AMERICAN BICYCLIST pedaling a national united spokes for justice bike plan Community A double amputee Strategies to reduce stakeholders come rides for human fatalities and increase together for better rights p. 8 mode share p. 12 bicycling p. 16

January - February 2014 www.bikeleague.org

AMERICAN BICYCLIST CONTENT January - February 2014

FROM THE SADDLE PEDALING FOR JUSTICE A double amputee and new advocacy 8 organization ride for human rights pedal progress IT’S TIME FOR A NATIONAL BIKE PLAN A strategy to slash bicyclist 12 fatalities and increase mode share united spokes When community stakeholders come 16 together the result is better bicycling for all think bike driving Students on Bikes City of Chattanooga’s drivers education program 22 goes multi-modal National Bike Summit 2012 wheels in motion: 24 IN EVERY ISSUE traction with amtrak National Coalition advocates for eased rules 02 Viewpoint to bring bikes on trains 03 InBox 04 Cogs&Gears women bike 14 INFOGRAPHIC women bike infographic 26 contest winners 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: Gary Fischer and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) at the 2012 National Bike Summit. Credit: Chris Eichler. Viewpoint

A NEW MISSION AND VISION FOR THE LEAGUE Bicycling brings people together

When more people ride, individual lives sometimes don’t play) in the broader bi- our movement, focus our energies and be are better; communities are stronger and movement. a catalyst for real change by identifying better connected; our nation is healthier, I’m also excited to report on a pow- a clear role for advocates, the business happier and environmentally and eco- erful, unifying and timely strategy that community and government agencies at nomically stronger. emerged for our work in 2014. This year all levels in achieving two simple goals: After a day and a half of discussing, marks the 20-year anniversary of the Na- getting more people riding, and making brainstorming, and parsing, these sim- tional Bicycling and Walking Study — a biking safer. ple and powerful beliefs emerged from congressionally mandated action plan The 2014 National Bike Summit is the the League Board of Directors’ strate- to double bicycling and walking levels start of the process — and it’s no coin- gic planning retreat. To me, they repre- while reducing crashes by 10 percent cidence that we chose “United Spokes” sent not only a compelling statement That “study” created a genuine focus as the theme for this year’s gathering of of beliefs but also an irresistible reason and specific action plan for federal, state the bicycling movement’s leaders. A na- for “why” we do the things we do at the and local transportation agencies that we tional bike plan doesn’t work if it’s solely League. need to re-create in 2014. More than that, a League campaign — we must listen, So strongly do we believe these things we need to seize the momentum for bicy- learn and lead the bicycling movement to that we want everyone in every communi- cling that exists at the local level across make it happen. ty across the country to enjoy the benefits the country; set more ambitious national That’s our mission, and I’m fired up of bicycling and to have the opportunity goals; and engage health, economic de- and ready to go. to get on their bike and ride, for whatever velopment, energy and environment, as reason is important to them. We see a fu- well as transportation agencies in realiz- ture where that is possible — and yet we ing the full potential of bicycling. know we have our work cut out to make A new National Bike Strategy — a na- that vision a reality. tional bike plan, if you will — can unify Andy Clarke, League President After affirming such a set of beliefs and laying out that bold of a vision, we enthu- siastically took the next step. We stepped This year marks the 20-year anni- forward and embraced the challenge of versary of the National Bicycling and Walking Study — a congres- leading the movement to create a - sionally mandated action plan to friendly America, for everyone. double bicycling and walking lev- At this exciting moment, the League els while reducing crashes by half. board and senior staff were writing the A new National Bike Strategy — a national bike plan, if you will prologue to the next chapter of our 134- — can unify our movement, focus year history. The deliberate and repeated our energies and be a catalyst for focus on “everyone” speaks volumes to real change. Read more about the our commitment to inclusivity. Listen- effort on page 12. ing and learning emerged as key words in how we define leadership, alongside an internal commitment to being more intentional about the role we play (and

2 AMERICAN BICYCLIST inbox

INBOX Thanks for the support Accounting for All Bicyclists In my work building the Women Bike I appreciated the recent “Take Action” PHL program, I have felt so sup- e-mail asking League members to con- ported by Women Bike — not just tact their U.S. Congressional members the Girl Scout grant we received, but in support of the Bicycle and Pedestri- the resource-gathering, report-writing, an Safety Act, which requires the U.S. best-practice searching-out — it’s great Department of Transportation and to feel so personally supported by the state DOTs to account for and work to national-level efforts and not something reduce bicyclist and deaths. I necessarily see happening in all arenas As President of Duke City Wheelmen of the bike movement. It’s also quite (DCW), I posted the information be- validating to be able to point to Women cause it is so important, although I did Bike when folks are trying to contex- not really like the way the initiative was tualize/understand the work I’m doing honoring a league legend introduced using Joy Covey’s death. It with Women Bike PHL. So thank you! In October, the Village of Wheeling, isn’t that Ms. Covey’s death isn’t no- - Katie Monroe, Philadelphia, Pa. Ill., renamed a portion of the Dundee table or important, but Ms. Covey had Road Bicycle Path in honor of Phyllis choices — she wasn’t riding a bicycle Harmon (pictured), a member of the because that was the only transporta- Electric bikes and the League Bicycling Hall of Fame, in part, for her The League is to be congratulated in tion she could afford. Using efforts reestablishing the League after helping to change the restrictive law in for transportation is an economic real- World War II. Even at age 97, Harmon New York that tries to eliminate elec- ity for clients at Noon Day Ministries, continues her (as the plaque notes) tric bike usage in cities. Electric Bikes a resource center for homeless and “tireless work to promote access to cy- Worldwide Reports (www.ebwr.com) near-homeless people. Monthly, DCW cling for all!” estimates that 500,000 e-bikes are on helps these cyclists by equipping their the road in the U.S., with sales growing bikes with lights and reflective gear, an estimated 50% in 2013. The League Riders like me making minor repairs and educating should recognize this trend and pro- I have been riding for 25 years and riders on safer cycling habits. Let’s mote the use of bikes with electric as- never had any interest in joining the not further marginalize some cyclists sist as a pleasurable and useful means to League because it never spoke for me. looking for motivation to “Take Ac- take commute and pleasure trips on two With the advent of Women Bike and tion.” Just as we want DOT to account wheels. In the not-so-distant future, e- the decision to hire Dr. Adonia Lugo, I for all road users who are killed, we bikes will control half the worldwide bi- finally feel like the League is advocat- need to consider all cyclists as equal cycle market, as it does in China today. ing for cyclists like me. Sure took look stakeholders. - Frank Jamerson, Ph.D., Publisher, enough. Now take my money! - Jennifer Buntz, Electric Bikes Worldwide Reports - Michelle Swanson, Olympia, Wash. DukeCityWheelmen.org

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

staff profiles: The League is Growing!

The League is growing! Thanks to sup- Adonia Lugo, Equity Amelia Neptune, Bicycle port from Trek Bicycles and the Robert Initiative Manager Friendly America Wood Johnson Foundation, the League Program Specialist Adonia E. Lugo, has welcomed three new staff members to Ph.D., became the Amelia Neptune joined build upon our work to create a Bicycle Equity Initiative the League’s Bicycle Friendly America for everyone! Manager at the Friendly America team League in November 2013. Through in December 2013, where she manages Steve Clark, Bicycle collaborations such as CicLAvia, City the Bicycle Friendly University and Bi- Friendly Community of Lights, the Seattle Bike Justice Proj- cycle Friendly Business programs. Prior Program Specialist ect, Bicicultures, the L.A. Bike Move- to working for the League, Amelia was Steve Clark has spent ment History Project, and most recent- the first Campus Bicycle Coordinator most of his adult life ly the Bike Equity Network, Adonia for the University of Illinois at Urba- celebrating, promoting has worked since 2008 to bring cross- na-Champaign, a bronze-level Bicycle and improving bicycling. He has been a cultural understanding into bicycle Friendly University. She also served on bike shop owner, bicycle camp director, advocacy, planning and research. In her the City of Urbana’s Bicycle and Pedes- advocate/organizer, year-round bike com- new role, she plans to keep connect- trian Advisory Commission, the Cham- muter, bike tourist and racer, independent ing the dots between grassroots bike paign County Greenways and Trails planning consultant, a League Cycling cultures and formal advocacy to ensure Committee, and the steering committee Instructor (LCI) and Coach and bicycle that, in its efforts to build a more Bi- of Champaign-Urbana’s local bicycle ad- program manager. For the past eight years, cycle Friendly America, the League vocacy organization, Champaign Coun- he has been the driving force behind many represents a diverse range of communi- ty Bikes. Before moving to Urbana in of the innovations in the Minneapolis ties. Earning a doctorate in anthropol- 2011, Amelia worked in communications area, working as the Program Manager for ogy from the University of California, for The Nature Conservancy for nearly Transit for Livable Communities, a non- Irvine this fall, Adonia wrote a disser- five years. Amelia has a Bachelor’s degree profit based in St. Paul, administering the tation entitled “Body-City-Machines: from Pitzer College in Claremont, Cali- Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Pro- Human Infrastructure for Bicycling in fornia, where she created her own major gram. He is a past president of the League Los Angeles” and found that social net- combining sociology and environmen- of American Bicyclists’ Board of Directors, works and cultural norms shape how tal studies, focusing on the collective co-founder of the Minnesota Coalition of we use streets. On her blog, urbanadon- impact of individual actions, such as Bicyclists, former Director of the Minne- ia.com, she reflects on why and how every-day transportation decisions. She sota Pedal Power Camp and was the first bicycling can lead the way in equitable holds a M.S. in Environmental Science Bike/Pedestrian Program Manager for and sustainable urban change. Adonia and Policy from Johns Hopkins Univer- the City of Boulder, Colorado. But some has been a part of the League’s Equity sity. As a daily bicycle commuter who only know Steve as that guy who bikes 100 Advisory Council since its founding in was once timid on two wheels, Amelia miles to the Birkie (American Birkebeiner February, and her transition into a staff is thrilled to be working toward a more Marathon Ski Race) with all his ski and position at League HQ in Washington Bicycle Friendly America, to help others camping gear from his farm (the Bike- has been an exciting change for the life- make the same shift to adopt bicycling Farm) in Wisconsin. long west coaster. into their daily habits.

4 AMERICAN BICYCLIST cogs&Gears

Club Snapshot: Kansas City Metro Bicycle Club BY DANA MEIER, SECRETARY

The Kansas City Metro Bicycle Club (KCMBC), in its present form, came into existence in 2012. KCMBC was formed through the merger of the Kan- sas City Area Bicycle Club (KCBC) and the Johnson County Bicycle Club (JCBC). Both KCBC and JCBC had long and colorful histories reaching back into the 1960s and 1970s, but the merger brought together the major bicycle clubs in our bi-state metro area — from the Mis- souri side (KCBC) and the Kansas side (JCBC) — under one Board of Direc- tors. The merger allowed cyclists to belong to one club, not two, in order to receive benefits from metro area businesses. which focus on the fellowship of cycling. there are also rides that tour the rolling Cyclists no longer needed to remember We also have a winter banquet, focusing hills and paved county rides just minutes two sets of membership rules. Having on renewing camaraderie during the cold from the metro’s urban core. one club also centralized the process of and inhospitable days of winter. The club’s “Ride the Fountains” event supporting bicycling-related advocacy The club does a lot to support cycling held annually on Father’s Day is a pre- organizations at the city, state and na- in the area, too. Almost every ride in the dominantly urban ride taking cyclists tional level. Yes, there was the challenge metro area borrows equipment, talent past the historic, the trendy, and the of meshing the two clubs different cycling and expertise from the club. The KC- must-see areas of Kansas City. Little cultures. And, logistically the club went MBC is also a centralizing source for pe- known fact: We’re second only to Rome from putting on three pay rides annually destrian and in the area in the number of fountains within our to five pay rides per year. But the merger — from assisting in recycling bicycles to city limits and the ride focuses on these has also allowed the club and Board to influencing the layout of new bridges, beautiful icons. Plus, 40 percent of the follow news and events pertaining to cy- incorporating “Complete Streets” con- proceeds from the ride go to maintain- cling as they occur within the metro area, cepts in neighborhoods and donating ing the fountains and bike trails in our rather than focusing solely on issues per- resources to organizations to promote a city’s parks. taining to only Missouri or to Kansas. healthy lifestyle that includes cycling. Nothing compares to exploring a city KCMBC is a social club where all are Cycling in the metro area continues to from the perspective of a cyclist. We en- welcome. We strive to greet people new to grow and flourish. In the spring, summer courage you to see what Kansas City has cycling with open arms and provide them and fall, pay rides are available to cyclist to offer. with information about cycling in Kan- almost every single weekend. The cycling Learn more about the KCMBC at http://www.kcmbc.org/. sas City and the surrounding areas. The community has many established weekly club has annual spring and fall picnics, rides that have a definite city flavor, but

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 5 cogs&Gears

National Bike Summit: moving beyond gridlock DON’T MISS THE PREMIER BICYCLE ADVOCACY EVENT OF THE YEAR, MARCH 3-5, 2014

This year’s theme for the National Bike Summit — United Spokes: Moving Be- yond Gridlock — is all about winning. With another transportation bill loom- ing in Congress, we must strengthen our movement AND address the big ques- tions that are holding us back. We need YOU to join us March 3-5 in Washington, D.C. for the 2014 Summit and the third annual National Women’s Bicycling Forum! Now in its 14th year, the Summit is the premier bicycle advocacy event of At left, Yolanda Cade, of AAA, speaks at the 2013 National Bike Summit. At right, League President Andy Clarke introduces Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) at the 2013 Summit. the year, uniting the voices of bicyclists on Capitol Hill to create lasting change We recognize that there’s incredible »»Changing the conversation through nationwide. Unlike a traditional confer- momentum around bicycling at the local better messaging ence, the Summit is a transformative and state level — and we’ll be showcasing »»Winning elections for political office, experience. Not only will you learn best success stories at the Summit that high- funding, or policy changes, and practices to implement in your commu- light how advocates and stakeholders are: »»Increasing bicycle mode share nity and connect with people who share »»Addressing equity and diversity your passion, but you’ll also gain direct »»Working with the business community We also know there are still a hand- access to federal policymakers to make »»Delivering effective education programs ful of all-too-common arguments used the case for a Bicycle Friendly America. that improve safety against doing more for bicyclists. We’ll

League Cycling Instructors have the rare privi- Illinois — with 40,000+ students and LCI CORNER lege of defining the role we want to play 12,000+ faculty/staff from around the in our communities to educate and advo- world. I work professionally with the lo- Collaboration and cate for safe and fun cycling. The Smart cal transit district and chair the C-U Safe Cycling curriculum provides us with the Routes to School Project. I also work Encouragement flexibility to tailor our classes based on with the cities, the university and local CYNTHIA HOYLE, LCI#3053 target audiences. But having good re- bicycle organizations to provide educa- sources is only half of the job — the rest tion and encouragement on . is up to us. One of my first decisions as a LCI In Champaign-Urbana, Ill., where I was to encourage other area bicyclists to live and work, we have the University of become LCIs. At least once per year we

6 AMERICAN BICYCLIST cogs&Gears

Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who have contributed at least $100 to the League, above and giving beyond membership dues, in September and October 2013. $1,000-$5,000 Greg Dickinson Miernik-Andriulli Family Donald Fedor Robert Miller Organizations John Fetzer Janet Mills Granite State Wheelmen Michael Flueckiger Momany Family Seagull Flusche Family Morris Family Twin Cities Bicycling Club Carol Friesen Paul Moul Florida Freewheelers, Inc. Ralph Garboushian Barbara Moulton Individuals & FAMILIES Charles Garrett Mukuno Family Swanson and Hodges Family Edward Gent Charles Neudorfer Bill Wilson Goss Family Jay Newman Bill Graustein Nikula Family $100-$999 Greene Family Harold Nilsson Organizations Tim Greener Timothy Ontko Richard Griffith John O’Rourke Boeing Employees Bicycle Club Sheila Hansen Norman Pace tackle these issues head-on with ses- Georgia Bikes! Thomas Hauser Donald Passantino Louisville Bicycle Club sions that help us get past misconcep- Henrikson Family Michael Price The Jelks Family Foundation tions that: cyclists don’t pay their way; Michael Honnold Robert Railey cyclists are scofflaws; bicycling is not a Individuals & FAMILIES Howard Family Steve Rankin Robert Adams Stephanie Hudson Susan Reed Federal issue; it’s just a local matter; and Malcolm Airst Huza Family Thomas Royer bikes are still a marginal activity and not Leslie Arminski Terry Johannesen Henry Savage a mainstream mode of transportation. Susan Barrows Miriam Joscelyn Schurtz Family Barry Family Squire Junger Walter Seifert And, back for the third year, the Na- Larry Beane James Kelley Alan Severn tional Women’s Bicycling Forum will John Beem Matthew Kelsch John Siemiatkoski provide a full-day of programming Jerry Blanchard Michael Kerr Vincent Sikorski Bruno Boettcher Kloos Family George Simmons dedicated to elevating female leaders Gary Botto James Kreps Greg Smolin and closing the gender gap in Ameri- Stephen Bowden Amy Kristoff Paul Southern can bicycling. Don’t miss keynote David Bowie Art Krumrey Duane Stark William Branstrup Jonathan Kurohara Dennis Steger speakers, like Terry O’Neill, president Bruce Brodie David Lavelle Sterling Family of the National Organization for Wom- Budde family Ira Lunsk Sharron Sussman en, a diverse array of break-outs and, of Joseph Calandra Scott MacRae Thomas Talley Jim Campen Manko Family Daniel Temianka course, the Women Bike Pop-up Shop, Louis Carson Albert Mantell Thomas Thompson featuring the wares of female cycling John Cinatl Daniel Marks H. Vonknorring entrepreneurs. Michael Collette Danile Martens James Walter Thomas Cowles Martin Family George Vander Weit Don’t wait to sign up — the early bird Andy Dannenberg Russell Marx Gerald White registration rates expire January 22. Bob DeCamp Dennis McConnell Cindy Winter Learn more at bikeleague.org/summit. Paul Demjanenko David McKinley Milton Woodall Mary Desch Robert McWhirter Bettina Zimny

offer Traffic Skills 101, so folks are quali- to use their online bike safety lessons fied to take the LCI seminar. I do special — bikesafetyquiz.com — on campus and outreach to women in the cycling com- with bicycle enforcement. We also offer munity to attend these classes and have bike rodeos, and have created partner- encouraged them to go on to the LCI ships with the local public health, school training. Out of 10 women students in and park districts to further outreach. the past two years, four have become The future of bicycling is ours to create! LCI’s and one more is on the way! We are providing after-school classes for middle school students and partner- ing with the League of Illinois Bicyclists

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 7 from the saddle

pedaling for justice A double amputee and new advocacy organization ride for human rights By bennett foster

Carlos and friends celebrate in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, TX.

s soon as the faded pink dome of the Texas State Capitol rose into full view, Carlos Gutierrez knew that he had completed an EL PASO improbable journey. A A 35-year-old Mexican national and former small business-owner from Chi- huahua, Mexico, the double amputee AUSTIN had never biked more than 20 miles before embarking on a 700-mile social justice ride from El Paso to Austin called Pedaling for Justice.

8 AMERICAN BICYCLIST from the saddle

Carlos and friends celebrate in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, TX.

Two years ago, drug cartel thugs Spector, an immigration attorney who and kids went to sleep, I would ride as hacked off Carlos’s legs for refusing to represents Carlos and started an advo- fast as I could to the outlet mall to clear pay monthly extortion demands of up cacy nonprofit called Mexicans in Exile, my head and get exercise.” Studies have to $10,000. He was left for dead as an ex- which seeks to protect victims of vio- shown that physical activity, like bicy- ample to other business-owners. Carlos lence and to denounce the human rights cling, can relieve anxiety caused by post and his family fled to El Paso immedi- violations in Mexico. traumatic stress disorder. ately following the attack. It was in El An avid basketball player and swim- “When I first met Carlos he was in a Paso where Carlos learned that he was mer, Carlos began riding his bicycle after wheelchair and spoke very little,” Spec- not alone. prosthetic legs were generously donated tor said. “Then one day he walked into “Since 2008 more than 100,000 Mexi- to him by PrimeCare Orthotics and Pros- my office and said he wanted to do a bike can citizens have fled the violence and thetics in Las Cruces, NM. “I would ride to Washington D.C.” to raise aware- sought refuge in El Paso,” said Carlos ride at night,” Carlos said. “After my wife ness about the increasing violence and

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 9 from the saddle

Ben Foster, Carlos Gutierrez and Victor Cordero in front of St. Pius X Church in El Paso moments after the pastor blessed Carlos and his bicycle. human rights violations in Mexico — as ation of an all-volunteer board of direc- Lugo met us in San Antonio. Meanwhile, well as the 98% denial rate of Mexican tors. In October, Velo Paso organized the back in El Paso, Scott White led the cam- asylum seekers. first League Cycling Instructor Seminar paign to save the Bike Share program, a Spector told Carlos that a bike ride was in El Paso and inaugurated the city’s first four-month long protracted grassroots a great idea, but suggested: Let’s try for a crop of LCIs. campaign to keep the Texas Depart- closer capital, like Austin. “When Ben told [the Spector called me in July about a mem- board of Velo Paso] ber of Mexicans in Exile who wanted to about Carlos and Pedal- ride his bicycle to Austin. At the time I ing for Justice, the only “The bicycle is an incredible tool to raise was deep in the initial throes of building question we had was Velo Paso, El Paso’s first bicycle-pedes- how many members awareness about issues you care about, trian advocacy group. Velo Paso was the are we going to send?” logical outcome of El Paso Bike Month, said Scott White, Velo and we fully support those endeavors.” which led 23 events, attracted over 800 Paso’s policy director. bicycle riders and launched the first bi- “The bicycle is an in- national community ride between Ciu- credible tool to raise awareness about is- ment of Transportation from shelving dad Juarez and El Paso in over 6 years. sues you care about, and we fully support the nascent bike program, after the There was clearly an appetite for a bicycle those endeavors.” Austin-based state agency had already advocacy group that specialized in educa- Velo Paso eventually sent four mem- funded bike share programs in Austin, tion, safety and infrastructure in the Paso bers. Victor Cordero and I accompanied Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston. del Norte Region, which led to the cre- Carlos to Austin; Sarah Rich and Melissa (The first phase of El Paso’s Bike Share

10 AMERICAN BICYCLIST from the saddle

program was unanimously approved for friends and families of cyclists opened $700,000, in October, during Pedaling their homes to us and made calls on our for Justice.) behalf. Bike shops donated items and Some members of Velo Paso saw the performed tune-ups in-kind.” ride as a chance to shorten the distance While Carlos cannot put his old life between El Paso and Austin. El Paso sits behind him, he perceives this as a way on the westernmost point of Texas. It’s to turn the tragic set of circumstances closer to five other state capitals than it that exiled him from his home into is to its own capital of Austin. We chose something positive. the southern tier that ran along frontage “The fear may never leave,” he said. roads on Interstate 10 and Highway 90 “But a part of it has been transformed because it was the most direct route, and into faith – faith in a better future – and one of the very few. Because of Carlos’s it’s the faith that gives me the strength prosthesis, we decided that we had to to stand here in Austin.” And Carlos is ride an average of 50 to 70 miles a day, already planning next year’s ride. Where and that we needed a sag wagon. to, you ask? “¡Vamanos a Washington When members of Velo Paso weren’t D.C.!” To learn more about Carlos Gutierrez and training with Carlos, we were tap- the Pedaling for Justice ride, please visit facebook.com/ ping into the broad network of cyclists pedalingforjustice. Bennett Foster is the President of throughout Texas. “The support was Velo Paso, which aims to make bicycling and walking safe and accessible for everyone in the Paso del Norte region Carlos rests his road-weary legs at the Outback Oasis tremendous,” said Victor Cordero, Vice- Hotel in Sanderson, TX. through education and outreach. Learn more at www.velo- President of Velo Paso, who operated paso.org. as a translator for Carlos. “Cyclists and

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 11 pedal progress

it’s time for a national bike plan A strategy to slash bicyclist fatalities and increase mode share By andy clarke

merica needs a new National American cities are expecting to add up ter all, we know what to do to get more Bike Plan. Bicycling is on the to 100 million inhabitants over the next 30- people riding and we know how to make rise across the country and the 40 years — and simply cannot do so with bicycling safer. Now we just have to make opportunity to realize the re- the same reliance on single-occupant car it happen. A new National Bike Plan is markable potential of the bike travel as today. Imagine the parking issues! needed to cut fatal bike crashes by half to solve numerous complex We’ve been here before, of course. The and increase bike travel to 5 percent of all Aproblems is within our grasp. 1973-74 oil crisis ushered in a new era of trips by 2025. Cities are seeing annual double-digit bicycling and in 1978 President Carter percentage increases in cycling. Mayors adopted a “Bicycle Transportation for En- and business leaders understand that ergy Conservation” plan, which envisaged Top 10 Reasons We Need a a bike-friendly community is essential a dramatic increase in bicycle travel to save National Bike Plan to attract talented and creative people energy — but the plan went nowhere. 1 The blueprint for creating a Bicycle and they are backing new infrastructure, Then, in 1994, the National Bicycling Friendly Community includes having a education programs, bike-sharing sys- and Walking Study was released with the current bike plan that is being funded, tems, and all manner of rides and events goal of doubling non-motorized trips and implemented and evaluated – the same to entice people back on to their bikes. cutting crashes involving the most vulnera- need is there for the nation. Meanwhile the need for increased levels ble road users by 10 percent. This time, the of bicycling has never been greater as we safety goals have been met and usage has 2 Peer nations – our economic competi- face the dramatic public health crisis of definitely increased — but we still haven’t tors – have a plan for bicycling. France, obesity and costly environmental conse- hit those targets. We’re not even close. Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ger- quences of climate change. Perhaps the third time is the charm. Af- many, have all adopted bike strategies in

One simple sentence in the 1991 Transportation Appropriations bill authorized the U.S. national bicycling Department of Transportation to complete a report on bicycle safety and use in the United States. The task was assigned to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and, over the and walking study course of the next two years, the agency documented the state of bicycling and walking in the early 1990s through 24 case study reports. The final report, which was delivered to Congress at the start of National Bike Month in By andy clarke 1994, set two overarching goals: doubling the percentage of trips made by foot and bike, while simultaneously reducing fatalities and injuries by 10 percent. These goals — the first ever national mode share targets — appeared in virtually every state and local bicycle plan written throughout the remainder of the 1990s. While they were conspicuously missing a completion date, they became a clear and consistent target that made sense of the need for the new “transportation enhancements” program and planning requirements created by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA).

12 AMERICAN BICYCLIST pedal progress

recent years. Japan just appointed a bike development, tourism — and plug bicy- 10 We can’t wait any longer to achieve czar to coordinate the work of several na- cling into pre-existing goals and objec- the vision of the 1994 National Bicycling tional government departments working tives in each of those sectors. and Walking Study: “A nation of travelers on cycling. with new opportunities to walk or ride a 7 When you add up all the benefits of bike as part of their everyday life.” 3 We had one 20 years ago, and it really bicycling, across all sectors, disciplines worked! (see sidebar) and levels of government, the argument The League is committed to seeing the for getting more people riding becomes adoption of a new National Bike Plan in 4 Establishing national targets and per- utterly compelling. formance measures helps every state and 2014 – the stakes are too high to strive community identify its own goals – and 8 The plan can unify the bicycling move- for anything less – and our work starts see how it connects to a larger national ment around our shared goals and objectives, at the National Bike Summit in March. effort. celebrating and focusing the unique contri- However, we recognize that to have any bution of local advocates, the bike industry, chance of success, the plan cannot be the 5 A clear role is identified for federal, the racing and mountain bike community, League’s alone and it must focus on the state, regional and local government — and national groups like the League. bike as a means to an end, not an end and there’s a critical role for each to play. in itself. This will test our new strategic 9 The next transportation bill — and 6 planning focus, mission and vision to the A national bike plan can effectively potentially a new national transportation document the benefits of getting more maximum. strategy — MUST incorporate bicycling. We are ready for the challenge. Will people riding across multiple sectors — A National Bike Plan is essential to make you join us? Andy Clarke is the president of the health, transportation, energy, environ- the case and define the outcomes. ment, education, recreation, economic League of American Bicyclists

The study also identified a 60-point federal action plan that became a 10-year work plan for the Federal Highway Administration, guiding their multi-million dollar research agenda and creating training tools for state and local transportation agencies. Five- and 10-year progress reports show the NBWS had a profound impact on the work of the transportation agency and laid the foundation for the progress we see today. State and local action plans “recommended” in the final report also generated consistent planning and policy implemen- tation across the country. Did the plan work? In 1990, 7.9 percent of all trips in the United States were made by foot or bike. By 2009, that number had risen to 11.9 percent — not yet double, but a significant in- crease nonetheless. The 1991 traffic crash data showed that 841 cyclists and 6,595 pedestri- ans lost their lives compared to 677 and 4,432 respectively in 2011; considerably better than the target of a 10 percent reduction.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 13 2014 federal policy priorities

he League doesn’t just organize the National Bike Summit one week per year — we have a presence on Capitol Hill, advocating for the T best policies for bicycling, every day. In 2014, we’re focusing in on four key areas to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. But we’ll need your help. FUNDING The Transportation Alternatives Program is a powerful tool for local communities, but the funding process can be hard to navigate. Ask lawmakers to support the League’s initiatives to make it easier to access this funding for biking and walking projects — and reduce the red tape surrounding small projects that don’t have environmental impacts.

SAFETY In 2012, 726 people lost their lives on U.S. roadways while riding their bikes — that’s a 7.2 percent increase from 2011. Bicyclists and now make up more than 16 percent of all traffic deaths. This has to stop, and a one- sentence in bill in Congress could do it. Urge your lawmakers to vote yes on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act. http://bit.ly/1ex9byo

Sign up for our action alert list and get involved here: www.bikeleague.org/TakeAction

14 AMERICAN BICYCLIST EQUITY Bicycling is a great equalizer — and more and more people are getting on bikes. Many more would do so but are concerned about their safety. A new bill in Congress would create incentives — low- interest, long term loans — for local governments to fund bike/ ped networks in underserved communities, while ensuring local control over these investment decisions.

NATIONAL PLAN We need a National Bike Plan to realize the huge potential of bicycling to help solve complex and costly problems such as climate change, congestion and the obesity epidemic. The plan would establish national performance measures and action plans for government, advocates, and the private sector at the federal, state and local level.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 15 united spokes When community stakeholders come together, the result is better bicycling for all

Riders in Omaha, Nebraska

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o matter where you look — your television, magazine ads, local gyms or out on the street — bicycling is in the pub- lic eye. Through our Bicycle Friendly America program Nwe’ve witnessed the tremendous growth and innovations that are making bik- ing better in hundreds of communities, businesses and universities nationwide. While the recipe for success is different in every setting, there’s one key ingredi- ent: Bringing a range of different stake- holders to the table. As we aim to make cycling bike-partisan at the federal level, with champions from the health and business and civil rights communities, we’re inspired by the collaborations hap- Dayton, Ohio. Photo by Elzora.com Photography pening at the local level on a daily basis. Here are some of their stories. relegated bike riding to more of a pas- MetroParks’ special Bike to Work Day time. pancake breakfast to showcase com- Then in 2009, cycling advocates ral- muter cycling. Marketing and research DAYTON, Ohio lied community supporters and gov- firm LexisNexis has a bike coordinator By Andy Williamson and Valerie Beerbower ernment entities together at the Miami on staff, and media conglomerate Cox Valley Cycling Summit. The Summit Media Group Ohio is working to join Following the collapse of manufactur- provided structure and assistance for the ranks and be recognized as a Bike- ing jobs and the housing bubble, Dayton communities to im- needed to find new ways of doing busi- plement the Miami nesses and living more sustainably. Like Valley Regional Plan- Dayton’s history is steeped in cycling; other Rust Belt cities, Dayton also suf- ning Commission’s fered from loss of its young adult pop- “Comprehensive Lo- Dayton even boasts the largest paved, ulation, who fled to cities with vibrant cal and Region Bike- urban cores and espoused bike-friendly ways Master Plan” off-street connected bikeway network principles they desired. and also re-engaged Fortunately, through the efforts of a grassroots effort, in the country with more than 330 miles community catalysts, advocates, and known today as Bike amenable municipal leaders, cycling be- Miami Valley. More and counting. came a public-private partnership that than 400 attendees helped attract and retain young talent from five counties, while addressing an infrastructure de- as well as representatives from park dis- Friendly Business. And Bike Miami Val- mand of an increasingly urban-dwelling tricts and other municipal bodies, still ley recently published a feasibility study population. collaborate to organize and execute the to implement a downtown bike share Dayton’s history is steeped in cycling: biennial event. program, which is in the process of seek- Visitors can still check out the bicycle Four years later, interest, engagement ing funds. shop owned by famous fraternal flying and involvement in cycling in the Day- It’s this public-private cooperation duo the Wright brothers. Horace Huff- ton region has exploded. The University that greases Dayton’s cycling chains. One man revolutionized bicycle transporta- of Dayton has two profound cycling ini- civil servant who has been a long-time tion by developing a mass-produced ride tiatives, including a free bike for the ex- supporter of cycling is Dayton’s Mayor- that made bikes more affordable. Dayton clusive use of incoming freshmen who Elect Nan Whaley. “As a local govern- even boasts the largest paved, off-street pledge not to bring a car on campus. ment, we are only successful when we connected bikeway network in the coun- Large-scale events draw thousands of have partnerships from the public and try with more than 330 miles and count- community members to celebrate out- private sector,” she says. “By getting busi- ing. But America’s love for automobiles door recreation, including Five Rivers ness and government to work together,

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Ride” share the road campaign. Fund- OMAHA, Nebraska ing to update the Transportation Master By Julie Harris Plan was included in the grant, as were Safe Routes to School initiatives. The story of the rise of bicycling in The role of bicycle advocacy grew tre- Omaha has been told many times, and mendously during this period as well, the tale usually begins by referencing with the creation of Omaha Bikes, fo- our initial Bicycle Friendly Community cused on cycling, and Mode Shift Oma- application in 2005 as the catalyst. The ha, looking at transportation issues as a visual for this in our slideshow featured whole. Local bike shops stepped up to League president, Andy Clarke’s face become involved in advocacy and more with a large caption, “DENIED!” under- than 20 new League Cycling Instructors neath. (We love to pick on our friend, have been certified. Andy!) In 2011, Omaha again applied for a Bi- That application was a wake up call. cycle Friendly Community designation, Omaha’s vast trail system — more than 100 miles of paved trails in all — was In 2006, Live Well Omaha started a bicycle great, but not enough on its own to create commuter challenge to encourage the kind of city that embraces and en- cycling for transportation, and organized courages bicycling. Omaha took on the the inaugural Mayor’s Ride to celebrate challenge in the man- ner for which our city Bike to Work Week. Dayton, Ohio. Photo by Elzora.com Photography has become known: by creating a diverse public-private part- and this time was awarded at a Bronze we are generating more creative solu- nership of agencies, organizations and level. We were thrilled to have Congress- tions to developing a bikeable city. From advocates. man Jim Oberstar on hand to present the the bike racks and bike paths, to poten- In 2006, Live Well Omaha, a non-prof- award at the newly created Heartland Ac- tial bike parks and bike share, Dayton’s it organization focused on improving the tive Transportation Summit. culture of bike friendliness could never health of the city, started a bicycle com- Momentum has not stopped, even happen without all our partners. Small muter challenge to encourage cycling for though we no longer have the Andy business, hospitals, transit authorities transportation, and organized the inau- Clarke “Denied!” slide to motivate us. and bike advocates must be active partici- gural Mayor’s Ride to celebrate Bike to Omaha launched a B-cycle bike sharing pants with a seat at the table for our city Work Week. The City of Omaha followed system in 2011 with five stations and is to continue to make us more and more by creating a Bike/Ped Advisory Com- now expanding into the entire downtown bike friendly.” mittee. The private sector was tapped to area, again with the help of private sector Like many cycling enthusiasts who get provide funding to create the 20 Mile funding and public sector support. Sum- their stats on two wheels, it sometimes it Loop, Omaha’s first network of on-street mer bike challenges, Mayor’s Rides and sometimes takes a steady hand and a gen- bicycle facilities. other events continue to happen and fed- tle push to get things rolling. Thanks to In 2009, Omaha took a big leap for- eral dollars have funded regional bicycle collaboration and cooperation between ward with the creation of a Bicycle/ safety education. advocates and governmental entities, Pedestrian Coordinator position at city Many challenges remain, but our re- more and more people can take advan- hall. Funding for the position was pro- solve is strong as we work towards Silver tage of the benefits of bicycling, nurtur- vided by Alegent/Creighton Health (a and beyond. The Omaha model of bring- ing Dayton’s burgeoning bike culture. local health system), and other grant ing public and private interests together dollars. The Douglas County Health De- will continue to provide the leadership Andy Williamson is the Great Lakes Region Director for the we need to get there. International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Valerie partment included bicycling initiatives Beerbower is a public relations associate with TriComB2B in a Communities Putting Prevention Julie Harris is the Active Living Program Manager for Live and chair of the board of UpDayton. to Work grant, which resulted in the “I Well Omaha.

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money from 160 individuals in less than Heights and tabling at the Corona Plaza QUEENS, New York 12 hours. 1st Anniversary Celebration. by Dorothy Le and Helen Ho This past year, BPP focused on out- Over the course of the summer out- reach, with the most recent efforts cen- reach events, BPP surveyed nearly 150 Formed in April of 2012, after discus- tering around the incredibly diverse people in Queens from 3 to 72 years old. sions from the 2nd Annual Youth Bike borough of Queens, NY. Over the sum- Only 14 (9%) of respondents felt they Summit, the Biking Public Project (BPP) mer, BPP surveyed and photographed have decision-making power in their aims to expand local cycling advocacy cyclists and community members in community, more than 60% speak a lan- discussions by reaching out to under- Jackson Heights and Corona, Queens. guage other than English at home, and represented bicyclists including women, We met people where they were, in a the top item that would encourage them people of color and delivery cyclists. variety of situations and places, includ- to ride more frequently was bike lanes BPP is an all volunteer group that ing public plazas, bicycle infrastructure, for safer streets. gained momentum and support dur- parks and community events. Some ex- In addition to outreach activities, ing a fundraising campaign on ioby.org amples include intercept surveys at the BPP displayed the photographs of rid- that raised $6,000 in initial project seed 34th Avenue Bicycle Lane in Jackson ers at various events and public spaces, including a large vinyl poster display near Queensborough Plaza as part of No Longer Empty’s public exhibition art space. BPP learned from this outreach that there is enormous diversity in people who are cycling, especially if outreach is focused specifically on reaching such populations. The next steps include documenting our efforts into a zine-pub- lication to share best practices thus far and developing leadership trainings for those community members who want to gain organizing skills and learn about advocacy. Please keep up with us as we embark on the next phase of our project to have the bicycling community look more like our actual communities. Interested in the Biking Public Project’s work? E-mail us at [email protected]. Dorothy Le and Helen Ho are founders of the Biking Public Project.

Bike Fetish, Queens, NY Malaika Neri of Queens, NY

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plan, support and create a quality com- munity trail system to enrich the lives of all people, regardless of age, while pre- serving our natural environment, pro- moting our history and educating the community on the importance of conser- vation and personal wellness. Economic growth has also resulted from the emphasis on biking in the area. Recently opened Truman Lake Bikes is a full service store that provides sales, ser- vice and rental. The store has doubled its sales each year for the past three years and has become one of the nation’s fore- most outlets for Trek Bikes. Warsaw has set the lofty goal of becom- ing “The Most Bike-Friendly community in Missouri.” Given what they have accomplished thus far, it would be a fair bet that we will reach our goal. Warsaw, Missouri For more information on biking in Warsaw visit www.welcometowarsaw.com. Randy Pogue is a City Adminis- school areas. To allow for better accessi- trator and Planner for the City of Warsaw, Missouri. WARSAW, Missouri bility for all users, the city made a com- By Randy Pogue mitment to create a system that is at least 10-foot wide and concrete surfaces where HARRISONBURG, The City of Warsaw enjoys a unique set- possible. ting for outdoor recreation and biking. At Work commenced on miles of paved Virginia the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and and non-paved biking and walking trails By Rich Harris nestled between Missouri’s Great Lakes which capitalized on the extensive levee (Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake), system on both Lake of the Ozark and What does a bicycle friendly community the area abounds with an abundance of the Truman Lake area. The trail system look like and how do you get there? How flora and fauna. The terrain is varied from is diverse with five miles of waterfront do you get all members of the commu- miles of flat tree-lined levees to hills that paths, 21 miles of trails nity to understand and value this? This would challenge Tour de France competi- and recently bike lanes were added to is a question our Shenandoah Valley Bi- tors. major arteries through the City by the cycle Coalition (SVBC) has been actively So, in recent years, community lead- Missouri Department of Transportation. pursuing and making a reality for many ers realized we had a unique opportunity In 2008, the Truman Lake Bike Club years. But it’s not easy when there are to build our future based on our primary teamed up with the City of Warsaw to multiple jurisdictions and levels of com- asset: the natural beauty of our environ- create an exciting mountain bike trail. mitment. ment. But having a resource does not al- Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park has Our community is located in the ways equal success. To capitalize on the been built on Corps of Engineer land Shenandoah Valley 100 miles from Wash- environment, the City of Warsaw under- bordering Truman Lake, and designed ington, D.C. It consists of the City of Har- stood we needed a well-planned, well- for riders of all ages and skill. Now there risonburg surrounded by Rockingham organized and well-maintained trails are approximately 20 miles of moun- County, and includes two universities, program. tain bike trails, including a 16-mile loop James Madison University (JMU) and In 2006, our small town of just 2,000 called “Come & Get Some!” Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), people created the Warsaw Trail Mas- The city nurtures a cooperative pub- which, combined, host more than 22,000 ter Plan, looking closely at our assets lic and private partnership for our trails. students. and how the community could provide Recently the city cooperated with com- How do you get all these folks on the cycling and walking links for recreation munity leaders to create the Osage Lakes same page? For the past two years we’ve and access to commercial, residential and Greenway Corporation. Its mission is to held a day-long Community Bike Walk

20 AMERICAN BICYCLIST pedal progress AMERICAN BICYCLIST

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as Summit that brings diverse members of Planning Organization and the City of the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling the community together. This has been Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through an effective approach for relationship James Madison University were spon- advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. building, educating key decision mak- sors. Based on the previous year’s suc- The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. With a current membership of ers, increasing communication across cess, there was great interest and over 60 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals jurisdictions, coordinating joint efforts, participants representing the same diver- and 700 organizations, the League works to bring better developing new ideas and developing sity of groups attended. bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, specific community goals for the coming The morning session focused on un- directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 308, Washington, DC 20006-2850, year. derstanding what a bicycle friendly 202-822-1333; [email protected], fax: 202-822- In 2012, the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle community looks like and what has Har- 1334. Coalition received an Advocacy Advance risonburg and Rockingham County done BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rapid Response Grant for a facilitated to get there. While valuable for all partici- Diane Albert, Secretary, [email protected] workshop. We brought together nearly pants it was particularly geared towards Harry Brull, [email protected] three dozen city and county elected of- city and county elected officials and staff. Steve Durrant, [email protected] ficials and staff, nonprofit agency staff The afternoon session focused on small Jay Ferm, [email protected] Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] and bicycle advocates to learn how to group sessions to identify the strengths Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] better coordinate the bicycle develop- and weakness of the community devel- Tania Lo, [email protected] ment efforts of the entire community. opment towards the League’s 5 E’s of a Ann Rivers Mack, [email protected] The workshop was responsible for the Bicycle Friendly Community — and David Madson, [email protected] Matt Moore, [email protected] development and funding of two master to develop specific steps that could be Nicole Preston, [email protected] bicycle plans (James Madison Univer- taken to improve each area. The Summit John Siemiatkoski, Vice Chair, sity and Rockingham County) and the concluded with summarizing the next [email protected] submission of three (JMU, EMU and steps and having participants commit to Gail Spann, Chair, [email protected] Eric Swanson, Treasurer, [email protected] Rockingham County) Bicycle Friendly joining action groups to work on these Corinne Winter, [email protected] applications and recognitions. There was goals during the coming year. To make an overwhelming response to continue sure we’re continuing that collaboration STAFF Lili Afkhami, Development Officer this Community Summit approach on an and moving forward, we created a Sum- Andy Clarke, President annual basis. mit website to house the program, yearly Steve Clarke, BFC Program Specialist For 2013, SVBC decided to plan, de- goals and a Google document to aid in Alison Dewey, Program Manager, Bicycle Friendly velop and fund the Summit ourselves. the follow up and collaboration. Learn Business & Bicycle Friendly University Darren Flusche, Policy Director more at http://svbcoalition.org/bike-walk-summit/.Rich Har- We partnered with the Harrisonburg Lorna Green, Director of Operations ris is a SVBC Board member and Chairman of the Harrison- and Rockingham County Metropolitan Ariell Heacox, Membership and Education Assistant burg Rockingham Bike Walk Summit Planning Committee. Adonia Lugo, Equity Initiative Manager Ken McLeod, Legal Specialist Elizabeth Murphy, Communications Manager Amelia Neptune, BFA Program Specialist Bill Nesper, Vice President, Programs Alissa Simcox, Education Director Carolyn Szczepanski, Director, Communications and Women Bike Caron Whitaker, Vice President, Government Relations Scott Williams, Membership Director Jakob Wolf-Barnett, Chief Operating Officer Nicole Wynands, Program Manager, Bicycle Friendly Community & Bicycle Friendly State AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski Designer: Carey Donnelly, Studio d American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2014 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published without additional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect League Vice President of Programs Bill Nesper, fourth from left, joins bike asdvocates for a photo during his the policies of the League. visit to Harrisonburg.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 21 think bike

Driving Students on Bikes By ruth thompson

CITY OF CHATTANOOGA’S DRIVERS EDUCATION PROGRAM GOES MULTI-MODAL

2222 AAMERIERICCAANN BIBICYCCYCLILISTST think bike

hen the City of Chattanooga, “And they get to have some fun,” John- sist struggling students. “The last thing Tenn., installed traffic enforce- son adds. “After a week of sitting in a I want is to have a status-conscious teen- ment cameras in June 2007 the classroom watching safety presentations ager be ridiculed for not being able to public outcry was predictably and studying vocabulary the students ride a bike,” she says. “This is supposed loud. But city officials turned jump at the opportunity to get outside to be fun.” Wthe volume down by directing dollars and try those flashy bike share bikes.” When both classes arrive back to from traffic violations to a subsidized One of the 15-dock Bike Chattanooga the library, the whole group boards the driver education program. Held in four- stations sits right in front of the down- Chattanooga Area Regional Transpor- day sessions, the program offers a pro- town branch of fessionally taught defensive driving cur- the Chattanooga riculum for students aged 15- to 22-years Public Library, If we can give these young drivers a sense old. where the sessions What makes Chattanooga’s program are held. League of how it feels to be that bicyclist, that unique is a half-day class that includes Cycling Instruc- a presentation about how automobile tors from the City’s pedestrian, that bus rider – we have gone drivers should behave around bicyclists, Outdoor Chatta- pedestrians and transit. The presentation nooga division do a long way toward making them more is followed by a bus ride, a walk across the in-class pre- downtown and a short bicycle ride on sentation and then cautious and empathetic drivers. city streets using Chattanooga’s bike they take half of share: the Bike Chattanooga Bicycle the class on a group ride to a destination tation Authority’s free Electric Shuttle. Transit System. about 15 minutes away. The other half They ride the downtown loop and finish Why do this? of the class walks with Johnson across back at the library. “We want these students to under- town to the same destination, practicing Johnson is so enthusiastic about the stand the different perspectives that each mid-block crossings along the way. Once program’s results that she’s investigating mode of travel provides,” says Caroline there, the groups switch. ways to do the multi-modal education at Johnson, Drivers Education Coordina- “The adaptability of bike share bikes driver education classes in Chattanooga’s tor for the Chattanooga Transportation to any adult rider makes outfitting the outlying areas. “I hope we can help dis- Department. “If we can give these young kids easy,” says Outdoor Chattanooga pel the isolated, confrontational mental- drivers a sense of how it feels to be that Programs Coordinator Terri Chapin. ity that is all-too-often adopted inside a bicyclist, that pedestrian, that bus rider “We also provide helmets, basic safety car — and provide a valuable lesson in – we have gone a long way toward mak- instruction and group ride support.” how we all interact with others in a pub- ing them more cautious and empathetic One of the biggest challenges for lic space,” she says. To learn more about the drivers.” the LCIs are kids who don’t know how program, contact Caroline Johnson, Chattanooga Deptart- According to Chattanooga Bicycle to ride a bike. For that reason, Chapin ment of Transportation at [email protected]. Coordinator Philip Pugliese, the bicycle schedules three ride leaders: a lead, a Ruth Thompson is a League Cycling Instructor and Events/ Marketing Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga. education component of the program sweep and an extra staff person to as- began as a presentation for local law en- forcement. “We borrowed from a program started by Kelley Segars at the Knoxville Trans- portation Planning Organization,” he says. “After presenting to police and bus drivers, I thought the content could be adapted to educate teenagers on how to properly interact with bicyclists on the road.” Pugliese found that bicycle education reached more people and produced better results with targeted audiences. “In driv- ers’ ed we have a captive audience,” Pug- liese says. “They really want that driver’s In Chattanooga a half-day drivers’ ed class is followed by a bus ride, a walk across license, so they have to pay attention!” downtown and a short bicycle ride on city streets using Chattanooga’s bike share.

AAMERIERICCAANN BIBICYCCYCLILISTST 2323 think bike

wheels in motion: traction with amtrak National coalition advocates for eased rules to brings bikes on trains BY WINONA BATEMAN

hether commuters hoping to use their bicycle for the last mile on both ends of work, or long-distance travelers looking to travel to the start of their Wtour, bicyclists are constantly asking how they can use Amtrak to get where they’re going. Amtrak does offer roll-on service on some of its lines and takes bikes as bag- gage on others — but many Amtrak sta- tions don’t accept either. And for many cyclists, the requirement to remove ped- als and handlebars to box a bike is a big barrier to train travel. Because of the interest and concerns expressed by our members, Adventure Cycling Association is building a coali- tion of bicycle-advocacy groups, trans- portation officials and individuals to work with Amtrak on improving bike service. To ensure that the coalition truly understands the challenges and opportu- nities of increased service, rail-passenger John Lindenmayer, Advocacy and Policy Director for the League of Michigan Bicyclists, loads his bicycle groups are also involved. To date, Adven- onto an Amtrak train. Photo by Josh DeBruyn, MDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. ture Cycling is working with League, the Alliance for Biking & Walking, national rail-passenger groups, AASHTO, as well The effort must be a true partnership ers who enhance revenue rather than just as state bike and rail-passenger organiza- with Amtrak. Amtrak is faced with con- add costs. In other words, cyclists must tions in New York, Vermont, Michigan, tinued political budget pressure, depen- generate added income from ticket sales. Virginia, Washington and California. dent on state and federal legislatures for Recently, there has been significant This strong coalition of advocates is the funds needed to upgrade and oper- progress in bicycle service on some lines. bringing vast knowledge and expertise ate the passenger rail system. Bicyclists Culminating a two-year effort by Michi- to bear on the issue. need to bring value to Amtrak as custom- gan bike and rail advocates and the

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Michigan Department of Transporta- ducted on the Adirondack, Ethan Allen We’re looking for one or more pilot tion, Amtrak added roll-on bike service Express and Vermonter lines to deter- projects where accommodating bicycles this September to the Blue Water Line, mine how this service might work might can be successful in the hopes of sharing which connects Port Huron, Mich., at work for them. The Amtrak Cascades this experience across the Amtrak system. the southern end of Lake Huron, and line also recently increased capacity for We plan to engage national and state Chicago. As a result, two large universi- roll-on service. level transportation agencies and rail- ties — Michigan State University and Making the Amtrak system truly bi- passenger groups in this effort to make Western Michigan University — and cycle friendly will require much more sure that solutions have broad support the state capital are now directly con- work. On sold-out trains, it’s difficult to and applicability. nected to America’s rail hub in Chicago make a business case to remove seating If we can show Amtrak that the cycling by a line that offers convenient roll-on to provide room for bikes, but on other community can bring value and not just service for bicyclists. Bicyclists must trains, bike service can actually gener- make demands, we can build a long term simply make a reservation and pay a $10 ate more revenue per passenger. We are and mutually beneficial relationship fee; bikes fit in racks in a modified café working with Amtrak to find room for that meets both our goals. Luckily, the car, four bicycles per train. bikes on full trains, and make it easy wheels are finally in motion. Questions Recently, demonstration runs with for cyclists to bring their bikes on many or comments? E-mail [email protected]. Winona the modified café car model were con- more train lines. Bateman is the media director for the Adventure Cycling As- sociation

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 25 women bike

Runner Up Women Bike By Ashley Ahlene Infographic Contest Winners!

n August, the League’s Women Bike program released our first report — Women on a Roll — which included a wealth of information on the power and potential of female bicyclists. In a matter of months, the report was viewed more than 12,000 times — but we wanted to take Iit a step further. We wanted to share this knowledge in new and innovative ways. So we hosted our first Women Bike In- fographic Contest to invite participants nationwide to com- bine the compelling data with great design. Runner Up Grand Prize Winner By Jaclyn Cotto www.jaclyncotto.com Paul Halupka and Alex Helbach from Chicago’s Active Transportation Alliance pulled together this beautiful take on why women ride. We love how the graphic effortlessly portrays different types of riding and revolves around a bicy- cle motif that doubles as a chart. The movement and vitality are inspiring and the information is simple to see and digest. “Developing this infographic was a daunting task,” Ha- lupka says. “The variety of data was overwhelming and the issue of gender equality in the world of bikes is a big deal to us personally, as well as relevant in Chicago and nationwide. Proper communication of these complex issues is key, so, for Alex and I, taking on this project not only felt like a big re- sponsibility, but something we really wanted to do right. We feel pleased and lucky to be in a position to help the League do their awesome work!” Inspired? Learn more about innovative messaging at the National Bike Summit and National Women’s Bicycling Forum in Washington, D.C., March 3-5, 2014. Learn more and sign up at bikeleague.org/summit.

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Grand Prize Winner Paul Halupka and Alex Helbach,Chicago Active Transportation Alliance

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 27 quickstop WHERE WE RIDE ach year, the U.S. Census Bureau tracks Americans’ commuting hab- % its, including how many people commute by bike. While commut- 57.6 ing is only part of the bicycling story, this federal data set provides UNION CITY, NJ E valuable insight on changing commuting patterns and transporta- highest percentage of tion choices. In our new report, “Where We Ride,” the League took a combined biking, walking or comprehensive look at this data. Here are just a few of the highlights; transit taking commuters in read the full report at www.bikeleague.org/WhereWeRide. cities with a population of up to 200,000 at 57.6% 8.5% CAMBRIDGE, MA % highest percentage of % bike commuters in the 6.2 East with 8.5% 6.1 MADISON, WI PORTLAND, OR highest percentage % highest percentage of bike commuters of bike commuters in 464.4 in the Midwest with DETROIT, MI the 70 largest cities 6.2% with 6.1% highest growth in bike commuters from 1990 to 2012 (464.4%) 19.1% DAVIS, CA highest percentage of % bike commuters in all 12.1 % cities with 19.1% 2.3 PHILADELPHIA, PA highest percentage of bike commuters in cities with populations over 1 million with 2.3%

BOULDER, CO highest percentage of bike % commuters in cities with 6 populations between 100,000 GAINESVILLE, FL 36,496 and 200,000 with 12.1% highest percentage of NEW YORK, NY bike commuters in the highest number of bike South with 6% commuters on the road in 2012 (36,496)

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