July-August 2011 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org
League of American Bicyclists Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America
ENFORCEMENT:ENFORCEMENT: THETHE FINALFINAL FRONTIERFRONTIER p. 10
CARRBORO IS BANANAS 16 FOR BICYCLING
BICYCLE FRIENDLY SYNERGY 24 Groups working together make great strides toward bicycle-friendliness whatwhat doesdoes everyevery cyclistcyclist needneed inin theirtheir seatseat pack?pack?
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RETURN TO: League of American Bicyclists 1612 K St. NW Suite 510 Washington, DC 20006 Tel: 202-822-1333 Fax: 202-822-1334 [email protected] www.bikeleague.org contentJULY-AUG 2011
IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint...... 2 Board Message...... 3 InBox...... 4 Cogs & Gears...... 6 QuickStop...... 28
ON THE COVER! 10 Pedal Progress 10 Enforcement: The Final Frontier Enforcement is one of the five Es that make up a Bicycle Friendly Community — and usually the weakest element. A look at how bicycling advocates can work for change.
Bicycle Friendly 16 America Workstand 16 Carrboro is Bananas for Bicycling Carrboro, N.C. has a long history of bicycle advocacy which is now stronger than ever.
22 New Mexico Knows Bicycles are Vehicles
23 Bicycle Friendly State Rankings Top Dog: Washington tops the BFS list for fourth year in a row.
24 Bicycle-Friendly Synergy Groups working together make great strides toward bicycle-friendliness. Think Bike 27 Wisconsin Windfall Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Restores $2 Million for Bike & Pedestrian Funding
Cover: Police officers in BFC Portage, Mich. patrol the streets on bicycles. 24 AmericanBicyclist 1 viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president] THANKS FOR BEING PART OF THE LEAGUE
THANK YOU TO THE thousands inspiring to see this first hand when programs possible and who set such of League members who wrote your we visit communities. an important example themselves. members of Congress to defend Thank you to the hundreds of We may not say it often enough, dedicated funding for bicycling affiliated clubs and advocacy groups so “Thank You” for all of your programs, and thank you to all who offer such an incredible array of support and help. Together we those of you who also made an extra rides, events, activities and ways for are making a difference, and we’re contribution to help support this people to support and give back to building a more bicycle-friendly important work. their community – you are the heart America. Thank you to the thousands and soul of the bicycling community. of League volunteers: instructors, Thank you to our corporate advocates, club leaders, ambassadors, members and supporters – from Tboard members – whose priceless individual shops to Trek, SRAM, time, energy and passion for cycling Bikes Belong and our National Bike Andy Clarke, brings our programs alive. It is so Summit sponsors – who make our League President
2 AmericanBicyclist boardmessage [by Gail Spann] by Gail Spann
THANK YOU, PRESTON TYREE Tyree Steps Down as League’s Education Director
WAY BACK IN THE 1990S, I WAS honored Preston with their National board, he worked closely with staff to on the board of the Texas Bicycle Education Award. Preston was also upgrade the education department Coalition (TBC) and Preston Tyree active at this time with the Texas materials and served as an unpaid was our education director. I was Mountain Bike Race Association, coach to experience the LCI seminar impressed with his programs and helping develop the Kids Kup for process first-hand. In fact, he says, knew he was an amazing asset to the young riders. Preston became inter- in September 2007 he was teach- community and the organization, ested in mountain bike racing, and ing a seminar in Sitka, Alaska when though I had no idea of his potential. that’s where he got know me. Andy Clarke called to ask if he would Years later, when I joined the League’s One year later, Preston was consider taking the education director board, Preston was now the educa- appointed to the League’s national position. tion director for the League. Again, I board and left TBC to work for Since that time, Preston has led Wwas impressed with Preston’s dedica- the Trans Texas Alliance, where he the League to revamp most of the tion and succinct style of teaching. managed a contract with the Texas curricula, formalize the LCI seminar I have come to call Preston a Department of Transportation to do process, and ensure LCI coaches and very dear friend, and I’ve learned pedestrian audits in communities LCIs themselves are teaching the same more about his background. Preston’s across the state. materials in a consistent manner. He bicycle education career began in Preston co-chaired the League’s also made our first step online with 1995 as a volunteer in Travis County, Education Committee – with past- biked.org, which may still be a work Texas, teaching the precursor of the president Amanda Eichstaedt – and in progress but its popularity indicates Texas SuperCyclist program. In 1996, in 2005 was elected Vice-President of that this is clearly the way to go. he took a part-time job with the the board. During his tenure on the Preston retired from the League county and taught the program to this summer but remains actively 8,000 elementary school children in involved in local bicycle advocacy and two years. education. He continues to take part In May 1998, the education di- in the Lone Star Circle of Life, an an- rector of the TBC at the time, Gayle nual 600-mile ride to raise awareness Cummins, came to a monthly meet- of the need for life-giving donations of ing of the Austin Cycling Association blood, marrow, tissue and organs. He (ACA) and asked for someone to is also active with the National Mul- manage the TBC database. Preston tiple Sclerosis Society, having served stepped up and went to work for 25 years on the steering committee TBC at minimum wage, working 40 of the Houston to Austin BPMS 150 hours a week and getting paid for 20, bike tour – he has ridden in the event even though he was also President of 15 times, served eight years on the the ACA at the time. safety committee and served as a ride By 2002, the Texas SuperCyclist marshal for three years. program was so strong they had So thank you, Preston Tyree, for presented at international cycling your continued bike advocacy and conferences (Velo Mondial 2000 in Preston Tyree retired this summer from education efforts. Amsterdam) and the League had his role as League Education Director.
AmericanBicyclist 3 inbox [letters to the editor]
Electric Bikes that lead battery manufacture and It was really great getting my recycling makes them one of the TWEETED American Bicyclist magazine this most hazardous power sources Thanks @BikeLeague #FF. month and finding an article on Bob know. Lithium is so toxic, recycling We have been following Nordvall who served on the board is heavily regulated in the U.S., and you closely. After all, these are at the same time I did in the early most recycling takes place in Canada. hard times for transportation ’90s. Thanks for the great job you Put a motor, either gas or electric, on investment. are doing for the League. The article a bicycle and you no longer have the - BikeSmithLLC, July 15 on electric bikes was of particular most efficient and elegant mode of interest to me as I enter my 82nd human transportation. You now have year! a motorcycle or, at best, a moped. - George A. Canon, - Pete Kramer, Oklahoma City, Okla. The Woodlands, Texas FACEBOOK MESSAGE FACEBOOK MESSAGE I can understand that, less oil It is too bad the June 15 New The League of American used is less money towards York Times’ article on lead poisoning Bicyclists has a nifty tool (the campaign contributions from oil in China was not available when advocacy center at bikeleague.org) companies. Besides, we can’t have the article “Life & Bicycle Changes” that you can use to easily contact Americans out enjoying themselves was considered for publication in your senators and representative on bikes now can we? (Satire!) As the May/June American Bicyclist. If about important issues. our numbers grow, less and less of it had, perhaps the focus on electric - Kansas Cyclist, July 7 us will support you Representative bikes would have been reduced, Mica. Get a clue. We’re gonna win. or at least tempered with the fact - Leo Stone, July 7
See box on page 6 for more on TWEETED Rep. Mica. After you call your house and senate representatives regarding the loss of bicycle funding, fill out the League’s Bicycle Friendly Business application and get your company on board. - INDYCOG, July 8
4 AmericanBicyclist FACEBOOK MESSAGE I want equal treatment TWEETED from motorists and law Thanks @BikeLeague enforcement, and to be able to go for making sure TIGER III anywhere I need to without hassle webinar answers bike/ped from them about my mere presence. questions first thing! That would be bicycle-friendly. - jessicaroberts, July 18 - John Brooking, June 22
FACEBOOK MESSAGE Everyone should know that a bike-friendly town is also Correction: pedestrian-friendly and family- In the March/April issue friendly. Everybody wins. Not just of American Bicyclist we cyclists. incorrectly attributed the - Roger Barr, June 22 TWEETED “Ride with Larry” photos to From worst to first? Ricardo Villarreal. The photos We’re helping the City of were taken by Andrew Rubin, Miami obtain Bicycle-Friendly the co-director and producer status in 2011, one year ahead of the Ride with Larry TWEETED of the master plan goal. documentary. We apologize To honor his forthright - StreetPlans, July 15 for any inconvenience. apology, and promote safe cycling, I’ve made a $100 donation to @bikeleague on behalf of @MrMichael_Smith. - MacGregorESPN, July 13
New England Maryland bike Thanks for your letters Quebec vermont, inc. We eagerly await all of your Italy comments — good and bad Ireland — on cycling, the League, our Scotland Celebrating our 35th year! publications, and just about 1-800-257-2226 anything else you want to tell www.bikevermont.com us about. E-mail meghan@ INN-TO-INN BICYCLE TOURS [email protected] bikeleague.org or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20006. Comment on facebook.com/ leagueamericanbicyclists or twitter.com/bikeleague. Letters may be edited for style and length.
AmericanBicyclist 5 cogs&gears [League News]
EVEN THE MOST EXPERIENCED BIKE RIDERS NEED CERTIFICATION
Recently, the League hired our new education direc- tor Alissa Simcox, and she was excited to experience the Smart Cycling program firsthand and become certified as a League Cycling Instructor (LCI). In doing so, we realized that many on the League staff, employees of partnering or- ganizations, local board members and staff at local retail- ers wanted to become LCIs too. Many cyclists, no matter how often they ride to work or to run errands (even if they work for a bicycle advocacy organization or bike shop), might not be familiar with the mechanics, riding procedure and fix-it skills. The LCI class familiarizes you with all three. “The LCI seminar is extreme- ly comprehensive, covering everything from safe riding in traffic and the rules of the road to proper equipment and bike mechanics,” said League employee Darren Flusche, Preston Tyree (in front) instructs Alissa Simcox (left), Jakob Wolf- after taking the class. “Even the most experienced people Barnett of Revolution Cycles (center) and Katie Omberg (right). in the class learned something new.” Becoming an LCI has many benefits including becom- ing certified to teach Smart Cycling classes in your area and helping your community become better cyclists. “It was great to learn more about our education program first-hand, and see what it’s all about,” said League em- ployee Katie Omberg. “Also, learning the avoidance maneuvers have defi- nitely made me a more confident cyclist!” Follow the League’s lead, and if you are part of a work environment or social network that has several people interested in becoming an LCI, please consider organizing a group to take the next steps towards certification. To take the LCI seminar, you must be a League member and have taken Traffic Skills 101. Seminars are held periodically throughout the country during the year. Carolyn Szczepanski of the Alliance of Find seminars in your area by visiting bikeleague.org/lci. If you have Biking & Walking and Darren Flusche of questions call the League at 202-822-1333 and ask for Alissa Simcox or e- the League high-five after a drill. mail [email protected].
RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY TO REP. authorization bill, we instantly sent an What has JOHN MICA’S (R-FL) PROPOSED BILL advocacy alert notifying our members. The proposal eliminates dedicated funding for the League THAT WOULD KILL GUARANTEED BIKE & PEDESTRIAN FUNDING. As soon as bicycling and walking, including Transportation done for you we heard of Rep. Mica’s, chairman of Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the lately? the Transportation and Infrastructure Recreational Trails Program, and discourages Committee in the House, proposal for states from choosing to spend their dollars the next surface transportation re- on these activities that are “not in the federal
6 AmericanBicyclist A Revolutionary Job staffsnapshot Alissa Simcox, League Education Director Angela Parrotta might have a one-of-a-kind job with her Events & Advocacy Coordinator position at Revolution My first bike was red Cycles, a local bike shop in the D.C. metro area with five and had a white banana locations. Approximately one and a half years ago, Revolu- seat with strawberries tion Cycles was at a point in their retail industry that they on it — Strawberry wanted to get more involved in their community. They Shortcake themed. looked to Trek and learned a lot from them in terms of bi- I’m proud to say I cycle advocacy. To spur Revolution’s advocacy efforts, they taught myself how decided to create an advocacy/events position. Revolution to ride. My dad was Cycles has partner organizations to further their cause, a bit ashamed at along with rides, health fairs and educational sessions. “I his daughter’s use haven’t been in any other bike shop in the country, even of training wheels, New York City, that has a position like mine that focuses on when all the other community,” says Parrotta. “So that’s kind of amazing.” kids didn’t have them, so It is; and hopefully, other bike retailers will follow suit. he took mine off. I was sans training wheels and after both For more info, please visit revolutioncycles.com. Simcox in front of the of my parents let go of the seat White House this July. (after they said they wouldn’t), I no longer trusted them. I was on my own. It was just me, my bike and a lot of falls to the ground — but somehow success happened. I didn’t ride my bike often in school and college but I did take a memorable trip during college to Alaska. I spent a week there, and one full day I rode through the Alaskan mountains. It was an amazing way to take in the surroundings. In school and for a few years after, I was a runner. After years of putting stress on my knees, I no longer found running enjoyable. Cycling is the Angela replacement. I cover more distance in less time and Parrotta with less effort — I love it. My bike is currently my main source of transportation in Washington, D.C., Angela Parrotta leads Revolution Cycles’ Pride Ride Hub Spin and it is how I usually get to and from work. While I in Arlington, Va. am a fan of public transportation, you don’t have to wait for a bike. It’s a more reliable mode of trans- portation, and in the city it takes less time, effort and money. I also like never having to worry about interest.” Almost 800 of you shared our alert on the air conditioning not working — you have the Facebook, 500 of you shared the alert via other breeze. social networking or e-mail avenues, and nearly I love all that D.C. has to offer — there’s so 5,600 of you contacted your members of congress much to enjoy in and out of the city. I look forward urging them to reach out to Senators Inhofe, Boxer, to a fun summer riding. I recently got an annual and Congressman Mica to urge them to continue membership to Mount Vernon so I could start a funding for Transportation Enhancements, Safe morning weekend ride tradition! Routes to School and Recreational Trails. Thanks advocates!
AmericanBicyclist 7 cogs&gears [League News] 2012 board elections The 2012 League Board elections are just around the corner, and we want a League Committee. High qualification you (yes, YOU!) to run. If you are interested in running, see if you qualify is many years of ongoing participation and follow the timeline below. For more information, visit bikeleague. in the League’s activities. org/election or contact Elizabeth Kiker at [email protected]. 5. Professional-level skills in a field timeline of use to the Board and League October 1, 2011...... Deadline for recommendations and applications As the Board’s role is not to actually October 27, 2011...... Governance Committee reports to the Board, do the work but to oversee, direct and recommending a slate of candidates support the President and League staff, November 15, 2011...... Board recommendations announced professional skills are especially im- December 22, 2011...... Deadline for petitions to be submitted (no less portant. Desired skill sets may include: than 10 days prior to election) executive management, fundraising, January 3, 2012...... Elections open online advocacy, education, marketing, com- January 31, 2012...... Online ballots closed munications, finance, human resources, January 31, 2012...... New board members announced board and staff development, or legal March 5, 2012...... Annual Meeting starts new Board terms background. Minimum qualification is experience in one of the above areas. High qualification is proven expertise in one or more areas. 2012 board qualifications 3. Service experience as a leader in a 1. Commitment to cycling nonprofit or business organization 6. Personal and professional The Board of Directors of the League There are two characteristics to this character of American Bicyclists should be com- qualification: volunteer service and Candidates are sought with the wit posed of enthusiastic cyclists. Ordinar- leadership role. The minimum quali- and ability to engage diverse com- ily, Board candidates are active cyclists fication is prior service on a nonprofit munities and the capacity to reach but retirement from active cycling due or business organization board. out to all cyclists. They need to bring to age or disability will not disqualify a A high qualification would entail wisdom, esteem and the ability to work candidate. A high level of qualification a history of board service includ- with others to collectively solve issues. could include a seasoned bike advo- ing: leadership positions in large Candidates may be asked to provide cate, a professional racer, a committed regional, state or national nonprofit references. A high qualification would bicycle commuter, a bicycle industry organizations with the same order of be references from executives or direc- professional, an accomplished bicycle magnitude or larger than the League tors of large organizations. traveler, a cycling instructor, a dedicat- – national in scope, professional staff, ed recreational cyclist or other types and budget in the millions. 7. An ability and willingness to bring of bicycle experience. substantial resources to the League 4. Membership and participation in At a minimum, each Board Director 2. Knowledge of bicyclists’ concerns League activities and programs is expected to make a meaningful and ability to craft solutions Membership in the League at the personal financial contribution. A high Directors should be familiar with cur- time of Board deliberations is a mini- qualification would include influential rent issues facing America’s cyclists mum qualification. Additional factors connections with potential donors, and potential solutions. At a mini- to be considered include: length of business and political leaders, and oth- mum, candidates are members of the membership, attendance at League- er sources of support for the League. League and perhaps other bicycling sponsored events, active participa- clubs or advocacy organizations. A tion in the National Bicycle Summit, 8. Willing to sign a statement of high qualification would be many completion of League-sanctioned support for the League’s Code of years of active leadership roles in mul- training, and/or volunteer service on Ethics. tiple advocacy organizations. Found on bikeleague.org/ethics.
8 AmericanBicyclist The League Welcomes NEW CORPORATE GIVING MEMBERS! Thanks to the following people who have contributed at least $100 to the League from June 1 - July 31, 2011. These contributions are above Thanks for helping us build and beyond any dues payments. a Bicycle Friendly America. $1,000 - $4,999 David Galvin Larry Pizzi Organizations Robert Gambrell Don Quering Arlington Heights Michael Genrich Patricia Raburn & Family Bicycle Association Pamela Gifford Robert Railey Baltimore Bicycling Club & Family Steve Rankin Santa Rosa Cycling Club John Gill Richard Reis Robert Gubler Jon Richards $100-$999 Diane Haltigan Ralph Robinson Individuals Selden Hannah Mike Sapp Lawrence Akers Charles Harris James Scherer John Alspaugh Gregory Haun George & Theresa WHO DOESN’T Leslie Arminski Michael Held Schnepf Paul Bartlett Laura Hieronymus Peter Schoch LIKE A DEAL? Anne Becker Susan Immelt Dewey Schorre Bruce Beighley William Jaquest John Siemiatkoski Chances are if you are a member, you are Paul Benham Dale Johnson Richard Slaymaker unaware of all the discounts and special Greg Binder & Family Jack Johnson Todd Smith offers you can receive for simply being a Kurt Blanchett Alan Kailer Connie Spears League member. You can get everything Donald Bost & Family Laura King Joel Steinberg from roadside assistance and 5 percent Gary Botto Michael Kirk Richard Stuhmer discounts on all Bike Friday® bicycles William Branstrup Scott Kleiner Thomas Talley to 15 percent off Saris products and Randall Brodersen William Koch David Thomson Leslie Bullock Howard Korenthal discounted hotel stays. Michael Throop Scott Burstein Dan Kovarik Karen Tourian Offers include: Bob Byrne Amy Kristoff Art Troutner • Bicycle Roadside Assistance* Ross & Dinah Coble David Kroop & Family Richard Veenstra • Bicycle Manufacturer Discounts David Cole Art Krumrey George Wieland George Connolly Peter Lagerwey • Gear Discounts Ellen Winder Charles Coulter Jeff MacGregor Gregory Wittmann • Tour Discounts Steve Dehmlow Edward Madigan Kristi Wood • Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, and Car Rental Charles Denney James Magnusson Drew Workman Discounts Robert Dickinson Patrick Marek Glenn Zaretzka • Sports Equipment Shipping Discounts Karl Eggers Russell Marx • And much more! Monte Engelkemier Lori Meszaros Organizations Douglas Feaver Charles Neudorfer AAA Check out the Benefits and Special Of- Donald Fedor Edmund Nowicki Evanston Bicycle Club fers page on the Members section of John Fetzer Vincent O’Brien Nuvisions Photography bikeleague.org. If you are a business that Chin Fong Michael Pagano Tulsa Wheelmen would like to offer a discount or special David Freshwater Mary Paquet Westerville Bicycle Club offer to League members, contact Scott John Pardee Williams, director of membership, at [email protected]. * For Silver Spoke members only
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AmericanBicyclist 9 PEDAL PROGRESS ENFORCE THE FINAL FRONTIER MENT: By Meghan Cahill and Andy Clarke
“There is a learning curve with cyclists and police to take cycling more seriously. Our goal is to create a polite and informed bike riding public.” - Caroline Samponaro, Transportation Alternatives
10 AmericanAmericanBicyclistBicyclist THE LEAGUE’S RULES OF THE ROAD
1. Follow the law. Your safety Although the consequences are and the image of bicyclists rarely so tragic, if our mailbag is any- depend on you. You have the thing to go by it happens quite a lot to same rights and duties as cyclists. Across the country we hear 1drivers. Obey traffic signals and from riders who have to deal with stop signs. Ride with traffic; use uninformed police officers, unsympa- the rightmost lane headed in thetic courts, and a hostile media ... the direction you are going. when all they are doing is riding their bikes! The sense of injustice aroused 2. Be predictable. Make your by the angry motorist yelling at you intentions clear to motorists to get out the way, or the police of- and other road users. Ride ficer giving you a ticket for the same in a straight line and don’t — even after you’ve been hit by a car 2swerve between parked cars. — is powerful and simmers in you Signal turns, and check behind for hours, if not days and weeks. Why you well before turning or are you being punished for doing changing lanes. such a simple and good thing!? THE OUTRAGEOUS CASE OF Enforcement is one of the five 3. Be conspicuous. Ride where Raquel Nelson, the Atlanta mother Es that make up a Bicycle Friendly drivers can see you; wear charged with vehicular homicide for Community (BFC) — and some bright clothing. Use a front the death of her own child, made na- would argue that it’s one of the most white light and red rear light tional headlines recently. At the end critical. The one thing we can unfor- 3and reflectors at night or when of a long, tiring day and a lengthy bus tunately all agree upon is that it’s the visibility is poor. Make eye trip home, Nelson and her children weakest element in the hundreds of contact with drivers. Don’t ride followed fellow bus passengers, mid- BFC applications we have received on sidewalks. block, across a suburban street to get over the years. We’ve made tremen- home. In the median, one of the chil- dous strides in engineering, educa- 4. Think ahead. Anticipate dren broke free of her grip and was tion, encouragement and evaluation what drivers, pedestrians, and hit and killed by a drunk driver who ... but we haven’t made much progress other bicyclists will do next. Tfled the scene. Astonishingly, Nelson with enforcement. In many commu- 4Watch for turning vehicles and was charged and convicted of vehicu- nities, it is the final frontier. ride outside the door zone lar homicide, which provoked a mas- of parked cars. Look out for sive nationwide response in support FOLLOW THE RULES! debris, potholes, and utility of her plight. The injustice — not to Before we go any further, how- covers. Cross railroad tracks at mention the insensitivity — of the ever, let’s be clear about one thing. right angles. Following the rules of the road is a charges brought against this mother 5. Ride Ready. Check that core principle of the League’s Smart was clear for all to see. Poor road your tires have sufficient air, Cycling program; it’s woven into design, lousy transit service, illegal brakes are working, chain runs every education program, brochure, and dangerous driving all let Nelson smoothly, and quick release curriculum, story we write, and down, and yet, she was the one facing 5wheel levers are closed (ABC presentation we give to any audience. 36 months in jail. The driver — a Quick Check). Carry repair All of our club ride information and repeat hit-and-run offender — got and emergency supplies risk management materials stress just six months. How can this sort appropriate for your ride. Wear rule-following. “We have no problem of thing happen? What is going on a helmet. with law enforcement and the court with cyclists being ticketed for bad system to allow this ... and how often behavior, particularly when they are 6. Keep your cool. Road rage does it happen without the eagle eyes a danger to themselves and others,” benefits no-one and always of a Streetsblog reporter there ready says Andy Clarke, League president. makes a bad situation worse. to shine a light on the story? “We know that cyclists aren’t always 6
AmericanAmericanBicyclist 1111 PEDAL PROGRESS
paragons of virtue; however, there are “New Yorkers must countless examples nationwide every follow the law, year of outrageous police action — regardless of their individual and systemic — that make choice in vehicle, dealing with police inconsistent and and bicycles are no unpredictable.” exception.” -Caroline Samponaro NYC’s New Enforcement Campaign In January 2011, New York City began an enforcement campaign “New Yorkers must follow the law interactions between police officers known as “Operation Safe Cycle” to regardless of their choice of vehicle, and bicyclists while simultaneously ticket cyclists’ infractions of the law; and bicycles are no exception,” says educating bicyclists and motorists. however, the city ticketed some bi- Samponaro. “But it’s motor vehicles, “We have been going through some cyclists who didn’t actually break the not bicycles that are responsible for growing pains, and there has been an law. For the campaign, the New York hundreds of deaths and more than explosion of cyclists on the streets,” Police Department (NYPD) issued a 70,000 injuries every year.” TA be- says Samponaro. “There is a learning document that itemized ticket-able lieves that New Yorkers deserve data- curve with cyclists and police to take cycling infractions. However, three driven enforcement that targets the cycling more seriously. Our goal is of the “infractions” are actually New most dangerous behaviors on their to create a polite and informed bike York state laws and do not apply in streets. To do this, TA made sure that riding public.” NYC: failure to use bicycle lane/keep crash information was public to de- right; more than two abreast; and fail- mand better enforcement. TA’s Saving Omaha, Nebraska – ing to stop, entering roadway from a Lives Through Better Information Bill Rural Enforcement private road, driveway, alley or over mandated that the New York Police Enforcement efforts and is- curb. The NY Post cited an unnamed Department post crash data on their sues differ in changing landscapes. police source in May saying there Web site. “The largest takeaway is that Cyclists outside of Omaha, Neb. are were almost 14,000 tickets issued to traffic crashes are preventable things,” unable to get police to do anything NYC cyclists — an almost 50 percent says Samponaro, “and with education about a known driver who consis- increase over the same time frame as and enforcement, we can bring these tently and dangerously harasses last year. numbers down to zero. The bogus cyclists as they ride down the county Caroline Samponaro, director of tickets undermine enforcement road he lives on. Members of the bicycle advocacy at NYC’s Transpor- which is supposed to target danger- Blair Bike Club (BBC) have dubbed tation Alternatives (TA), indicated ous behavior.” this man “Mad Max”, as several of the city has limited enforcement TA, with the police, has re- them have encountered his danger- capacity, and that the police should cently done education checkpoints ous and aggressive driving. target the most dangerous behavior. on popular routes to spur positive
You Tube Video Takes on Cycling Enforcement Laws in NYC Casey Neistat, a NYC resident and film- about police cracking down on cyclists maker, received a $50 ticket this year in New York City that I thought I could for not riding in the designated bike do something about it, especially when I lane and made a video displaying how, learned that I hadn’t done anything wrong.” at times, it’s difficult to ride in the lanes. Many who received the bike lane ticket “I didn’t think much of it, and I paid the weren’t riding in the designated lanes ticket,” says Neistat. “It was when I heard because they were blocked with delivery
12 AmericanBicyclist “As far as the police go, they just According to the BBC, the cry injustice before they do their due discourage us from riding on County local deputy said cyclists can file diligence. “Cycling advocates point Road P43 — it’s a scenic, country complaints but that they would go fingers at the police before know- road with no shoulder. We have a nowhere. The club is planning to file ing how to work the system,” says right to ride,” says Trudy Arndt- a civil suit against “Mad Max.” Wilborn. “There is a difference about Woksa, president of the BBC. “Mad complaining about injustice and do- Max slammed on his breaks in front South Carolina is ing something about it. We need a of my friend, she wiped out, and then Getting it Right much more professional and mature he proceeded to back up his car into Fortunately, there are some approach.” me. It was shocking!” says Arndt- stories that offer hope that things can Wilborn, along with the Palmetto Woksa. “The district attorney said he be improved. On October 1 last year, Cycling Coalition, has trained was going to be charged with reck- 15 cyclists left Outspokin’ bike shop police officers for free 25 different less driving but it was dropped. The in Augusta, Ga. on their weekly ride times. They explain how accident authorities hardly do anything.” across the state border into Aiken, investigation should work. “A The Pilot Tribune and Enterprise S.C. A truck collided with the group serious crash is defined by a cyclist has printed five letters to the editor and injured four cyclists and tragical- in a hospital. The police will often describing similar incidents. Bob ly left one other, Dr. Matthew Burke, investigate without asking the cyclist Haschenburger’s Letter to the Editor critically injured with severe head what happened,” says Wilborn. “We is telling of area cyclists’ fear. trauma. After months in a coma, Dr. Burke passed away on February 6. Unfortunately, one person living The driver, Daniel Johnson, claimed on that road has taken to harassing to have been distracted while reaching Best Practices for passing cyclists. In the past two years for something. Dr. Burke, a U.S. Army Improving Cycling I have had two run-ins with him. The major and orthopedic surgeon, had Enforcement first time, he hurled obscenities with a been home from Iraq for about a year. close passing by the car ... The second The Palmetto Cycling Coalition 1. Create positive relationships last fall involved the obscenities and and South Carolina cycling attorney with law enforcement prior close passing of myself and riding Peter Wilborn worked on the case. to accidents. When something partner, followed by twice suddenly Johnson was charged with reckless bad happens, call in those stopping in front of me on a downhill, homicide. “The police originally said 1relationships. Get involved in the resulting in a crash. Thankfully, this it was just an accident,” says Wilborn. process. involved only scrapes and bruises — “We asked the police to just consider this time. The driver did not stop to of- the data, and you know what? They 2. Offer resources. Ask your fer aid and about hit my partner as she listened. They did their job ... and police department what you tried to stop him from leaving. These charged the driver with reckless ho- can do to help inform their force types of actions could get someone micide — the most serious thing that about cycling rights and safety. It killed or seriously injured. a driver could be charged with.” The 2might be accident reconstruction, South Carolina Highway Patrol and reviewing data, or a refresher in the Aiken County Solicitor’s bikes laws. Be proactive. office performed the inves- trucks, cones or other obstacles. The video tigation. “This case was an has made the rounds on YouTube (just 3. Make sure the right person is example of how it should be search NYC bike lanes), and Neistat says communicating for the victim. done, and in order to do it the film started a dialogue about what They must be knowledgeable right, we need to understand is correct when enforcing cycling laws. “I 3about the legal situation, not what the best practices are,” think with New York city being so new to necessarily the most passionate says Wilborn. cycling, they are trying to figure out how advocate. This person can make Wilborn points out that to walk that line.” Neistat was quick to the police officer’s job easier, and cycling advocates too often point out that the city is trying really hard. therefore create a close bond with the cycling community.
AmericanBicyclist 13 PEDAL PROGRESS
LEGAL RESOURCES have trained the police to not do enough job giving them the resources Local bicycle advocacy groups are that.” Wilborn, the Palmetto Cycling they need. “Cycling enforcement is a an incredible resource if you are Coalition and Safe Streets Saves Lives skill that they don’t have, and we have involved in a crash or need local have made it a priority to go to the to figure out how to help.” legal advice. police and ask them what they need So far this year, there have been before there is a problem to develop 10 cyclists’ deaths in South Carolina, The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition those relationships. and every single one has been caused has an extensive library of resources “My experience is when you par- by a crime. Not one death in 2011 including a “Bicyclists Legal Guide” ticipate in the process, police are very was deemed the cyclist’s fault. documenting what to do in the open-minded. They can’t get it right “South Carolina is worse than event of a crash; an excellent training without our help.” most states for bicycling,” says Wil- video used by the police department; In order to get it right, though, born “but if we can do it by a case- and advice on what to do if you are cyclists much change their approach by-case basis here, then we can do it ticketed. Visit sfbike.org for more to police and local officials. Wilborn anywhere.” information. acknowledges that it is an uphill The Bicycle Transportation Alliance battle. “But you are not helping the The League Has Your Back in Portland, Ore. has an impressive process by just being a victim, and “The reality,” said Clarke in a array of legal resources — and that just because bicycling advocates recent interview broadcast on AAA an impressive array of cycling are passionate, doesn’t mean they are Radio, “is that motorists and cyclists attorneys. Bob Mionske (Bicycling’s persuasive with police,” says Wilborn. are going to be sharing the same legal authority); Mark Ginsberg roads and highways for the (long-time chair of the Bicycle foreseeable future and we Advisory Committee); and Ray have to do everything we Thomas, doyen of bicycling lawyers can to make sure that the and author of a veritable library shared experience is safe of useful bicycling articles. Visit and enjoyable for everyone. bta4bikes.org for more information. We share responsibility for traffic safety with motorists, Chicago’s Active Transportation law enforcement, city and Alliance has a Bicyclists Crash state leaders to do all we can Support Group. Visit activetrans.org to encourage sharing the for more information. road safely and harmoni- Pittsburgh has great post-crash ously.” advice. Visit bike-pgh.org for more The good news is information. that more and more com- munities are realizing that The Washington Area Bicyclists becoming more bike friend- Association has a crash report form Photo courtesy of Safe Streets Save Lives campaign ly is good for their city and they use to gather additional data. (safestreetssavelives.org) – a joint project of the citizens. This means that Visit waba.org for more information. Palmetto Cycling Coalition and BikeLaw.com. they are stepping up their enforcement efforts and that “You can’t just do lycra protests with- police and courts are starting to get out creating relationships and trust- it right. Oregon was the first state to ing the police.” Wilborn’s method is pass a Vulnerable Road User law in based on the notion that police are 2007; Delaware followed suit and just not anti-cyclists radicals; they are just passed a safe passing law as well. overworked and underpaid. He be- Los Angeles, Calif., where this lieves they care the most about safety year an alleged drunken motorist but we as cyclists aren’t doing a good hit a group of 100 cyclists, recently
Photo: safestreetssavelives.org 14 AmericanBicyclist passed an ordinance that makes it a injured cyclists. He believes that one safety tips to our nation’s drivers. We crime for drivers to threaten bicy- of the big problems with the legal are encouraging communities and clists verbally or physically. L.A. profession is that “we are uneducated states to get a better handle on and victims of harassment will also be about cyclists’ rights to the road, the enforce bike-related laws, and writing able to file a civil suit even if there are rules and laws. We need to educate the road map for better enforcement no criminal charges. police, the district attorneys and, dip- for each community that applies for Even though these examples are lomatically, the judges,” says Brustin. the BFC designation. It’s a steep hill a step in the right direction, there “The League’s new legal affairs com- we are climbing but we will be persis- are still too few state and local laws mittee will be able to make this hap- tent and relentless to receive justice and comprehensive education ef- pen ... education is critical. If everyone and equality for our nation’s bicy- forts. However, cyclists, motorists, knew the rules of the road, the system clists. Brustin’s advice for reaching an the police and the legal system are would work better for cyclists.” acceptable enforcement standard? “I beginning to learn to work together. The League is educating new think every cyclist should be involved “It just takes the right approach and and returning cyclists all across the in three advocacy organizations: participating in enforcement efforts country with our Smart Cycling the League and your state and local early — hopefully, before an accident curriculum and network of League group,” says Brustin. “Join ’em all.” occurs,” according to Gary Brustin, Cycling Instructors. We are partnered You heard the man — participate League board member and part of with AAA, who represents 51 million in the process. the League’s fledgling legal network. motorists — most of whom are also Brustin is an accident lawyer who cyclists from time to time – to deliver For more information, specializes in protecting the rights of our Share the Road Message and visit bikeleague.org/legal
AmericanBicyclist 15 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND carrboro is bananas f o r b i c y c l i n g By Jeff Brubaker, Carrboro Transportation Planner
By Jeff Brubaker, Carborro Transportation Planner CARRBORO, N.C. STATS Bicycle Friendly Community – Silver
BFC Since: May 2004
Population: 19,479
Square Miles: 6.39
Bike Lane Miles: 25
Planned Bike Lane Miles: 12
Paved Shared Use Path Miles: 3
Planned Paved Shared Use Path Miles: 19
Active Bicycle Accommodation Policy
16 AmericanBicyclist LAST MAY, TO SHOW THAT IT and bikeways as a “bona fide highway could be done, Dave Deming hauled purpose.” With the act, the North 1,000 bananas on his Yuba Mundo Carolina Department of Transporta- down Weaver Street in Carrboro, tion (NCDOT) created the first state- N.C. He was taking them from Weav- wide bicycle program in the country. er Street Market, a grocery co-op, to It was the brainchild of Curtis Yates, Town Commons. The route was less an NCDOT planner who wrote a than half a mile but when you have report the previous year calling out 400 pounds of banana boxes strapped the state’s abysmal bike safety record. to your bike, the ride can get rather The state held its first Bicycle and unwieldy. The bike inevitably swerved Bikeways Conference that September, bananas as Deming piloted it down the bike drawing more than 300 attendees The banana trek was orchestrated lane but it eventually reached its des- from all parts of the state. L and filmed by Elise Giddings, tination. The feat was uncommon for Considering Carrboro is so close Deming, a longtime bike commuter, to UNC, it wasn’t a university town then-owner of Cycle 9 bike shop. but utilitarian cycling is a common for the first 70 years of its existence. The video is on YouTube. Search: sight in Carrboro — it has been for Carrboro was a textile mill town that more than 30 years. In a nutshell, sprung up at the end of a railroad banana bike Carrboro. this is the story of Carrboro’s 30-plus spur. In the early 70s UNC decided to years and where they are today in limit housing on campus, causing an promoting cycling. influx of off-campus housing de- supported Carrboro Community mand. In Carrboro, 1,700 apartment Coalition elected to the Board of The History units were built between 1971 and Aldermen. “The new board initiated Carrboro is a town of 19,000 1973, effectively doubling the town’s an extensive reform program,” writes next door to Chapel Hill, home of the housing stock. It was in the 70s that local author Dave Otto in his picto- University of North Carolina (UNC), Carrboro became “weird,” embraced rial history of Carrboro. “Mayor Rob- with two factors naturally predis- the arts, started a farmers’ market ert Drakeford and Aldermen Doug posing Carrboro to cycling. One, and earned its jokingly ostentatious Sharer were experienced planners downtown is a 10-minute bike ride nickname, the Paris of the Piedmont. who convinced the board to establish to UNC. Of all the routes leading up The “Parisian students” wanted to a planning department and create a the hill to campus, Carrboro follows have bikes to ride to campus and the new vision for the future.” the gentlest grade. Two, Carrboro means to do it. A year before, the Carrboro is home to 3,000-plus college stu- Additionally, the demographic Cyclists had become the town’s first dents — almost all go to UNC. Aside shift precipitated a shift in local advocacy group — the initiative of from topography and demographics, political priorities. In 1975, the city Chuck Lewis and a young cycling Carrboro has a rich cycling advocacy saw several members of the student- couple, Victor (Vic) and Marion history since the 70s. Schoenbach. The group, Vic recalls, In North This photo appeard in a submitted a plan to the town calling Carolina, 1974 newspaper in the mid-1970s. for bikeways on major roads and a was the water- The caption reads: “With traffic bikeway along the railroad tracks. shed year. The problems getting worse every Aldermen Sharer championed the state legislature day in ‘the village,’ wise folks creation of the Transportation Advi- passed the Bi- are learning to take safety sory Board (TAB), and Vic became its cycle and Bike- precautions. Some bicyclists have first chair. way Act, which begun wearing helmets, like the The local enthusiasm around defined the bi- one Vic Schoenbach is sporting.” bicycling had more than set the two cycle as a vehicle (staff photo by Tom Randolph) wheels of bike progress in motion
AmericanBicyclist 17 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND
at this point. In November 1978, The momentum for bike Carrboro voters approved a bond transportation kept going referendum for the town’s first set of through the 80s. October bike facilities. In the warm months, 1981 was a landmark month cycling on Main Street to and from — the groundbreaking for the campus had reached nearly 20 per- Libba Cotten Bikeway took cent of all traffic. In 1980, the bike place and the first bike lanes plan was adopted, addressing “an ex- on the North Carolina state tremely unusual situation in that the highway system were striped majority of bicyclists are utilitarian or on Greensboro Street. After commuters” with UNC as their “one another decade and another Chuck Lewis opened the Clean Machine Bike ultimate destination.” The Carrboro successful bond referendum, Shop in 1972 to meet cyclists’ demands. Cyclists’ vision for a railroad bike another nine miles of bike The closing of the decade was path became a reality with the help of lanes were in place. A new coalition, capped with Carrboro’s Bicycle Policy bond funding and a Federal High- the Carrboro Bicyclists’ Network, — adopted in 1989. The policy was way Administration grant — known formed in 1986 and took a look at championed by then-Mayor Ellie today as the Libba Cotten Bikeway. they city’s transportation plans and Kinnaird (D-NC), who now repre- consideration of bike facilities. sents Carrboro as a state senator and was a longtime bike commuter to UNC. The policy’s major goals were TOP 20 CITIES WITH MORE THAN bike safety and access to major des- 10% OF POPULATION IN COLLEGE tinations. This was accomplished by physical separation of facilities, desig- Population Percent Student nated bike lanes, and shared on-road City, State (ACS 2009 of bicycle Population routes. The policy listed major desti- estimate) commuters undergrad + grad nations and high-density residential College Station, TX 86,676 2.1% 49% origins as priorities for bike facility Gainesville, FL 116,615 6.3% 42% access. Its concurrent adoption with Ann Arbor, MI 112,917 3.0% 41% the Sidewalk Policy represented an Iowa City, IA 69,077 3.9% 39% early iteration of a local complete streets movement. Lawrence, KS 92,055 2.2% 37% The next 10 years saw two new Boulder, CO 100,160 12.3% 35% bike paths created near downtown Tallahassee, FL 172,576 1.5% 33% and bike lanes began to be extended Athens-Clarke County, GA 115,586 1.2% 33% into Carrboro’s growing north. A Berkeley, CA 102,802 8.9% 29% plan for the northern area called for Madison, WI 235,410 5.0% 26% interconnected bike routes on all new Columbia, MO 102,332 1.5% 26% streets, extension of bike paths into Fort Collins, CO 138,722 9.9% 24% the area, and safe bicycle access to all Missoula, MT 68,875 7.2% 23% major destinations. Cambridge, MA 108,776 8.5% 21% Tempe, AZ 178,526 3.7% 21% The Golden Age Eugene, OR 153,275 10.8% 19% The 21st century has seen Lubbock, TX 225,865 0.7% 19% Carrboro advance even further as a cycling town — the result of a Evanston, IL 77,869 2.6% 18% quarter century of planning. Bicycles Irvine, CA 209,707 1.7% 18% are settled into the fabric of the New Haven, CT 123,314 3.1% 17% city’s transportation network, and Note: Cities without bicycle commuter estimates were removed Carrboro continues to improve and
18 AmericanBicyclist invent ways to encourage bicycling. 54 miles of bike facilities – and that’s Carrboro’s The League designated Carrboro as a just the first E. Comprehensive Bronze-level BFC in 2004, recogniz- ing their bike planning history and Lessons to Learn Bike Plan Bicycle a 5.2 percent bike commute mode One of Carrboro’s recurring Survey: split. The ReCYCLEry bike co-op was themes has been the town’s ambiva- founded in 2000, accepting donated lent relationship with NCDOT over 30% of bicyclists bicycles and teaching bicycle repair road widening, bike safety, and the regularly and maintenance skills for communi- lack of bike facilities in roadway 30% commute by ty members to earn their own bikes. design plans. No single project was bicycle The Roberson Bike Path was con- more emblematic of this than Smith structed, Safe Routes to School grants Level Road. Over the last two de- 36% of bicyclists launched efforts to accommodate and cades, NCDOT’s imperative to add regularly ride encourage younger cyclists and in more through lanes for autos had 36% for fitness or 2009, the Board of Aldermen adopted been repeatedly rejected by the Board recreation the Carrboro Comprehensive Bicycle of Aldermen, who preferred the road Transportation Plan. The plan, pre- be widened only for bike lanes, a pared by Greenways Incorporated, is sidewalk and a center turn lane. This 34% bicycle regularly for modeled after the Five Es of the BFC was consistent with a town-wide pol- % short, utilitarian program. The engineering portion of icy on road widenings — included in 34 trips the plan recommends an additional
AmericanBicyclist 19 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND Safe Routes to School Parent Survey Carrboro’s guiding policy document and Chapel Hill that never existed (McDougle and Carrboro Vision 2020. On the verge of the proj- before,” says Carrboro Mayor Mark Elementary, June 2010) ect being cancelled, a compromise Chilton. Carrboro also interacts with was reached in 2010. NCDOT left out neighboring Durham through their the extra through lanes but left open metropolitan planning organization. the possibility to add them in the Durham’s road diet implementation future. Bike lanes and sidewalks are and ciclovias are models for ongoing to be completed in 2013. planning in Carrboro. Both Chapel Despite these challenges, there Hill and Durham were designated as is a symbiotic relationship between Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Com- the NCDOT Bicycle Program and munities in 2011. the town – important because the State owns almost all arterial roads Show Us the Money in Carrboro. Yates and his staff Carrboro has devoted a sub- 10% of provided technical assistance in stantial amount of money to cycling. respondents establishing bike lanes, and in turn, In 1981, the town spent $142,000 10 % said their kids Carrboro served as a state role model to widen a state-maintained road to arrived at for bicycling infrastructure. In 2010, add bike lanes. Over the next decade, school via bike NCDOT was able to secure American Carrboro spent $2 million on bike 8% of Recovery and Reinvestment Act of facilities. Currently, three multi-use respondents 2009 funds to complete the town’s path segments are being designed % said their kids top-ranked Transportation Improve- that will use more than $300,000 in 8 came home ment Program project to add bike local bond funding. This is big money from school lanes and a sidewalk on a major for a town of 19,000. The bonds have via bike arterial that serves an elementary and been the result of successful referen- middle school. Today, NCDOT has a dums by Carrboro voters, signifying Complete Streets Policy and is craft- broad support among citizens. ing its implementation guidelines. Representative Kinnaird points Carrboro and Chapel Hill also to the continued cycling support Mayor Chilton also emphasizes the collaborate on projects, such as from successive mayors and alder- effect of local elected officials. “The greenway plans, with a goal of seam- men. “It is great that all the adminis- last 35 years’ worth of Boards of Al- less travel from one town to the other. trations have embraced cycling,” she dermen have been increasingly sup- “Our greenways program allows us to says. “They made (bicycling) their portive of cycling,” he says. “It makes create connections between Carrboro goal and vision and carried it out.” a big difference.” Carrboro’s Future Even with that pedigree, Carr- boro still has a lot of work to do. “One big challenge,” says Heidi Perry of the Carrboro Transportation Advisory Board, “has been trying to retrofit older, narrower streets that don’t have enough right-of-way to make improvements.” Some outlying state-maintained arterials have nar- row pavement width, a lack of shoul- ders, and vertical curves that make cyclists grit their teeth. Many rural roads are popular for recreational
20 AmericanBicyclist town, steep hills and a lack of street at all times of the year and an annual connectivity discourage cycling. Bike Breakfast gathering during Bike And Carrboro is at the western end to Work Week. of what Forbes just named the most This past February, a week before gas-guzzling metropolitan area in the Carrboro celebrated its 100th birth- country. day, the community was honored That’s not to diminish the with the Bicycle Friendly Commu- remarkable progress that has been nity Silver designation. Bill Nesper, made. Today, Carrboro has 26 miles director of the Bicycle Friendly of bike lanes, three miles of bike America program, paid Carrboro paths, and three more bike paths are a visit and presented the award to cycling but have an auto-centric feel. being designed. The city is beginning Mayor Chilton. It represented both a Bike lane or wide shoulder retrofits to add sharrows to narrow, low-speed major milestone and as inspiration to have been requested by the town for roads. The schools promote cycling keep up the momentum of Carrboro’s decades, only to have the projects fall with bike safety rodeos and bike/ cycling tradition. At the very least, short of reaching the Transportation walk-to-school days. One Carrboro we know Carrboro is a great place to Improvement Program (TIP). Even Elementary parent recently donated transport massive amounts of fruit on as downtown Carrboro features an a bike rack to the school to accom- a cargo bike. abundance of parking spaces for cars, modate increased demand. Encour- bike parking remains insufficient agement activities are included too — For more information, visit in areas. In more suburban parts of weekly recreational or cruiser rides bikecarrboro.com
AmericanBicyclist 21 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND New Mexico Knows Bicycles are Vehicles By Meghan Cahill
WHEN YOU GOOGLE NEW the new provisions, Mexico you see the same thing over and the Education and and over again, “There is finally more Outreach Committee of than one sentence about bicycles in BTAC was formed with: the New Mexico Drivers Manual!” Shelley Robinson, Lisa Clearly, New Mexican cyclists are ex- Miles, Gretchen Grogan cited — and we are too. The Bicycles and Cat Downing. are Vehicles section is the result of The process wasn’t the hard work and dedication of a quick. For the next five committee from Santa Fe’s Bicycle months the commit- and Trails Advisory Committee tee researched all state W(BTAC), which goes to show all of us manuals and met con- that you can step up and do the work tinuously. At first, they developed several long, to make a difference. BTAC’s education and outreach committee In New Mexico, like many states, complex versions that there is a gray area when dealing were finally revised and says Shelly Robinson. “We also found with who’s responsible for amending cut into the current manual — a out that there were no questions driver’s manuals. Some say it’s the simple three-part manual with bullets about bicycles on the driving exam state, some say it’s administrative; in and graphics. BTAC approved the and have made sure that on every test the case of New Mexico, the BTAC final version. a driver will have to answer and pass made it their responsibility. In spring In December, the document was five questions about bicycles.” 2010, Cat Downing of the BTAC sub- sent to the state DMV and was put The BTAC is not stopping with committee researched New Mexico’s on hold for several months due to the manual’s publication, which they statutes, and other state statutes, and administration turnover. Finally in are already planning to update in six determined that the Driving Manual June 2011, the manual was submitted months. By fall 2011, the commit- content was within the administra- by the DMV to the New Mexico De- tee hopes to be working with driver tive authority of the Department of partment of Motor Vehicles’ Bicycle, education providers and driving Taxation and Revenue and did not Equestrian Pedestrian Coordinator schools to emphasize youth and new require legislation to implement. That Tom Trowbridge — a League Cycling driver education regarding bicycles May, she contacted Raul Alvarez of Instructor — for final review and as vehicles. They also plan to adapt the New Mexico Department of Mo- approval. He made some minor ad- the two-page bicycle section into a tor Vehicles (DMV), and he informed justments, and the new manual was portable flyer for distribution with her that the DMV would be happy to issued on June 11, 2011. new bicycles, bicycle rentals, and for work with the BTAC for new con- Now even test questions are re- law enforcement and car dealers to tent for the statewide DMV Drivers quired on driver’s license exams, and distribute. Manual — it was that easy. sharrows is a statewide word. “We
In June the BTAC passed a reso- started with a driver’s manual be- Visit the Bicycle Coalition of New lution asking the governor to direct cause it was a smart and an easy start Mexico for more information at the State Department to implement to get info to new and young drivers,” bikenm.org.
22 AmericanBicyclist BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND
TOP DOG Washington Remains Top State for Bicycling for Fourth Year in a Row
ashington remains at the number one spot in the League’s annual Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings, while many states suffer poor marks for low distribution of transportation funds towards Wbicycling projects and programs. Notably, Maine has steadily risen to the number two rank after being placed sixth in 2008 and third in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, the League announced its third round of Bicycle Friendly States designations with three new winning states, one upgrade and two renewals. Visit bikeleague.org/states for more information.
1.Washington - Silver* 21. Connecticut 41. South Dakota 2. Maine 22. Michigan 42. Nevada 3. Wisconsin - Silver* 23. Kansas 43. Oklahoma 4. Minnesota - Silver* * 24. Louisiana 44. New Mexico 5. New Jersey- Bronze* 25. Pennsylvania 45. Nebraska 6. Iowa 26. Missouri 46. Montana 7. Florida 27. Tennessee- Bronze* 47. Alabama 8. Oregon- Silver* 28. Rhode Island 48. Arkansas 9. Massachusetts - Bronze* 29. Alaska 49. North Dakota 10. Maryland - Bronze* 30. Idaho 50. West Virginia 11. Illinois 31. Utah 12. Colorado 32. Texas *States which have 13. Virginia 33. Kentucky received recognition 14. New Hampshire 34. New York through the BFS award 15. Vermont 35. Mississippi program. 16. Arizona- Bronze* 36. Hawaii 17. Wyoming 37. Ohio **State that moved 18. Delaware- Bronze* 38. North Carolina up in recognition level 19. Indiana 39. South Carolina through the BFS award 20. California 40. Georgia program.
AmericanBicyclist 23 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND Bicycle-Friendly Synergy By Allison Dewey, Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist
syn•er•gy/sinerjē/ Noun: The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Bikes parked at Colorado State University.
THE LEAGUE’S BICYCLE Friendly our country amongst those working America (BFA) program has evolved towards similar bike-friendly goals. greatly since it expanded and re- The new branches of the BFA pro- vamped the Bicycle Friendly Com- gram are exploding with opportuni- munity program (BFC) in 2003. In ties to collaborate and foster relation- the past three years, the exponential ships among bicycle-friendly entities. growth in the BFA program has Those on the bicycle-friendly path are surpassed all our expectations by joining forces with local governments adding three additional programs to and with each other in the pursuit of the BFC program: Bicycle Friendly a Bicycle Friendly America. Business (BFB), Bicycle Friendly State The first step for communities, T(BFS) and Bicycle Friendly University businesses, universities and states is (BFU). to put their hand up and say, “Bi- National harvesting for bicycling cycling is important; and we, as a could be one theory on how we have group, want to be recognized for our found and designated the hundreds efforts in supporting a more bicycle- of BFB, BFS and BFU winners. friendly environment,” and to fill out However, we aren’t planting bike the BFA free opt-in application. If a advocates throughout the country. city, business, school or states receive Bicycle enthusiasts are popping up all a BFA award, partnerships begin over due the synergy taking place in to form naturally between regional BFA recipients and bike advocates. 2009 Bike Show, Fort Collins, Colo. Photo courtesy of New Belgium Brewery.
24 AmericanBicyclist New Belgium Brewery’s Tour de Fat raised more than $70,000 last year for Fort Collins’ Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol. Photo courtesy of New Belgium Brewery. last year raised more than $70,000 for Fort Collins’ Diamond Peaks Moun- tain Bike Patrol. Colorado State University is also motivated by the city. “It is where we get our energy,” states Joy Childress, Traffic & Bicycle Education and Enforcement Program Coordinator for the University and Chair of the CSU Campus Community Bicycle Advisory Committee (CBAC). “The city has been instrumental in helping the University form CBAC. We share ideas and look at connectivity. The city pushes us to be the best that we are.” A major result of this partner- ship and collaboration is Fort Collins’ new bike box. It is located at one of the busiest intersections for bicyclists, which also happens to be a major ac- cess point to campus. The relationships that are formed between Fort Collins’ bicycle-friendly entities are invaluable. Fred Hab- erecht, Assistant Director of Land- scape and Planning at Colorado State University appreciates the partner- ships that he has fostered since working on sustainability issues. “Through our bicycling emphasis we have made good relationships with the Traffic and Engineering Depart- In turn, these connections increase offers,” says Bryan Simpson, Media ment and Parks and Planning — it’s the bicycle friendliness of a region. Relations Director for New Belgium a toe hold for common ground. Per- Bicycle-friendly networks are form- Brewing. “We have great access to sonal relationships are so important ing throughout our nation, resulting and from work by bike and actually when making decisions and creating in a palatable, bike-friendly synergy. prefer visitors to come by bike.” New change.” Nick Mason, Education & This synergy results in more efficient Belgium encourages employees to Technical Assistance Program Man- and more effective progress. ride and generously gives to the city ager for Bicycle Alliance of Minneso- to help maintain and improve the ta, agrees. “There is an open conver- Fort Collins, Colo. bike infrastructure that so many of its sation with the city when it comes to Fort Collins, Colo. is a Gold level employees use. The business recently bicycling. It is a partnership.” BFC and home to four BFBs and underwrote a series of bike racks for one silver-level BFU. New Belgium Fort Collins, creating an additional Minnesota Brewery resides here and is one of 60 bike parking spots in town. There BFA harmony is happening only six platinum-level BFBs. “In are sponsored bike tours within the throughout Minnesota too. The state every way, shape and form we are the community, and the brewery offers is a Silver-level BFS, and Minneapo- beneficiaries of the bicycle-friend- the use of their on-site cross track lis is at the heart of it. The city is a linessphoto of courtesy Fort Collins of eMoto and all that it to the community. Their Tour de Fat Gold-level BFC and is home to 12
AmericanBicyclist 25 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND AMERICAN
BFBs and one BFU — The University bike counts are recorded. “There is THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus. shared data between the city and the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling The university credits the city for the school, shared innovation, and for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through enabling the University of Minne- shared problem solving. It has been advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 sota to cultivate the campus’ bicycle a great relationship.” million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 friendliness. The city and school have Nice Ride, Minneapolis’s bike affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 realized what is good for the city is share system, has been a nice ad- organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling also good for the university. Steve dition to the area, benefitting both to your community. Contact League officers, directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Sanders, the Campus Bicycle Coor- the city and university. The City Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; dinator, speaks highly of the univer- provided the initial funding for [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. sity’s relationship to the city. “We do the citywide bike share system and BOARD OF DIRECTORS a lot together and have had a healthy wanted to put the kiosks where Diane Albert, [email protected] working relationship with the city for the most cyclists were — on and Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] years. The city recognizes the volume around the campus. The university Gary Brustin, [email protected] of bicyclists on campus and goes out gave the go-ahead and provided Steve Durrant, [email protected] of its way to make sure the bicycling the funding for on-campus kiosks. Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected] infrastructure connects to the univer- Completing the synergy circle, Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] sity.” In fact, it is on the university’s Dero Bikes — a Gold level BFB in Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] campus that some of the city’s highest Minneapolis — is contracted to David Madson, [email protected] provide their new Zap Counter Mike Nix, [email protected] technology to help track and en- Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] courage bike use. The city of Minneapolis provided John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] To further encourage bicycling, the initial funding for Nice Ride, the Gail Spann, [email protected] the statewide advocacy group Bike citywide bike share system and put Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer Alliance of Minnesota promotes the kiosks where the most cyclists Hans van Naerssen, Chair, the BFB program. “Bicycling is a were — on and around the University [email protected] huge benefit for jobs and economic of Minnesota -Twin Cities campus. Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] development. Employers know that Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, [email protected] people who chose to bike are happi- STAFF er and healthier,” says Mason. “Pro- Andy Clarke – President viding a bicycle friendly workplace Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President and a bicycle friendly community Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications Alison Dewey – BFC Program Specialist is an excellent way to retain those Walter Finch – Advocacy Director employees. It also makes our city Darren Flusche – Policy Analyst very livable and attracts tourism.” Lorna Green – Director of Operations Katie Omberg – Membership and Events Assistant Minneapolis continues to invest in Bill Nesper – Director, BFC Program bicycle infrastructure while their Alissa Simcox – Director of Education local businesses and universities are Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant building bicycle-friendly environ- Scott Williams – Membership Director Nicole Wynands – BFA Program Specialist ments and commuter numbers grow. The result is a city surround- AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE ed with a continuous synergy of Editor: Meghan Cahill Art Director: Studio D Design bicycle-friendly efforts! Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon
Want to tap into your area’s American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2011 bicycle-friendly synergy? Check out League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in our Bicycle Friendly America map part without permission is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of to see awarded businesses, commu- manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the nities, and universities/colleges at material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published without additional approval. Opinions bicyclefriendlyamerica.com expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.
26 AmericanBicyclist THINK BIKE Wisconsin Windfall Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Restores $2 Million for Bike & Pedestrian Funding By Darren Flusche, Policy Analyst
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY to get the message out.” that they turned $3,000 into $2 mil- The Bicycle Federation was lion? Kevin Hardman and the Bicycle concerned that the legislature would Federation of Wisconsin can. The Bi- pass the budget without the bicycle cycle Federation used a $3,000 Advo- and walking program and sprang cacy Advance Rapid Respond grant into action. They met with Governor to support their campaign to restore Walker during the Wisconsin Bike Wisconsin Bike Summit constituent dedicated bicycle and pedestrian Summit, and he agreed not to veto meeting with Sen. Mark Miller (left) and funds cut from the state budget and the budget if the Bicycle Federation Jay Ferm, of Planet Bike (right). were successful. Instead of zeroing managed to get the bicycling money out the bicycle and pedestrian line back in. The Bicycle Federation hired in the budget, the state will spend $2 a government relations expert and Hmillion over the next two years on worked with republican leadership, bicycle and pedestrian projects. the Wisconsin Transportation Build- Since 2009, Wisconsin has ers Association, and a broad coalition dedicated $2.5 million annually to of transportation interests though the support their Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Development Asso- Facilities Program (BPFP). The BPFP ciation to build support to restore the matches and bolsters federal Trans- $2 million. portation Enhancement funds to build To help cover their expenses, bicycle and pedestrian projects. In the Bicycle Federation applied for 2010 the Wisconsin Department of and received an Advocacy Advance Kevin Hardman, Executive Director of Transportation identified 56 projects Rapid Response grant of $3,000. the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin at in 30 counties to be constructed with Rapid Response grants are part of the the Wisconsin Bike Summit. the funds. Advocacy Advance partnership be- Then Wisconsin Governor tween the League and the Alliance for Scott Walker released a draft of the Biking & Walking and are awarded plished in difficult circumstances. 2011-2013 budget that zeroed out on a rolling basis for organizations “This is an important moment for the BPFP line item. This would have met with unexpected opportunities to Wisconsin bicycling. These funds impacted approximately half of the win, increase, or preserve funding for have been restored by a conservative bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure biking and walking. “We saw a need republican legislature and signed into and planning projects. “Now we’ve and jumped into action. It takes a lot law by a conservative Governor.” said got to convince the mainstream of resources if we are going to change Hardman. “This effort proves that we of Wisconsin that bicycling is an the minds of political leaders,” Hard- can get both parties to act in support integral part of the transportation man said, “The League and Alliance of Wisconsin bicycling.” system,” thought Kevin Hardman, quickly came with the resources.” executive director of the Bicycle Fed- Reversals like the restoration of To learn more about Advocacy eration of Wisconsin, when he saw funds are not unheard of but are un- Advance and Rapid Response Grants, the budget. “We’ve got to work hard usual. They show what can be accom- please visit AdvocacyAdvance.org.
AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop Bikes Galore in Bay Village
Holy cow, that’s a lot of bikes!
Bike parking at Bay Village Middle School By James Cassidy
THERE I WAS, HAVING MY A few years ago our students at the This is very impressive: 600 to morning coffee at Mojo’s in Bay high school promoted a Bike to School 800 middle school students and half Village, Ohio, a suburb west of Day. They calculated the savings in the high school — approximately 400 Cleveland, when a dozen young fuel and the energy burned for the high school students. That’s 1,000 to girls in uniforms arrived on bicycles, more than 60 percent of the student 1,200 kids on bikes in a community had their morning treats and left. body riding bikes that day. For the past the same size as Plainville! Turns out, they were headed for the two years the students, administrators parochial school down the street. and teachers decided to plan and Then, on my way home I passed the promote a Bike to School Month Bay Village Middle School, and I did during May. A bike shop in Rocky a double take. There were more bikes River offered bicycles to give as prizes, Tthan the eye could comprehend — along with other items from their and the camera. shop. Chipotle Grille offers a coupon The photo above is three photos, for all students and staff who ride the stitched together, to show the extent first day. Those who ride get credits of bikes along the main street. What for the raffles. Now more than 600 the photo doesn’t show well is that of 800 middle school students riding there are bikes on both sides of the bikes and about half of the high school picket fence! students. We have added more bike That’s a lot of bikes, even for a racks at the school and city venues to School officials estimate that 1,000 to nice spring morning alongside Lake accommodate all the kids who now 1,200 middle- and high-school students Erie! I guessed that there were about ride in the fall and summer. We used ride to school during Bike to School 500 bikes at this one school, and I to have about a dozen bikes come to Month. wondered why. So I asked the current soccer or football games. Now, the school superintendent, Clint Keener. large bike racks overflow with bikes Here is his response: ridden by students and adults. We are proud of our student participation and equally proud of the teachers. - Clint Keener, Superintendent
28 AmericanBicyclist INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CYCLISTS... Support the work of the League of American Bicyclists with a gift in your will.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Kiker, Vice President, at 202-621-5449 or e-mail [email protected]
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