March-April 2011 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists Working for a -Friendly America

RED ROCK ROAD EXTREME ROAD MAKEOVER p. 10

16 Spring 2011 BFBs AND BFUs 18 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 24 RIDE WITH LARRY The Bicycle Gives Freedom Back to a Parkinson’s Patient

contentMARCH-APRIL 2011

IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint...... 2 Chair’s Message...... 3 InBox...... 4 Cogs & Gears...... 6 10 QuickStop...... 28

Bicycle Friendly ON THE America Workstand COVER! 10 Arizona’s Red Rock Road: How Community and Bicycling Advocacy Achieved an Extreme Road Makeover

14 Stanford Goes Platinum

16 Spring 2011 Bicycle Friendly Businesses and Bicycle Friendly Universities

Think Bike 17 Introducing AdvocacyAdvance.org

18 National BIke Summit: Acting on a Simple Solution

18 From the Saddle 24 Ride With Larry

Cover: Motorists and bicyclists now can safely share the scenic Red Rock Road between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Red Rock photo above: VVCC member, Thomas McGoldrick, enjoys the bike lane of the new Red Rock Road between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. 24

AmericanBicyclist 1 AMERICAN viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president]

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling WE’RE for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 MOVING! organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; I JOINED THE LEAGUE STAFF EIGHT years [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. ago because the organization was moving – really headed in the right direction. BOARD OF DIRECTORS At that time, we had just started hosting Diane Albert, [email protected] the National Bike Summit and could scarcely Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] believe that 300 people came to Washington, Gary Brustin, [email protected] D.C. to meet their members of Congress. We Steve Durrant, [email protected] just concluded the 2011 Summit and had 767 Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected] people participate in close to 400 meetings on Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] Capitol Hill. Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] Back in 2003 we had just completely overhauled the Bicycle Friendly David Madson, [email protected] Community (BFC) program to create the Bronze through Platinum recogni- Mike Nix, [email protected] I Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] tion levels. We made all the BFCs from the previous (much looser) program re-apply and recognized 24 out of 61 communities – today we are getting John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] almost that many applicants twice a year! We have dramatically expanded the Gail Spann, [email protected] program to embrace Businesses, States and Universities, as well as communi- Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer Hans van Naerssen, Chair, ties. The Blueprint you received in the mail (the Jan/Feb issue of American [email protected] Bicyclist) is helping guide people across the country to create a more bicycle- Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] friendly America. Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, [email protected] In 2004, we set ourselves the wildly ambitious target of certifying 100 STAFF League Instructors in 10 seminars – in April, this year alone, we are Andy Clarke – President hosting eight seminars and have more than 80 candidates signed up. We certi- Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President fied our 3,000th LCI back in November. Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications Alison Dewey – BFC Program Specialist Back then, we were proud to call 425 local bike clubs and approximately Walter Finch – Advocacy Director 70 local advocacy groups our affiliates — in 2011 those numbers have reached Darren Flusche – Policy Analyst 660 and 170, respectively, as we continue to support and serve local cyclists Lorna Green – Director of Operations Katie Omberg – Membership and Events Assistant through all our programs. Bill Nesper – Director, BFC Program Perhaps the most impressive statistic, however, is one that often goes Jeff Peel – State and Local Advocacy Coordinator unnoticed. This month we are physically moving our offices to a space three Carly Sieff – BFA Program Assistant floors below our home of the past decade. We are moving 13 members of staff Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant Preston Tyree – Education Director to a better configured and slightly cheaper space — Suite 510. We do have Scott Williams – Membership Director our education director working from Austin, Texas ... but otherwise, we have dramatically expanded and improved our programs with exactly the same AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Editor: Meghan Cahill number of staff as we had in 2003! Art Director: Studio D Design So, yes; we’re moving. Come see us in our new space whenever you are in Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon Washington. The staff is really moving our programs and services! American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2011 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 Andy Clarke, material may be published without additional approval. Opinions League President expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.

2 AmericanBicyclist chair’smessage [Hans van Naerssen]

PROTECTING BICYCLING The League lobbies to keep funding for bicycling in the budget

“ELIMINATE GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON NON- We are only three months into the new year and a lot motorized transportation!” So rang renewed attacks after has been done already to help you get safer, more conve- November’s mid term election. So what did the leaders of nient bicycling, thanks to the League’s Andy Clarke, his the League and other related organizations do to protect staff, and other leaders. our ability to enjoy safe and convenient bicycling? I also want to thank those who voted in the recent Immediately after the election, the League worked League Board election. The new Board members bring with our colleagues in the America Bikes campaign to de- excellent qualifications and experience. velop a proactive strategy to keep the miniscule funding for pedestrian and bicycling facilities in the budget. They targeted more than 100 key congressional districts, pre- pared economic benefit data, identified and familiarized local bicyclists and others. These local advocates met with Hans van Naerssen, Etheir congressional representatives to share their concern Chair and ask for the representative’s support. The result – Transportation Enhancements were not in the first wave of budget cuts proposed by the new House members. And that’s not all. In March, Washington, D.C. was inundated (well, I’m overstating it a bit) by a record number of almost 800 bi- cyclists from all around the U.S. for the League’s National Bike Summit. Additionally, two departmental secretaries from the Transportation and Interior went out of their way to join the Summit and share their views. League President Andy Clarke and his team’s orchestration of this event was, once again, resonating. And for shaping the longer term? Also in Janu- ary, 33 representatives from 19 national, state and local advocacy organizations met to define a shared national strategy. Leaders from the League, the Alliance for Bicy- cling and Walking, Bikes Belong, Rails to Trails, Safe Routes to School, and many others spent a day sharing their views and out- lining future goals. These will be shared later this year.

AmericanBicyclist 3 inbox [letters to the editor]

FACEBOOK MESSAGE Congratulations to the univer- sities that earned the League’s first- ever Bicycle Friendly designations, Conservative Bicyclists and to Stanford as the sole Platinum winner. TWEETED I am very conservative in my politics; and yet, I am on the board of - Fehr & Peers Transportation Consul- Live tweet from the tants, March 9 National Bike Summit a state advocacy group for bicycling. We only got to speak with Not all conservatives are against bicycling so be careful how you deal FACEBOOK MESSAGE staffers except for Whitfield. We are honored to be high- He certainly gets it. All were with this Oberstar loss. Maybe there is a good conservative representative lighted in American Bicyclist magazine friendly, bikepartisan. as a Game Changer for Encourage- - Kirkwrites, March 13 or senator who likes biking. - Linda Gould, New Hampshire ment. Thanks League! - Whatcom Smart Trips, March 9 FACEBOOK MESSAGE In response to Bike Trail FACEBOOK MESSAGE Boosts Business in Mississippi In response to At National These kinds of stories, common from Bike Summit: It’s about the economy the business owners themselves, are I hope the bean counters realize that priceless! Keep ‘em coming. putting bike lanes and bike corridors - Maurice Carter, March 16 actually promote the local economy. - John Cook, March 7 FACEBOOK MESSAGE Live post from the National Bike Summit’s Congressional Lobby Day Here’s a photo of my congress- TWEETED man, Ralph Hall, Texas (below). He lost BikeLeague names Climate Change Revisited his regular glasses and said he felt Stanford University top I have to disagree strongly with silly being on the floor earlier with his bike-friendly campus! Craig Watts’ letter in the Nov-Dec sunglasses on. - eberesini, March 15 2010 issue of American Bicyclist, in - Gail Copus Spann, March 11 which Mr. Watts asserts that Ameri- TWEETED can Bicyclist should make no mention The 2011 National Bike of the “theory” of global warming as Summit ended with lots it relates to cycling. I’m an engineer of new prospects for trails; too, and to those of us with our eyes better Bureau of Land open to the empirical evidence, that Management policies for theory long ago became fact. Per- mountain biking; and, the ic- haps Mr. Watts would also have the ing on the cake, Let’s Move & magazine avoid mentioning cycling’s Secretary Salazar! relationship to the obesity epidemic, - IMBA_Jenn, March 15 national energy security, urban poverty, or any other concern that we should all share? - Bob Persons, P.E., Newton, Mass.

4 AmericanBicyclist TWEETED Bike Summit 2011 Economic Fact Sheets available at http://americabikes.org/resources/. See the impact in your Congressional district! - GABikes, March 17

Why I Joined The League I just joined the League today. TWEETED I’ve waffled on joining for some time The list of U.S. Bicycle Friendly now. What made the difference today Businesses just came out. Sadly was a visit to League Life Member only one in Connecticut. @BikeLeague John Hobbs in his bike repair shop - Still_Flowing, March 17 in Newton, Kan. He had just received the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of American Bicyclist, Bicycle Friendly America: The Blueprint. Newton is in the beginning stages of developing a bike plan, which makes this issue remark- ably timely. I would like my first Thanks for your letters American Bicyclist to be this issue. We eagerly await all of your - D Mark Shifflett, Newton, Kansas comments — good and bad TWEETED — on cycling, the League, our The Blueprint publications, and just about I just received the Jan/Feb 2011 Nice testimonial from a bike retailer on the posi- anything else you want to tell issue of American Bicyclist, Bicycle us about. E-mail meghan@ Friendly America: The Blueprint. tive effect investments in bike trails had on his business. bikeleague.org or mail it to Outstanding. How can I obtain more us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite copies to pass out? (via @bikeleague) - bikesbelong, March 17 510, Washington, D.C. 20006. - Dennis Strawn, Advocacy Coordina- Comment on facebook.com/ tor, Mountain State Wheelers Bicycle leagueamericanbicyclists or Club, Charleston, W.V. twitter.com/bikeleague. Letters may be edited for style and Editors Note: length. The League is happy to mail copies of Bicycle Friendly America: The Blueprint to anyone that needs them. E-mail bikeleague@ bikeleague.org to request your American Bicyclist is printed with copies today. soy ink on 30% post-consumer recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

AmericanBicyclist 5 cogs&gears [League News] BIKEMONTH2011

100 % CLUBS League 100% clubs offer mem- bership to the League as part of their own club membership — a great benefit for someone looking to join their local club The League sponsored National Bike Month is approaching and now is or advocacy group. The League the time to promo events and coordinate volunteers. welcomes the Kansas City First things first, promote your Bike Month events! Post events online for Bicycle Club and the Cleve- free at bikeleague.org/bikemonth. Bikeleague.org is the national database land Touring Club as our most for Bike Month and Bike to Work events, and visitors can search recent 100% clubs. They join for events by state, city and zip code using the site’s Find It Bicycle Longmont, Boca Raton Feature or can browse the total list at bikeleague.org/ Bicycle Club, Conejo Valley bikemonth. Also, the League has several posters, logos Cyclists, Highland Pedalers, the and ads that you can download for free. League of Lancaster Cyclists, Hopefully by this time, Bike Month events volun- and the Southwest teers have been recruited. To keep things organized, Cycling Club. and to make sure jobs are done right, outline expec- tations, time commitments and tasks involved for If your club is interested in volunteers. Present this at meetings prior to your events, becoming a 100% club, please and keep these meetings convenient and timely – do not contact Scott Williams at make it a chore. Finally, have individual tasks for volunteers who [email protected] or have limited time. Everyone should be able to participate! 202-621-5453. For more information on planning your Bike Month and Bike to Work Week events, check out the Bike Month section at bikeleague.org/bikemonth.

The National Bike Summit’s record missioner from New York City Janette What has number of attendees – 767 – partici- Sadik-Khan, the Executive Director pated in more than 400 congressio- of the First Lady’s Let’s Move Cam- the League nal meetings on Thursday, March 10. paign Robin Schepper, and the Hill’s done for you lately? Among the standout speakers were bicycling champion Congressman Cabinet Secretaries Ray LaHood and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). We shared Ken Salazar, the Transportation Com- a powerful message of economic

6 AmericanBicyclist Club Leadership Training

The League is holding a Club Leadership Weekend in Memphis, Tenn. May 6-8 to ramp up education efforts for our nation’s bicycling club volunteers and leaders. We’ll have sessions on membership, leadership succession, budgeting and other important topics, as well as plenty of time for informal sharing of best practices and lessons learned. We’ll cap it all off with a ride on Sunday, led by local partners the Memphis Hightail- ers Bicycle Club. If you can’t make it to Memphis, the League continues to offer Club Leadership Training via the web. Check out the Club Corner on bikelea- gue.org for recordings of past sessions. Visit bikeleague.org/club_corner for details and registration.

Club Newsletters Clubs of the Year of the Year Congratulations to the League of American Bicyclists 2011 Clubs of the Year! These clubs are great examples of thriv- Winner ing bicycle clubs. They offer great events for members and StreetBeat and Reclaim – the community, are involved in advocacy and education Transportation Alternatives efforts, and have informative websites and publications. Read more at transalt.org/newsroom Bike Clubs of the Year Westchester Cycle Club (NY) Runners-up New York Cycle Club (NY) The Roadrunner – Santa Cruz San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club (CA) County Cycling Club Bonneville Cycling Club (UT) Read more at santacruzcycling.org/news/ Bloomington Bicycle Club (IN) roadrunnerarchive Baltimore Bicycle Club (MD) Blue Ridge Bicycle Club (VA) The Seatpost – Toledo Area Bicyclists Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks (AR) Read more at toledoareabicyclists.com

development and simple solutions Transportation Commissioner of on Capitol Hill, and concluded the NYC Janette Sadik-Khan wowed the Summit in our largest Congressional Summit’s opening plenary crowd Bike Ride yet – 100 riders – in honor with the release of the new NACTO of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Read more Urban Bikeway Design Guide. on page 18.

AmericanBicyclist 7 cogs&gears [League News] LOOK FOR THE BIKE SUMMIT TOTE TOO! LEAGUE CORPORATE MEMBERS

We need strong corporations to help build the League of American Bicyclists. Joining at the Corporate Level signifies a serious commitment on your part to a

N a t i o n a l bicycle-friendly America. When a firm joins as a League Corporate Member, they B i k e gain direct exposure to our extensive network of tens of thousands of individual S u m m i t and family members in addition to members of the more than 700 League affiliat- ed clubs and advocacy organizations. Corporate support helps sustain our tremen- 1 ’1 dous growth and success of the past few years. Rates of cycling continue to trend upwards, and the League continues to be at the front of that growth. Contact Scott Williams at [email protected] for further information and NATIONAL benefits of League Corporate Sponsorship. BIKE SUMMIT

Champions: SHIRTS National Bike Summit t-shirts are available Sprinters: Climbers: Peloton: online at the League Hawley USA Bicycle Garage Indy Bike Lid store. Commemorate SPECIALIZED Bicycle Technologies Excella Consulting your experience at the Wheel and Sprocket International (BTI) Primal Ware Summit and get your DuVine Adventures Raleigh shirt before they are Ortlieb USA gone forever!

Reston Bike Club W Bloxom Thomas Cowles Richmond Area Bicycling Margaret & Corwin Marc Currie GIVING Association Booth Andy Dannenberg Thanks to the following people who have contributed Saddle Brooke Cycle Masters Charlie Bosscher Bill Davidson Family at least $100 to the League from October 1, 2010 San Angelo Bicycle Association David Bowie Virginia De Lima through February 28, 2011. These contributions are Sarasota-Manatee Bike Club Jeffrey Braff Dennis Delong above and beyond any dues payments. Silver Wheels Cycling Club Randall Brodersen Paul Demjanenko Spring City Spinners Bicycle Club Ben Brown Charles Denney Starved Rock Cycling Assoc. Donald Bryan Family Robert Devriendt Brandywine Bicycle Club Toledo Area Bicyclists Daryl Burbank-Schmitt Robert Dickinson $1,000 - $4,999 Chattanooga Bicycle Club Kevin Doi Organizations: White Clay Bicycle Club Burke Family Columbia Bicycle Club John Donovan Betty Huse MD Charitable Yaquina Wheels Bicycle Club Robert Burpee Criterium Bicycles Amanda Eichstaedt Foundation Judi Burten Cumberland Valley Individuals: Cahill King Family Kathleen Eiser Cycling Club Tom Farber Individuals: Karen Adam Family Rory Callahan Delaware Valley Bicycle Club Noel Field & Dinah Coble Leslie Arminski James Campen Folks On Spokes Bicycle Club Robert Fiore Barry Pullen Roberta Auerbach William Carter Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Lyndon Babcock Anthony Chen Family Peter Flucke Family Hancock Handlebars James Baross Evelyn Chereson Michael Flueckiger $100-$999 Bicycle Club Barrett Family Charles Chesney Chin Fong Organizations: Hawkeye Bicycle Assoc. Gerald Beal Martha Clarvoe Cary Fox Ace Wheel Works Illinois Valley Wheelmen Steve Beck Charles Coates Sally Franzel Family Almaden Cycle Touring Club Los Angeles County Bruce Beighley Neil Cohen William Frey City of Huntsville Bicycle Bicycle Coalition Ellis Bigelow Alan Cole James Gange Advisory and Safety Committee Los Angeles Wheelman Greg Binder Family Steve Combs jason garnham Bicycle Club of Lake County Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club Mia Birk Rich Coolman Jeffrey Giese Family Blue Ridge Bicycle Club New Mexico Touring Society Piers Blackett Charles Coulter Normani Gold Bowling Green League of Penn Cycle Field Blevins Arnold Cowan Steve Golden Bicyclists

8 AmericanBicyclist WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS The League welcomes five experienced bicycling advocates to the 2011 board of directors.

Diane Albert, Ph.D., Steve Durrant, Jennifer Grey Fox, Alison Hill Graves, David Madson, President of the Principal, Alta Director of Strategic Executive Director, Senior Development Board, Bicycle Coali- Planning + Design, Planning, Climate- Community Cycling Officer, CA Pacific tion of New Mexico, Portland, Ore. Works Foundation, Center, Portland, Ore. Medical Center Los Ranchos, N.M. Durrant is principal at San Francisco, Calif. Executive Direc- Foundation, San Albert is an avid Alta Planning + De- Fox is President of tor of the nonprofit Francisco, Calif. bicycle commuter, in- sign in Portland, Ore., the San Francisco Community Cycling Madson, a resident of door cycling instruc- a bicycle commuter, a Bicycle Coalition Center in Portland, Berkeley, is a Senior tor, and recreational long-distance cyclist, and leads strategic Ore., Graves works Development Officer cyclist. She serves a LCI and a licensed planning for a global collaboratively across with California Pacific as President of the landscape architect foundation focused disciplines, including Medical Center Foun- Bicycle Coalition of specializing in bicycle on climate change. community health, dation. He recently New Mexico (BCNM) facilities. He is on the Fox has worked on transportation policy, served eight years on and is an LCI. Mississippi River Trail energy-efficiency social justice, and the board of Hostell- board and is an ex- policy development, education to encour- ing International: USA. ecutive board mem- is a bike commuter, age people who ride Madson is a member ber of The Waterfront bike tour leader, and to be informed, in- of Grizzly Peak Cyclists. Center. bike advocate. volved, and engaged. [Read more at bikeleague.org/about/board]

Daniel Goldschmidt Marjorie Jeffries Bryan Lorber David Phillips Cameron Sears Carol Tremble Lynne Goldsmith Don Jeske William Malone Suzan Pinsof James Sebastian Preston Tyree Janet Goldstein Jack Johnson Paul Manley James Potter Ross Kathy Seery Family Hans Van Naerssen William Goodrum Edwin R. Jones Family Patrick Marek John Preston Family John Seyfarth Lee Venteicher Karen Goodwin Alan Kailer Russell Marx Prosnitz Family Kenneth Shanks Steven Vonderfecht Bill Graustein Michael Kaiser Tom Mather Daniel Rabinowitz John Siemiatkoski Carol Waaser Mike Greehan Kerry Kelly Donna McMillen James Radtke Jane Sierk Evan Wachs H. Greenfield Mitchell Kelly William Michie Ronald Reitz Silverwater Kevin Watson Curt Gridley John Kern John Mildenberger Michael Replogle Greenberg Family Baird Webel Family Robert Gubler Jeffrey Ketterling Henry Miller Bill Reynolds George Simmons Karin Weisburgh Joel Guzman Charles King Family Robert Paul Reynolds Henry Slack Sylvia Weiser Mark Harder Robert C. Kirk P. Newberry Steven Riess Richard Slaymaker John Westgate Thomas Hauser Jacquelyn Kittredge Edward Nicolson Jennifer Risch Miles Smith Edward Wetzel Philip Heinicke Edward Kleinbard Mike Nix Philip Rizzi Robin Smith Juliette Wheeler Robert Hendry Family Ken Kohler John Nixon Roberts Family Frank Smith E. Whelan Larry & Mary Hennessey Henryka Komanska Jerry Norquist Timothy Roche Adena Staben Bruce Wickert Lee Herman Gregory Korpita Van Nussbaum Dan Rogalla Ken Stahl Nathan Wilkes Paul Herrera James Kramer Jeff & Margo Olson George Rothbart Dennis Steger Howard Williams Robert Hingtgen Lee Kravitz Robert Oppliger Maria Saiz H. Steiger Jay Williams Bruce Hoffberger Peter Lagerwey Stephan Orsak Mike Sapp Jacqy Stone John Wills Mac Holcomb James Lamiell Mary Paquet Beverly Sarton Family Kathryn Storm Nancy Wright Kenneth Holloway Laura Lauder John Pardee Alan Satterly Barbara Sturges Jiro Yamamoto Joyce Hounsell Peter Lauritzen Ron Park L. Sawyer Joseph Stusnick Tim Young Susan Immelt Philip Lee Raymond Parodi Kristen & Chris George Tennies Eric Youngblut Kerry Irons Jane Leiby Barbara Pearson Scheller Joseph Thanhauser Victoria Zeldin George Ivey John Lewandowski Dalia Perelman Frank Schipper Geoff Thomas Philip Zitello Mark Jauquet Emily Littleton Claudia Perry Peter Schoch Michael Throop Laurence Zuckerman William Logan Thomas Pfafman Kathy Schubert Norman Tjaden

AmericanBicyclist 9 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

A

Riders in the new bike lane of the Red Rock Road.

1010 American AmericanBicyclist arizona’s Red Rock Road How Community and Bicycling Advocacy Achieved an Extreme Road Makeover ... By Bob Beane, Randy Victory and Daniel Paduchowski Photos by Carla Riedel and Bob Beane

popular American television show central Arizona, about two hours process was begun to solve the traffic begins with a deserving family in north of Phoenix. Both communities problems in a way that met the other need of a new home. Designers get are surrounded by stunning red and needs, wishes and desires of local to know the family’s needs, wishes white sandstone cliffs and slick rock, residents. Local cyclist Ian Wickson and desires, and then a village comes making the area a much visited des- almost singlehandedly drafted an together to demolish their dysfunc- tination for tourists, photographers, influential proposal for bicycle ac- tional house and reconstruct a home hikers and mountain bikers. commodation, and it is still viewed as that exceeds their expectations. For years, the Arizona Depart- a model document by some ADOT Apply that concept to a roadway ment of Transportation (ADOT) had planners and project managers. Aproject, and you have some idea of known that something needed to be The governmental bodies and what has just been achieved on one of done about Highway 179. It was an agencies involved were Yavapai and this country’s most scenic stretches of up-and-down two-lane road, with no Coconino Counties, City of Sedona, road: Arizona Highway 179 between shoulder, and blind corners. The road Big Park Regional Coordinating the City of Sedona and the Village definitely couldn’t handle the load of Council, Coconino National Forest, of Oak Creek. The end product is weekend and holiday traffic without the Federal Highway Administration a well-designed multi-modal cor- bumper-to-bumper back-ups for and ADOT. Input was received from ridor that has been designated an miles. Bicycling on the road was out numerous individuals, as well as the All American Road. On August 21, of the question for most commuting Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition. bicyclists from the area and around and recreational cyclists. Local cyclists were a small voice Arizona rode the highway, celebrated Nearly a decade ago, a conclu- among many, and they had to band the completion of the Red Rock Road sion was made at ADOT – Highway together, be very vocal and present and heard Sedona Mayor Rob Adams 179 should be reconstructed as a ideas with the polish of much larger declare his intention for Sedona to four-lane highway, more akin to the organizations in order to be taken achieve the League of American Bi- limited-access interstate highway seriously. According to Verde Valley cyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community system profile. Once the word got out Cyclists Coalition (VVCC) founder status. in the Sedona/VOC area, there was Randy Victory, “It was insanely dif- As a matter of geography, Se- uproar. To ADOT’s credit, they lis- ficult to make this happen – massive dona and the Village of Oak Creek tened to their constituents and began burnout (we lost board members), are nestled near the banks of Oak the first “Context Sensitive Solution” disillusionment (another guy virtu- Creek in the Verde Valley of north- roadway project in Arizona history. A ally quit cycling), and money (it took

AmericanBicyclist 11 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

almost all our treasury) …but when but pedestrians, hikers, bicyclists, and you consider the benefits, I’d do it all bus and trolley use. With this char- over again.” ter, ADOT’s supportive and talented Echoing Victory’s sentiments, project team went to work on design current VVCC president Daniel features and options for this high- Paduchowski said at the roadway profile project. completion festivities, “The story But, community consensus was goes back about seven years when not all it took. Sedona and VOC concerned cyclists from the entire had no street sweeping equipment. Verde Valley met with ADOT in the ADOT management would not agree parking lot of Absolute Bikes and let to stripe bike lanes unless quarterly them know that bicyclists were there sweeping was funded for at least and wanted to be heard.” Had advo- three years. Neither the State nor the cate Randy Victory not organized County would provide that funding. that demonstration in 2003, there So, Paduchowski passed the bicycle probably would not have been any helmet and secured pledges from bike lanes or other accommodating Paul Dominique at the Verde Val- features in the project. The VVCC got ley School, Jim Monahan of Bike & a seat at the table, involved them- Bean, Ken Lane and Steve McClain of selves in local politics and planning Absolute Bikes, and Mike Wise and New bike lane and markings and gained the support of mayors, Mark Keickis of Commerce 89. With approaching the Village of Oak Creek city councils, public works directors, those and other pledges in hand, from Interstate Highway 17. local newspapers, and the strong sup- the Sedona Community Foundation port of Yavapai County Supervisor granted the VVCC matching funds to Chip Davis and Coconino County meet ADOT’s requirement. This was Supervisor Matt Ryan. the first arrangement of its kind in The consensus of the commu- Arizona, allowing a non-profit advo- nity was that the project needed to cacy organization to sign an agree- improve traffic flow while staying ment with ADOT to secure dedicated respectful to the environment, neigh- bike lanes. borhoods and communities through Roll forward to August 21, 2010, which it flowed. It also needed to years after the process began, and create a multi-modal corridor that the vast majority of the community accommodated not only automobiles, seems very pleased with the final

Above: Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists president, Bob Beane, congratulates VVCC president, Daniel Paduchowski, on a job well done, with celebration Key members of ride organizer Thomas McGoldrick back the VVCC who center. helped make this project happen.

12 AmericanBicyclist product. As for bicycling, a virtually ping on the main road for motor- unusable road has been reconstructed ists and tour buses. to include features such as: • Connectivity between Sedona • Bike lanes and debris space to and VOC, the neighborhoods in the right, with curbed areas to between and the various shops, discourage vehicles from pulling restaurants, businesses and trail- over unless due to an emergency heads along the route. (random photo stops at road side were a frequent feature of this Recreational road cyclists, moun- highway). tain bikers, commuting and tour- • Wide center/median left-hand ing bicyclists all benefit from these turn lanes to help keep main significant improvements in access lanes moving forward without and safety. For portions of the route, vehicle incursion into bike lanes. there is also a sidewalk path suitable • Roundabouts (traffic circles) with for families with smaller children. 15 mph speed limits have re- With time, the full impact of placed all stoplights and allow bi- this project will become clear. For cyclists to merge with traffic, take now, local bicycle shops already have the lane and proceed through added road bikes to their rental fleets intersections in the normal flow and ADOT plans to add bike lanes of traffic. year on Hwy 89A in the western • Scenic overlook parking areas, part of Sedona to connect bicycle providing an alternative to stop- accommodation from the Village of Oak Creek all the way to Cotton- wood, which is more than 30 miles away. The VVCC and the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists are planning bicycling events, an economic impact study and video to showcase what has been achieved and what is yet to come. Sometimes it takes a village … or, in this case, maybe a village, a city and a valley … and a handful of persistent advocates who fought the good fight and made a bit of bicycling advocacy history in Arizona. Ramp feature from the sidewalk to the bike lane. Arizona’s glorious Bell Rock stands in the background.

For more info about Arizona’s Red Rock Road project contact: Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition – vvcc.us Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists – cazbike.org Arizona Department of Transportation – azbikeped.org Sedona Chamber of Commerce – sedonachamber.com

AmericanBicyclist 13 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

mony to the great relationship that our bike program has with campus planning, public safety, and many others in making the campus a safe place to ride,” said Delon Scott. Achieving a daily count of more than 13,000 cyclists on campus is an accomplishment in itself but keeping all of these people on bikes – circulating smoothly and safely and providing bike parking to meet this demand – is Platinum-worthy. With bike and clothes lockers, caged bike racks, strategically placed bike repair stations and shower facilities, Stanford meets the needs of all types of bicyclists. The university continually evaluates the campus’ bike flow, parking needs and interactions with pedestrians. Stan- STANFORD ford’s Commute Club, with more than 7,000 members, incentivizes students, faculty and staff to bike or take alternative transportation. These efforts have proven GOES PLATINUM successful. Membership has risen 121 percent since by Carly Sieff 2001-02, and the sales of long-term faculty, staff and student parking permits have decreased 17 percent since ARIADNE DELON SCOTT IS STILL RELIVING THE 2004. Stanford University’s employee drive-alone rate phone call she received the first week of March, announc- dropped from 72 percent in 2002 to 48 percent in 2010. ing that Stanford University received a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly University award designation. As the Bicycle Program Coordinator at Stanford for more than a collective five years, Delon Scott has been working to turn the campus into the bicycling haven that it is today. The 93-question application that Stanford submitted this January – along with 31 other Universities – marks the first round of Bicycle Friendly Universities. Delon Scott insists that this platinum honor is a real tribute to the hard work of the university as a whole, as there are many other Stanford University groups that work so closely and successfully with the bike program to make Athe campus a safe and enjoyable place to bike. “This Platinum award is a testi-

14 AmericanBicyclist The current bike commute rate for university commut- ers is 21.7 percent. Delon Scott has received a number of inquiries from other universities asking if Stanford will share what they’re doing. The answer is always “of course.” Even at the platinum level, Delon Scott emphasizes that Stanford is continuing to learn from other uni- versities around the country. She sees the potential to learn from each other as one of the main strengths of the BFU program. “Rather than reinvent the wheel, there are so many success stories out there – we can learn and improve by hearing about best practices at other institutions.” As a final word of advice for other colleges and universities, (apart from applying to the BFU pro- gram) Delon Scott recommends truly being aware of your neighboring communities and businesses and keeping communication open. The League’s other Bicycle Friendly America programs – including Bicycle Friendly Community and Bicycle Friendly Business – help establish these relationships, increase connectiv- ity and close any gaps. For ex- ample, an introduction between Stanford’s bike program and the on-campus coffee shop resulted in a Love Coffee-Love your Brain helmet-hook up event. Students who wore their helmet in line at Coupa Cafe received a free espresso. Another partner- ship with the on-campus bike shop provides Stanford students and faculty with 50 percent off helmets, and additional $10 helmet discount coupons for those who have taken the free bike safety class that is offered twice-monthly. Stanford’s next task is to complete an economic impact analysis, enabling the university to articulate the financial, sustainable and environmental benefits of decreasing the amount of vehicles miles and getting more people on bikes! The program gives the univer- sity even more motivation to aim higher. “I feel more motivated than ever to evaluate and reevaluate what we’re doing and where we’re going – this raises the bar,” says Delon Scott. “It is more of a starting point than an ending point.”

For more info visit transportation.stanford.edu/bike.

AmericanBicyclist 15 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

Bronze SPRING 2011 2nd Street Bike Stop Café - St. Charles, MO SPRING 2011 Anderson Rentals, Inc. - Lawrence, KS BICYCLE Bikesport, Inc - Trappe, PA BICYCLE *Blue Wheel Bicycles - Charlotte, NC FRIENDLY Bucks County Bicycle Co. - Levittown, PA FRIENDLY Caine Halter Family YMCA - Greenville, SC BUSINESSES Chatham University - Pittsburgh, PA UNIVERSITIES Clockwork Active Media System - Platinum Minneapolis, MN Platinum *New Belgium Brewing Company - Coffman Engineers, Inc - Spokaner, WA Stanford University Fort Collins, CO Compass Bicycles Ltd. - Seattle, WA Free Flight - Dubuque, IA Gold Gold Hot Italian - Sacramento, CA University of California, Davis California State University Long Beach - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful - Indianapolis, IN University of California, Santa Barbara Long Beach, CA *Loris & Associates - Lafayette, CO City of Minneapolis - Minneapolis, MN Michigan Fitness Foundation - Lansing, MI National Institute of Env. Health Services - Silver *Mad Dog Cycles - Orem, UT California State Long Beach Research Triangle, NC Revolution Cycles - Washington, DC Colorado State University National Public Radio (NPR) - Washington, DC Revolution Cycles City Hub - Arlington, VA Portland State University Northwestern Mutual - Milwaukee, WI *Seattle Children’s Hospital - Seattle, WA University of Arizona NW Natural - Portland, OR University of California, Irvine OmniCorpDetroit - Detroit, MI University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Silver One Lucky Guitar, Inc. - Fort Waynes, IN Anderton Law Office - Washington University of Oregon Paramount Group, Inc. - Arlington, VA Bike Law - Seattle, WA University of Washington Physicians Mutual - Omaha, NE BicyclingHub.com - Portland, OR University of Wisconsin, Madison Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield - Casteel & Associates, Inc. - Dallas, TX Portland, OR Cycle Works REI Anchorage, AK - Anchorage, AK Bronze Denver Zoological Foundation - Denver, CO REI Boise - Boise, ID Boise State University *Erik’s Bike Shop - Bloomington, IN Robert Silman Associates - Washington, DC Cornell University Freewheelin’ Communtiy Bikes - Rockwell Collins, Salt Lake City - Emory University Indianapolis, IN Salt Lake City, UT Indiana University Greenstreet Cycles - Omaha, NE SAA - Madison, WI Michigan State University Healthwise, Incorporated - Boise, ID Sarasota Memorial Health Care - Sarasota, FL University of North Carolina, Greensboro Indian Cycle - Rideland, MS Storrow Kinsella Associates - University of California, Los Angeles *Providence Portland Medical Center - Indianapolis, IN University of Maryland Portland, OR Substance - Portland, OR *REI Northbrook - Chicago, IL The Bike Way - Omaha, NE Revolution Cycles, Rockville - Rockville, MD The Path Bike Shop - Tustin, CA Revolution Cycles, Stafford - Stafford, VA The Standard - Portland, OR Saris Cycling Group - Madison, WI Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions - *Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Chico, CA La Crosse, WI The Bike Boutique - Wilmington, DE Urban Design Associates - *Urban Adventours - Boston, MA Pittsburgh, PA *USAA - San Antonia, TX U.S. Department of State - Washington, DC Wandertec, Inc. - Flagstaff, AZ Wheelhouse Detroit - Detroit, MI

For more information on the Bicycle Friendly Business program visit bikeleague.org/business. The first Bicycle Friendly University winners * businesses marked with an asterisk are renewals were announced at the National Bike Summit.

16 AmericanBicyclist THINK BIKE

introducing ... AdvocacyAdvance.org By Darren Flusche

If you’ve been reading this magazine over the past will ensure advocates, agency staff, and elected officials two years, you’ve probably seen this ThinkBike col- have the knowledge, skills and resources to tap into fed- umn. It’s provided updates on the work of the Advocacy eral funding sources for biking and walking. Advance team – a partnership between the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walk- 3. Grants ing – as we have written reports and supported advocacy Model Grants - Model grants provide multi-year support campaigns to gain bike access to bridges, curb distracted to state and local advocacy organizations with efforts to driving, limit inappropriate rumble strips, and incorpo- significantly increase federal investment at state, regional, rate bicycling in climate action plans. and local levels for biking and walking infrastructure and Moving forward, we will still be working to support programs. local bicycling advocates, but our focus will shift. We know that to make bicycling a realistic option for ev- Rapid Response Grants – Rapid Response Grants help eryone, we need to change the way we make our trans- state and local organizations take advantage of unex- Iportation investments. With support from the SRAM pected opportunities to win, increase, or preserve federal Cycling Fund, Advocacy Advance aims to double federal funding for biking and walking. transportation spending on biking and walking projects by 2013. We will do this by working at the state and local Capacity Building Grants – Capacity Building Grants level, where policies and plans ultimately determine how support the development and professionalization of state to spend safety, air quality, bridge, and highway funding. and local advocacy organizations to increase rates of bik- To assist with these local efforts we will publish research, ing and walking. provide trainings, and offer grant opportunities. To support our goal and spread the word about this Check AdvocacyAdvance.org for details. campaign, we are pleased to announce a new website: AdvocacyAdvance.org AdvocacyAdavance.org offers details on the three primary aspects of the program: 1. Resources You can find all of the Advocacy Advance reports at AdvocacyAdvance.org. We are producing reports and resources that give advocates the data and knowledge they need to effectively access Federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects. The reports help advocates access transportation dollars. 2. Trainings Advocacy Advance Action 2020 workshops provide the critical knowledge to capitalize on funding opportunities at the local, state and federal level. These unique sessions

AmericanAmericanBicyclistBicyclist 1717 THINK BIKE

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT ACTING ON A SIMPLE SOLUTION By Meghan Cahill and Andy Clarke Photos by Chris Eichler T

We are at the starting point with the“ kind of enthusiasm“ and energy communities are feeling at the grassroots level. - Ray LaHood

1818 American AmericanBicyclist THE 2011 NATIONAL BIKE Sum- mit theme of “Acting on a Simple Solution”, which was conceived well before last year’s elections, proved to be very timely and appropriate for a “Capitol Hill unlike any you’ve seen before”, in the words of Repre- sentative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). A record number of 767 leaders of the bicycling industry and advocacy Tmovement gathered in Washington, D.C in early March with the “simple” task of protecting funding programs that for the past 20 years have pro- Leadership Award. Sec. of Transportation Ray Lahood vided an effective solution to health, proudly receives the James Oberstar Leadership Award energy, transportation, environment alongside Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong (left) and and economic policy issues at the League President Andy Clarke (right) Federal, state and local level. The challenge this year, of course, was to make that case ef- the facts and figures we could mus- with the kind of enthusiasm and fectively against a backdrop of huge ter to make the case that investing energy communities are feeling at the government deficits, a powerful urge in bicycling is of good value, cost grassroots level,” he said. “There are in Congress to slash funding, and effective, gives a great rate of return, more opportunities for communities a Congress with almost 100 new and is good for the economy. At a to take advantage of our programs, members (and staff). Undaunted, time when every dollar must be spent to develop more bike paths and we scheduled close to 400 meetings wisely, we argued, spending on some- lanes.” Looking ahead, he encouraged on Capitol Hill and had the help and thing that solves multiple problems is Congress to understand that “when advice of some powerful speakers: the smart and prudent thing to do. we have a new transportation bill we two Cabinet secretaries, the transpor- Here’s how the Summit unfolded have to make a priority ... that people tation commissioner from the biggest this year: want to use their bikes, they want city in the country, a representative of to cycle, and they want places in the the First Lady, and the incomparable Day One community to do it. Now is the right Congressman Blumenauer. Secretary of Transportation Ray time to do it.” There was no major new “ask” LaHood got the event off to an early this year – the ambitious $2 billion start by blogging about the Summit Day Two funding program for active transpor- a few days in advance – that, and the Opening Plenary tation that was on last year’s agenda buzz generated by the first Urban The second day of the Summit simply wasn’t appropriate for this Press Camp, March 6-7, helped kicked off with inspirational words year! Just asking to maintain the ensure national media coverage from Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) existing funding programs – Trans- and a great sense of anticipation for who noted that while we are facing portation Enhancements, Safe Routes the opening dinner. LaHood didn’t a “Capitol Hill unlike any before,” to School, Congestion Mitigation, disappoint, predicting that there will we have “an ally like never before” in and Recreational Trails – was a pretty be more and more opportunities for Transportation Secretary LaHood. He big “ask” in and of itself. Therefore, people to take advantage of bicy- also reminded us that if we could get we armed every participant with all cling. “We are at the starting point bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue in

AmericanBicyclist 19 THINK BIKE

just one year (a reference to remarks The final opening plenary speak- at previous Summits) we can get our er Interior Secretary Ken Salazar message across to “some of our na- focused on the importance of cycling tional treasures” on Capitol Hill. He to ensure Americans have a strong af- urged participations to remind mem- finity to the outdoors, the landscapes bers of Congress to “not cut what you and environments that help make haven’t visited” and seen first hand. this country great. In keeping with This was the perfect segue to the overall theme of the Summit, he Janette Sadik-Khan, the inspirational encouraged “all of you to put a focal Commissioner of Transportation for point on all of the economics that are New York City who has led efforts involved in bicycling ... bicycling is to transform New York City streets essential.” to serve all users. She referenced the exciting news that iconic streets in 1. The Congressional BIke Ride route many of the great cities of America toured D.C.’s new bicycle improvements, are now bike-friendly: Pennsylvania including the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Ave; Broadway in New York; Market Avenue. Street in San Francisco and Spruce Street in Philadelphia. “None of this 2. Q&A New York City Department of was there five years ago – well, maybe Transportation Janette Sadik-Khan and in Portland,” she said, noting that it Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) takes courage to make these things participate in an informal Q&A session at happen. NYC has added 250 miles the opening plenary. of bikeways in just three years, and almost every city in the country is 3. Let’s Move! Executive Director of Let’s following suit. Move Robin Schepper shares with the audi- 1 ence how she got the first bike rack in her son’s school during the keynote luncheon.

NEW URBAN Janette Sadik-Khan announced availability of a new Urban Bikeway Design Guide, published by the National Association of City Transportation Officials BIKEWAY DESIGN – of which she is President. The design guide provides cities with state-of- GUIDE the-practice solutions to create complete streets that are enjoyable and safe for bicyclists. The new resource offers three levels of guidance: 1. Required – design elements for which there is a strong consensus that the treatment cannot be implemented without 2. Recommended – design elements for which there is a strong consensus that they add value, and 3. Optional – design elements that vary across cities and may add value depending on local circumstances

“We would like the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Ameri- can Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to recognize these as national standards,” said Sadik Khan. “We will make cycling safe and accessible for everyone.”

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Keynote Luncheon our nation’s youth, to address dia- Our Summit partners at the betes, obesity, community develop- International Mountain Bicycling ment and the performance of kids in Association invited Robin Schep- school. per, Executive Director of the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative, to be our Day Three luncheon speaker. A self-confessed Capitol Hill Day “basic type-A mom,” Schepper This year, the critical message recounted what happened when she for lawmakers was “don’t forget the discovered her son’s school had a “no economic and other benefits of bicy- bikes” policy, much to the shock of cling.” Every meeting was set up to fa- the crowd. She advocated to reverse miliarize members of Congress with the policy and paid to install the first the real economic impact of bicycling bike rack – which, she noted, “wasn’t in their community. Fact sheets just filled with kids bikes; it was filled documented the revenue and em- with teacher’s bikes as well.” Schepper ployment impact of local bike shops spoke of the need for education and and mass merchants (Sports Author- infrastructure programs to increase ity, Walmart, etc.) – all in the hope physical activity, especially among that when tough budget decisions

AmericanBicyclist 21 THINK BIKE

have to be made, those numbers and ribbon pins; the white represent- new bike infrastructure in the Dis- the myriad benefits of getting people ing hope for peace and the black in trict of Columbia – including Penn- riding, are uppermost in the minds remembrance of those who have died sylvania Avenue and 15th Street N.W. of those members of Congress. The as a result of violence. Everyone was moved and inspired to energy and enthusiasm at the closing The ride, led by the Washington be riding for Rep. Giffords, and look reception on Capitol Hill suggested Area Bicyclists Association, toured forward to seeing her back on her the message was getting through. bike as soon as possible. Day Four Congressional Bike Ride This year the ride was dedicated to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and the victims of the January Tucson shooting. More than 100 riders – our largest ever group – met in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. League President Andy Clarke asked for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the shooting and a repre- sentative from Giffords office shared their heartfelt thanks for this show of support. We received Arizona flag bandanas, along with white and black

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5. Congressional lobby day Congressman Steven LaTourette (R-OH) (right) meets with Jeff Stephens of Consider Biking (middle), Darren Flusche of the League of American Bicyclists and Lois Moss of Bike+Walk Cleveland Biking (left). 4 6. Networking Bicycle designer and fashion icon (left) with Chris Kegel (Wheel and Sprocket) and John Burke, President of 4. Moment of Silence League President Andy Clarke leads a moment Trek (right), at the Congressional Reception. of silence for all of the Tucson shooting victims at the Congressional Bike Ride in Honor of Rep. Giffords (D-AZ). 7. Pedi-cabs carried attendees around the Hill.

22 AmericanBicyclist All National Bike Summit Breakout Sessions and their Presentations are available at bikeleague.org/summit11

For more information about the Summit, including the presentations and pictures, visit www.bikeleague.org/summit11. NATIONAL BIKE A huge thank you to the many sponsors of this year’s Summit, without whom the event would not be possible. Special thanks to Bikes Belong for SUMMIT AWARDS their continued investment in making the event a success. National Bicycle Leadership Award Senator Thomas R. Carper (D-DE) Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) Rep. Thomas E. Petri (R-WI) Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)

James L. Oberstar Leadership Award For outstanding vision, dedication and commitment to bicycling Ray LaHood, US Secretary of Transportation

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AmericanBicyclist 23 FROM THE SADDLE

Ride with

By Meghan Cahill LarryPhotos by Ricardo Villarreal

arry smith is a retired police captain from New York and is now a beloved small-town baker who bikes to work. He is your average retiree who moved out of the big city to pursue his hobbies of baking and bicycling, except he has been living with Parkinson’s for more than 20 years.

L2424 American AmericanBicyclist EVERY DAY ACTIVITIES LIKE are able to cycle with ease using simi- walking and holding a conversation lar recumbent trikes. A neurologist are a struggle for Smith – he uses in the Netherlands made the amazing a cane or walker for stability and discovery that people with advanced pursues a vigorous speech therapy Parkinson’s disease can cycle, and this schedule. However, Smith can ride discovery is unlocking a world for a bike with no problem, despite them that they did not think existed the complications Parkinson’s has anymore. brought his way. He was even able Smith retired to South Dakota to ride a two-wheel bike until two with his wife Betty, and he loves and half years ago, and now he uses riding there. There’s no traffic, the a three-wheeled recumbent roads are empty and South Dakota is Ewithout any special assistance. The beautiful for cycling. His city of Ver- freedom he experiences on his million has an active cycling commu- bike is also shared with others with nity, and he and Betty participate in advanced Parkinson’s. Amazingly, it the local Barking Dog Cycling club’s seems most all Parkinson’s patients group rides and in their own daily recreational rides, when weather permits. “The Missouri River is a few miles away from my home and is a very beautiful place to bicycle,” says Smith. “They built a bridge, and we bike over the bridge to Nebraska. It is really inspiring.” This is a 15 mile trip, and he does it often and with no problem. “I don’t have Parkinson’s when I’m on my bike,” says Smith, and he rides just like any bike commuter would. Riding his bike gives him the freedom to get around without asking for rides – he had to stop driving five years ago – and provides a substantial mood boost. Every morning Smith rides his trike to work, home, and an extra 15 miles as often as possible. The three-wheeled recumbent trike does not require balance and allows Smith to rest on the road when he needs it. Smith does not only ride for fun and commuting. He rides because it improves his quality of life and may

help find the answer to his uncured

Even if you can’t disease. He and Betty are active in the “balance, you can cycle,” “ South Dakota Cycling Coalition but their advocacy does not stop there. says Betty. “People who “We are really interested in telling can’t walk, can cycle. people with Parkinson’s that they can

AmericanAmericanBicyclist 25 FROM THE SADDLE

cycle. Cycling gives Parkinson’s suf- says Betty. “People who can’t walk, efits of keeping Parkinson’s patients’ ferers freedom, the ability to exercise, can cycle.” Furthermore, Smith is de- bodies active and minds positive. a sharper brain, and tighter muscles,” termined to break down Parkinson’s Smith will ride, regardless of his daily says Betty. “Our main advocacy effort stereotypes and create worldwide struggles. “I have more problems with is for more people to find out that if awareness. This will culminate when balance and speech, bicycling helps you have advanced Parkinson’s, you he bikes across his state of can cycle.” South Dakota this spring The couple is working to share and releases a documen- their message with everyone who tary about his experience. loves cycling and hopes that Smith’s The movie Ride with ability to bicycle spreads to all Par- Larry will be released kinson’s patients, their families and next year, and they will their doctors. To create this network donate the Catrike bicycle they are on a speaking tour to talk at that time to a Parkin- about the effects of bicycling on son’s patient. Parkinson’s patients. They even bring Smith’s ride and the a Catrike Recumbent with them for documentary are his others with Parkinson’s to try. “Even opportunity to show the if you can’t balance, you can cycle,” world the health ben-

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

26 AmericanBicyclist balance,” says Smith. Additionally, participating.” The publicity his ride “Aerobic activity is important with is receiving is already starting to go memory and cognition,” says Betty. viral. He has heard via his blog of a “With Parkinson’s, everything slows Brazilian man who has had Parkin- down. Researches know that aerobic son’s since his twenties who just rode activity is helpful in people who have 400 miles. Parkinson’s – especially because most He’s heard from other people Parkinson’s patients die of pneumo- with Parkinson’s who read on his blog nia for being so still.” how fun it is to bike and were then Smith can’t wait for his ride this inspired to get back on their bikes. spring. Participants get a jersey and “People with Parkinson’s who discov- make a contribution to Parkinson’s er they can ride bikes get extremely research. “We already have people enthused,” says Betty. “Even if they from all over the country riding,” have been surrendering for decades.” says smith. “The Barking Dogs and the Sioux Falls Cycling Club, and For more information on Larry Smith, all the local towns’ cycling clubs are his documentary Ride with Larry, and Parkinson’s Disease, visit ridewithlar- rymovie.com. Filming will be done in June, and the movie will be available in 2012.

Parkinson’s is a slowly progressive condition resulting from a deficiency in the brain of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is one of many chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) in the brain that allows nerve cells to communicate with each other. Without it, messages from the brain to the muscles are disrupted. Over a period of time symptoms appear that include: • Tremor (shaking) when the body and limbs are at rest. • Slowness and difficulty beginning a voluntary movement, such as standing up from a chair or turning around, and difficulty with fine precise movements such as doing up buttons (called bradykinesia). • Muscle stiffness, also called rigidity. • Difficulty with maintaining balance (called postural instability).

Facts about Parkinson’s • The incidence of Parkinson’s is increasing at a rate that is faster than the population is aging. • Parkinson’s affects an estimated 1 in 1,000 people over age 55. • Parkinson’s affects about 1 in 100 people age 65 and older. • Some 20 percent of people with Parkinson’s Disease may be diagnosed under the age of 50. • About 8 percent to 10 percent of people with Parkinson’s Dis- ease may be diagnosed under the age of 40.

AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop

My AH-HA Moment Mobile Bike Repair and the Realization That I Am Not the Only One By: Ben Wyse, Wyse Cycles LLC

I LOVED THE ARTICLE ABOUT make service calls to homes, schools that needs to be embraced by the es- the North Natomas mobile mechanic and workplaces, and when the weath- tablished bike industry. Some of the in “From Gathering Dust to Riding er permits, I set up once a week on biggest players in the wholesale bike the Town” in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue the front campus of a local university. parts industry have refused to do busi- of American Bicyclist. I was excited In addition to repairing parts, I also ness with Wyse Cycles. It is hard for me to read about a community pursuing sell a variety of accessories like lights, to understand why a business model what I do every day. fenders, racks, kickstands, locks, etc. that holds promise for so many mar- In April of 2009, I started my I am registered with the State kets has been met with serious skepti- own mobile bike shop, Wyse Cycles, Corporation Commission of Virgin- cism. Many of my customers don’t own in Harrisonburg, Va. I had been ia, I collect sales tax for the Virginia a car. When they have a mechanical working in “normal” bike shops since Department of Taxation, I have a issue it’s difficult for them to get their 2002 and had given the idea some local business license, and I carry bike to a brick and mortar shop and thought over the years. I came to the a large liability insurance policy. In find another way to get to work while Ibike industry primarily interested in spite of the fact that I have been they wait for the repair. I think mobile serving cyclists who ride for trans- intentional about establishing myself bike mechanics are a model for servic- portation and felt that a mobile shop as a legitimate business, my biggest ing bikes that has a lot of merit. might best serve their needs. I offer challenge is being taken seriously. a full range of repairs from fixing a While customers have been quick Contact Ben at [email protected] for flat to wheel building to rethreading to realize the benefits of a travel- more information. a damaged bottom bracket shell. I ling bike shop, it is a paradigm shift

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