers — and pictures — speak louder GROWTH OF WOMEN’S than words, so here are some of the highlights from 120% FORUM REGISTRANTS the 2014 Summit and Forum.

Bike Summit ride

8 AMERICAN BICYCLIST COGS&GEARS GIVING

Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who have contributed to the League, above and beyond membership dues, in January and February 2014.

$5,000+ Greg Dubrock John Duval INDIVIDUALS Jay Ferm Gail Copus Spann Noel Field Daniel Gold Pamela Gifford Hunt-Raymond Family and Family Susi Wunsch G Gilbert Mitchel Godat $1,000+ Brian Gottsacker ORGANIZATIONS Alan Hammond Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Ross Heitkamp Florida Freewheelers, Inc. Bert Hill Wheeling Wheelmen William Hunter Bicycle Club Michael Hutton INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES Kerry Irons STATES REPRESENTED Mark Jauquet Bruce Brodie William Jeffries 46 (+ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) Bob Byrne and Family Will and Anna Haltiwanger Edwin Jones Pierre Swick and Family TOTAL WOMEN’S Kathy Kirk and Family $500+ Peter Lee 433 FORUM REGISTRANTS ORGANIZATIONS Mark Lee and Family Organizations Patrick Marek BikeHouston Gary Markowitz Evansville Bicycle Club Brian McCrodden PERCENTAGE OF SATISFACTION White Clay Bicycle Club and Family FROM OUR SPONSORS Jane McElroy 100% INDIVIDUALS McWatters Family Diane Albert Peter Micheletti Susan Heineman and Family Ian Hoffman Ian Moise 67 FEMALE SPEAKERS Susan Kremer Momany Family 62 MALE SPEAKERS Joshua Levy Robert Morris Henry Slack Jeff Muir O. Neal Alexionok $100+ Family ORGANIZATIONS O’Bannon Family Brandywine Bicycle Club John O’Rourke Raymond Parodi INDIVIDUALS Dalia Perelman Hope Veterinary and Family Specialists - donated in Tom Polk memory of James A. David Ray Solly Ray Weil & Mary Shaw Priscilla Johnson & Family - Ronald Reitz donated in honor of Paul Rice Phyllis Harmon’s great Steven Riess Frank Rogers Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women work Richard B and Family Gertrude Bell Michael Scavezze Daryl Burbank-Schmitt James Sebastian S. Carlson Dick Sims and Family Sam Chandler Barbara Sturges Sherren Clark Norman Thompson Steve Combs Michael Throop Paul Despres Wahlgren Family Patrick Dickson Jim Waite Kevin Doi Bruce Wickert Robert Zaret

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. All photos by Brian Palmer.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 9 THINK BIKE

TRANSPORTATION CULTURE CLASH A challenge for bike advocates BY ADONIA LUGO

very time I go home to Orange ignated bike route, but in practice people trouble than a crosswalk, but all of this County, California, I go through outside of don’t matter enough for confirms the belief that by remaining in the same ritual familiar to many of drivers to be on the lookout. In 2012, the cars or out of their way, you can stay safe. us. People ask me about my work; Orange County Register reported, 10 In this issue of American Bicyclist, we’re I tell them about bikes; they re- Orange County cities ranked among the calling your attention to culture. Culture Espond with a story about how cyclists are worst in California for rates of injuries is a term that describes the shared sys- a nuisance, and, while they themselves and fatalities caused by driving under the tems of meanings and values that regu- are too enlightened to menace those bike influence (DUI). late our interactions with friends, fam- users, they see others doing it. Therefore, In places where driving is this en- ily, and strangers. Through our cultural bicycling is a bad idea. trenched, people tell each other that the work, we show those around us that we I sigh mentally and acquiesce, not be- only safety measure is to simply avoid “get” it, that we’re complying with the cause I agree with them, but because I traveling without the armor of a vehicle. standards they expect from trustworthy know where they’re coming from. I grew Most people in Orange County don’t try individuals. Culture is the interface be- up knowing that driving as soon as I to challenge the deadliness of culture tween an individual and the world that could would be best, because car culture by getting out of cars and into streets; tells her what actions are appropriate reigns supreme. they try to get further out of the way. and what would deviate from the norm. Typically motorists strike two pedes- In another Orange County town, San In any given interaction between road trians each month crossing Pacific Coast Juan Capistrano, there’s a relatively new users, who may be using the same streets Highway in Laguna Beach, a beautiful pedestrian bridge that funnels people without the same ideas about what should hillside beach town that would rather from a parking lot to a high school over happen there, cultures can clash. And you think of its arts festivals rather than a four-lane street. Climbing up and down yet, transportation culture becomes rou- its dangerous streets. The PCH is a des- a flight of stairs seems like a lot more tine and hard to see, especially in places

10 AMERICAN BICYCLIST THINK BIKE

Riding in traffic in D.C., photo by Maggie Smith

where there’s a very dominant mode. To Those of us who bike know that’s not recognize transportation culture, start by the case. With our bodies on our bikes, asking what are our accepted behaviors we map what is possible. We make visible on roads; what have we agreed upon as the lines between home, work, shopping, uses of shared streets? A few books that and fun. And in bike shops, co-ops, on consider how we got to where we are to- rides, in all the places where people talk day in transportation culture are Peter and wrench and race, bicycling is normal. Norton’s Fighting Traffic and Clay Mc- Spending time in these spaces fuels us Shane’s Down the Asphalt Path. and gives us the vocabulary to go tell oth- Can the street on its own transform the ers about what a great thing biking can stories people tell each other about trans- be. portation if cultural norms aren’t taken We have the opportunity to take more into account? At dinner tables, over cof- ownership of our role as catalysts for fee — this is where people tell each other change when we pay attention to our own about the right ways to travel. The way bike culture. The next time you’re out rid- they interact in the street is an outgrowth ing, notice when you feel dismissed or ac- of a larger mental framework they rein- cepted by fellow road users. Are you in force through buying bigger and bigger a multicultural transportation zone, or in cars at the dealer, talking about bicyclists a place where one group’s culture wins? as a problem, confirming to each other ADONIA LUGO IS THE LEAGUE’S EQUITY INITIATIVE MANAGER Advocates use paint to encourage riders. that all the driving is a shame, but there’s Photo by Maggie Smith no alternative.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 11 BFA WORKSTAND

URBAN REVIVAL THROUGH BIKES How cycling and culture connect to bring cities to life BY STEVE CLARK

’m sitting at The Handlebar on Mill Avenue in Tempe, Ariz., talking to Bob Beane from the Coalition of Ar- izona Bicyclists and Patrick Valandra of the Tempe Bike Action Group. I A bicycle built for five hangs from the ceiling and several patrons have brought their bikes inside, just because they can (since, there’s also plenty of bike park- ing outside this self-declared “bicycle- friendly beer garden”). The wait staff dons shirts that declare “I Bike Beer,” and it’s clear that the major- ity of folks eating and drinking did not arrive on four wheels. Patrick tells me what I hear again the fol- lowing day when I meet with city staff and Mill Avenue in Tempe welcomes bicyclists through culture and infrastructure. Photo by Eric Iwersen the chair of the local transportation com- mission: Mill Avenue used to be very dif- — and showing how changing a street can street parking. In addition to striping bike ferent. Not long ago, the five-lane arterial transform the culture of the place. lanes on Main Street, they’re promoting was a channel of high-speed traffic, with On Mill Avenue, the addition of bike mixed-use development, and creating few pedestrians, virtually no bicyclists and lanes made a big difference. But that events and other attractions to revitalize not much of a commercial district. wasn’t all. The city encouraged mixed-use their downtown. And you know a city is At first, the proposal of a road diet and higher-density development, under- serious about bicycling when they display with bike lanes, landscaped median standing that a revitalized downtown had their Bicycle Friendly Community appli- and curbside parking caused an uproar, to be accessible on foot, as well. A new cation on their website for all to see. as few could imagine how it could ever transit center encouraged people to ar- So what are the main steps that bring work. Today, the area has some of the rive by train — and what better place for about this culture shift, from cars whiz- lowest vacancy rates for office, retail and a bike center than right inside the transit zing by empty storefronts to bicyclists housing in the country, and proudly calls station? Over time, the bike culture began pulling out their pocketbooks? If a city is itself the only real downtown in the en- to flourish. Now it’s an area that seems to going to create a streetscape that captures tire East Valley. cry out “We love bicyclists! Come and the magic of the bicycle and works for Throughout the nation ‘Main Streets’ spend some money!” visitors and residents alike, here are some are returning to their rightful domain If The Handlebar is any indication of the key ingredients. as cultural districts, with progressive — it’s clearly working. city planners realizing that a street has Lexington, Kentucky, has experienced TAKE SPACE FROM CARS AND GIVE IT TO PEOPLE to work for everyone, not just the guy a similar bike-powered renaissance. Not When you put a road on a diet — nar- who intends to blow through as quickly only have they added 250 bike parking fa- travel lanes and / or eliminating as possible. Tempe isn’t alone in using cilities to their downtown, but they’re also extra ones — you open the space for bicycles as a visible symbol of livability attempting to find the right balance of on- sidewalk cafes, better bike lanes, wider

12 AMERICAN BICYCLIST BFA WORKSTAND

sidewalks, shorter crossing distances streets not only have good crossings at Minneapolis are now requesting that on- and landscaped medians. Where will all every intersection but are also charac- street space for car parking be converted the cars go? Some might turn into bikes terized by either lots of short blocks or to a bike coral where 12 bikes can park is (ah, yes, the magic!) but most will go a plenty of midblock crossings. And like further testament that bike culture is now bit slower — and now the roadway has narrower lanes, safe and abundant cross- unstoppable! turned into a place people want to be. ings will slow the traffic beast! Of course, there are other ways to bring Proportion matters! A should both beauty and culture — people! — to be at least half the width of the widest ELIMINATE MINIMUM PARKING REQUIREMENTS a place. Trees, rain gardens, nice awnings travel lane. The only time a bike lane AND SUBSIDIES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES and protected bike lanes should all be should be 5 feet wide is if it’s next to a Yep, I know, this is the tough one. But, top priorities. But perhaps more than 10-foot travel lane — and the gutter pan to bring a city back to life, does it make anything else, the bicycle has become the doesn’t count! sense to pave over some of the most valu- symbol of a sustainable, healthy, modern able real estate for surface parking lots and economically vibrant community. PROVIDE ABUNDANT AND SAFE CROSSINGS full of empty automobiles? Revitaliza- Learn more about how the League Once we lock up, bicyclists are pe- tion happens far quicker when, in lieu of is working to build a Bicycle Friendly destrians, too, so crossings are essential. minimum parking requirements for cars, America at bikeleague.org/bfa and fol- People don’t like to be limited to one cities make bike parking as conspicu- low my travels to communities nation- side of a street and streets shouldn’t be ous and convenient as possible. The fact wide on Twitter @bfc_steve. STEVE walls, difficult to break through. Great that businesses like Birchwood Café in CLARK IS THE LEAGUE’S BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY SPECIALIST.

RETHINKING STREETS BY MARC SCHLOSSBERG

Streets are often the greatest amount of collection of 25 already-completed street public space our cities have, yet we have de- transformations from around the country signed them almost exclusively for the fast assembled into a visually rich, easily ac- throughput of vehicles. Streets do allow us cessible format. The streets in this book to get through space to reach a further away are fairly normal looking places with fairly destination, but they are also places — places moderate re-designs from all parts of the where people gather, eat, play, and live. United States But the overall conclusion For commercial streets where vehicular is clear: cars can still have access, pedes- speed and volume tend to be higher, it’s past trians and cyclists can be better accom- time to rethink or re-purpose that public modated, businesses can thrive, and most space so multiple modes of transportation importantly, the world will not end. charge. Please request one for yourself can use them comfortably — and they can be The project was grant-supported (with — or, strategically, for someone else — at reclaimed as places. some valuable feedback provided by many rethinkingstreets.com. MARC SCHLOSSBERG With that in mind, colleagues and I com- members of the League) and there are a IS THE CO-DIRECTOR OF THE SUSTAINABLE CITIES INITIATIVE piled a new book called Rethinking Streets, a limited number of books available free of AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 13 BIKE CULTURE MUDDY BUDDY RIDES ALLEY CAT RACES BIKE PARTY ike culture is as diverse as the unique NAKED BIKE RIDES bicycles we ride and the many places we pedal. It manifests in our lives and in our communities in countless CYCLOCROSS RACES B TWEED RIDES CENTURIES ways. Here at the League we came up with just a few of the ways we see bike culture flourishing. Tell us your additions @BikeLeague on Twitter! TRIATHALONS RACE TEAMS RIDE OF SILENCE

LOCAL BIKE MAYORS ADVOCATES JULY 4TH BIKE PARADES RIDES CYCLOFEMME STUDENT GROUPS CHAMPIONS WORKPLACE GREEN TEAMS BIKE CLUB LEADERS KIDICAL MASS

HEELS ON WHEELS ANYONE WHO CITY RIDES A BIKE BIKE TOURS BIKE SHOP OWNERS CEO OR MAYOR-LED RIDES LEAGUE CYCLING INSTRUCTORS COMMUNITY BIKE SHOPS/COLLECTIVES

BIKE AMBASSADORS BIKE CHARITY RIDES YOUTH LEADERS BIKE MECHANICS SUMMITS TUNE-UP DAYS PAINT THE STREETS CICLOVIA/OPEN STREETS

PARK(ING) DAY CLEAN-UP DAYS EVENTS BIKE-IN MOVIES BIKE FASHION SHOWS

BIKE VALET PARKING AT EVENTS BIKE TO WORK DAY BIKE TO HELMET / LIGHT GIVEAWAYS SCHOOL DAY

COMMUTER BREAKFASTS BIKE SHOP LADIES’ NIGHT

14 AMERICAN BICYCLIST POLICE EMERGENCY CALL BOXES BIKE SHARE SYSTEMS ON BIKES BIKE MESSENGERS BIKE LANES

SHARROWS BIKE THEFT PREVENTION BIKE RACKS ON BUSES SAFETY BIKE COUNTS TRAIL PATROLS

BIKE WAYFINDING SIGNS

STREET PUB CRAWLS VISIBILITY VELODROMES AND PATH GHOST BIKES LIGHTING

ARTISTIC BIKE PARKING CYCLOCROSS COURSES

MAJOR TAYLOR CRUISER RIDES BICYCLE BILLBOARDS CYCLING CLUBS SHARE THE QUEER & TRANS ROAD SIGNS BIKE PARKS

TALL BIKES SCRAPER BIKES BMX MOUNTAIN BIKES

OVARIAN PSYCOS BIKE MAPS TRAFFIC SKILLS 101 MIDNIGHT GROUPS RIDAZZ LCI SEMINARS SMART CYCLING ONLINE VIDEOS CLASSES TRAIL RIDING CLASSES

EAST SIDE RIDERS BROWN BAG LUNCH-AND-LEARNS RACING TEAMS WOMEN ON WHEELS CLASS TRIPS FOR KIDS SAFE ROUTES EDUCATION TO SCHOOL TICKET DIVERSION PROGRAMS COMMUTER HAPPY HOURS BLESSING OF THE BICYCLES FIX-A-FLAT WORKSHOPS EARN-A-BIKE PROGRAMS BIKE TRAINS YOUTH BIKE RODEOS BIKE LIBRARIES KIDS ADULTS BICYCLE-THEMED FESTIVAL/SHOWS NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC CYCLING ASSOCIATION

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Tour de Tent, an introduction to bike touring.

BRINGING CULTURES TOGETHER THROUGH BICYCLING

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RED TILES AND SPOKES: BICI CULTURA IN SANTA BARBARA BY LYNNETTE ARNOLD AND CARMEN LOZANO

anta Barbara is a small town in Southern California whose size, flat terrain, and sunny weather make it a fertile environment for bicycle cultures of all kinds. SFrom Gibraltar Road to the Cabrillo Beach bike path, you can find many groups using two-wheeled locomotion for multiple reasons. Roadies on carbon-fiber bikes ride with their teams, mountain bikers traverse our challenging , BMX- ers practice tricks, and tourists see the sights on rented bikes. On a daily basis, white-collar com- muters ride to work in downtown offices and at the nearby university, while fash- ion, tattoos and style are crucial for fixie riders. Custom chrome sting-rays are the bike of choice for the low-rider crew: young Latin@s who accessorize their bikes with banana seats, sissy bars, ape Dave B, a founder of Bici Centro, and Carlos fix a bike. All photos by Christine Bourgeois. hanger handlebars, and wheels with many spokes. wheels and mojo mingle. More inten- landscaping jobs on their well-used Cruising the main drag on their way tional gatherings are planned during an- bikes. Despite their numbers, this com- to the beach, wearing flip-flops and no nual bike events, such as CycleMAYnia muter group is often invisible in the helmets, you’ll meet the iconic Santa and the cruiser ride. The monthly Bike community, in part due to the timing of Barbara cyclist: the cruiser user. Bridg- Moves ride is a local take on Critical their commutes (early morning and late ing many of these different cultures are Mass, bringing together the laid-back night) and residential segregation. Their the bikies, eco-minded young profes- vibe of the cruiser users, the roadies’ legitimacy as road users is challenged by sionals — both men and women, mostly commitment to riding, and the advocacy stereotypes that stigmatize them for not white — who are Santa Barbara’s dedi- angle of the bikies. following the rules of the road by not cated cycling activists. However, none of these hubs ben- wearing helmets or using lights and rid- Bike-minded Santa Barbarans often efit from the participation of Santa ing on the sidewalk. gather at informal hubs such as cof- Barbara’s largest bike culture, made up Although these ideas are equally true fee shops like Handlebar Coffee, the of low-income, Latino commuters, who of other local bike cultures, especially French Press, and Daily Grind, where ride to work at restaurants, hotels, and the cruiser users, for Latino cyclists,

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these stereotypes come together with During open-shop hours, cyclists for affordable bike repair, so many of the race and class, marginalizing them and bring their bikes into the shop for re- shop users are from the low-income La- making their bike culture invisible. pair and maintenance. The shop has a tino commuter community. Coming to But Latino commuters are highly vis- DIY philosophy that espouses getting the shop brings them into close contact ible at Santa Barbara’s most vibrant cy- your hands dirty, and dedicated volun- with volunteer mechanics from the bikie cling hub, Bici Centro, a community bike teer bike mechanics help customers be- community, as user and wrencher work shop run by the Santa Barbara Bicycle come mechanically self-sufficient. Bici together one-on-one on bike repairs. Coalition (SBBIKE). Centro represents the only local option When Bici Centro was created it inten-

Whether a rolling bike party or an inviting, family-friendly trail, bike culture blooms CULTIVATING BIKE CULTURE in different ways in different communities. Here’s how the seeds are being sown and cultivated in a range of cities big and small across the nation.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND BOISE, IDAHO By Chris Merriam, Executive Director, Bikemore By Jimmy Hallyburton, Executive Director, Boise Bicycle Project

Baltimore’s is benefitting from a recent burst of youthful We’ve always believed that Boise has the potential to be the “Bicycling energy to complement the strong work that a small-but-dedicated group Capital of the USA,” and since we started working toward this goal in of advocates had been doing for years. 2007, we’ve seen significant progress. Baltimore’s first city-focused bicycle advocacy group, Bikemore, began For a long time, our bicycling community has consisted of the in Spring 2012, focusing mainly on policy and infrastructure, but also sup- Mountain Bikers and the Roadies. Now, we’re starting to see an enor- porting a bicycle mechanic program for Digital Harbor High School stu- mous increase in folks who are using bikes to accomplish their daily dents that emerged from the students’ own desire to have safe routes for activities. bicycling around the city. At the same time a group of creative volunteers This exciting movement has resurrected the Downtown Boise Cul- rebranded the city’s sparsely attended Critical Mass ride into Baltimore ture. Bike racks are full in front of restaurants, bike baskets are being Bike Party, a slow-paced monthly parade on two wheels that has been a loaded with produce from the Saturday Market, and those who did not massive, city-wide success with as many as 2,000 participants. ride this week are witnessing how fun and easy it can be. That’s not to say that bicycle advocacy in Baltimore is a new thing. Too many times people are convinced that they need fancy bikes, Bike Maryland (formerly One Less Car) has years of experience with clothes, and equipment when all they really need to do, is get out and adult and youth bicycle education and advocacy work at the State House ride. in Annapolis, while Bike Project has been helping people fix This is our goal: Teaching and showing all people how to enjoy the up their own bicycles in Baltimore for several years. And there are many power of the pedal. organized rides in Baltimore throughout the year, including fundraising rides like Tour Dem Parks, Bike Jam, and Tour du Port, and casual rides like the women-focused Crank Mavens and Family Bike Party. With a compact downtown street grid, temperate weather, and an impressive array of historic buildings and cultural offerings, Baltimore is a great place to explore by bicycle, Hon!

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tionally aimed to provide a space that fa- ing the visibility and legitimacy of this losophy regarding repairs at Bici Centro cilitated exchanges across different bike bike culture. involves a significant investment of time cultures, choosing a name that reflected Of course, this work faces ongoing chal- and effort, a heavier burden for those like these intentions. The shop has succeeded lenges, such as frequent language barriers the Latino cyclists who work long hours in increasing contact between members between monolingual Spanish-speaking at physically demanding jobs. The DIY of these two separate bike cultures, and shop users and volunteer mechanics who agenda does not work for them because the consistent presence of Latino cyclists speak limited or no Spanish. Another they often just need a fast fix so that they at Bici Centro has contributed to increas- challenge at times is that the DIY phi- can ride their bike to their next job.

EL PASO, TEXAS HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA By Bennett Foster, President, Velo Paso By Frank Babel, Founder, Hilton Head Island Squeaky Wheels Bicycle-Pedestrian Coalition Hilton Head Island is a resort-oriented community whose culture cen- The seeds of revolution and rebellion were sown into El Paso’s rich ters on preserving nature and respecting, appreciating and enjoying history long before bicyclists stormed city hall demanding better bike the natural island habitat. Welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors lanes. According to a prominent historian, “El Paso served as the tin- each year, we’re a family-oriented destination that promotes healthy derbox of the Mexican Revolution.” In a way, El Paso’s always been a living through sports, recreation and outdoor activities. powder keg waiting for a spark. Bicycling is an important island amenity that enables and comple- For bicyclists, that spark came in May 2013 during El Paso Bike ments this culture. More than 100 miles of multi-use pathways con- Month. National Bike Month was an opportunity for the community nect the islands’ homes, hotels, parks, restaurants, shopping areas, to experiment and grow in new and profound ways. Several new bike points of interest and 12 miles of bikeable beaches. clubs emerged last year, each with different missions, all driving posi- For many, especially vacationing families, bicycling is the favored tive change in El Paso! form of transportation and recreation. This safe, growing bikeways Because of an engaged network of bicyclists, El Paso is launching system helps foster active life styles, and gets people out of their mo- the first Bike Share system in West Texas, forming its first Bike Advi- tor vehicles and close to nature. sory Committee, and raising the caliber of bike lanes to meet NACTO It provides safe, clean transportation and allows residents and visi- standards. tors of all ages and abilities to experience the joys of bicycling and to Last May, Bike Month organizers teamed up with their counterparts appreciate the natural beauty of this island and its beaches. in Ciudad Juarez to lead a bi-national ride that attracted more than 100 people. For many El Pasoans it was the first time they had visited their sister city in several years due to the high levels of violence. The bi-national ride was a reminder that bicycles are powerful tools for positive change and, more importantly, when it comes to bikes there are no borders.

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Tweed Ride on State Street

CRYSTAL CITY, VIRGINIA By Angela Foxx, President/CEO, Crystal City Business Improvement District

As the President and CEO of the Crystal City Business Improvement District, why would I focus on cycling? The answer is simple – getting people to ride bicycles is good for business. The mission of the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is to transform area perceptions, experiences, and realities. Built around the premise that people and businesses want to locate in communities that are innovative, active, artful, accessible and green, the Crystal City BID has been designing, developing, and deploying programs that underscore these characteristics. Each and every one of these elements is touched upon in the BID collection of bicycling programs, which have helped turn Crystal City into the region’s premier bicycle hub. Active communities showcase healthier, happier, and more produc- tive employees, lower staff costs associated with more affordable healthcare, and lower absenteeism. As a large proportion of regional emissions are attributed to transportation, shifting travel mode to the The BID also played a pivotal role in bringing Capital Bikeshare to emissions-free bicycle offers serious green credibility, as well. Crys- Arlington and creating a regional system, which has proven to be our tal City’s support of new and innovative bike infrastructure, includ- most successful bicycle innovation and investment. With a bikeshar- ing new trail connections and the proposed installation of protected ing system, proximity to regional cycling trails, a strong network of bicycle lanes, facilitates continued expansion of bicycle mode share. on-street bicycle infrastructure, and a deep level of support and ad- The creation of “shower-only” gym memberships and the marketing vocacy from the BID, Crystal City is expanding the area’s accessibility of existing assets further enhance the convenience of by making the bicycle a viable alternative transportation mode not a two-wheeled commute. subject to track work, construction delays, congestion, or traffic ac- Crystal City has also put an innovative and artistic spin on cycling cidents. and bike events. The Diamond Derby (pictured right), an urban cyclo- We’re proud to be a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community and cross experience, transforms an underground parking garage into a can’t overstate the strategic role the bicycle play in fulfilling the BID’s dynamic subterranean race course and spectator event. The Phoenix mission to make Crystal City an active, artful, accessible, green and Derby intertwines themes of fashion, bicycle design, and art to create innovative place to live and work. a truly cultural experience.

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America by Bicycle, Inc.

the with t e Coa ! ide st t er R to Coast Lead Fast America South April 19th - May 16th, 2014 - 2,880 mi CA to GA Great Mississippi River Ride May 12th - June 6th, 2014 - 1,730 mi LA to MN 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 Christmas Parade: Don Riders, a Lowrider bike club at Santa Barbara High School. Ride the West Sept. 6th - Sept. 29th, 2014 - 1,410 mi OR to CA

But by far the most important out- veys among Latino cyclists, using the www.abbike.com come of such intensive contact between resulting data to enrich discussions at 888-797-7057 these communities has been to push the public planning meetings about bike in- bikie activists to include the needs of frastructure. the Latino cycling community in their There are many challenges in bridg- bike advocacy work. The Santa Barbara ing multiple bike cultures across socio- Bicycle Coalition has an active Spanish economic differences, but Bici Centro is Alaskabike! Language Outreach Committee, which, a clear example of the power of intensive since 2011, has conducted regular sur- intentional contact between bike cul- Highest quality bicycle and tures. multi-sport tours in Alaska Towns like Santa Barbara and com- munities around the country should and Canada’s Yukon consider the advantages of developing Very inclusive packages include intentional hubs where bike-minded meals, lodging, Cannondale people from many different cultures can bicycle rental. Since 1993. come together to learn from each other’s experiences and to feed inclusive bike Recommended by Frommers! advocacy. LYNNETTE ARNOLD IS A GRADUATE STUDENT AT U.C. SANTA BARBARA AND CONDUCTED A STUDY OF BICI CENTRO Complete information on our THAT FOCUSED ON CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC CHALLENGES FACED website at: BY THE ORGANIZATION. HER RESEARCH FINDINGS WERE PART OF www.alaskabike.com THE MOTIVATION FOR STARTING THE SPANISH LANGUAGE OUTREACH COMMITTEE OF THE SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION, AND SHE Alaskabike HAS VOLUNTEERED WITH THE COMMITTEE SINCE ITS FOUNDING. CAR- MEN LOZANO IS THE CHAIR OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE OUTREACH COMMITTEE OF THE SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION AND THE Request our Catalog! VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD. CARMEN IS ALSO A LEAGUE CYCLING INSTRUCTOR AND CURRENTLY WORKS FOR FIRST 5 SANTA BARBARA 1-907-245 -2175 COUNTY. 1-866-683-2453 - toll free [email protected] Erika practicing her Spanish and mechanics skills 3511 E. 84th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99507

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 21 WOMEN BIKE

CULTIVATING A WOMEN BIKE CULTURE NOLA Women on Bikes is changing the scene in the Big Easy BY MARIN TOCKMAN

lthough many of us were disap- nity. Most importantly, we all wanted to great feedback and many people soon pointed we couldn’t attend the build a means to connect about biking after began to sign-up on our e-mail list- National Women’s Bicycling and transportation with other women. serv and Facebook group. Summit due to conflicts with We knew that organized group rides and Since then, we’ve gone on to accom- our Carnival Season here in New women-led and attended bicycle mainte- plish a lot, including: AOrleans, in looking back at our photos nance workshops needed to grow in our »» Hosted a handful of bicycle mainte- from the Chewbacchus parade, we can’t community, as well as youth engagement nance classes at the local youth com- get these huge grins off our faces! The to target the next generation of female munity bike shop called RUBARB in parade, itself, was amazingly fun, but the riders and transportation advocates. the Upper 9th Ward realization of how much we have grown After those first few meetings, we »» Hosted rides, including one with the as a group in just one year is equally formed a Facebook group, NOLA Wom- Bike!Bike! Conference, where more amazing. en on Bikes, and put up a website. In than 150 women from all over the In spring 2013, NOLA Women on short order, we grew to more than 400 world rode with us Bikes formally started as a group. A few members on Facebook and added a num- »» Participated in the first New Orleans women already active in the bicycle com- ber of features to our website, including Ciclovia event munity — through local bicycle riding our mission, events/ride calendar, and »» Launched a Youth Mentorship Pro- groups, advocacy groups, community fundraising for our Youth Mentorship gram with a local non-profit called the bike shops, and more — decided to Program. Youth Empowerment Project and suc- meet to see if we could organize our ef- Our first group ride was well-timed cessfully raising $2,000 through our forts and host a few workshops and rides with the second annual CycloFemme crowd-funding campaign for a young that could be targeted to new and experi- in May 2013. We had 25 people, includ- woman to intern and work at a bicycle enced women riders, along with expand- ing children and male partners, attend tour/rental company called Crescent ing all of our efforts to City Bike Tours during spring 2014 support youth employ- »» Participated in a local parade called ment and . It became evident very quickly that we all Chewbacchus as “The Future Faces We met a few times at had great shared goals — and we all wanted of Cycling” rolling with kids from the local restaurants and ca- RUBARB Youth Community Bike fes to organize our mis- a women-centric bicycle network in our Shop for a two-mile parade route in sion and it became evi- costume, handing out hundreds of dent very quickly that community. local New Orleans Bicycle Maps and we all had great shared other great throws, including buttons goals — and we all wanted a women- the ride and did an easy, 9-mile loop and T-shirts donated by the League’s centric bicycle network in our commu- through New Orleans’ City Park. We had Women Bike program.

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Clockwise from top right: Rubarb youth participation in parade, CycloFemme Ride in 2013; Marin Tockman at the Chewbacchus parade; gathering to ride at Crescent City Bike Tours (photos courtesy of NOLA Women on Bikes)

Looking back, it’s an impressive list viewers and thousands of participants, leans and people are paying attention to for just one year — but I’d be lying if showed that, when it comes down to it, our efforts to inspire more women and I said organizing all of our efforts has we love having a great time, being cre- young people to get out and ride every been easy! ative, and working with and inspiring day. Getting the word out and keeping our young people to see biking as empower- The larger national Women Bike group motivated and engaged has taken ing and fun. Every time we hold a ride community has definitely inspired us hard work from a few of us all volunteer- or event, all that hard work pays off with to make our voices collectively stronger ing our time. New Orleans is definitely the enthusiasm, great conversations, and and more engaging to a wider audience. known for its easy-going, fun festivals the growing number of members we The key is to keep motivated, always and fairs, and we have more work to do gain. move forward, and continue to be cre- to connect NOLA Women on Bikes with I really feel we’re at the beginning of ative, fun, and open-minded when it the cities’ events and other empowering a great thing with NOLA Women on comes to creating more opportunities opportunities. Our efforts to launch and Bikes. Our efforts have gained attention for women and young people to get out successfully fundraise for the first Youth from several local bike shops and trans- and ride. Mentorship showed us that we can have portation companies in the local area, It’s been a fun ride for us so far and we strong purpose and leadership skills in along with other youth advocacy organi- can’t wait to see how NOLA Women on our group – and we need to do more as a zations. And, because we are family and Bikes will grow! MARIN TOCKMAN IS THE CO- group of women to be inspiring mentors partner-friendly, our rides are growing. FOUNDER OF NOLA WOMEN ON BIKES AND THE OWNER OF DASHING for young people in New Orleans. I truly believe that, by our forming this BICYCLES & ACCESSORIES BIKE SHOP. Our participation in the Chewbac- group a year ago, we have put greater fo- chus Parade, that had almost 20,000 cus on women/family riding in New Or-

AMERICANAMERICAN BICYCLISTBICYCLIST 2323 Stevie Morrison has uplifted biking at Transylvania University.

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BIKES ALIVE IN TRANSYLVANIA! How two women made cycling part of Transy campus culture BY MICHAEL FLUECKINGER

exington may be known as the women: one a student, the other her cycling into the academic curriculum at Horse Capital of the World, but our teacher and mentor. Transy, including the development of scenic country roads and rolling Sharon Brown, professor of exercise a course now called “It’s All About The hills also make our Kentucky city a science and avid road cyclist, has been Bike: Public Health, Sustainability and great place for bicyclists. promoting bicycling at Transy all of the Liberation.” L With nearly 750 members, the 17 years she’s taught at the progressive It started in 2002, when Brown first Bluegrass sponsors weekly liberal arts college. In addition to being led a group of students on a bicycling rides around the Lexington area — but an active member of the Bluegrass adventure in France, including rides that’s not all. Bicycling is also alive and Cycling Club, she’s completed organized through classic cycling country and epic well at Transylvania University, nestled rides outside Kentucky — and brought climbs like Mount Ventoux. The course in the northern reaches of the city, that passion home to the university. involved pre-trip training, cultural study, thanks to two dynamic and energetic She’s worked hard to incorporate and, of course the physiology of long

Transylvania University students, faculty and staff promote National Bike to Work Day.

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It’s All About the Bike course in front of the Kentucky State Capital Building in Frankfort. distance cycling. Not surprisingly, the During her sophomore year, their interest in the cycling. class was offered again in 2006 and 2010. Morrison was approached by the With her artistic talents, Morrison has Last year, Brown repeated the course Transy administration with a request to designed a welcoming array of original in the Bluegrass State, leading a four- bring more visibility to bikes and biking bike art that adorns the walls. Students day tour around Lexington, including to Transy students, many whom hadn’t can bring their bikes in for a tune- stays at an organic farm and the famous been in the saddle since their elementary up; get advice on purchasing a bike; Shaker Village. Combining academic and middle school days. Up for the task, or brush up on bicycle safety tips and study with real life cycling experience, Morrison created a it was the first biking experience since place on campus that childhood for many of the students. And has become “Transy With just one room in the heart of Transy’s the confidence they gained, completing Bike Central.” 50 hilly miles on a windy Kentucky day, With just one room campus, Morrison created a center that has was an education they’ll take far beyond in the heart of Transy’s become an integral part of campus life, and has the classroom. campus, Morrison One of the students on that trip was created a center that sparked a dialogue on campus about cycling. Stevie Morrison, a junior art major. has become an integral Morrison loves the bike, and has become part of campus life, not only an avid rider but also a skilled and has sparked a dialogue on campus skills. Bikes are loaned out to students bike mechanic. And she has a strong about cycling. A bike repair and rental who wish to get reacquainted with desire to share her passion with other shop, it’s also a hub for bike education bicycling, or who just need a ride for the Transy students. and an opportunity for students to renew afternoon. International students can

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; bikeleague@ bikeleague.org, 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] Jim Oberstar, [email protected] Nicole Preston, Vice Chair, [email protected] John Siemiatkoski, Chair, [email protected] Gail Spann, [email protected] Eric Swanson, Treasurer, [email protected] Corinne Winter, [email protected] STAFF Lili Afkhami, Development Officer Andy Clarke, President Steve Clark, BFC Program Specialist Alison Dewey, National Bike Challenge Director Darren Flusche, Policy Director Lorna Green, Director of Operations Ariell Heacox, Membership and Education Assistant Adonia Lugo, Equity Initiative Manager Stevie Morrison in the Transy bike shop. Ken McLeod, Legal Specialist Elizabeth Murphy, Communications Manager Amelia Neptune, BFA Program Specialist rent a bike for the Bill Nesper, Vice President, Programs entire academic year. Morrison and Brown have become Transy’s Alissa Simcox, Education Director Morrison also leads Carolyn Szczepanski, Director, Communications bike-centered activities bike ambassadors, doing excellent work on and Women Bike Caron Whitaker, Vice President, Government Relations on campus, including campus to promote bicycling, bike safety, and Scott Williams, Membership Director creating and leading Jakob Wolf-Barnett, Chief Operating Officer the Transy Biking a healthy, bike-oriented sustainable lifestyle. Nicole Wynands, Program Manager, Bicycle Friendly Club, and Saturday Community & Bicycle Friendly State morning rides to a AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE local bagel shop. This fall, she led a presented their work to delegates of the Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski group of Transy students and alumni on Kentucky Bike and Bikeway Commission Designer: Carey Donnelly, Studio d a 220-mile bicycle trip from Transy to the conference, extending their energy and American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. National Undergraduate Sustainability influence to the larger Kentucky biking to help the organization achieve its mission of educating Conference in Nashville, an indicator of community. the public and promoting public awareness of bicycling is- sues. ©2014 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction her multi-faceted approach to biking and Their efforts represent the future of in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Article the bike as an element of sustainability. biking and sustainability at the local, queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your Morrison and Brown have become university and state levels. warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights Transy’s bike ambassadors, doing excellent of others and that the material may be published without ad- work on campus to promote bicycling, ditional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League. bike safety, and a healthy, bike-oriented sustainable lifestyle. They recently

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 27 QUICKSTOP SHOW US YOUR BIKE CULTURE! We asked our Facebook and Twitter followers a simple question: What is YOUR bike culture? Bike culture is diverse in many ways and these photos make that more than clear. Join in by sub- mitting your bike culture images @bikeleague or at facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists!

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1 Riders in Palmetto, FL seem to prove that you come into your prime after 70! 7 8 2 Shoveling snow and breaking ice on our court for hours so we can play bike polo in Chicago! 3 Little Batman hops a ride. 4 This week, our friend Lindsay was busy prototyping a green lane on a major arterial street in Central Phoenix. 5 An all women’s 100KM cycling event in Montana — great riding, great women, great fun! 6 We host a Bike to Work Day every Friday morning in Phoenix and end the ride at City Hall. 7 Bike in movie night at the community garden in Morristown, NJ. 8 Ocracoke bike gang! There’s an awesome, huge bike path that leads from the ferry/town to beach camping area. Oracoke, NC.

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