NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT BuildingBuilding onon 1010 YearsYears ofof ProgressProgress ALSO: Bike Month 101 Automate This: Bike Club Management Software 2009 MUTCD — What’s in it for Bicyclists
CONTENTS FEATURES 10 16 20 BUILDING ON 10 AUTOMATE THIS! BIKE MONTH 101 YEARS OF PROGRESS THE IMPACT OF BIKE CLUB It only takes a small amount The 10th Annual National Bike MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE of help to convert a friend, Summit was a huge success with Bike club management software co-worker or family member more than 720 attendees and can handle the mundane tasks into a bicycle commuter. May more exciting moments than of club management and lessen is Bike Month and it’s the ever before. the dreaded volunteer burn-out. perfect time to try.
DEPARTMENTS 2...... VIEWPOINT 3...... LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES 8...... THINK BIKE 24...... BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND 26 ...... GIVING
WHAT’SWHAT’S IINN THETH 2009 MUTCD FOR Cover shot: Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) mans the 22 BICYCLISTS? pedi-cab on Congressional Lobby Day.
American Bicyclist 1 VIEWPOINT
THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling for fun, Change is Good. fitnessTHE LEAGUE and transportation, OF AMERICAN and BICYCLISTS works through advocacy and educationThe League for of a American bicycle-friendly Bicyclists, America. founded The in 1880 League as the represents theLeague interests of American of the nation’s Wheelmen, 57 millionpromotes bicyclists. bicycling With for fun, a current membershipfitness and transportation, of 300,000 andaffiliated works throughcyclists, advocacyincluding and 25,000 Spring is the season of change, and after individualseducation forand a 700bicycle-friendly organizations, America. the The League League works represents to bring the snowy winter of 2010 in the D.C. area, betterthe interests bicycling of theto nation’syour community. 57 million bicyclists. Contact With League a current officers, goodness knows we are ready for a change in directorsmembership or staff of 300,000at League affiliated of American cyclists, Bicyclists, including 161240,000 K Street, NW,individuals Suite 800, and Washington,600 organizations, DC the20006-2850, League works 202-822-1333; to bring the weather at last! After three years of lead- [email protected],better bicycling to your community. fax: 202-822-1334. Contact League officers, ing the League’s Board of Directors, Amanda directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Eichsteadt has relinquished the handlebars to BOARDStreet, NW,OF DIRECTORS Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850. Phone: Harry202-822-1333; Brull, [email protected] e-mail: [email protected], fax: our at-large board member Hans van Naers- Secretary,202-822-1334. Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, sen. I want to take a moment to thank Aman- ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) GaryBOARD Brustin OF DIRECTORS, [email protected], At Large da for her leadership, not only as Chair of John Allen, [email protected], Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, the Board, but as a director for the past eight AmandaNH, NY, RI, Eichstaedt VT) , [email protected], Region 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) years. Harry Brull, [email protected], Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, Bill Hoffman, [email protected], Region 2 IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) Fortunately, we are not losing Amanda, as (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV) she is still on the board for another two years of JeffreyGary Brustin Lynne, [email protected],, [email protected], At Large Region 3 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA) her final term. I am also glad to share that in March Amanda’s Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected], Re- fellow board members bestowed upon her the League’s highest Mikegion 6Nix (AK,, [email protected],CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) At Large Rob Sadowsky, [email protected], recognition, the Paul Dudley White Award, for her outstanding RegionLisa Falvy 4 (IL,, [email protected], IN, MI, OH) At Large contributions to bicycling. This honor reflects her work with the JohnMike Siemiatkoski Greehan, [email protected],, [email protected], At Large League and many other bicycling related groups that she has lead, Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT) established and enabled to flourish including the Association for GailEllen Spann Jones,, [email protected], [email protected], Region At 2 (DC,Large DE, (CT, MD, NJ, PA, WV) Commuter Transportation and the Association of Pedestrian and MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT) Bicycle Professionals. EricMartha Swanson Roskowski, [email protected],, [email protected], Treasurer, At Large At Large Jim Sheehan, [email protected], Region 4 (IL, IN, MI, OH) Hans van Naerssen is every bit as immersed in bicycling as his Hans van Naerssen, [email protected], predecessor. As I write, he is riding the trails in Moab; heading to Chair,Don SparksAt Large, [email protected], Region 3 (AL, FL, GA, Portland, Ore. from his home in the Philadelphia area. At home, TimKY, MS,Young NC, ,PR, [email protected], SC, TN, VA) Vice Chair, At Large Hans is on the board of the rapidly growing Bicycle Coalition of W. Preston Tyree, [email protected], At Large Phyllis Harmon, [email protected], Director Emeritus Greater Philadelphia and a leading light in establishing the Pennsyl- Paul Wessel, [email protected], At Large vania Bike/Walk Alliance. After a career in business consulting, he STAFF brings an equal passion for strategic planning and organizational ef- AndyPhyllis Clarke Harmon – President, Director Emeritus, [email protected] Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President fectiveness as he does for bicycling — and I am sure he will be shar- MeghanSTAFF Cahill – Director of Communications ing his vision for the future of the League in his American Bicyclist AlisonAndy ClarkeDewey – –Executive BFC Program Director Specialist column in the months ahead. WalterDana DudleyFinch – – AdvocacyStaff Accountant Director DarrenLou Elin Flusche Dwyer – PolicyAdvocacy Analyst Coordinator In the meantime, make sure you get out and ride! Sometimes we LornaWalter Green Finch –– DirectorAdvocacy of Director Operations forget that the best thing we can do to get more people riding — BillLora Nesper Golann – Director,– Membership Bicycle Assistant Friendly Community Program JeffTodd Peel McDonald – State –and Program Local CoordinatorAdvocacy Coordinator and riding safely — is to be out there on the road doing it ourselves! LisaBill ReitzNesper – –Membership Program Manager and Events Assistant So saddle up and enjoy the ride. SharonElizabeth Thorne Preston – Administrative– Director of Communications Assistant PrestonMarthea Tyree Wilson – Education – Deputy Executive Director Director Scott Williams – Membership Director LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS MAGAZINE AMERICANEditor: Elizabeth BICYCLIST Preston MAGAZINE Editor:Art Director: Meghan Studio Cahill D Design ArtEditor Director: Emeritus: Studio Phyllis D Design W. Harmon Andy Clarke, Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. © 2007 League of President American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permis- by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2010 League of American sion is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to the editor at Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is pro- [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, hibited. Article queries should be addressed to meghan@bikeleague. or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way infringes on org. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your the rights of others and that the material may be published without ad- warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights of others ditional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not and that the material may be published without additional approval. necessarily reflect the policies of the League. 2 American Bicyclist Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League. LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES letters to the EDITOR
RECUMBENT RECOGNITION for a couple of decades and now Dear Editor, has a severe case of osteoporosis. Thanks for showing recumbent -George Wedberg cycles in your Jan/Feb 2010 issue. I saw one on page 11, two semi- BFA YEARBOOK THE recumbents or hybrids on page 14 TRAVEL ADDITION and two HPV trikes on page 38! As Dear Editor, a 66-year-old bicycle tourist, I ap- I got my Jan/Feb 2010 issue of preciate the heads-up riding on my American Bicyclist and saw one of old Tour Easy. I end the day with the photos I sent used to lead off no soreness, and I can enjoy the your Portland section. Glad you Caroline Cahill, 2009 scenery. Keep up the good work. could use it — it looked good. I -Francis Celino, New Orleans, La. love how you covered all the dif- ferent cities because every time I ACHY BONES travel I try to bike ride, and this In the article “Cycling: A Prescrip- helps. Also, I noticed that Andy tion for Better Health” in the Clarke talked about cycling in Nov/Dec 2009 issue, it is implied North Little Rock in his column, that cycling reduces the risk of and I will be there in June. I may osteoporosis. What it actually says try to ride there! is that exercise reduces the risk of -Al Rickard, Chantilly, Va. a number of ailments, including osteoporosis; but since the article is KUDOS Lyle Wright, 2007 about cycling, that implies cycling Dear Editor, reduces the risk of osteoporosis. I picked up the July/Aug 2009 issue And that is NOT true. Cycling does of American Bicyclist at Interbike, DÉJÀ BOOT nothing to help avert osteoporosis; and I wanted to let you know that DEAR EDITOR, ask any doctor. You need weight- you do a great job on the maga- As I was reading the Sept/Oct bearing exercise like running, zine! I read it cover to cover right 2009 issue, I experienced a case of walking, or weight-lifting to build away! That is something with my déjà vu when seeing the picture bone. Take it from a senior who busy schedule. on page 16 of “New Age Cow- learned this the hard way; one who -Tim Rowe, Reno, Nev. girl.” I had attended a Trails and has cycled 1,000-2,000 miles a year Greenways Conference in 2007 as a bicycling advocate for multiuse trails. To understand the equestrian perspective, I went on a horseback THANKS FOR YOUR LETTERS We eagerly await all of your ride. About half way into the ride comments — good and bad — on cycling, the League, our we met a group of cyclists, and one publications, and just about anything else you want to tell us of them really wanted to ride a about. E-mail [email protected], fax your letter to 202-822- horse. I traded off, and this picture was taken. 1334 or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, -Lyle Wright D.C. 20006. Letters may be edited for style and length.
AmericanAmerican Bicyclist Bicyclist 3 3 LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES
Winter 2010 Bicycle
f American B e o icy Friendly REGISTER NOW! The League’s National Rally is a gu 20 10 cl is ea ts L
NATIONAL beloved tradition; and this year we will be celebrating BIKE RALLY our 130th rally anniversary by teaming up with the Bicycle Businesses Coalition of New Mexico! The event will be June 3-6, 2010 The League announced 51 in Albuquerque, NM. We will ride to honor Gail Ryba, /&8.&9*$0t64"/&8 .&9*$0 64" new Bicycle Friendly Business founder of the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico. (BFB) awards at the 10th annual Join cyclists from across the country for three days of riding through National Bike Summit this March the colorful and historic New Mexican terrain. The rally offers several 10. Besides the Summit being ride options and routes that will cater to and challenge all abilities. En- a great forum to celebrate the joy scenic views of the city and the beautiful Sandia mountains as you winter winners of the 2-year-old pedal off the miles on this 100 mile perimeter loop. There are also 10- BFB program, it was nice to rec- 25-50-65 mile routes available. Register your friends and family today ognize the large amount of new for the 2010 League Rally at www.bikeleague.org/conferences/rally10. BFBs that hail from the Midwest. Additionally notable were the larger, more recognizable winners like Ameriprise Finan- CORRECTION Bicycle Friendly States cial, Corporate Headquarters; The American Bicyclist Jan/Feb 2010 editiondi i PayPal, Inc.; and International and current printing of the 2010 Bicycle Business Machines-IBM Roches- Friendly America Yearbook incorrectly high- ter, MN — all three with 3,000- lights the 2008 Bicycle Friendly State rank- plus employees. The expanding ings instead of the current 2009 rankings. BFB program and the variations Please view the correct 2009 list below. We of businesses that are applying apologize for the confusion. Stay tuned for for and achieving a bicycle- the 2010 state rankings and the new Bicycle friendly award indicate that the Friendly State award winners during Bike to bicycle movement is growing Work Week this May! and our efforts are working 1. Washington - Silver* 21. Vermont — a nice tie-in to the Summit’s 2. Wisconsin - Silver* 22. Hawaii Above: Delaware Governor record-breaking attendance. 3. Maine 23. Virginia Jack Markell, speaking at the Are you interested or know 4. Oregon 24. Mississippi Opening Plenary session of Bike of a business that would like 5. Minnesota - Bronze* 25. Nevada Summit 2010, is excited about to apply to become a Bicycle 6. Iowa 26. South Carolina his state moving up 22 spots in 7. Arizona - Bronze* 27. Kentucky the Bicycle Friendly State Rank- Friendly Business? Use our quick 8. New Hampshire 28. South Dakota ings (Delaware jumped from to and easy scorecard for immedi- 9. Delaware 29. Indiana 31st place to ninth in one year!) ate feedback at bicyclefriendly- 10. New Jersey 30. Louisiana business.org. 11. Wyoming 31. Georgia 41. New York 12. Illinois 32. Florida 42. West Virginia Visit 13. Colorado 33. Kansas 43. Tennessee bicyclefriendlybusiness.org 14. California 34. Idaho 44. Connec cut 15. Michigan 35. Rhode Island 45. North Dakota for winners. 16. Maryland 36. Texas 46. New Mexico 17. Missouri 37. Nebraska 47. Alaska 18. Utah 38. Arkansas 48. Oklahoma 19. Massachuse s 39. Ohio 49. Montana 20. North Carolina 40. Pennsylvania 50. Alabama
* 2009 Bicycle Friendly States listed in blue.
4 American Bicyclist Make A Difference Join the League Board!
If you are interested in serving on the League Board of Directors, or if you know someone who would be a good representative for cyclists, the League Governance Committee is soliciting recommendations for candi- dates for the 2011 Board elections. The Board of Directors govern and set broad policy and direction for the League. Board members serve three- year terms. Starting this year, seven are elected nationally by all League members (see more in the bylaws article on page 7). The Board selects the remaining five seats. Four member-elected and one Board-appointed Club positions are open for this election. As of press time, three of these elected members, Harry Brull, Jeffrey Lynne, and Hans van Naerssen have decided Newsletters to run again, and the fourth, Bill Hoffman, is undecided. In addition, the of the Year League’s Bylaws allow the Board the option to create up to five additional Congratulations to the Wester- Board seats for a total that may range from the current 12 up to 17. ville Bicycle Club Pedal Pusher, To learn more about the qualifications to be a League board member the Club Newsletter of the Year or to apply yourself, visit www.bikeleague.org. winner, from Westerville, Ohio! The newsletter, edited by Kathy Martin, won the highest marks for TIMING OF THE 2010-2011 ELECTIONS: original and creative content, as June 1, 2010: Deadline for recommendations/applications. well as design and aesthetics. The newsletter is entirely electronic September 1, 2010: Nominating Committee reports to the Board, recommending a slate of candidates. to reduce costs and allowed them to “increase donations to local October 15, 2010: Deadline for petitions to be submitted (45 days prior to elections). cycling organizations, including several advocacy organizations,” December 1, 2010: Elections open online. says WBC’s Social Chair, Shari January 15, 2011: Online ballots closed Heinrich. February 1, 2011: New board members announced March 8, 2011: New board members take seats at National Bike Summit RUNNERS-UP: Kansas City Bicycle Club Newsletter and the Williams- burg Area Cyclists’ Flying Wheel. Thanks for all your hard work and thanks for submitting your news- letters to the competition!
Archives of Westerville’s Pedal Pusher are available here: ROUTE 66 http://westervillebicycleclub.org/ ILLINOIS JUNE 12-19, 2010 pparchives. CYCLE
Stay overnight at HI-Chicago Youth Hostel, then bike 380 miles to St Louis. Detailed maps, cue sheets, rest stops, daily luggage shuttle, SAG support, commemorative ride tee shirt, and Route 66 dinners each evening.
Registration and info at www.moonlightramble.org
American Bicyclist 5 LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES
CLUB LEADERSHIP TRAINING MOVE YOUR CLUB TO THE FRONT OF THE PACK!
The League’s Club Leadership Training on January 22-24 in Boca Raton, Fla. was a hit! The three-day workshop was an opportunity for club leaders from across the country to discuss Congratulations 2009 best practices, new tools, and effective ways to overcome ob- stacles that many clubs face. Attendees came from as far away Clubs of the Year! as Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, and Kansas for the event. REGION 1: Saratoga Cycling Club. New York. Last year the SCC’s Tour de Cure Team raised more than $5,000 for the American Diabetes The State of Association.
Bicycling in the U.S. REGION 2: White Clay Bicycle Club. Delaware. By Kristen Steele, Alliance for Biking and Walking The largest club in Delaware, WCBC assisted Bike Delaware over the past two years to After taking a dip for at least four decades, bicycling in promote bicycling as a healthy alternative to the U.S. appears to be making a comeback, according to a re- driving. port released by the Alliance for Biking & Walking – Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2010 Benchmarking Report. REGION 3: Bluegrass Cycling Club. Kentucky. The report gives a snapshot of the state of cycling and walk- With more than 500 members, the BCC is a ing in the U.S. through extensive data collection and analysis leader in advocacy and helped get Share the from all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities. After this Road signs put on Kentucky state and county huge undertaking, they found that more states and cities are roads. adopting pro-bike policies, expanding bicycle infrastructure and ramping up bike education efforts! However, the U.S. still REGION 4: Elmhurst Bicycle Club. Illinois. The has a large hill to climb. Consider getting involved with your EBC has an more than 900 rides; 247,429 club local advocacy organization (find them at www.PeoplePow- miles logged in 2009, and a commitment to eredMovement.org/members). advocacy and education. Read more about the 2010 Benchmarking Report at bike- league.org! REGION 5: New Mexico Touring Society. New Mexico. NMTS offers 500 year-round road- and off-road day rides and has two state Government Advocates to protect cyclists’ rights.
What has TheT 10th Annual Phoenix Metro Bike Club. Arizo- NaNNational Bike Summit, na. PMBC is active in advocacy and the League that’s what! challenged its club members with done for you With more than 725 attend- the Find Just One More Way This Year lately? ees, the Summit was the larg- to Support Cycling initiative. est and most effective bicycle advocacy effort yet! See page REGION 6: Cascade Bicycle Club. Washington. __ for a full rundown on this The CBC offers extensive education classes for year’s highlights, accomplish- adults and kids through its Bike Smart Seattle ments and announcements. program, as well as commuting classes.
6 American Bicyclist 21st Century Bylaws Bike League2.02.0 2.0 League Bylaws are Revised and Modernized Follow the League easily and while mobile with our expanding social networks! Stay on top of all League updates and bicycle education, By: Hans van Naerssen, League Board The March 2010 League Bylaws Chair and Tim Young, League Board advocacy and industry news with reaffirm the basic purpose of the the following applications: Vice-Chair League to “promote and protect the rights of bicyclists; advocate for Bylaws are vital, and perhaps the interests of bicyclists; support facebook.com/bike.league confusing, building blocks for any bicycling education; and to pro- organization. Bylaws form the legal mote bicycling for fun, fitness and basis that basically describes what, transportation.” twitter.com/BikeLeague why and how a nonprofit member- The primary changes include ship group operates. the use of a new preferential vot- flickr.com/photos/bikeleague A year ago it became clear ing system for the member-elected that the League’s bylaws, although seats. This will be fairer for members amended by the League Board over and candidates and more manage- bikeleague.org/blog/feed/ the years, were in need of major able for the organization. The total updating. With the advent of elec- number of seats may be increased, tronic media such as email, internet and now allows a range from 12 to based voting systems and updated 17. All board candidates must meet membership systems with advanced appropriate qualifications to serve, capabilities, it seemed necessary and the election process and time- to revise the League’s governance line have been improved. document to be in line with the The former six regions have times. Additionally, the organiza- been modified so that all board tion went through a restructuring members serve the entire country. process, and the titles of League This change acknowledges that board chair and League president with modern communications, it took effect (formerly board presi- is possible to serve all bicyclists no dent and executive director). matter where in America a board The League Board formed a member may live. Board terms Bylaws Committee comprised of remain three years, and a person several board members who had may serve up to three consecutive the experience to review the cur- terms. rent document and discuss possible Another improvement is the changes. At the 2009 National Bike shift to a Governance Committee, Summit several board members which replaces the former Nomi- convened (committee and inter- nating Committee. A Governance ested board participants) to discuss Committee adds to the nominating the bylaws and, after a spirited duties with new Board training and conversation, we were on the road evaluation tasks also assigned. to bylaws improvements! A year The bylaws overhaul was a after the first meeting, the updated healthy process with all hands on bylaws were formally adopted at deck – board and staff working the 2010 National Bike Summit. together to make the League an even stronger organization.
American Bicyclist 7 THINK BIKE
THE DANGERS OF 1
Excerpted from “Distracted Driving: A Bicycling Advocate’s Resource” found online at DRIVING bikeleague.org/resources/reports.
hile there have always been many tion to the road. Drunk driving was bills in 33 states in 2008.1 Even more Wdistractions on the road, new once considered publically acceptable, bills are expected this year. technology has given drivers more until advocates fought to change laws Larger steps are now being taken distractions than ever and bike com- and attitudes. Distracted driving must at the federal level, thanks to Secre- muters and pedestrians have to be on be addressed with the same level of tary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s alert. Research shows that using a cell attention. According to the National Distracted Driving Summit, the launch phone while driving can be as risky as Conference of State Legislators, in of www.distraction.gov and the U.S. driving drunk. However, unlike drunk 2009, 209 distracted driving bills were House of Representatives passage driving, a distracted driver consciously considered in 45 states, up from 133 of a resolution to designate April as and soberly decides not to pay atten- Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
CRASH RISKS AND INJURIES 1.1 DriverDr inatten- 2.2 InIn 2008, driver 3.3 In 2006, researchers at the University of Utah 4.4 TrTruck drivers who tiontio leads to distractiondis led confirmedco “the impairments associated with sentse text messages 8 in 10 of all to at least 5,870 using a cell phone while driving can be as while driving are 23 crashes and 65 fatalities, 16 profound as those associated with driving times more likely percent of all percent of all fatal while drunk.”4 No difference was found be- to crash or nearly near-crashes.2 crashes.3 tween hand-held and hands-free phone calls. crash.5
8 American Bicyclist LEGISLATION STATE LAWS Recommendations for effec- States have passed different types of laws to decrease driving distractions. tive, enforceable distracted For a complete list of cell phone laws in each state visit the Governors High- driving legislation: way Safety Association’s website, ghsa.org. As of March 2010, the following laws were in place: 1 Ban all distracted driving! 1 Distracted Driving. It is against the law to drive while distracted in Maine and 2 Distracted driving, cell phone New Hampshire. Utah considers speaking on a cell phone to be an offense only if a bans and texting bans should driver is also committing some other moving violation (other than speeding). be primary enforcement laws. Primary enforcement means an 2 Hand-held cell phones. In California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and officer can ticket the offender Oregon (as well as the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands) talking on a hand- without another violation having held phone is a primary offence. Drivers may be ticketed without committing another occurred. violation. In Washington State it is considered a secondary offense; a driver must be committing another violation to be penalized. 3 NHTSA must give distracted driving as much priority as it 3 All cell phone use. No state currently bans absolutely all cell phone use for all gives its drunken driving and drivers. Many states, however, ban all cell phone use for certain groups. Twenty-one seatbelt campaigns, by advocat- states (and the District of Columbia) ban all cell use by novice drivers. Seventeen ing for: strong legislation; public- states (and the District of Columbia) prohibit school bus drivers with passengers private partnerships at the local, present from all cell phone use. state, and federal levels; active, high-visibility enforcement; and 4 Text messaging. Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Guam now ban effective public education. text messaging for all drivers. Three quarters of them are primary enforcement. Nine states prohibit text messaging by novice drivers. Texas prohibits school bus drivers 4 The income from all fines for with passengers present from texting while driving. distracted driving should be put towards outreach campaigns 5 Special cases: Illinois bans the use of cell phones while driving in a school and targeted traffic enforcement zone or in a highway construction zone. Texas has banned the use of hand-held for the safety of all road users. phones and texting in school crossing zones. In Michigan, teens with probationary Fines in school zones should be licenses whose cell phone usage contributes to a traffic crash or ticket may not use doubled and the money should a cell phone while driving. go to a School Zone Safety Fund to support Safe Routes Find the full version of this report at bikeleague.org/resources/reports. to Schools and infrastructure upgrades to increase safety for For more information and sources, contact Darren Flusche at the League of American children. Bicyclists at [email protected].
ENDNOTES 1. National Conference of State Legislators
American Bicyclist 9 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT
BUILDING ON YEARS OF PROGRESS
he 10th annual National Bike Hill and successfully added nine co- By: Meghan Cahill 10 Summit was held this past sponsors to H.R. 4722 the Active TMarch 9-11, 2010 and was a Community Transportation Act of huge success with more than 720 at- 2010. The growing number of Sum- tendees. There were several exciting mit participants – seven times bigger announcements – Representative Earl than the first Summit – coincides with Blumenauer (D-OR) revealed that the progress and impact of the bike bike lanes will be added to Pennsyl- movement. The League, our members, vania Avenue leading up to the White and the bicycling community are on House and representatives from the cusp of something very excit- Google launched Google Maps Biking ing. Secretary of Transportation Ray Directions (!) at the Opening Gen- LaHood even said at the Summit’s eral Session. We also had more than Congressional Reception on March 11, 425 scheduled meetings on Capitol “This is the end of favoring motorized
Congressional Bike Ride participants gathered near Garfield Circle in front of the Capitol on March 11, 2010.
10 American Bicyclist 10 American Bicyclist SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS
The 10th Annual National Bike transportation at the expense of non- sionately declared his full commitment Summit was a huge success with motorized.” We “have a full partner and dedication to bike and pedestrian more than 720 attendees and in Ray LaHood,” — an exciting thing needs. The sentence, “You have a full more significant moments than to hear from the U.S. Secretary of partner in Ray LaHood,” was the state- ever before. Here are just a few ... Transportation. ment heard around the world! LaHood then went even further on March 15, You have a Summit Wrap-Up when he issued a new Policy Statement full partner in Ray The Summit was a huge event on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommo- LaHood with tons of great meetings, events, dation Regulations and Recommenda- announcements and Did You See/ tions – the most substantial statement Hear That!! occurrences that there is the U.S Department of Transportation no chance of recapping it all but here (DOT) has ever made about bicycling. it goes ... The policy “announce(d) a sea change ... the end of favoring motorized Sea Change transportation at the expense of We all knew that Secretary La- non-motorized.” Hood liked bikes but we had no idea “We will work toward an America where bikes are recognized to coexist how much until the third day of the with other modes and to safely share Summit at the Congressional Recep- our roads and bridges.” tion. He was so overcome upon seeing – Sec. of Transportation Ray LaHood the packed house of bike advocates that he jumped up on a table and pas- Google Biking Directions
“This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding,” said Andy Clarke about the new Google Maps Biking Directions.
Packed reception
Summit attendees, record amount of 720, cheered as Ray LaHood an- nounced, “You have a full partner in Ray LaHood.”
AmericanAmerican Bicyclist Bicyclist 1111 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT
Powerful Pedicab Pedaler, Tom Petri Google Biking Directions Turns out Google has been work- ing on Google Maps Biking Directions for a while, in response to the growing number of online petitions, groups and chatter asking for bikes to be added as a form of transportation for directions. The official Google Maps Biking Directions announcement was made in the Opening Plenary Ses- sion at the National Bike Summit. “This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding,” said Andy Clarke, League president. “This makes it possible. It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting.” Visit maps.google. com/biking to get bicycling directions today! New bike lanes on Penn. Ave. Powerful Pedicab Above: Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) Earl pedals past the Capitol on Blumenauer Pedaler Congressional Lobby Day. Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) rolled up his suit pant leg and pedaled a pedicab the afternoon of the Sum- both the House and the Senate on our mit Lobbying Day and chauffeured ride. We appreciate the support and around anyone that needed a ride from participation. the north House side of the Capitol to the south Senate side of the Capitol – People for Bikes not an easy feat with passengers in the Bikes Belong rolled out their new back. Petri said he chose to drive the campaign People for Bikes – a brand- pedicab because he couldn’t imagine new initiative to put more people on being a “servant of the people and bikes more often. Peopleforbikes.org sitting in the back.” Petri definitely is dedicated to channeling our passion brought attention to bikes! Anyone to improve the future of bicycling. can ride a bike – even in a suit. The goal is to gather a million names of support, to speak with one, power- Capitol Hill Cyclists ful voice — to make bicycling safer, Above: Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Two members of Congress joined more convenient and appealing for announced inclusion of bike lanes on us for the 10th Annual Congressional everyone. Pledge your support today at Pennsylvania Ave. Bike Ride – Congressman Jack Kings- peopleforbikes.org. ton (R-GA) and Senator Merkley (D- OR)! The group enjoyed a rainy day Bikes Belong Coalition meeting and dinner, up from four last of bi-partisan bicycling and proved Political Action year, and a record amount of funds that we’re all the same when we are Committee (Bike PAC) were raised – $25,000. Scott Brown on a bike. Thank you Representative The bicycle industry’s bipartisan (R-MA) shared his support for bicy- Kingston and Senator Merkley. This political action committee Bike Pac cling and said, “You have an ally — was the first time we had a member of had 10 members of Congress join the someone who gets it.”
12 American Bicyclist Left: Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) (left) and Drew Wade of Savannah Bicycle Campaign (right) participated in the 10 Years Congressional Bike Ride. of Support Rep. Jim Oberstar
Above: Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN) was recognized for supporting the National Bike Summit for 10 years.
Left: State delgates streamline their “asks” before Congressional Lobby Day.
Bike/Ped Eligibility for provided they are within a three-mile tive Community Transportation of Transit Funds Increased radius of a transit station (one mile for Act of 2010, S. 584/H.R. 1443 - The Complete Streets Act of 2009, S. 1156 Speaking at the opening ple- walking). Eligibility doesn’t guarantee - The Safe Routes to School Program nary of the Summit, Federal Transit any more funding for bike/transit Reauthorization Act and H.R. 4021 - Administrator (FTA) Peter Rogoff projects, but certainly removes a major The Safe Routes to High Schools Act, confirmed that the eligibility of FTA hurdle that has prevented it in the past. H.R. 3734 - Urban Revitalization and funds for bicycling and walking proj- Livable Communities Act, S. 2747 - ects has been extended. Following a Congressional Lobby Day Land and Water Reauthorization Federal Register notice last year, FTA The League’s six asks for the and Funding Act, and an ask to join has agreed that bicycling projects that Congressional Lobby Day were well the National Bike Caucus. H.R. 4722 increase access and service to transit received by our nation’s Senators had nine additional bill co-sponsors facilities are eligible for FTA funding and Congressmen: H.R. 4722 Ac-
American Bicyclist 13 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT
Thank you, Bikes Belong Tim Blumenthal as a result of our meetings on Capitol the League Board and as Chair of the Hill. Learn more about our asks and Board for the past three years. their progress at bikeleague.org/pro- grams/bikeadvocacy. Lifetime Achievement Award Mayor Darwin Hindman won a Awards and Recognition lifetime achievement award for mov- 10-Year Summit Support Award ing Columbia, Mo. towards becoming The Summit really wouldn’t be a more bicycle friendly community, as what it is today without the ongoing well as helping to promote bicycling support of three people we recognized in communities around the country. for their decade of commitment to “The most important thing for a may- the event: Congressmen Jim Oberstar or to do is to push for those things Above: Tim Blumenthal accepts Bikes Belong’s award for 10 years of support (D-MN) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) that others aren’t pushing for,” said and title sponsorship for the National have spoken at all 10 Summits, offer- Hindman. Hindman heavily supported Bike Summit. ing words of wisdom and inspiration; the development of the cross-state always challenging us to aim higher. Katy Trail State Park and worked with Their staff provides invaluable logisti- Senator Kit Bond (R-Mo) to receive cal help and strategic guidance as we more than $22 million in federal grant navigate the congressional halls of money to make the city more bicycle- power. The third award was to Bikes and pedestrian-friendly. Belong, the title sponsor of all ten Summits – a serious financial commit- National Leadership Award ment which they exceed every year by Congressman Lipinski (D-IL) also drumming up attendees. received the the National Leadership Award for his direction and support Paul Dudley White Award in promoting Complete Streets, Active Just before the Summit kicked off Transportation funding and better at the League’s annual meeting, we integration of bicycling in the next Above: Bikes Belong rolled out also recognized more than a decade Surface Transportation Reauthoriza- their new campaign People for Bikes of service by outgoing Chair of the tion Bill. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wa) – a brand-new initiative to put more League Board, Amanda Eichstaedt. received the leadership award because people on bikes more often. She received the Paul Dudley White of her efforts to ensure that the award for her contribution to bicycling Transportation Enhancements fund- over the years, including service on ing set aside was not stricken from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) – there had been some efforts on the Senate side to strip it out but as a result of Senator Murray’s leadership that was not the case. Celebrity Sightings Bicycling is an activity that touches all age groups, genders and cultures. That being said, it also at- tracts some famous faces! We were besides ourselves when the following walked up to our registration table: Gary Fisher, one of the pioneers of mountain biking; Phil Keoghan, the host of the CBS reality TV show The
14 American Bicyclist Left: States delegations coordinated the afternoon before Lobby Day to plan their meetings and “asks.”
National Leadership Award, Pedal Power Daniel Senator Jeff Lipinski (D-IL) Merkley (D-OR)
Amazing Race; and professional cyclist polices coincide with the National Above left: Senator Jeff Merkley Lance Armstrong, yes via video and Bike Summit. So what do we do to (left) pedals with Summit bicycle advo- not in person – but it still counts, live capture this moment? We need to keep cates at the Congressional Bike Ride. from Hawaii at the opening reception showing up to town council meetings; Above: Congressman Daniel inspiring and encouraging our Summit state, local and national bike sum- Lipinski (D-IL) received the the National attendees. mits, and other bike advocacy events. Leadership Award for his direction and And most importantly, keep riding! support in promoting bicycling. Looking Foward With your support, we can capture the The 2010 National Bike Summit moment and move decisively towards exceeded all of our dreams that we making all our dreams come true – a first imagined 10 years ago. It seems truly Bicycle Friendly America. like our wishes were granted when ma- jor federal legislation and new national
American Bicyclist 15 this!Automate
The Impact of Bike Club Management Software m by Jay Marowitz, President, ost Bike clubs are all-vol- Morris Area Freewheelers, unteer organizations that are dedicated New Jersey to enhance their members’ experience in one or more cycling pursuits. With- out exception, the most precious club resource is member volunteer time. Every club tool, process, etc. must be designed to ease the volunteer’s mun- dane task burden. Time spent in these tasks replaces time that could more productively spent on activities which are the main focus of the club, e.g. ride planning, social functions, and educa- tion/events. If the mundane portions of these tasks are not eliminated, or substantially reduced, they become a major source of volunteer burn-out.
Motivation Most clubs are managed largely through the efforts of a core set of members; roughly 10 percent to 15 percent of the membership. About 10 percent to 15 percent of that group comprises the club executive leader- ship who are faced with managing club policies, tour records, ride schedul- ing, tax status, budget, membership,
16 American Bicyclist If mundane tasks Our Experience which the ride leaders and members are not eliminated After limping along with our can search by start point, ride length database application, e-mail, excel — and terrain rating to facilitate ride or reduced, they everything — we decided that: planning or selection of ad-hoc rides. become a major t E-mail hell is not a nice place to Most importantly, the membership live. coordinator’s work load has decreased source of the t We needed to purchase software about 80 percent since managing dreaded volunteer services that help distribute and members’ contact information, join- burn-out streamline the work load versus ing and renewing are all done on the the volunteer-centric status quo. web by the members themselves. Our t We needed a way to economically members contact each other by first or survey the members. last name using the Lookup Member capability. Since the newsletter-pub- complaints, polling members, and club Over the last three years we lished schedule is dated upon publi- statistics. The task groups that are started using one product to conduct cation, it no longer contains the ride most amenable to mundane work re- our surveys and another to automate schedule. The on-line ride schedule is duction are membership management, key areas with spectacular results. The 100 percent up-to-date at all times. If tour documentation maintenance, ride products offered enhanced features desired, members can easily print any scheduling, and member polling. Typi- for every club member. portion of the schedule for the ride cally, clubs manage these areas using a Using the previous year’s ride paces of their choice. combination of spread sheets, e-mail, schedule as an initial draft, our club’s Over the last year we conducted snail-mail, documentation software ride planning committee produced a a safety survey of the entire member- and some fairly elementary web sites. master ride schedule for the upcom- ship and have just completed three Some of the more technically ing year and adjusts it during the year. more surveys (ride program, social advanced clubs have volunteer writ- For the ride planning committee, program, bike advocacy). We never ten software and rapidly find out Wheelsware copies the previous year’s had a good, inexpensive way to do this how complicated this venture is. For schedule to the next year as an initial before and assumed that our commit- example, we used a Microsoft Access draft and provides communications tees adequately represented the entire database application to manage our between ride planners. During the membership. This assumption, at the tours and schedule our rides. It was year, the ride coordinator easily made very least, should be validated. Tools written by a member who subsequent- ride schedule changes, including ap- like Survey Monkey, Constant Contact, ly moved and became uninvolved. I proving ad-hoc ride proposals which and other affordable online tools make know of other clubs who complain were instantly reflected on the on-line this feasible. This product afforded that their volunteer programmer always schedule. Creating new tours (a ride is clear statistical displays, filtering, over promises and under-delivers, Web a scheduled tour) was done via a set of sharing, and interpretation of survey site performance is poor, and the list simple pop-downs and mouse clicks. results. goes on. The ease of signing up to lead rides Our Ride Survey resulted in rec- The fact is, this stuff is complicat- resulted in about a 10 percent increase ommendations for: ed, requires professional maintenance in ride leaders for the past two years. t Scheduling evening rides on ad- for bugs, requires on-going change We have more than 600 distinct tours ditional days. as the needs of the club change, and requires a lot of uncompensated work. If there is no business relationship MorrisM Area Freewheelers involved, the club is on shaky ground uused Wheelsware to find a when they start asking for changes or ssuitable tour. criticize the results. In addition, you are dissipating yet another volunteer‘s time that could be used to further the primary goals of the club.
American Bicyclist 17 Left: Core club management had so much free time, we were able to organize volunteers to run our first charity event ride.
Left: Bike club management software doesn’t fix all problems ... someone please pass the flat- fixing software. t Scheduling evening rides at ad- pability to opt-out of unwanted e-mail about lost and found items, for-sale ditional start points. communications on a per-member items, and esoteric discussions! Core t Scheduling before-work rides basis. “We are really organized,” is a club management had so much free t Changing how we regroup on rides. phrase that I hear repeated frequently. time, we were able to organize volun- Everyone in the club feels that teers to run our first charity event ride. The above changes were not the cost of these software services is previously recommended by the Ride well worth the club improved experi- What we learned Planning Committee. ence afforded to every club member. Software support of the club Our members really like the Savings from publishing the newsletter processes is not a replacement for streamlined communications that on-line versus printing and mailing has good club management. However, it our Web site and our survey software covered most of the cost. We even does substantially reduce the mundane services afford. They even have the ca- have a set of forums to communicate task load and will allow your club to
18 American Bicyclist focus more on improving the member t Ride Scheduling – 100 percent t When you do surveys, get some experience. We learned that obtaining up-to-date online schedules, ad- volunteers who have done them in software on the cheap and using vol- hoc ride submissions and approv- the business world to review them unteers has bad long term implications. als, cancellations, and schedule before publishing. Once more, our processes are now development by a ride planning scalable. As our membership grows, group. Good luck in your automation the everyday task load doesn’t. t Reports – membership, ride sta- endeavors! tistics, ride-leading statistics. Want to automate? t Membership surveys – reach all If you’re considering purchasing members on any appropriate issue Club management software services, here are key pro- with easily tabulated and shared software is not cesses that they should support: results. t Membership administration a replacement for – joining / renewing payments, A few other pointers good club management. contact information, etc. t Try a demo of the software be- But it does reduce t Tour maintenance – cue sheet fore you purchase. archiving, tour research by length, t Understand how you are going the mundane task load terrain, start point, and other to load your existing data into the and will allow your details. new database. club to focus more t Membership Communication t Test with real club data before you – locating other members, broad- go live. on improving the cast e-mail to sub-groups, privacy member experience. issues, forums.
American Bicyclist 19 Meghan Cahill
BIKE MONTH 101 By: Meghan Cahill
May is the League-sponsored be super productive, eat whatever they begin to bike commute. I set a date. National Bike Month. This is the per- wanted and remained physically fit, The perfect date. Bike to Work Day! fect time to get on your bike and ride. and they were just so gosh-darn chip- To make it even more monumental for Enjoy the weather; encourage your per. And then it hit me! Duh, they bike me the League challenged the Interna- friends, family and co-workers to bike; commute! Some do have short rides tional Mountain Bicycling Association and get in shape while de-stressing but the majority of the employees in (IMBA) to a bike commuter challenge from all of life’s anxieties – all this my office bike to work every day. Rain during Bike Month (which we ended from simply riding your bike to work or shine. up winning), and I wanted to partici- and around town! The League is pro- I rode my bike as a child and a pate. I was going to bike to work all moting Bike to Work Week 2010 from young adult for fun and exercise but month! May 17-21 and Bike to Work Day on I never thought of a bike as a form For the rest of the winter I was Friday, May 21. Get your workplace in- of transportation – that is until I was obsessed with picking out my new volved. Biking to work can change your hired at the League and told their form of transportation. I looked at life. I know from first hand experience. parking was the rack on the wall (after colors, style, model and most of all When I first started at the League I sheepishly asked if parking was functionality. I wanted a commuter in December 2008, I watched the included in my employment package). behavior of my co-workers. They were Then after the biking-bolt of lightning all in great shape, had tons of energy, hit me and I realized that bicycling and ate a lot. I waited for them to slow improves your overall well-being, I down a bit and gain their hibernation vowed to become a bicycle commuter. layer during the winter months ... but I was going to bike to work dammit! I it never happened. They continued to was going to get in shape, I was going to eat cookies (and of course still eat healthy too), and I was going to be Bike to Work Week happy at work all the time. I wanted May 17-21 this bad. I knew it was a tall order but I knew I could bike the 16-mile round Bike to Work Day trip to work. Meghan Cahill in front of the Being a newbie to bike commut- Friday, May 21 Capitol during Bike Summit ing, I decided to wait for spring to 2010. 20 American Bicyclist bike but knew that my ride from Ar- than I realized we were in D.C. and at lington, Va. to Washington, D.C. was a the District’s Bike to Work Day event. Help increase bike little hilly and that I would need a light I wrongly locked just my wheel to bike that could handle the streets of Elizabeth’s wheel, not realizing that commuting this D.C. while also being a fit for my hilly wheels can easily be removed and May and every month! ride on Arlington’s Custis Trail, which that’s how bikes can be stolen, ad- was conveniently located in my back justed my stupid outfit (I can’t believe NeedN some ideas? yard. And then the day came in April I wore it in public), and participated in that I made my decision. I bought a all the events. VVisit bikeleague.org and use the hybrid Trek 7.5 FX – a white one. LeLeague’s step by step guide on how A few long weeks later, my bike to get started promoting Bike Month arrived. It looked like the bike James Bike to Work day was the best aandn Bike Month events. Check the Bond would ride. Yes! I knew it would day. I saw people of all shapes, sizes eeventsv section often to see what be awesome. Then the task of learning and backgrounds biking to work. I BBike Month and Bike to Work Week to bike to work hung over my head. biked from Arlington to Washington, eeventsv are going on in your com- Yes, you must learn the route, signals D.C., all around D.C. and then biked mmunity. If you would like to submit and safety info and be prepared with home. I couldn’t believe I did it! Now, yoyour city’s event information, email my ride home is hard. Bill Nesper, a small amount of gear – your bottom it to communication@bikeleague. will thank you. Luckily, I work at prob- the Director of the League’s Bicycle ororg. Please make sure you write, ably the best place ever to learn and Friendly America program, biked “B“Bike Month Event” in the subject be encouraged to bike to work. My home with me the day my bike was co-workers jumped all over the chance delivered and introduced me to the lilinen of the email. to educate me and ride with me. Even ridiculously hilly Custis Trail. I thought better, the President and Vice-Presi- it was crazy to even think of riding up dent of the League both lived on my those hills that day and every day. But way home – a little further out – and after a very long Bike to Work day, I bike to work almost every day. Eliza- biked home again. beth Kiker, the VP, graciously volun- Now I bike commute to work teered to show me the ropes and met three to five days a week and have me on the trail the morning of Friday, learned many lessons along the way, May 15, 2009 – Bike to Work Day! i.e. not to let a locksmith use a ham- I knew I looked a mess. I was mer to get your jammed u-lock off nervous and felt like an idiot wearing your aluminum framed bike, not to Hayward jump curbs and sacrifice your wheel so GRABAAWR® shorts over my bike shorts and a two- Spooner Eagle Siren June 19-26 River (start) Rice Lake Rhinelander sizes-too big League bike jersey. But you can get to work faster, and not to Turtle Lake St. Croix Falls drop helmets. (start) BIKE Merrill at the same time, I was soooo excited NORTHWOODS and didn’t care that I looked like an A year later, my bike looks com- JulJulyy 110-16016 Stevens Point Appleton pletely different – I now have a new 20102010 Michicot awkwardly dressed kid on the first day AAdams FFriendship Green Plymouth of school – bike school. This was it. I gold frame and a new wheel due to my TOURSTOURS Lake Waupun Baraboo was bike commuting to work! mishaps – but I am a bike commuter. I RRichland Columbus (start) Prairie Center Fabulous du Chien SAGBRAW® I saw Elizabeth at the bottom of sold my car; I eat cookies; I am in shape; free-wheeling July 31-August 6 the hill behind my house. She looked and most importantly, I am happy. all put together, while my bag was It only takes a small amount of falling off my shoulder. I biked to the help to convert a friend, co-worker or family member into a bicycle com- FUN! bottom, she fastened my bag prop- erly, and we hit the trail! She gave me muter. Thank you to all my co-workers tips on shifting my gears for the hills, who encouraged and helped me be- taught me where to coast and catch come the bike commuter I am today. I my breath, and showed me signals. I wouldn’t have done it without you. bikewisconsin.com mimicked her every move and sooner
American Bicyclist 21 WHAT’S IN THE 2009 MUTCD FOR BICYCLISTS?
By Richard C. Moeur, Practicing Traffic Engineer
The MUTCD is organized as follows: • Introduction • Part 1 - General • Part 2 - Signs • Part 3 - Markings • Part 4 - Signals • Part 5 - Low Volume Roads • Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control • Part 7 - Schools • Part 8 - Railroad & Light Rail • Part 9 - Bicycles
The 2003 MUTCD had a Part 10 dealing with light rail n December 16, 2009, the Federal Highway transit, but this content has been incorporated into Part 8 in Administration (FHWA) published the new the new edition. 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This is the culmination What Bicyclists Need to Know 0of several years of effort by many experts, professionals, Changes to Part 9, the area of the MUTCD that and volunteers at the national, state, and local levels. The deals with bicycle facilities, include the following: • National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices The use of regulatory signs for bike lanes is no longer (NCUTCD), of which LAB is a member, helped FHWA in mandatory, but is still recommended. • developing and recommending many of the improvements The standards for sign height and offset on shared-use in the new edition. paths have been revised to reflect common practice and At the federal level, the 2009 MUTCD went into effect to allow for greater flexibility in sign placement without on January 15, 2010. However, states are given up to two compromising safety. • years after publication to either adopt the new edition of New signs have been created for specific types of road the MUTCD as their state traffic control manual, or adopt and path users, such as skaters and equestrians. a state-specific MUTCD or supplement that is in “substan- tial conformance” with the Federal manual. So, it might still The 2009 MUTCD adds a whole new series of bicycle- be a while before the 2003 MUTCD is uniformly adopted focused guide signs and route markers which can be used by every state across the U.S. to guide cyclists along streets and pathways and to local and
22 American Bicyclist regional destinations. The new MUTCD also suggests the use of mileposts along shared-use paths to help users keep track of distance and to facilitate emergency re- sponse. And for those locations where shared-use paths intersect streets and highways, there is a new combina- tion Bicycle/Pedestrian warning sign that can be posted. Two other additions to Part 9 of the MUTCD have received quite a bit of interest. For locations where a travel lane is too narrow for a bicyclist & a motor vehicle to travel side by side, there is a new “Bikes May Use Full Lane” regulatory sign that can be posted to remind road users of bicyclists’ legal right to the lane without crowd- ing. Also there is a new shared lane marking which can be placed in the travel lane to denote the recommended location for bicyclist travel in that lane, and to help make other traffic aware that bicyclists may be using that lane.
Other Changes Changes to other parts of the MUTCD include: A new pedestrian hybrid beacon, popularly known as the HAWK beacon after the name given to it during test- ing in Tucson, Ariz. This new flashing device has been shown to increase the yielding rate at crosswalks to well above 90 percent. This can be used at midblock locations and at path-roadway intersections. Another significant change is that all new warning HEARTCYCL signs for schools are now required to use fluorescent . E.O W R W G yellow-greeny as a background color. W FluorescentF yellow-green is still ana allowable option for background colorc on pedestrian and bicycle warn- ingi signs. Even though a brand-new edi- C tiont of the MUTCD has just been O E L CL issued,i the NCUTCD Bicycle Tech- OR CY ADO EART nicaln Committee is already hard at H workw on content and ideas for the For 32 years, Colorado HeartCycle a non-profit The 2009 edition of next version of the Manual five to the Manual on Uniform associa on has provided excep onal value tours with six years from now. Some of the experienced leaders, quality lodging and superb SAG Traffic Control Devices concepts under study include sign- support. See www.heartcycle.org for more details (MUTCD) is the culmi- ing for bicyclist access to freeways, nation of several years bicycle traffic signals, accommodat- EastEa Coast Easy MayM 8 - 15 $1100$1 of effort. ing bicyclists in work zones, bike CCraterra Lake JuneJu 25 - July 3 $1355$1 boxes and the effect of colored RoRocky Mt. Ramble JuneJu 26 - July 3 $875$8 SSana Juan Mountains, CO JulyJu 16 - 24 $950$9 pavement on bicyclist operation and safety. Some agen- SaSan Juan Islands AugAu 7 - 14 $850$8 cies are already experimenting with these, and the BTC is NoNorthern Idaho AugAu 22 - 29 $975$9 looking forward to collecting valuable data. BBlackla Forest, Ger AugAu 2 - Sept 12 $2 $2475 To see the online version of the MUTCD, visit the NeNew Hampshire Se Sept 11 - 19 $1 $1055 website at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. For more information on VoVolcanic Skylines SeptSe 24 - Oct 2 $1 $1180 MoMoab Skinny Tire OctOc 8 - 11 $410$4 NCUTCD, see www.ncutcd.org. 2010 SCHEDULE
AmericanAiBili Bicyclist 23 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND
“Active employees and bike commuters are more productive and have less absenteeism [than other employees.] It is definitely worth it for a business to promote bicycling.”
Bicycle Friendly Businesses Create Bicycle Friendly Communities By Alison Dewey
arlson Hotels in Omaha, Neb. friendly programs and facilities is a bicycling without involving the busi- may not have thought they win-win for employees and employers. ness community,” said Kevin Hard- Cwere a Bicycle Friendly Busi- “We have definitely seen that employ- man, Executive Director of the BFW. ness (BFB), but it turns out they are! ers with bike-friendly policies tend to “Businesses are the lynch-pin, we’re Last year, Julie Harris of Activate have a higher percentage of bike com- just getting started.” Wisconsin had 12 Omaha sat down with their Commuter muters,” said Harris. “We also know businesses apply in the last round, and Challenge team captain and Human that active employees and bike com- they are not stopping there. Resources Manager Shelli Mayer to fill muters are more productive and have What is good for a business is out the League’s BFB application. “As less absenteeism – not to mention that good for the community ... in terms we went through the questions and did they are much more likely to arrive of bicycling at least. So at the League some brainstorming, we discovered to work with a smile! It is definitely we try to make it easy for advocates to that Carlson Hotels were even more worth it for a business to promote help grow the bicycling community by bike-friendly than they thought!” said bicycling.” getting businesses involved. Our BFB Harris. The company has, along with Socially responsible and healthy program is entering its third year, and a commuter challenge, an employee businesses, like Carlson Hotels, ben- we could not be more pleased with bike club; a sponsorship program for efit from encouraging employees to the results. Businesses from breweries, employees to participate in charity ride, while local advocacy groups are engineering firms, to farms, hospitals, rides; bicycle safety education classes; spreading their message to community and government agencies have used and convenient bike parking. As Mayer businesses and making strategic rela- the program for recognition, guidance, pointed out, “biking fits with our Cor- tionships. In 2009, the Bicycle Federa- and benchmarking. And local advo- porate Social Responsibility statement tion of Wisconsin (BFW) encouraged cacy groups are using the program as well as the company’s commitment businesses throughout the state to to bridge their message to the busi- to employee health.” apply to the BFB program and gained ness sector. “Anything you can do to The BFB program is an easy sell valuable connections along the way. promote cycling is going to benefit the to businesses since offering bicycle- “We cannot transform Wisconsin for community. There is a viral compo-
24 American Bicyclist nent to the BFB program and once positive effect on their non-riding you start shining the light on this co-workers in that it is harder to more people will apply, which will grumble about cyclists on the road only make our message more vis- if you have a personal connection ible,” said Hardman. “It adds a little to someone that is out there!“ The swagger to our message when that more BFBs there are in your com- designation comes from a national munity, the more cyclists there are, organization like the League.” and the higher demand for im- The BFB program is easy, free, proved bicycling conditions. Harris provides technical assistance, and, views the BFB applicants as exten- if awarded, also provides recogni- sion agents of Activate Omaha’s tion. “What’s wonderful about the advocacy efforts. “The applicants program is that it provides a frame- can take our message over the work on how to build your bicycle cubicle wall next to them and reach atmosphere – just filling out the people we might not be able to.” application makes apparent what you Activate Omaha and the need to work on,” says Hardman. Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Healthy lifestyles, affordable are two successful organizations transportation choices and more that are demonstrating the value of options to employees are things advocating to the business commu- every employee and employer need. nity. “Promote bicycling as deeply It is what communities need too – a as you can with business,” urges program that helps build awareness Hardman. “It creates an exciting, through profession. Harris com- fun, and a healthy atmosphere.” pares the Bicycle Friendly Business What more can one ask for in a program to a micro version of the job? Share the Road Campaign. “We For more information on the believe that bike commuters have a Bicycle Friendly Business program visit bicyclefriendlybusiness.org. To learn how you can use the Bicycle Friendly Business program in your community email Alison@bikelea- gue.org or call 202-822-1333.
In 2009, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (BFW) encouraged busi- nesses throughout the state to ap- ply to the BFB program. Wisconsin had 12 businesses apply in the last round and they are not stopping there.
American Bicyclist 25 GIVING (NOVEMBER 2009 - FEBRUARY 2010)
Will Ackles John R. Ciecko John Fleckenstein Alan Adelman Robert Cieslak Alan Forkosh Thomas Albrecht Dennis Close Gregory F. Forrester Keith & Scherri Allen Nat. Cobb Douglas K. Fowler Judy Amabile Neil Cohen Debra & Gary Franke Heather Andersen Alan Cole Fred & Pam Freed Andy Anderson David Cole Beverlee French Kevin Anderson Mary Cole Michael Fuhrman Robert Anderton Michael Collette Morris & Miriam Futernick Albert Arline Jr Steve Colvin Elizabeth H. Gemmill Frank Aronson Steve Combs Gary W. Gemmill Russell & Carol Atha Rich Coolman Edward Gent K. Denise & James Jim Coppock Frank B. Gibb Badgley John Cork Jeffrey Giese Paul Bailey John Cotham Sheryl Gill W. Rodgers Baird Dale V. Crawford John Ginther Lucy Barber John H. Crawford Thomas Giroux On this page we acknowledge all those James P. Baross Harold W. Crosley Ross & Donna Glasgow Katherine Barrett Andy Dannenberg Adil Godrej individuals who have contributed $100 Renee Barton John F. Dashe Dan Goese or more to the League of American Robert D. Bauer John Deal David Gold Jonathan Bauman Bob DeCamp Charles T. Goldberg Bicyclists between November 2009 through William W. Baumgardt Terence N. Deeks Paul Goldstein Gerald Beal Ronald W. Degray Maryann Grami February 2010. Your gifts help provide Jane Beasley Rich & Ellen Dehnel Thomas E. Granvold educational tools to national, state and Steve Beck Virginia deLima Lawrence W. Gray James Beeman Dennis Delong Michael Gray city leaders; law enforcement; motorists Robert Beers Charles Denney Andrew Greenawalt and bicyclists; teachers and students; and Bruce Berg Kenneth R. Dennis Michael Gridley Nancy H. Berger Larry Denny Joseph R. Grisham parents and children. Above all, you inspire Gary C. Berk Paul R. Detmer Paul & Melody R.R. Gross us to continue to reach for new and better Dan Bernstein David Dewitt Ken Grossman Bertron-Lowe Robert E. Diebold Robert J. Gubler ways to advocate on behalf of bicyclists Ken & Diane Birt Jody Dietrich Leon & Ginny Guinn and promote our shared passion. We are Bernard Black Wendell L. Dilling Bill & Mary Lou Guisinger Peggy Blair Peter Dobbelaere Mark Gunther grateful for your support. Bruno Boettcher Jeff Dodds Susan Haas Joe Bonness Kevin Doi Patrick Haines H. Chet Boone R. Scott Dorough Marshall Hall Charlie Bosscher Stephen Draper William Hall CHAMPIONS CIRCLE THE CENTURY CLUB Stephen C. Boughton James L. Duba George Hamilton ($5,000 - $9,999) ($100 - $999) Scott Bowser Greg Dubrock John W. Hancock Foundation: Bike Clubs: Teri Bradburn Barbara Duffner Kenneth A. Hand Chase Family Foundation Bicycle Generation James A. Bradley Don Duffy Carole L. Hann Chattanooga Bicycle Club Garlan Bradshaw John Duffy Kris Hansel Individual: DC Randonneurs Jeffrey Braff David Duncan Gary Hanson Daniel Gold Illinois Valley Wheelmen David Brand Alison Dwyer Ray Hanson Los Angeles Wheelmen Donald E. Briggs Charles Dyer Robert Harris LEADERS CIRCLE Bicycle Club David Brigstocke Ray Dzelzkalns Barry Lee Hartglass ($2,500 - $4,999) Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club Michael P. Brisson Howie Edelman Robert & Linda Harvey Foundation: Omaha Pedalers Bicycle Randall Brodersen Bill Edgar Rod Harwood Betty Huse Charitable Club Elizabeth Brody Karl Eggers Michael D. Hastings Foundation Oz Bicycle Club of Wichita Wesley Brooks Bob Ehardt Alan W. Hathway Kansas Michael Brown Robert Ehrhardt Cynthia Haug-West Individual: Perimeter Bicycling Assoc. Sheila Brown David & Carol Eibling Thomas Hauser Howard Simpson of America, Inc. Kevin Brunk Kathleen Eiser Patrick Hays Saddle Brooke Cycle Masters Marilyn Bryant James Elliott Liam Healy THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Starved Rock Cycling Assoc. Art Bull Bruce Engelhardt Lauren Hefferon ($1,000 - $2,499) Toledo Area Bicyclists Michael Burn Michael Engelhardt Philip C. Heinicke Clubs: Sara A. Burroughs Tom Engstrom Chris Heisterkamp Bikehouston Organizations: Judi Burten Philip & Lisa Ensign George & Karen Heitman Circle City Cycling People Bike Route Joseph M. Calabro Paul Epton David Y. Henderson Conejo Valley Cyclists Broadway Bicycle School Rory Callahan Michael Ernst Larry & Mary R. Hennessey Hokan Individuals: Piet Canin Mitchel & Robin Evans Louis G. Hering David Carey Chris Ewers Rowland Mayor Shops: Lee Herman Kenneth & Jill Carr Beth Farber J. R. McDonald B&L Bicycles William Herz Jeffrey Carter Donald B. Fedor Sam Mudie Holland’s Bicycles George C. Hetrick Jim Cavanaugh Don R. Fell Jon & Sandy Spallino REI Michel G. Hiatt Steven L. Vonderfecht Evelyn M. Chereson Warren L. Fellingham Charles Hileman Individuals: Charles Chesney Robert S. Fiore Gregory W. Hinchliffe Mark Abrahams Carl Christensen Anthony Fischer Robert Hingtgen Pete J. Accorti Ronald Christenson Warren Fisher Don Hinkle
26 American Bicyclist Robert Hoag Kenneth Kroopnick Edward Nicolson Kristen H. Scheller Darla Van Nieukerk Robert D. Hoel Charles Kugler James Nicholson Koren & John Schindler Stephan Vance Bruce S. Hoffberger Hans Kuhn Rod Nisi Frank Schipper Eberhard Veit Jim Holden Roger Kuhnle Eric Nordman Bengt O. Schneider Mark Velat Kenneth Holloway Joseph W. La Comb Jerry Norquist George & Theresa Joe Verreault David Holsted Mark Lander Tim Noteboom Schnepf Mark Vohr Hanswilli Honegger George M. Lane Thomas H. Nowak Steven G. Schon Carl Voss Joyce Hounsell Danniel Lange Edmund J. Nowicki Warren T. Schriks Carol M. Waaser Cleve W. Howard Al Lauland William L. Nyhan Kathy Schubert Susan Wagner Owen Howlett Larry Layne Merle OBrien Randall Schultz Gregory Walburg Cynthia Hoyle Philip J. Lee Margaret Y. Okuzumi Tom & Margo Scribner Dan Waldheim Michael Huber Jane M. Leiby Stephen Oliveri Cameron Sears Christopher W. Walker Lance Huffer Donald Lemke Jeff Olson Jim Sebastian Ken Walker Susan Immelt Kathy Lenzmeier Thomas Olson Walter H. Seifert Hugh & Donna Wallace Daniel F. Ioli David Lewalski Robert Oppliger Deborah Seitz James K. Walter Kerry & Mary Irons Joshua Lies Michael H. Ort Kenneth Shanks Robert J. Ward Kirk Iversen Emily Littleton Norman R. Pace Tim Shea Alan R. Ward George Ivey Robert Loftis Nicholas Don Paladino Neal Shear Frank Warnock Peter Janick Cheryl Longinotti Anthony Palermo Vincent Sikorski Cliff K. Watts Mark Jauquet Michael Lorenz John C. Palmer Beth Silverwater Michael Webb Rafael Jauregui-Arias Richard Lubasch Delton Pangle Bedford J. Silvey Loni & Richard Weber Marc Jensen Saskia Lucas Dan Pappone George Simmons Marilyn & Bill Weedon Judith Jesiolowski Erik J. Lundquist Ron Park Kristin Simokat Stephen Wegener Don Jeske Teresa Lunt Joel Parks Mom and Dad Singley Elisabeth Wegner Allan Johannesen David Lutz Raymond L. Parodi Leo W. Skinner Roy Weil Terry Johannesen Sonny & Gail Lyles V. Adrian Parsegian Henry H. Slack Bill Weir Bruce Johnson Rob Mac Leod T. R. Patterson Joseph Slade Warren B. Weisberg Doug Johnson Sandy MacIver Barbara Pearson Richard Slaymaker Roger K. Weld G. P. Johnson Victor Macko William D. Pelkey Alex Smith Robert Welsh Jack Johnson Alan Macrae Roberto & Dalia Perelman Howard Smith Paul Wengert Martin Johnson David Madson Garth Peterson John Smith Edward P. Wetzel Sandra Jolly Bruno Maier Robert Petty Miles B. Smith Randi Wexler Kristal Kagy Mark Makulinski Jon Pinter Tim Smith E. John Whelan Pam & Steve Kairies Grant Mandsager Diane Pittman Parker D. Snowe Ellwood Whitchurch Sharon Kaminecki Paul A. Manley Tom Polk Gerard Soffian David G. Williams Jeff Kearns Jackie Marchand Ann H. Pollock Douglas Sonnenburg Eric Williams Paul Keegan Michael J. Marcincuk John & Karen Poole Mary Alice Springs Howard Williams Wendy Keem Jerome I. Marcus Donald Porada Therese A. Sprinkle Melanie Williams Geneva Keene Acor Judy Marsalis Anthony & Cecilia Powers Ken St. John Terry Winant William Keir Timothy Marty John Preston Karl & Joan Stang Steve Wiseman Anne Kellett Russell F. Marx Marjorie Pries Joe Stanis Gwen Wisler Kerry Kelly Timothy McGuire Leonard & Beatrice Bill Stanley Gordon Wood Mitchell Kelly Mary K. McLachlan Prosnitz H. Paul Steiger Leonard Xavier David E. Kepler Ken McCaughey Philip Pugliese sandra stenmark Barry & Karen Zajac Mike Kerber Dennis McConnell Harold E. Raber Richard Stephan Glenn R. Zaretzka John Kern Donna L. McMillen David Rakov Tim Storey Philip Zitello Margaret Kibben Doug Meiser Mark & Judy Ranzer Jeff D. Storey Laurence Zuckerman Andrew Kilikauskas Ben Meisler Walter Rauser Mel Storm William T. Kilty Robert J. Miller John Reiter Richard T. Stuhmer LIFE MEMBERS Charles King Darrell Milner Ronald Reitz Barbara Sturges Kendra Arnold Joseph & Patricia King Joel Minkoff Fred Reynolds Joseph Stusnick Arthur Berger Richard King Renee Mitchell Jennifer Risch Dennis & Sandra Sullivan Thyce W. Colyn Doug Kirk Michael Montazeri Steven Roach Mark Suri Judith L. Corley Jacob & Angela Kirkman Frank Moore John Robinson Eric V. Swanson Eli Damon Jeffrey Kirkwood Matt Moritz Theodore & Nancy Richard Swent Julia Eagles Edward D. Kleinbard William Morris Rodriguez-Bell Tom Taaffe N. V. Fitton Larry Kloet Ronald Mortensen Dan L. Rogalla Glenn Talaska George Hutchinson Linda K. Knapp John E. Moulder Kenneth Rose Rob Tarakan Meredith Johnson Michael Knapp Barbara Moulton Nicholas Rosenlicht John Tate Brian K. Lewis Patrick Kneeland Seanan Murphy Andrew Rosenthal Jerry D. Tate Brian T. Montgomery George C. Knight James A. Nafziger C. Ray Rosentrater David Taylor William Pack William M. Koch Laudy Naimeh Veljko Roskar J. Tendler Thomas M. Ritter Ken Kohler Dipesh Navsaria Dennis & Suzie Ross Claire Thom Meredith L. Sanders Stuart Koman Mary Neinast Brian Rothberg Greg Thomas Stephen M. Seay Albert Kong Bill Nesper Thomas C. Royer Debra Thorsheim Janice C. Selby Heywood R. Kotch Randy Neufeld Maria Saiz Michael Throop Porter Storey Kurt C. Kovac Michael Neundorfer Don & Beverly Sarton Gary Tiller Mark Trimble Ellen Kratofil P. Andrew Newberry Barry Schacht Evan & Susan Tilley Hans van Naerssen Bruce Krauskopf Richard A. Newmark John Schaffers Carol Tremble Grace Voss Lee Kravitz Neal J. Ney Arthur P. Schalick Steve Trobovic Kevin Watson James R. Kreps Preston Nichols Don Schatz W. Preston Tyree John Westgate Amy Kristoff Tim Nichols Wayne Scheible Pam & Roger Van Andel
American Bicyclist 27 THE WAY WE WERE by Robert Warhus
This is my Grandfather’s 1899 American Wheelmen member- ship card. I find it interesting that in 1880, the year the orga- nization was founded, there were 64 members. By the date of his card, 19 years later, there were 66,522 members. Few mechanical devices from the late nineteenth century have survived as part of modern, daily life but the bicycle has main- tained its popularity with only a few basic design changes in materials and technology. One hundred and thirty years. Not many organizations can boast of having that loyal a member- ship base. Keep up the good work.
28 American Bicyclist